Opening Day Lineup

by cubs2410 on Dec 29, 2009 8:33 PM CST

So, as we sit here looking at our current lineup, and based off what Al has posted the past few days, if we don't make any moves, here is what it looks like:

Fuld CF

Theriot SS

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3B

Fukudome RF

Soriano LF

Soto C

Baker 2B

Honestly, I don't think that looks to bad as long as we stay healthy, Fukudome can hit consistently, and we see Soto's numbers from 08.

Our bench is our biggest problem in my opinion. Fontenot, Hill, Hoffapuir?? who else?...

The bullpen is a mix of guys:Smard, Stevens,Marshall, Guzman, Grabow, Marmol

and our rotation of Z, Dempster, Lilly, Wells, Gorz? Silva?

I agree with the opinion to lets not sign FA's just to sign.. but if we are to sign FA I think the bench is something that needs to be addressed..

Now, if the rumors floating around come true: we get Ellsbury and Bucholz from Boston.. I'd take..

Another one I heard tonight, is Z to the Mets for Maine and Castillo... I am a little less excited about that.. but what if both happened?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

Do we have to start the Zambrano stuff again?

He’s not going anywhere.

Also, most of these topics were being covered under other posts; there wasn’t really anything new here.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 29, 2009 8:54 PM CST reply actions

Here's something new - at least to BCB.

If a group of wrasses (a type of fish) is all female, the largest female of the group will transform into a male.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 29, 2009 9:04 PM CST up reply actions

they are a sexual

hence a type of fish lol

i was not aware of that little tidbit tho, thanks

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 29, 2009 9:31 PM CST up reply actions

ahhhhh

Protogynous hermaphoroditism at its finest. Labrids are notorious jerks to divers after they transform to their terminal male stage.

"This next song... it's about the White Sox. It's called: F*** Em'." - Eddie Vedder

by PacificCub on Dec 31, 2009 12:35 AM CST up reply actions

TWSS... no, wait - make that TWHS...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 31, 2009 2:44 AM CST up reply actions

sorry

I dont read all 300 comments from each post, I usually read the title and see where the discussion leads… I never saw where someone talked about what our opening day lineup could look like…

by cubs2410 on Dec 29, 2009 9:33 PM CST up reply actions

Yabbut...

… the rest of your post was filled with topics that have been everywhere here.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 30, 2009 9:04 AM CST up reply actions

Z for Castillo and Maine

Where are you getting your rumors? A Mets fan blog?

by rlpete on Dec 29, 2009 9:14 PM CST reply actions

actually, yes it was from a Mets fan..

lol… bleacherreport.com

by cubs2410 on Dec 29, 2009 9:34 PM CST up reply actions

Bleacher Report?

OK, that obviously makes it false. Bleacher Report is — well, I’ll keep my language clean. It’s written mostly by high school kids and devoid of facts.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 30, 2009 9:04 AM CST up reply actions

Maybe

you should create a section entitled “Anyone who believes what they read on Bleacher Report – post here (and only here)”?

by DMCub on Dec 30, 2009 9:58 AM CST up reply actions

LOL

Might be worth it. The rest of us could avoid that section.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 30, 2009 11:26 AM CST up reply actions

Troll's wet dream

Might be too easy for your typical high school troll… xD

A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGANLE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!

by Azul Cachorro on Dec 30, 2009 3:29 PM CST up reply actions

Any Cubs GM that would do that trade should be shot before he can dial a phone

by ClarkFan on Dec 29, 2009 9:55 PM CST up reply actions

Anybody who would do that trade

GM or not, probably couldn’t dial a phone.

She asked: Are you a hopeless romantic?

I answered: I'm a Cubs fan, of course I am.

by Zy Toro Young on Dec 30, 2009 1:02 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

So if we don;t sign anyone

Fuku doesn’t lead off? I thought he was doing alright there.

by AussieCub on Dec 29, 2009 9:27 PM CST reply actions

I assume Fuld would lead off..

if things stayed as they are…

by cubs2410 on Dec 29, 2009 9:31 PM CST up reply actions

why?

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Dec 30, 2009 8:43 AM CST up reply actions

because

Fuld is the fastest player on the team and he produces a pretty decent OBP. Fukudome would be much better in the 2 or 5 spot.

by cufban2522 on Dec 30, 2009 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

Speed isn't the only reason someone should lead off.

Fuld’s OBP is decent, yes. But he shouldn’t be playing every day, and Fukudome would be better simply left alone at leadoff. Further, Fukudome isn’t a middle of the order hitter; putting him at #5 would be a mistake.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 30, 2009 12:36 PM CST up reply actions

I was talking about in the situation where Fuld is a starter

I don’t think Fuld is an everyday player.

Fukudome on the other hand would be a fantastic 2 hitter. I agree with you about the 5 spot. But obviously having a Fuld followed by Fukudome lineup is problematic.

by cufban2522 on Dec 30, 2009 9:27 PM CST up reply actions

based on what exactly?

Fuld has had so little time in the bigs, you assume too much IMO.

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Dec 30, 2009 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

But is that where Lou would bat him?

by ClarkFan on Dec 29, 2009 9:56 PM CST up reply actions

I'd rather have Orlando Hudson than any CF that are mentioned right now.

COOL BEANS!

by lexmarklover on Dec 29, 2009 9:33 PM CST reply actions

I like Hudson also...

by cubs2410 on Dec 29, 2009 9:34 PM CST up reply actions

YES! OUR FIRST 2010 LINEUP FANPOST!!

I LOVE IT!

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Dec 29, 2009 9:49 PM CST reply actions

As currently constructed the Cubs are a 75 win max ballclub

That is the reality I see.

The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.

by BLou on Dec 29, 2009 10:04 PM CST reply actions 2 recs

we moved down from 81 to 75

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 29, 2009 10:07 PM CST up reply actions

Does that mean the Nats moved from 81 to 87?

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 29, 2009 10:13 PM CST up reply actions

I thought you said 60

Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.

by Ryno Runner on Dec 29, 2009 10:20 PM CST up reply actions

We're gonna suck, agreed.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Dec 29, 2009 10:27 PM CST up reply actions

rec'd

I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT

by cubsluver22 on Dec 30, 2009 6:41 AM CST up reply actions

I give them a few more wins than that

I’d put them around the same as last year. Cardinals have not drastically improved, and neither has anyone else in the division, which we play half our games against. 81-84 wins.

Scott Bora$ is satan.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 30, 2009 6:44 AM CST up reply actions

This is a .500 team at best - good thing it probably won't be the actual Opening Day roster

Even allowing for playing in the worst division in baseball (even the KC Royals would have a winning record if they got to play the Pirates 18+ times), this lineup still has far too many gaping holes. At this point I see the Cardinals (assuming Holliday returns) and possibly the Brewers & even Astros finishing ahead of the Cubs.

To even talk about being a serious contender the Cubs need to add 2 more solid starting pitchers, a real closer, a strong offensive outfielder, and a middle infielder. I expect that they will actually do about half of these things.

by hawks326 on Dec 30, 2009 7:28 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

last i checked 162-75 doesnt equal 90+

Eric Hanna and FAN of the BULLS, the two greatest BCBers in the history of mankind

by jesus christos on Jan 1, 2010 10:22 PM CST up reply actions

i Cant stress how much I believe that Fuld is not

an everyday player.

on another note i like what hendry is doing now… He is gonna get Byrd at his price… I like it

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on Dec 30, 2009 12:37 AM CST reply actions

+1

On Fuld. In my mind he would be Fontenot version 2.0. Good bench guy.

I hope you’re right on Byrd. He can be useful, at the right price. Not sure what the market is for him right now. Maybe 2 years, $8m would get it done? Any more than that and I take a pass and get Ankiel cheap as a one year stop gap.

Scott Bora$ is satan.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 30, 2009 6:42 AM CST up reply actions

i am intrigued on a one year + an option deal....

There isnt a huge market for anyone really anymore….

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on Dec 30, 2009 9:00 AM CST up reply actions

you really think we can get Byrd that cheap? I don’t think the market for him is really that active…haven’t heard too many rumors about him and other teams.

I’m still sold on the fact that Ankiel can not hit. I want nothing to do with the man.

by cufban2522 on Dec 30, 2009 12:28 PM CST up reply actions

agreed, he's very similar to Fontenot

Wrigley Bound in the Summer of 2010

by Chanman25 on Dec 30, 2009 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

+1

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 30, 2009 7:06 AM CST up reply actions

what makes you say that?

just interested to know

COOL BEANS!

by lexmarklover on Dec 30, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions

I don't understand this obsession with Sam Fuld

A year ago we wouldn’t have even wanted him on the 25 man roster, now we view him as the CF of the future? He’s had only 103 AB in the MLB; that is certainly not a large enough sample size for this player

Wrigley Bound in the Summer of 2010

by Chanman25 on Dec 30, 2009 12:35 PM CST reply actions

I don't think anyone sees him as the CF of the future.

I think most see him as a cost-effective, “what the hell” option over giving big bucks (or any bucks) to a Marlon Byrd, Rick Ankiel or Scotty Pods. I still lean toward offering a two-year deal to Byrd in the hopes he can provide relatively more production than any of the other options while serving as a bridge to Brett Jackson. But I’m also curious to see how Fuld (with some help from RJ or another platoon partner) would acquit himself. I obviously wouldn’t have huge expectations.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by daver on Dec 30, 2009 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

I believe RJohnson is not a D-back

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Dec 30, 2009 1:22 PM CST up reply actions

Pardon?

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by daver on Dec 30, 2009 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, I didn't get that one, either.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 30, 2009 1:26 PM CST up reply actions

it's not Reed

it’s Kelly Johnson the 2b who is now a Diamondback.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Dec 30, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions

mea culpa

I got a text saying it was Reed Johnson, so apologies to BCB for relaying bogus info.

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Dec 31, 2009 8:37 AM CST up reply actions

That's exactly how I view Fuld

The “what the hell” option. I realize he may never amount to more
than a 5th OFer, but how is his game really that much different from Ellsbury or Gardner? Fuld would be no sure thing, but who is that is out there? I have never been on the Fuld bandwagon before, but I can envision a possible upside and think he could be worth a shot. Cubs would of course half to back him up pretty solidly.

"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman

by BucknerKongCardenal on Dec 31, 2009 12:13 AM CST up reply actions

Well I have an obsession with Sam Fuld

and I don’t think he is an everyday player. He has all the qualities that the Cubs have often lacked on the bench, speed, patience and great defense. I see him as a kind of “ace in the hole” who can some in late to protect a lead with defense, pinch run, pinch hit when you need to get on base or advance a runner as opposed to power and probably get 2 starts a week subbing for Sori or Dome or God help us Ankiel.

PS Speak for yourself about not wanting him on the 25 man roster a year ago.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Dec 30, 2009 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

MLB Network and Harold Reynolds just told me that a "MLB shortstop has to have a strong arm."

Or not! Yay for Theriot!

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Dec 30, 2009 1:07 PM CST reply actions

an idea of what it may look like if Jim Hendry only makes a move for Byrd...

SS Theriot
RF Fukudome
1B Lee
3B Ramirez
CF Byrd
LF Soriano
C Soto
2B Baker
P Zambrano

Starters: Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Wells, Marshall
Relievers: Marmol, Grabow, Guzman, Silva, Gorzellany, Shark, Caridad/Berg
Bench:
Backup Catcher: Koyie Hill
Backup 2B Fontenot (Jim Hendy please find someone else….NOW!!!)
Backup IF: Blanco —> SS, 2B, 3B
Backup OF: Fuld/Johnson (1 of them): RF, CF, LF
Backup 1B/ OF: Hoffpauir or someone else who can play outfield and first base
Also: if ramirez/lee go down for a long time…i would expect Baker to cover their positions with Fontenot/ Blanco or a call-up filling in at second. I also do see Baker getting a little outfield time, especially if Soriano goes down.

Overall….the bench really needs to be upgraded somewhat but I do not like the idea of having 5 players on the roster who ONLY play outfield. The fifth backup outfielder should be someone who can also play 1B or other IF positions…..like Jake Fox did (no I do not wish Jake Fox was back

by mdcubsfan on Dec 30, 2009 2:48 PM CST reply actions

So, we should get another serviceable IF

…that has a relatively good bat?

Anyone in mind?

A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGANLE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!

by Azul Cachorro on Dec 30, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions

I agree with most of what you have here...

…though I would NOT expect to see Andres Blanco at third base. Also, it’s helpful to number the players on these types of charts so we can clearly see just where the 25-man roster stands.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by daver on Dec 30, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

Byrd hitting fifth...

… frightening.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 30, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions

Not likely, even in that stand-pat lineup

If Soriano is recovered, he would hit 5th in that collection. I’d say there would even be a good chance that Soriano ends up leading off again in that group.

by ClarkFan on Dec 30, 2009 8:29 PM CST up reply actions

Nope.

Lou has already said that ship has sailed. No more leadoff for Soriano.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 30, 2009 8:40 PM CST up reply actions

The ship may have sailed, but an opposing wind could still blow it back into port

Over the years, I’ve heard managers of a lot of clubs say something was “never” going to happen, only to see it happen shortly thereafter.

That’s not say Soriano leading LO is a good outcome.

by ClarkFan on Dec 30, 2009 8:53 PM CST up reply actions

Soriano

I have a feeling that Lou will go back to the lineup of a couple years ago with Soriano leading off and Byrd essentially taking Derosa’s spot.

1. Soriano LF
2. Theriot SS
3. Lee 1B
4. Ramirez 3B
5. Fukudome RF
6. Byrd CF
7. Soto C
8. Fontenot/Baker 2B

Not that I like it but I can see Lou going back to it.

by rrenner07 on Dec 31, 2009 2:18 PM CST reply actions

Byrd

Is it possible to see him in the 4th or 5th spot ? Jaramillo is the new hitting coach and he placed Byrd in cleanup spot often with the Rangers.

by julolo on Dec 31, 2009 8:04 PM CST reply actions

I'm guessing fifth.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 31, 2009 11:40 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed

Hit Byrd fifth which now allows Lou to hit Fukudome in the lead off spot where he belongs.

Fukudome
Theriot
Lee
Ramirez
Byrd
Soriano
Soto
Fotenot/Baker

by SoCal19 on Jan 1, 2010 5:17 PM CST up reply actions

That lineup actually looks pretty good.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 1, 2010 10:04 PM CST up reply actions

If all are healthy

it should be

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Jan 2, 2010 10:13 AM CST up reply actions

Possible

The Rangers don’t have Lee and Ramirez though. Hamilton is sick and better than either one of those offensively. But he was injured a bunch last year

"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher

by Musicdude10 on Jan 4, 2010 12:54 PM CST up reply actions

I'm extremely excited

to see what Rudy can do to help Fukudome. I remember when his Japanese coach came in, he raked. Additionally, I’m more excited to see if Rudy can help Sori stop swinging at all the dirt balls. I really can’t think of a more frustrating situation when the pitcher is up in the count, and you know a slider way out of the zone is coming that he’ll swing and miss at.

by Adam U on Jan 2, 2010 9:51 AM CST reply actions