The Cubs’ new additions with the projected effect in 2013

   With the season set to get underway the Cubs have found a couple decent acquisitions for 2013. Still there is bad news to report. Though he was signed in the off-season, pitcher Scott Baker will miss ample months (the season perhaps) due to Tommy John injury. The lack of another good starter will put a small damper on the rotation. To push some kind of spark into the lineup offensively Chicago has outfielder Scott Hairston and catcher Dioneer Navarro (17 RBIs in 22 games for Spring Training). To add depth off the bench the Cubs also have outfielder/infielder Brent Lillibridge. He’s decent though won’t put up good enough offensive numbers. Yet without a power bat at least at third base the Cubs presumably will scuffle again at the plate. 

  Having nobody known yet for proper consistency hitting except for Starlin Castro (.323 on base percentage- 2012) the Cubs seem destined to strand many runners or fail to drive them in with scoring opportunities. Possibly having Castro who managed 183 hits in 2012 as the lead-off might open up better chances for run production. If there is a positive growing development then it has to Anthony Rizzo who finished 2012 with 15 homeruns plus 48 RBI while taking over duties at first base. For the Cubs to sit back and rely on starting pitching again is another big mistake. This one-minded approach will rule them out in the NL Central. Ultimately, it will lead to big disappointing losses in an unfavorable season.  Such a disparity bothers the true Cubs’ fans out there who know the, “Let’s get some runs” line during the 7th inning stretch doesn't happen near enough.

   The wheels need to turn well in the ownership and GM obligations part for the franchise. Management has to consider better options in 2013. With lack of depth and health there will be other ways to drive in runs. Of course, Dale Sveum will return for his second season and looks to push the club past a sub-par record, around a .425
winning percentage if not better. He’ll likely be able to switch the lineup around and rotate outfielders throughout the season schedule.

   Winning, anyone would think now is essential after such a terrible finish in back-to-back seasons. Still the effective components for success as a gradual contender just aren’t there. Plus there is still a big void at third base with Ian Stewart out again on the DL to start the season. By not seriously going out to pick up a guy who’s proven at the plate such as Ryan Zimmerman or Alex Gordon the batting average within the lineup for runners in scoring position will be low for Chicago. This club can hope all they want with chemistry as starter Jeff Samardzija (9-13, 3.81) kicks off the season opener Monday at Pittsburgh.