Chicago Cubs preview 1 Jan09 '05

For the next few months, up until the start of the season, I’d like to review/preview recent Cubs acquisitions, roster moves, and general news that will affect the 2005 season.

I know it’s only January, but I think about baseball year–round.

Plus the start of spring training is not that far off. Next month, things start to get moving. By March, all players will have reported to spring training, and started to prepare for the summer.

Late 2004 transactions

The Cubs have made many roster moves since the end of the season in October. It’s good to get an idea of who has left, and who will be back. This helps form an idea of how the roster is "shaping up."

Below is a summary of the transactions that have already occured this off–season:

10/13/04

Selected LHP John Koronka and LHP Will Ohman from Triple–A Iowa; outrighted the contract of OF Nic Jackson to Iowa; C Mike DiFelice and OF Calvin Murray also have elected for free agency.

10/25/04

Declined to pick up the 2005 options for OF Moises Alou and 2B Mark Grudzielanek, making them free agents.

11/5/04

Agreed to terms with INF Neifi Perez on a one–year contract for the 2005 season.

11/18/04

Purchased the contracts of LHP Russ Rohlicek and C Geovany Soto from Double–A West Tenn.

11/20/04

Signed LHP Glendon Rusch to a two–year deal.

12/7/04

Agreed to terms with catcher Henry Blanco on a two–year contract.

Agreed to terms on a one–year contract with INF Todd Walker.

Agreed to terms on a one–year contract with SS Nomar Garciaparra.

12/20/04

Agreed to terms with INF Jose Macias on a one–year contract.

12/27/04

Re–signed OF Todd Hollandsworth to a one–year contract.

Current thoughts

It’s hard to get an idea of how strong the roster is, this early in the year. I have to admit, there will be some holes to fill.

Our infield is still superb with Derrick Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Todd Walker, and Nomar Garciaparra.

The outfield is questionable, since no one knows what will happen with Sammy Sosa. Jason Dubois looks to take over in left–field for the departed Moises Alou, and Corey Patterson still owns center–field.

Our starting rotation still looks to be pretty solid. The only starter to leave was Matt Clement, who signed with the Red Sox. With Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, Greg Maddux, Glendon Rusch, and Carlos Zambrano – the starters look to be almost set.

Our closers are still LaTroy Hawkins, Kyle Farnsworth, and hopefully a healthy Joe Borowski.

Next month

Next month, I’ll discuss this some more, based on any new changes that have occured, which I am sure there will be plenty.

Categories: Sports

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