What's Up In Leftfield?

[Cubfan_N_nebraska]

I've been out of the loop this year and been working alot so I hope me asking about leftfield is not a dumb question. It seems to me that it is a blaring hole and something the Cubs need to address. Is there any chatter on what direction the Cubs are going.

[goonys evil twin]

I wouldn't call it a glaring hole, at least not in relation to the rest of the positions. The middle infield is the glaring hole. The Cubs are getting the 16th best production in the NL from both SS and 2B, in terms of OPS. That's worst in the league. LF and CF are each providing 13th highest OPS from their positions. Certainly all 4 spots (along with the struggling 1B position) need to and can be improved. 1B will be improved simply by having Lee return, even if he reverts to his pre-2005 form. LF could improve simply through normal progression that you'd expect from a 24 year old player with a good approach. 2B could improve in the same manner. SS and CF, however, are not going to improve by sticking the players who are there now. And when you factor in cost of the guys who might fill those spots, you should really get more bang for the buck than those guys are capable of providing.

 

That doesn't mean LF can't be improved, clearly it could. They could go out and trade for Pat Burrell if Philly is still dumping salary in the offseason (he's affordable now, but due for big raises). Or they could sign one of the bigger name free agents who will provide solid SLG, if not spectaculiar overall production.

[Banedon]

This team is a glaring hole.

 

 

 

 

[/pessimism]

[baseball7897]

Bynum