The Cubs were the best in the National League over the long haul, but once again, they fell short in the Division Series, getting swept for the second consecutive year.
The regular-season success hinged on two things: solid starting pitching and a new-look offense that stressed getting on base with regularity. The result was that the Cubs led the NL in runs scored, walks and on-base percentage. The biggest surprise might have been right-hander Ryan Dempster, who moved from closer to the starting rotation. By the end of the season, Dempster was the ace of the staff, finishing with a 17-6 record and 2.96 ERA.
The worst fears of manager Lou Piniella were realized in the short playoff. Since midseason, Piniella lamented the lack of quality left-handed hitting in the lineup. In the NLDS, the Dodgers threw all right-handed pitchers at the Cubs, and the Cubs scored a grand total of six runs in three games.
Things didn't figure to be that bad. Right fielder Kosuke Fukudome, a left-handed hitter, played so well in April and May that he was voted onto the All-Star team. But Fukudome began fading before midseason, and that left a gaping hole on the left side of the plate.
Center fielder Jim Edmonds, also a lefty, had an admirable year, but he went into prolonged slumps.
The Cubs might have to look for a bona fide leadoff hitter, either from within our without, because left fielder Alfonso Soriano appears better suited to hit in the middle of the order, probably fifth or sixth.
Because of Fukudome's fade, GM Jim Hendry will have to shop for a lefty bat, for insurance or for everyday play, this offseason.
Middle relief also turned into a problem late. Right-hander Bob Howry, a free agent, probably won't be back. The Cubs have to determine whether right-hander Chad Gaudin can be a go-to guy in the middle and whether right-hander Jeff Samardzija is a starter or reliever. Samardzija started in the minor leagues, but the Cubs used him in middle to late relief after his July call-up, and Samardzija had good results overall.
