2008 Chicago Cubs

The defending 2007 National League Central Division winners, have fans of Chicago saying that his will be the year they break the curse and finally win a World Series. This year will mark a 100 years of suffering for Cubs fans and hope that a century is enough punishment. Manager Lou Piniella has the team ready to make a great push to win back-to-back division titles for the first time in club history. While the story of the off-season was the addition of Kosuke Fukudome, whom many believe could be the next big thing to come from Japan. Fukudome will replace Jauque Jones who was traded to the Detroit Tigers. The team still wonders if Felix Pie is the answer in center, if Ryan Dempster can move back to being a starter, and who will take over the closer role. Lets take a look at this year’s Chicago Cubs

Pitching:

The Cubs return one of the best overall pitching staffs in the game. 18-game winner Carlos Zambrano, newly acquired Ted Lilly, and the young lefty Rich Hill lead them. The final two spots are still up for grabs, but the front-runners have to be Jason Marquis and John Lieber. If Lieber is unable to go due to injury, then look for Dempster, Sean Marshall, and Sean Gallengher to fight for the final spot. What is scary about this rotation is that the top 3 could all improve off their 2007 campaign. We look for the biggest improvement to come from the youngster Rich Hill, coming off a 11 – 8 year, Hill has a devastating curveball that gives him the ability to strike out both right and left handed hitters. The bullpen’s only question is who will win the closers role and be able to succeed in that area. As of now many believe that Bob Howry will get first shot, with Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol close behind. If Howry ends up getting the job then the Cubs will add Wood and Marmol with lefty Scott Eyre, to form a very strong set up crew.

Offense:

While the offense didn’t have the year many expected with the addition of Alfonso Soriano in left, the addition of Fukudome in right should make this a much more dangerous lineup for opposing pitchers. Derrick Lee and Aramis Ramirez should both improve on their numbers from last year. Lee’s wrist that caused him to miss most of 2006 should be fully healed, and Ramirez should come in recovered from knee problems that caused him to sit out more games than fans would like. While the big names are sure to produce the offense will depend on how well youngsters, C Geovany Soto, SS Ryan Theriot, and CF Felix Pie, are able to perform. With the rumors still circulating around the Cubs going after second baseman Brian Roberts, the acquisition of Roberts could put this offense in the talks of best in the National League.

Defense:

The Cubs defense should improve in the outfield if Pie is able to secure the centerfield spot. Pie and excellent defender along with newly acquired Fukudome should take a lot of pressure off Soriano in left. The infield should be pretty consistent with Gold Glove winner Derrick Lee at first. One are of concern the Cubs need to improve on is the ability for other teams to steal bases at will. The Cubs finished the season with the second most stolen bases given up and the second worst number of players caught stealing.

Prediction:

We really like the look of this team and think that the addition of Fukudome from Japan is going to do wonders. They have a great mix of pitching and offense that should let them compete with any team. We look for the Cubs to make history in winning back-to-back Central titles for the first time. We like the Cubs to get out of the first round before losing in the NLCS to the New York Mets.

2008 Chicago Cubs Odds to Win World Series 12 – 1

For every team’s odds head over to Sportsbook.com and check them out. You can also go to Sportsbook.com to look at the odds for teams to win their division or league pennant. Feel free to leave any comments in the comment section.

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