Carlos Zambrano argues

There were high expectations for the 2009 Chicago Cubs. They made big acquisitions, most notably outfielder Milton Bradley and closer Kevin Gregg. However both players bombed with the Cubs. Even with these two major struggles, along with injuries to third baseman Aramis Ramirez and starting pitcher Rich Harden and inconsistencies from everyone throughout the season, the Cubs were still in playoff contention and finished second in the National League Central division. Starting pitcher Ted Lilly was the only Cubs representative in the All-Star game, but he will miss the start of the 2010 season due to shoulder surgery. Rookie Randy Wells was a pleasant surprise to add to the rotation comprised of Lilly, Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Demptser, and Harden (who is now with the Texas Rangers). Sean Marshall, Tom Gorzelanny, and Jeff Samardzija will compete for the other spots in the rotation. First baseman Derrek Lee has been solid but has not had the breakout season management expected when he came over from the Florida Marlins. Shortstop Ryan Theriot had a breakout season (.284 in 154 games with 20 doubles, 5 triples, 7 homeruns, 54 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases) while his double-play partner, second baseman Mike Fotenot, regressed (.236 in 135 games with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 9 homeruns, 43 RBIs, and 83 Ks).

Setup man/closer Carlos Marmol was inconsistent (2-4, 3.41 ERA, 65 BB, and 15 of 19 in save opportunities) and with Gregg electing free agency, Marmol will become the full-time closer. Ace Zambrano has taken on the volatile nature of manager Lou Piniella, blowing up repeatedly throughout the season, leading to suspensions and maintenance to the Gatorade machine. The Cubs have quite a few issues heading into the 2010 season. Here’s their wish list:

1. Trade Milton Bradley: Signing Bradley looked like such a bright move heading into the 2009 season by adding a potent left-handed bat to a righty heavy lineup. However after his struggles and comments towards the Cubs’ fans, Bradley is on the move. Problem is, few teams want to take on his salary (or his attitude). Rumors have the Cubs swapping Bradley for Tampa Bay Rays’ Pat Burrell. Thing is, Burrell is a good clubhouse guy who may rebound from a horrible 2009 after adjusting to the DH role and American League pitchers. The move would not make sense for the Rays. If the Cubs cannot find a taker, they may just cut their losses and release Bradley but have to keep paying him for the rest of his contract. This move puts them in a financial hole, but it may be the only way to cut ties with a player they have no desire to be a part of their team.
2. A centerfielder: The Cubs would like to move Kosuke Fukudome back to right field, his natural position. They also are not as concerned about being too right-handed in the lineup as they were heading into 2009. The Cubs were pursuing Curtis Granderson, but he was traded to the NY Yankees. The Chicago White Sox just traded for Juan Pierre and veteran Mike Cameron signed with the Boston Red Sox. Veteran Scott Podsednik is still on the market but he wants a multi-year deal. Free agent Reed Johnson, who played with the Cubs at the end of 2009, is another option. The in-house option would be Sam Fuld. Fuld hit .299 in 65 games with 6 doubles, 17 walks to just 10 strikeouts, 2 stolen bases, a .409 on-base percentage, and just 1 error in 67 chances with the Cubs in 2009.
3. A second baseman: Jeff Baker, acquired from the Colorado Rockies during the 2009 season, is the leading candidate as he hit .305 with the Cubs. However they feel he is a better utility man. Mike Fotenot would be the other candidate, but they need for him to get back on track. Maybe they will sign Mark DeRosa as they severely missed his versatility in 2009 or go for the left-handed bat of Kelly Johnson.
4. 

   Carlos Marmol

   Bullpen help: The Cubs re-signed lefty John Grabow and hope that Carlos Marmol will be the answer as the closer. Righty Angel Guzman was solid throughout the season. The Cubs also had a long look at Justin Berg and Esmailin Cardid at the end of the season (and they pitched great). They traded for righty Jeff Gray from the Oakland A’s (0-1, 3.76 ERA in 24 games with 19 Ks in 2009). However they could use a veteran reliever that is capable of closing if Marmol cannot handle the pressure (like Brett Myers?).