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Aramis Ramirez Signed

A Preview of the 2006 Chicago Cubs

2005 Overview:

With the departure of slugger Sammy Sosa, the offensive output for the Chicago Cubs will be replaced by the likes of superstars Derek Lee (.335 46 107) and Aramis Ramirez (.302 31 92). Both players came into their own in 2005 with the help of Jeremy Burnitz (.258 24 87), catcher Michael Barrett (.276 16 61) and 2nd baseman Todd Walker (.305 12 40). Lee in particular impressed in 2005, hitting 27 home runs before all star break and lead the league by hitting the end of the season. Starters Carlos Zambrano (14 6 3.26), Greg Maddux (13 15 4.24), and Mark Prior (11 7 3.67) are joined closer Ryan Dempster (05.03 3.13 35 saves) to give the pitching depth in 2005 as the Cubs posted a 79-83 record at the end of the season 21 games behind the division leading St. Louis Cardinals.

Off Season Moves:

Gm Jim Hendry traded for Florida's Marlin Juan Pierre (.276 2 47) that will start and play center in 2006, both of which are difficult to spot last year. Hendry also strengthened the Chicago Cubs bullpen with two free-agent signings: Scott Lefty Eyre (02.02 2.63 – available from the San Francisco Giant) and right-hander Bobby Howry (04.07 3.47 – acquired from the Cleveland Indians). The Cubs spent $ 23,000,000 of locks the two players under contract for the next three years.

Pitcher Wade Miller (04.04 4.95) was also picked up from the Boston Red Sox. The other noticeable free agent signings are right fielder Jacque Jones (.249 23 73 from the Minnesota Twins), who will look to change the offense for the past Jeromy Burnitz. John Mabry (.240 8 32) was also traded from the Cardinals to help in the outfield. The Cubs are hopeful he can return to his offensive form in 2004 when he tied a career high home runs with 13.

Analysis of 2006:

The restructured bullpen pitching should improve in 2006. Hendry also is good to take Pierre and Jones. Pierre improving defense and leadoff position and should spell more RBI chances for Lee and Ramirez. The biggest non-pitching question remains at shortstop, where the veteran Neifi Perez and 23-year-olds Ronny Cedeno is expected to help provide the answers. Lee and Ramierez will need to continue to provide the bulk of the offense in 2006.

The starting pitching remains a question mark. If Kerry Wood can come back and pitch more then 66.0 innings he will last years and may Maddux improve a bit in his pitching record may surprise some fans as a strong point in 2006. If the Chicago Cubs hope to make it into postseason play they need to get more from the starters in order for the recent off season moves to bullpen work. Hendry hopes the $ 23,000,000 was spent to Howry and Eyre is well invested money. Fans must be patient in 2006 – if the team is close to all star break expect a midseason trade or two to perhaps make the difference.

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Aramis Ramirez Game Winning Grand Slam

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