2006-11-19 18:48:00 · 21 answers · asked by Derek M 1 in Sports ➔ Baseball
I would consider him to be a start in turning the franchise around. No single player with the possible exception of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and a hand full of others were capable of carrying a franchise on their shoulders.
2006-11-20 06:46:01 · answer #1 · answered by The Mick "7" 7 · 21⤊ 0⤋
Most people think a turnaround from a 66 win season to the postseason is impossible, I personally feel that if Derrek Lee had not gotten injured and had played up to his 2004 season (not his breakout mvp-caliber season but his normal numbers) then from the addition of his run-producing abilities and solid defense at first then the Cubs could have had at least 8 more victories. I think that's almost too conservative a prediction too. That's 76 wins. Increased offensive production from Soriano could only push that number higher. The cardinals won the NL central with an 83 win season. The NL central is a weak division - pittsburgh, milwaukee and cincinatti are not real contenders. Houston has no hitting and without andy pettite and roger clemens, they might have no pitching next year. The Cardinals rise and fall on the shoulders of Pujols and Carpenter.
My point is - the NL central is weak and up for the taking. Will Soriano bring a WS title? No one man ever carries a team like that. The cubs still need to find pitching - 1 or 2 starters and probably a more reliable closer than Dempster. Still, the postseason is extremely possible next year. Does that mean they win the whole thing? Only a fool would try to predict who wins next year 2 weeks into the offseason. This is the Cubs - expect someone will get hurt. Still, go cubbies!
2006-11-20 03:21:23 · answer #2 · answered by badgerlicious03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Cubs have a great looking offense now. As long as the Cubs can stay healthy, they will be tough. However, you need pitching to win championships....that'll be the biggest difference. They can count on Zambrano right now and that's it. Will Wood come back and be effective? Same with Prior. Can Mateo be effective for a whole season? Will they be able pick anyone up? How bout a real closer? These are questions they need to answer before talking about winning a championship.
They do have a great coach now in Pinella, I didn't necessarily think Dusty was awful but Pinella has WON it all before...I don't even know when the last time the Cubs had a manager who had won it all before. If anyone can bring a World Series to the Cubs, it's Piniella. I said that the day they hired Lou and won't be surprised if the Cubs win it all in the near future. IF that happens, as a Cardinals fan, I might be happy, cos then maybe that will mean Cubs will finally SHUT UP.
2006-11-20 10:58:44 · answer #3 · answered by Js_5 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Soriano won't bring a title alone.
Piniella is a great manager. I don't see the Cubs winning the Series this year, but they might be playoff material.
2006-11-20 03:10:49 · answer #4 · answered by Adam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont think that the Cubs will win with JUST soriano since soriano couldnt bring the nationals a title. However, this may get them past the reds in the central.
2006-11-20 10:56:39 · answer #5 · answered by vegasbrother98 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That was a horrible move on the Cubs giving a guy who's turning 31 that much money for that long a period. Yet another desperate attempt by the the Cubs who will only lose 88 games next year instead. I guess thats an improvment.
2006-11-20 08:36:09 · answer #6 · answered by J-Far 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The cubs still need some pitching, and they should spend the money, but you know what, its possibe to win that division
Not a world series, but the division. The Cardinals are still not a great great side, they still have issues, who else? Astros?
The division is there to be taken, added another bat, add some pitching, sort out some attitudes, bring in a new culture, and the Division is the Cubs.
2006-11-20 05:59:56 · answer #7 · answered by holdon 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only way the Cubs will win a title is if the fix is in
2006-11-20 13:38:06 · answer #8 · answered by J Truth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. He will bring more excitement to the Cubs, more life but you need pitching too win a championship. This is a big step in the right direction. Great player for a great town for a great people for a great team for a great place for a great Wrigley Field for a great time for a great city.
2006-11-20 03:22:37 · answer #9 · answered by coffeeanddonutsandvodka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
balls will he, one player cant make that much of a difference to a team who finished 30 games below .500 and a team which finished bottom of the division. Maybe a few pitchers, and you could ask but without pitching soriano will win jack.
:)Good morning :)
2006-11-20 05:44:28 · answer #10 · answered by Maccie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not by himself, the Cubbies still need alot of help. If Kerry Wood and Mark Prior can stay healthy and if they can get a few more bats in the lineup, they will be a contender.
2006-11-20 10:38:48 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋