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The offseason hasn’t quite reached it’s conclusion just yet, but outside of Jake Peavy rumors, and maybe a final piece to add to the bench, it would seem that the Cubs are done tweaking for 2009, so let’s take a look around the horn…

Catcher:

Geovany Soto should only get better, and that’s a scary thought. Henry Blanco signed with San Diego, so the Cubs will either have to settle with Koyie Hill, (not a bad option) or dip into the free-agent market, for their new backup. I hear former Cub Paul Bako could be making a return to Chicago.

1st Base:

There were rumblings very early in the season that Derrek Lee might be packaged out west in a trade, but those quickly were shot down and DLee will once again fill the first base position. It will be a true test this year to see whether or not Lee is experiencing a steep decline. After a hot start to 2008, Lee’s power numbers really took a hit, leaving some to think he’s closer to retirement than his prime. As for a backup, one may assume that with Daryle Ward gone, Micah Hoffpauir could get a spot on the bench. There have also been rumors of the Cubs being interested in Kevin Millar, Eric Hinske, and Rich Aurilia.

2nd Base:

I for one am very sad to see Mark DeRosa go, but I am very high on Mike Fontenot as well, who will likely get a shot to become the every day second baseman for Lou Piniella. Switch hitting Aaron Miles was signed as a backup, but could move into a starting role should Fontenot struggle, and one would think that Ronny Cedeno will be traded before the start of the season.

Shortstop:

Ryan Theriot, who has gotten a mixed reaction from Cubs fans over the last few years is seeming in the clear to once again start at short for the Cubs in 2009. I’m sure most people would like to see him develop a little bit of power, but he’s a solid contact hitter and he seems to spray the ball to right field with the best of them. Miles will backup here too, I’d think.

Third Base:

Aramis Ramirez continues to patrol the hot corner, not much to see here. Miles played 11 games at 3rd in 2008 and if Rich Aurilia or Eric Hinske sign, they can play here too.

Left Field:

Alfonso Soriano, at least until he gets hurt for a bit, then Reed Johnson and maybe even So Taguchi could see some time out there.

Center Field:

CF is a bit of an enigma. Kosuke Fukudome will probably get the starting role and a shot to show that he isn’t a bust. I wouldn’t expect him to get too many starts against LHPs though, which is why Reed Johnson was re-signed. The Cubs also signed Joey Gathright – car jumping, pinch running extraordinairre; I’m sure he’ll see some action.

Right Field:

The Cubs big offseason signing was switch hitter Milton Bradley, who was an all-star, DHing for Texas last season. His high OBP should fit right in with the rest of the lineup, but he can be prone to injury – re-enter: Johnson, Taguchi, Gathright, Hinske(?), etc…

The Bench:

As of now: Hoffpauir, Miles, Cedeno, Johnson, Gathright, ___________ (back-up catcher TBD)

Starting Rotation:

Jake Peavy would obviously put the Cubs over the top, but for now we have to settle with a solid foursome of: Zambrano, Dempster, Harden, Lilly. Sean Marshall’s probably the favorite for the number five job, but Jeff Samardzija could get a shot in the spring to make a case for himself. Don’t forget about Chad Gaudin as well. Cliff has more on the fifth starter situation here.

The Bullpen:

If it were up to me, Carlos Marmol would have already been named closer of the 2009 Cubs, but as it is, it looks like Kevin Gregg will get a chance to win the job. The rest of the pen consists of Chad Gaudin, Samardjiza, Michael Wuertz, Luis Vizcaino. Don’t forget about Garrett Olson too (primarily a starter last year), who the Cubs got for Felix Pie. (A lot of people probably think he’s as good as gone to San Diego in a deal for Peavy)

So there you go, feel free to mull it over, as of now those are your 2009 Chicago Cubs. I see no reason why they shouldn’t be the favorites to win the NL Central once again, despite key losses of Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood. One more key addition though could really, really, help them out, if you know what I mean.

- Mike