The Cubs look to be strong contenders for the NL Central title for at least a few years to come. They ended this year with 97 wins, and the roster isn't "old" in most key places. Many key veterans are signed to multiyear deals, but center field once again could become a question mark.
BIGGEST NEEDS: Middle relief became the weak link on a generally strong pitching staff, particularly in the second half. The Cubs have spent big bucks on their bullpen in recent years, acquiring such pitchers at RHP Bob Howry and LHP Scott Eyre. But their best production has come from homegrown products such as RHP Carlos Marmol and, for much of the second half, RHP Jeff Samardzija. Newly acquired RHP Kevin Gregg could wind up in a featured role. If the Cubs don't trust CF Felix Pie for 2009, they'll have to look for help there to go along with Reed Johnson. Manager Lou Piniella has lamented the lack of a left-handed bat for much of the year. ARRIVALS: RHP Kevin Gregg (trade with Marlins), RHP David Patton (Rule 5 selection from Rockies, via Reds), OF Joey Gathright (free agent from Royals).
DEPARTURES: RHP Bob Howry (free agent, signed with Giants), RHP Kerry Wood (free agent, signed with Indians).
FREE AGENTS: CF Jim Edmonds, 1B/OF Daryle Ward, RHP Jon Lieber, C Henry Blanco.
The Cubs probably will let Edmonds walk even though he helped them after the Padres released him. Ward showed his age, and his pinch-hitting touch wasn't what it was. They'll likely bid him goodbye. Lieber is at the end of his career.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Michael Wuertz, SS Ronny Cedeno, RHP Kevin Gregg.
The Cubs haven't gone to a hearing since a long-forgotten regime got to that point with Mark Grace in the early '90s.
IN LIMBO: C Henry Blanco, LHP Rich Hill, LHP Sean Marshall.
The Cubs didn't pick up their option on Blanco, a valuable mentor to Rookie of the Year candidate Geovany Soto. Instead, they may choose to negotiate a lesser deal. Hill was a part of the rotation on Opening Day until developing command problems and then coming down with a back ailment. The Cubs could look to trade Hill and/or Marshall. Marshall, because of his versatility, could fetch something in return.
MEDICAL WATCH:
The Cubs will keep a close eye on the cranky right shoulders of RHPs Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden, both of whom missed time down the stretch.
C Geovany Soto came down with a sore left hand and wrist, and that hampered his hitting. A winter of rest should help.
LF Alfonso Soriano will have to work hard in the winter so that his legs don't give out, as they've done in his two seasons with the Cubs.
RHP Kevin Gregg underwent successful surgery in late October on his troublesome lefty knee. He should be ready for spring training.
