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2009 Chicago Cubs Predictions

Written February 25, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Cubs Baseball The Chicago Cubs failed to win a World Series for the 100th straight season, and while the Cubs won the NL Central for the second straight season, going an impressive 97-64, the disappointing showing in the postseason against the Los Angeles Dodgers is all that remains on the Cubs’ minds after failing to win a playoff game for the second straight year. The Cubs haven’t made many big moves this offseason, as the only big addition is switch hitting outfielder Milton Bradley. The Cubs parted ways with the likes of Mark DeRosa, Kerry Wood, Bob Howry, and Jim Edmonds, all of which played a big role in last year’s season. Here is a look at what the 2009 Chicago Cubs will be sending to the field come opening day. Bet Cubs +700 to win World Series at Sportsbook.com

Offense:

The big story heading into last season was the addition of outfielder Kosuke Fukudome from Japan, and while Fukudome quickly won the crowd over, his play on the field got worse as the season wore on. The addition of Bradley means Fukudome’s role could be splitting time in centerfield with Reed Johnson, who really had a good season after coming over from Toronto. Kosuke’s play wasn’t the best at times, but his impact of patience at the plate seemed to trickle throughout the Cubs lineup, as the once free swinging Cubbies became patient and worked opposing pitchers by making them throw more pitches. Alfonso Soriano will hold down left field to complete the outfield, and while his overall numbers were good, a little more consistency from him would really help this team. The infield remains the same at all positions expect for second base, where free agent Aaron Miles will get first shot at the starting job. The Cubs has the 2nd best batting average in the NL and were 5th in homeruns, and I think the addition of Bradley could bolster both the categories. The Cubs wouldn’t mind seeing a few more HR’s from its 3 and 4 hitters, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, as the two combined for just 47 a year ago, also don’t be surprised if catcher Geovany Soto doesn’t improve off his impressive rookie season, where he hit .285 with 23 HRs and 86 RBIs. Bet Cubs + 300 to win NL Pennant at Sportsbook.com

Pitching:

While the offense looks good, the Cubs pitching staff is loaded with talent, and it will likely be the backbone to another run at the NL Central title. The addition of Rich Harden by trade during the middle of last season was huge for this team, and if they can keep him healthy he has all the tools to win 18 to 20 games. Carlos Zambrano battled shoulder problems last season and still managed to go 14-6 and throw a no hitter, so look for Big Z to come out firing in 2009. The Cubs got the surprise of the season when Ryan Dempster made the move from closer to starter and wound up finishing the season going 17-6. The Cubs No.4 starter Ted Lilly, matched Dempster with 17 wins to lead the team. Jason Marquis is no longer a Cub, and it looks like Sean Marshall will be the front runner to take over the 5th and final spot in the rotation. The Cubs got a pleasant surprise with Kerry Wood stepping into the closers role and grabbing 34 saves, but he is now a Cleveland Indian, so that means Kevin Gregg will likely step up into the closers role with Carlos Marmol set to be the main set up man. Bet Cubs -160 to win NL Central at Sportsbook.com

Prediction: 1st in NL Central

The Cubs could run away with this division early, and if they improve on their record of 2008, which many think they will, this team is going to have no problem making the postseason for a 3rd straight year. Winning the NL Central might not be enough, however, as fans are looking for results and an end to the World Series drought.

To help you with your 2009 MLB betting, check out the latest MLB picks and MLB betting lines at Betfirms.

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