or maybe enough to make it to the playoffs
2007-01-28 09:10:30 · 16 answers · asked by Kevin M 2 in Sports ➔ Baseball
Yes. Soriano makes any team better. He'll hit .300, 35 HR, and drive in 80+ runs. Steal 40 bases.
In addition to Soriano, the Cubs picked up Ted Lilly, who won 15 games in one of the best divisions in baseball.
Also, Jason Marquis who won 14 games. Yeah, he had a terrible second half, but 14 W's isn't too bad. Over the last 3 seasons, he has more wins than Barry Zito.
Cliff Floyd, the guy can hit. He can play both corner OF positions and 1st.
Darryl Ward, good utility guy, will hit between .275-.300 and he's a lefty.
Izturis and DeRosa, two solid infielders who can play everyday...however I think Theriot has a lot of potential and I'd rather see him be the everyday second baseman.
These were all added on in addition to some good players returning from last season. Barrett (best offensive catcher in NL), Lee, Ramirez, Murton (highest avg on the team), Zambrano, Howry, Eyre.
And they have quite a few good young starting pitchers we saw last year...Marshall, Hill, Marmol.
The Cubs SHOULD and WILL win the NL Central.
2007-01-28 09:38:29 · answer #1 · answered by Brian D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well... the Cubs made lots of improvements this year and should be a contender. However, growing up as a Cardinals fan in central Illinois (where there's about a 50/50 split between Cards and Cubs fans) I've only seen the Cubs win 3 division titles, even when they should've had really good teams. It seems like something always happens. Last year they should've been in contention but with all the injuries, it wasn't possible. Looking at the teams right now, you gotta say the Cubs are contenders, no doubt about it. If they still look good by the All-Star game, I'll say they've got a good shot at it, but it always seems that by June, the Cubs have something happen that takes them out of contention (or else they just have bad teams).
Actually, I don't think 2007 is the Cubs year, though. 2008, however, is a different story. I think the perfect way for the Cubs to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their last World Series championship would be to win another one.
2007-01-28 17:45:46 · answer #2 · answered by cool_breeze_2444 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By adding Alfonso Soriano to the Cubs, the Cubs will and should be better. He will definately compliment and protect Derek Lee in the Lineup. He is at least a 30 HR/30 SB guy.
Good enough to make the playoffs? I doubt it. It is possible in the NL Central where most of the teams save the Pittsburgh Pirates are similar in talent makeup and have a shot at winning the division. Plus they have many questions with their pitching rotation. Aside from Carlos Zambrano, who do they have that can stay healthy and be counted on to win games every 5th day?
2007-01-28 18:20:39 · answer #3 · answered by davester1970 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will be a contender but i still think Cardinals are the better team. Cubs may have the best offense in the central but their rotation is still very questionable. If Cubs have a healthy 1-2 punch in Zambrano and Prior they could easy take the central.
2007-01-28 19:20:08 · answer #4 · answered by Andrew B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Soriano is just the beginning of improvements made. Cubs will be in contention for the playoffs this year.
2007-01-28 17:22:19 · answer #5 · answered by penhead72 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Cubs, with Soriano, will not win the World Series for the 100th consecutive year.
2007-01-28 22:13:12 · answer #6 · answered by weams 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, they wont win the central but the wildcard are in site alfonso soriano is surrond with some talent and he be in enviroment who loves baseball. he would bring power to a improving line up with derek lee and aramis rameriz .the Cubs are few pieces away from contending .a couple more arms they would be okay
2007-01-29 00:03:44 · answer #7 · answered by jerry W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Cubs should be good, even challenge for the division, IF their pitching holds up. The pitching is the question mark.
2007-01-28 17:26:59 · answer #8 · answered by Tommy D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
The Cubs are the team to beat in the NL Central this year.
You may hear from some Cardinal fans as to otherwise, but believe me it is only because St. Louis fans are running scared.
2007-01-28 17:29:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
They will be improved but not good. Just a reminder, the best staff in the division resides in Milwaukee. Go Brewers!!!!
2007-01-28 23:38:09 · answer #10 · answered by Mr. Hole In One 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋