I’ve been waiting until the conclusion of spring training to post anything on the upcoming season for the Cubs. There were a few positives that came out of training camp. Castro had a great spring offensively, but needs to play better on defense. We cannot forget that he just turned 21 last Thursday, so I think the defense will turn itself around with experience. I project him to be a Hanley Ramirez type player or better.
Byrd had a good spring both on the field, and in the clubhouse. He mentored some of the younger guys like Brett Jackson on what to expect at the big league level. Darwin Barney also had a great spring, and should be starting at 2b. Baker should be used as a starter against LHP and backup at 1st and 3rd. DeWitt sucks.
One move that blows my shit away is why Wellington Castillo bats nearly .700 in the spring, but the .043 hitting Koyie Hill wins the backup catching job. He’s not that good of a defensive catcher to warrant a roster spot. He’s never impressed me with his ability to throw out a runner trying to steal. Hill is just a wasted roster space from someone else that can do a better job.
The one person to blame for all this is Jim Hendry. This is his fucking mess. It’s sad to see a team with a 140 mil payroll year after year fail when you see teams with half that budget go all the way. Hendry has been a players GM. Sure he is. The players he signs are richer than their wildest dreams, but after the ink has dried, they don’t have to play to their expectations.
The Cubs will never get better until Ricketts realizes that Hendry is a piss poor evaluator of talent. Stop worrying about fucking bison burgers and bathrooms. Let’s get a winning team on the field!!