I hope after hiring Pinella, the Cubs actually take a moment to reflect that he's not getting any younger, so the need to win now is fairly important.
Top Free Agents to go after:
1) Barry Zito, LHSP. He is a perfect fit if you look at Rich Hill as a potential long-term starter. The Cubs would have two crafty lefties with plus curves to compliment Carlos Zambrano's wicked nasty stuff from the southfork side. Contract Offer: 5 years - 76 million + incentives.
2) Gary Matthews, CF. Former Cub comes back to Chicago. Frankly at 32, he's not the option I would take as a CF. The market is weak - and Juan Pierre cost the Cubs 3 pitchers (Florida took Nolasco off the Cubs hands) - so Pierre could come back....but I wouldn't pay much for either guy. If they let go Pierre, then sign Aramis - since the cost to replace both is pretty high...
3)Akinori Iwamura, 3B. Lefthand hitting 3B? The Cubs not signing Aramis Ramirez means they have to find a replacement. Pinella was around went Ichiro came over to the states, so this guy could have potential to be a decent fill-in for now. 3 years at 3.5-4.5 million per + incentives.
4)Carlos Lee, LF. The Soriano sweepstakes will unlikely happen for the Cubs. If they do get Zito, Soriano will be TOO RICH for the Cubs blood. Lee is a power machine, loves hitting in Wrigley, Chicago savvy and takes the place of Aramis.... Problem is he can't field all that well. A big problem if you look at Jacque Jones's exploits last year (due to a torn labrum reportedly) All and all, he's looking for pretty big cash too. 12 million for 4-5 years.
Others: Jason Schmidt, Vincente Padilla, Greg Maddux.
If the Cubs are interested in winning, they have to build a pitching staff that can keep them close almost always. I would not be too upset to see two consistent starters snatched up - especially from the American League where the pitchers face lethal lineups daily.
Starting Rotation Possibilities:
1) Barry Zito
2) Carlos Zambrano
3) Rich Hill
4) Greg Maddux
5) Sean Marshall
Dempster to Close but Scott Eyre (or Bob Howry) should be considered...
Mark Prior is bullpen until he is 100%...when is anyone's guess
Possible Lineup:
1) Pierre or Matthews,CF - depends on the Cubs choices (Felix Pie, what ever happened?)
2) Michael Barrett,C - best contact guy without great power (could bat 5th or 6th)
3) Derrek Lee, 1B - hopefully the wrist is better
4) Carlos Lee,LF - the Lee brothers bash in Wrigley
5) Akinori Iwamura,3B - sink or swim
6) Jacque Jones, RF - hopefully the defense comes back together
7)Ronny Cedeno, SS - 2 months to prove something, else try something else
8) Ryan Theriot, 2b - could be a two hole hitter, great speed
Bench: Matt Murton, Cesar Izturis, Geovany Soto, Angel Pagan and pick up a vet utility guy
Basically 4-5 FAs and lots of hope this team can do something....I really wanted the Cubs to rebuild from scratch, but the TRIBUNE COMPANY is too worried about losing MONEY. Especially after the White Sox outperformed the Cubs on TV for the first time in years....
