01-12-2010, 11:09 AM
If Sheets has bounced back from elbow surgery which is likely, I would love to see the Cubs sign him to an incentive laden, 1 or 2 year deal. I don't know if that will do it but signing Sheets and assuming he can return to pitching like he did for the Brewers is the quickest way this team improves for 2010.
In 2010, it appears the offense will have to rely on players getting healthy and returning to 2009 form. The defense should improve with Byrd in center and Aramis' return for the full year. The bullpen is questionable but hopefully Marmol can perform better than Gregg, Guzman can stay effective and healthy and Grabow/Sheets/Stevens/Caridad can offer a bridge to them. On paper, the one area that the 2010 Cubs have declined is starting pitching. 2009 most effective starter, Lilly, is gone till at least mid April but probably much longer. Harden, who was extremely talented but rarely effective past 5.67 innings, is gone. Cubs are going to have to rely on Wells being effective and finding a solid No. 5 from the Silva, Gorzellanek, Smardzija, AAA candidate. That's not pretty compared to Z, Lilly, Dempster, Harden, Gaudin rotation that the Cubs had going into 2009 spring training.
If Sheets can return to form, the 2010 Cubs starting pitching staff goes from OK/good to great.
In 2010, it appears the offense will have to rely on players getting healthy and returning to 2009 form. The defense should improve with Byrd in center and Aramis' return for the full year. The bullpen is questionable but hopefully Marmol can perform better than Gregg, Guzman can stay effective and healthy and Grabow/Sheets/Stevens/Caridad can offer a bridge to them. On paper, the one area that the 2010 Cubs have declined is starting pitching. 2009 most effective starter, Lilly, is gone till at least mid April but probably much longer. Harden, who was extremely talented but rarely effective past 5.67 innings, is gone. Cubs are going to have to rely on Wells being effective and finding a solid No. 5 from the Silva, Gorzellanek, Smardzija, AAA candidate. That's not pretty compared to Z, Lilly, Dempster, Harden, Gaudin rotation that the Cubs had going into 2009 spring training.
If Sheets can return to form, the 2010 Cubs starting pitching staff goes from OK/good to great.