That's years without winning the World Series that is. It seems like an impossible task because that would mean another 95 years to go. Unprecedented.
In case you have not noticed, spring training is underway, and the Cubs have reported to Mesa, Arizona. And they are off to a great start. Matt Garza hurt his back the first time he threw a ball. But there is good news: We still have Alfonso Soriano for two more years.
On a serious note, help is on the way. Thanks to Theo Epstein's youth program, the Cubs have the youngest president of baseball operations in the majors-him. But on a serious note, they have some good-looking prospects in the minors-albeit low minors. Let's take a look.
Our infield is looking pretty solid for the future with Anthony Rizzo and first, Gold Glove winner Darwin Barney at second and Starlin Castro at short all young and talented. Third base is an issue. Josh Vitters, a former top draft choice, has not quite lived up to his potential, but is still a possibility. If he doesn't do something this year, his future is doubtful. We have a fine prospect named Javier Baez coming up through the minors, who can play shortstop or third. He is still a year or two away. If Ian Stewart is healthy, he should have another chance to show some production. (Oops. He is already out 10-14 with a quad sprain.) Hopefully, last year's third baseman, Luis Valbuena, will be used off the bench as a utilityman. In that role, he can be of value.
The outfield is more muddled. This year, we will probably have to put up with Soriano (although he did have a good year last year and improved defensively), Scott Hairston, who hit 20 homers for the Mets last year, David DeJesus, who is a sound, fundamental player, but doesn't shine, and either Nate Shierholtz or prospect Brett Jackson. Our top outfield prospects for the future are Jorge Soler, a 20-year-old Cuban and last year's top draft pick Alberto Almora.
As of right now, our top catcher figures to be Wellington Castillo, who has some promise. Hopefully, he will take over the position this year.
Our pitching is pretty deep in the starting rotation, with Jeff Samardzija, Carlos Villanueva, Matt Garza, Travis Wood, Scott Feldman and Edwin Jackson, any one of whom could win 10-13 games this year.
"Ah wunnerful, ah wunnerful, ah"
Or 6-8 games each.
Oh, did I mention Scott Baker, formerly of the Twins? He's out until sometime after opening day. Arodys Vizcaino, who they got from the Braves, is an intriguing prospect, but he won't be available until later in the year due to arm surgery.
The bullpen appears to be deeper with the addition of Kyuji Fujikawa from Japan. Carlos Marmol, unfortunately, is back to torment us. Jeff Russell did well last year. Shawn Camp is still there as is Alberto Cabrera, who looked very impressive at times last year. All in all, it could be very good this year or not so good. On a positive note, we have the 2nd pick in the draft to add to our prospects. I expect them to take a pitcher.
Here is the spring training roster as it stand today.
http://cubs.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=chc
This will be another rebuilding year for the Cubs. If a couple of unexpected players put in good years, they could surprise some folks, but their chances of contending against St Louis and Cincinnati are very slim. This year, I will "celebrate" my 50th year as a Cub fan. I hope to get to Chicago in June to catch a couple of games, and I may head to Mesa (a 6-hour drive) to watch some spring training.
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