Possible Lineup/Rotation?

by chcubsdomination on Dec 18, 2011 8:20 PM CST

This is what I think our lineup/pitching rotation should look like pending some moves and signings.

LINEUP

1. Starlin Castro-SS

2. David DeJesus-RF

3. Ian Stewart-3B

4. Prince Fielder-1B

5. Marlon Byrd-CF

6. Darwin Barney-2B

7. Alfonso Soriano- LF

8. Geovany Soto-C

9. Pitcher

ROTATION

1. Ryan Dempster

2. Matt Garza

3. Randy Wells

4. Paul Maholm

5. Andrew Cashner/Yu Darvish

Closer- Carlos Marmol

A lot of these moves may be long shots, tell me what you think!

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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6. Darwin Barney-2B

7. Alfonso Soriano- LF

no.. just no

THEOOOOOOOOO (and Hoyer)

by jesus christos on Dec 18, 2011 8:38 PM CST reply actions

I don't have a problem with Barney as long as he's hitting 8th and surrounded by good hitters.

THEO!

by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 18, 2011 9:28 PM CST up reply actions

you are aware Barney is Theriot Part Deux?

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by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 18, 2011 10:34 PM CST up reply actions

Not really.

Barney’s defense and smart baserunning set him far apart from Theriot. I’m not saying he’s great or should even be a long term starter on this team. But comparing the two is unfair to Barney, as he’s a much more solid ballplayer than Theriot, even if his future is more of a bench player. Not to mention he seems like a real likeable guy while Theriot seemed to be a bit of a d-bag.

by Dcr18 on Dec 18, 2011 11:35 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Barney is better defensively and a better baserunner.

But he and Theriot are both slap hitters with little patience. The comparison is pretty solid, IMO.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on Dec 19, 2011 8:48 AM CST up reply actions

Theriot never had any kind of mind for baseball whatsoever.

Barney is smart. Remember when we all said whatever Barney did at the plate was gravy because his defense was good? what happened to that?

THEO!

by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 19, 2011 9:15 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

I don't remember saying that.

I’d be more impressed with Barney’s smarts if he took more pitches.

I think the issue here is that you think Theriot was more worthless than I do, so you think I’m calling Barney pretty worthless. Theriot was a decent player for the Cubs when he was cheap. I’d make the same comment about Barney.

Barney is Theriot with better defense and better baserunning. But if we’re talking lineup placement, they’re pretty comparable players.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on Dec 19, 2011 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

No, I don't think Theriot was ever worthless, his defense and baserunning sucked though...

As a matter of fact, he was great in 08, but then he started trying to hit homeruns or something. I even had a Theriot shirt.

I’d take Barney as a second baseman any day, it’s probably the weakest hitting position in the league, and the most you can do is ask for a good defensive 2nd baseman. Barney is no 2 hitter like Quade made him out to be, but he would be a good enough 8 hitter with well above average defense at a position where it is fairly important.

THEO!

by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 19, 2011 10:24 AM CST up reply actions

I don't know what we're arguing about, then.

If you didn’t think Theriot was worthless, why did you assume I did? Because if you didn’t assume that I did, why would you feel the need to debate the comparison?

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on Dec 19, 2011 10:33 AM CST up reply actions

i was just about to post the same thing

but saying we not you

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 19, 2011 10:33 AM CST up reply actions

When you respond to...

I don’t have a problem with Barney as long as he’s hitting 8th and surrounded by good hitters.

with…

you are aware Barney is Theriot Part Deux?

Does that not lead me to believe that you think he’s worthless? What do you suggest the Cubs do with him other than hit him eighth and surround him with good hitters, if he’s not worthless?

THEO!

by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 19, 2011 3:33 PM CST up reply actions

IMHO he, like Theriot should be on the bench not starting

worthless =/= bench role player. You jumped the gun big time and assumed incorrectly

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 19, 2011 7:13 PM CST up reply actions

He probably is more of a bench player.

But he’s better than Theriot.

by Dcr18 on Dec 19, 2011 8:49 PM CST up reply actions

not by a lot

they are very similar, especially if you look at the numbers

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 19, 2011 9:53 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe at their hitting numbers.

But Barney’s defense and baserunning ability set him apart, especially as a bench player.

by Dcr18 on Dec 19, 2011 10:28 PM CST up reply actions

hence using the word similar

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 20, 2011 12:37 AM CST up reply actions

Ok, fair enough, but I disagree...

Unless the Cubs plan on making a big move to acquire a second baseman, he’s going to have to do, and he’s perfectly fine as long as he’s not made out to be what he isn’t.

THEO!

by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 20, 2011 9:39 AM CST up reply actions

i dont remember seeing that to be honest, can you possible link it?

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 19, 2011 10:32 AM CST up reply actions

Maybe offensively.

But outside of the batters box they are extremely different.

by Dcr18 on Dec 19, 2011 5:56 PM CST up reply actions

And Theriot has been an everyday player on winning teams

Which just shows that a good lineup can make up for one weak link.

And, as others have said, Barney is a better fielder and baserunner than Ryan TOOTBLAN.

by ClarkFan on Dec 19, 2011 7:18 AM CST up reply actions

Gotta put Z in rotation..

And as much as I dislike Soriano’s approach, no way does Barney hit above him.

Got to start wondering about Marmol at closer.

'Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.'

by Unique on Dec 18, 2011 8:39 PM CST via mobile reply actions

With that lineup

how many walks would you project for Fielder? I would say over 263.

by fsw1972 on Dec 18, 2011 9:09 PM CST reply actions

and about two-thirds of his homers would be solo shots

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

by ballhawk on Dec 18, 2011 9:51 PM CST up reply actions

Possible Rotation and Lineup

Isn’t Stewart left handed? Why would Sveum bat the two leftys back to back. Most likely if the Cubs signed Prince Fielder he would bat 3rd and Stewart would hit 5th. After the Latos trade I expect Garza to definitely get traded to Texas or even San Diego. Anthony Rizzo and one of San Diegos top minor league pitchers as well as another player or two should be enough for Garza. For what it is worth I don’t think the Cubs will get Fielder which is why I am a strong advocate for trading Garza for Rizzo and pitching. Additionally, Zambrano will be in the starting rotation if he is not traded. Look for Wells to be traded to.

by huskercub on Dec 18, 2011 9:12 PM CST reply actions

Two Revisions

Delete both Darvish and Fielder. Neither will be wearing a Cub uniform in 2012.

I'm wet nurse to a last-place, dead-to-the-neck-up ball club, and I'm choking to death!

by Eisman57 on Dec 18, 2011 9:15 PM CST reply actions

Lineup as of 12/18/11

I think would be
RF – DeJesus
SS – Theriot
CF – Byrd
3B – Stewart
1B – LaHair
LF – Soriano
C – Soto
2B – Barney

Obviously we should be hoping for some additions, but if the season started tomorrow, I think this is close to what you’d see.

by John916 on Dec 18, 2011 9:26 PM CST reply actions

...

SS – Theriot

wat?

THEO!

by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 18, 2011 9:29 PM CST up reply actions

I like it

by Dcr18 on Dec 18, 2011 9:31 PM CST up reply actions

He back on the "wrong side" of the rivalry again?

Happy Holidays to all BCBers...be safe.

by Easy Ed on Dec 18, 2011 10:01 PM CST up reply actions

Wow

Sorry – it was a loooong weekend. Of course I meant Castro. Yikes

by John916 on Dec 18, 2011 11:01 PM CST up reply actions

Hahahahaha no bigs.

I’m still on the ground laughing from when I read it 12 hours ago though. Gave me some humor.

THEO!

by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 19, 2011 9:15 AM CST up reply actions

Just a little difference there.

Flashbacks, oh the flashbacks.

by jpeters407 on Dec 19, 2011 5:00 PM CST up reply actions

Marlon Byrd cleaning up?

Big time pass. I’d rather have Soriano hit there.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on Dec 19, 2011 10:18 AM CST up reply actions

He's hitting third there.

But the point still stands.

by Dcr18 on Dec 19, 2011 5:58 PM CST up reply actions

This really is pointless until we see some moves go down.

by Dcr18 on Dec 18, 2011 9:31 PM CST reply actions

Nothing but a WAG at this point in time

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 19, 2011 8:00 AM CST up reply actions

i would go as far as labelign it a SWAG

Silly Wild Ass Guess

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 19, 2011 8:18 AM CST up reply actions

it is the silly season

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 19, 2011 8:23 AM CST up reply actions

Where did

Castro go? AA again?

by fsw1972 on Dec 18, 2011 9:56 PM CST reply actions

With who's on the 25 man roster as of this minute...

…no matter who bats where or who’s the #1 starter or #5 starter, this team won’t match last years win total. Sad, but true.

Happy Holidays to all BCBers...be safe.

by Easy Ed on Dec 18, 2011 10:07 PM CST reply actions

Well, at least this lineup follows conventional wisdom by putting your best hitter in the #3 slot...

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

by ballhawk on Dec 18, 2011 11:45 PM CST reply actions

Ian Stewart hitting third?

Holy good gravy.

If the Cubs acquire Fielder (fingers crossed) here’s what you’ll see:

DeJesus, Barney, Castro, Fielder (and in some combination) Stewart, Soriano, Soto, Byrd

Things look even brighter with Jackson in the lineup (hitting second?) and Barney hitting eighth.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on Dec 19, 2011 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

Castro put too much pressure on himself in the 3 hole...

I’d go
Jackson, Castro, Fielder, Stewart, Soto, Byrd, Soriano, Barney

THEO!

by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 19, 2011 10:26 AM CST up reply actions

What about DeJesus?

They didn’t sign him to be the fourth outfielder.

And, anyway, Castro didn’t have Prince Fielder hitting behind him in 2011.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on Dec 19, 2011 10:50 AM CST up reply actions

Forgot about DeJesus...

That’s a tough situation, hopefully one of Byrd/Jackson can play left, then they can trade Sori. Byrd has done it in his career.

THEO!

by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 19, 2011 3:36 PM CST up reply actions

We got problems

if Stewart is our #3 hitter and Barney is hitting sixth for us.

Looks even worse if you replace Fielder with LaHair, which is more likely.

Let’s just say we got problems.

by Josh Timmers on Dec 19, 2011 4:10 AM CST reply actions

If you are going to project lineup/FA moves

I’d add “trade Soriano for salary relief and replace him with Beltran on a 2+mutual option deal.”

by ClarkFan on Dec 19, 2011 7:19 AM CST reply actions

Fielder

I would not include Fielder in there, since there is no gaurantee we would get him.

Looking at our current roster and potential lineup, I find it hard to believe we wont lose 90-100 games.

by ZeoBandit on Dec 19, 2011 10:38 AM CST reply actions

Same for Maholm and Darvish

by ZeoBandit on Dec 19, 2011 10:44 AM CST up reply actions

We get to play the Astros 15 times.

Otherwise right now we are at best where we were last year. However there is still time to improve.

by jpeters407 on Dec 19, 2011 5:03 PM CST up reply actions

Great site

for something like this, but actually much more realistic
http://www.mlbdepthcharts.com/2011/09/chicago-cubs-2011-12-offseason.html

by Adam U on Dec 19, 2011 10:45 AM CST reply actions

That's fairly solid...

…but I’d like to know their reasoning for including Lendy Castillo in the bullpen. I’ve barely heard of the guy and I would expect Kerry Wood to be in that spot anyway.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 19, 2011 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

Because he's a rule 5 pick

And the assumption is that if we want him, then he’s got to be on our 25 man, or we lose him.

by Adam U on Dec 19, 2011 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

Ha, that must've been where I did hear about him.

OK, that makes more sense.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 19, 2011 4:39 PM CST up reply actions

The link only

includes players currently on the roster. Technically, Kerry isn’t on the roster yet.

And, FWIW, I’d think he’d have Maine’s spot. No real need for 3 lefties… and as Adam noted, I’d think Castillo will get every shot to stick.

"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."

by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST

by fsuapollo on Dec 19, 2011 5:53 PM CST up reply actions

The guy who runs that site

is extremely on top of things. He also doesn’t list players who are speculated. He’ll add Kerry the minute he’s signed.

by Adam U on Dec 19, 2011 6:28 PM CST up reply actions

Nothin' like a good lineup post in the middle of December.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Dec 19, 2011 12:10 PM CST reply actions

even with Fielder

this lineup looks horrendous. If Byrd is batting anywhere near the top half of the lineup we are in trouble

by BeltwayCubsFan on Dec 19, 2011 5:37 PM CST reply actions

Why is Dempster above Garza?

There’s really not much to say except that Garza is much better than Dempster.

by Naveen Nallappa on Dec 19, 2011 8:19 PM CST reply actions

Apologies - I didn't mean to sound like a jerk.

I’m just curious as to why you chose to put Dempster at 1 and Garza at 2.

by Naveen Nallappa on Dec 19, 2011 10:36 PM CST up reply actions

you miss the point

That Dempster was ranked ahead of Garza is less important than the reality that Dempster is at worst the team’s #2. That is the real problem.

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 20, 2011 8:09 AM CST up reply actions

very true

if Dempster is top 3 for our rotation, we are in for another long season. it is not meant as a dis to Dempster, it is just the reality of Dempster being on the down slope of his career

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 20, 2011 8:11 AM CST up reply actions