It is still early enough in the offseason that some free agents are available that the Cubs could target. But here is my projection for the Cubs lineup and starting pitchers.
1. Starlin Castro
Reason: Had a down year in 2013 that was helped by a .290 BABIP. Has good speed but batting eye is a cause for concern. Still has tremendous potential.
2. Darwin Barney
Reason: Another solid player who had a down year. Barney is likely going to have a bounceback year as he suffered from a awful BABIP. Not a power hitter by any means but could be someone who gets runners in scoring position for the 3-4-5 hitters.
3. Anthony Rizzo
Reason: Showed good power last year with 23 home runs in 160 games. Was able to draw 76 walks which was 6th in the NL. Another Cubs player who had a down year because of a low BABIP. Has moderate speed with 2 triples and 6 stolen bases.
4. Nate Schierholtz
Reason: Drove in 68 RBIs last season for the Cubs and was one of their better hitters with RISP. Had the best offensive season of his career ripping 21 home runs and hitting .251.
5. Wellington Castillo
Reason: Had a breakout 2013 with a .274 batting average and 8 home runs in 113 games. Also showed good eye with .349 OBP. He did have a .347 BABIP so it is possible his numbers could decline next year.
6. Junior Lake
Reason: Impressed the Cubs with a very impressive rookie year for the Cubs. Belted 6 home runs and stole 4 bases in 64 games for the Cubs. 5-tool potential and had a 1.3 oWAR. I am a bit concerned by his walk number but it could just be trying to get as many hits as possible in the MLB in his rookie season.
7. Luis Valbuena
Reason: Doesn't hit for the best average but provides power and can draw a good amount of walks. Most likely won't be the starter long if Mike Olt starts well in AAA.
8. Justin Ruggiano
Reason: The recently acquired outfielder will most likely be in the starting lineup for the Cubs. He did hit 18 home runs but had a low average and a low OBP that would most likely leave him in the bottom of the lineup.
Pitching staff
1. Travis Wood
Had a breakout year for the Cubs on the mound. Pitched 200 innings for the first time in his career and should do it again unless he gets hurt. Was the Cubs only all-star representative.
2. Jeff Samardzija
Had a good year for the Cubs in 2013. Set career highs in nearly every statistical category. He gave up over 200 hits and walked over 75. But managed to give up only 103 earned runs.
3. Edwin Jackson
Struggled in his first season in Chicago. Had a sharp decline in K/9 and a sharp increase in H/9. Expect him to bounce back in 2014.
4. Jake Arrieta
Pitched well in 9 starts for the Cubs. He lowered his BB/9 and H/9 after trade. Should fill in nicely in the rotation.
5. Chris Rusin
After a lights out July and August Rusin slumped in September. He is a good finesse pitcher and will close out the Cubs rotation.
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