MLB Preview Day 5, Chicago Cubs

Starlin Castro and Tyler Colvin, both of whom had solid rookie seasons in 2010, and will need to have similar seasons in order for the Cubs to compete in 2011

2010 Record- 75-87, 5th place NL Central
2010 Triple Crown Leaders- Starlin Castro, .300 (10 NL), Aramis Ramirez, 25 HR (20th NL), Aramis Ramirez, 83 RBI (t-28th NL), Ryan Dempster, 15 Wins (t-9th NL), Ryan Dempster, 3.83 ERA (31st NL), Ryan Dempster, 208 K (7th NL)

Key Additions- Carlos Pena (1B), Kerry Wood (RHP), Matt Garza (RHP), Fernando Perez (OF)

Key Losses- Micah Hoffpauir (1B), Xavier Nady (UT), Sam Fuld (OF)

2011 Projected Record- 75-85 wins, 4th place NL Central
Manager- Mike Quade (2nd year, 24-13)
Best Player- Marlon Byrd
Best Pitcher- Carlos Zambrano
Biggest Breakout Candidate- Starlin Castro
Biggest Potential Impact Rookie- Darwin Barney

Projected Lineup/Projected Stats
Marlon Byrd, CF- .285/14 HR/65 RBI
Starlin Castro, SS- .295/5 HR/55 RBI
Tyler Colvin, RF- .260/20 HR/75 RBI
Aramis Ramirez, 3B- .250/25 HR/85 RBI
Carlos Pena, 1B- .225/30 HR/85 RBI
Alfonso Soriano, LF- .255/18 HR/65 RBI
Geovany Soto, C- .270/24 HR/75 RBI
Blake DeWitt, 2B- .255/8 HR/45 RBI

Projected Rotation/Projected Stats
Carlos Zambrano- 14-10/3.75 ERA/175 K
Matt Garza- 13-9/3.60 ERA/170 K
Ryan Dempster- 13-11/4.25 ERA/180 K
Randy Wells- 10-11/4.15 ERA/140 K
Todd Wellemeyer- 6-10/5.30 ERA/90 K
Carlos Marmol- 2.40 ERA/35 saves

Outlook: After a weak and disappointing 2010 season, the Chicago Cubs open 2011 with what should be an improved rotation after bringing in Matt Garza and a strong 2010 finish by Carlos Zambrano, along with the return of Kerry Wood, who will join Sean Marshall as the other setup man for Carlos Marmol.  The lineup lacks a strong leadoff hitter, and added Carlos Pena who hit 28 homers last year despite hitting .196.  The team also hopes that Tyler Colvin and Starlin Castro can build off strong rookie years.  The lineup looks a bit suspect, but if the lineup can get decent run production then they can depend on the pitching staff that I feel is very good.  This is not a great team, but not a bad team either.  This is a team that could be a potential dark horse for the NL wildcard or even NL Central title.