A piece of Pie in 2008 seems like a good plan.

The Moves They Made

General Manager Jim Hendry entered the winter of 06-07 with the singular goal of bringing the World Series back to Chicago, to Wrigley Field. His first target was Alfonso Soriano, whom he signed to an eight-year, $136M dollar contract. He then turned his attention to the pitching staff, adding Ted Lilly with a four-year, $40M contract and Jason Marquis with a three-year, $20M deal. At that point, it appeared Hendry was done, but after recovering from a mild heart attack, he went out and added some complimentary pieces to the puzzle.

Mark DeRosa was lured to the Windy City after coming off a career season in Texas, with a three-year $13M deal, and Neal Cotts was added via trade with the White Sox, sending pitchers David Aardsma and Carlos Vasquez across town. Wade Miller was signed with the intention of having him join the rotation, something that did not pan out. Miller is probably done in baseball. The Cubs signed backup catcher Henry Blanco to a two-year deal, but he only managed to play in 22 games before injury ended his season.

Hendry's most important contract signing, other than Soriano, had to be the five-year extension of Aramis Ramirez's deal. Ramirez has been the most consistent cog in Chicago's run producing machine, and his extension, along with the addition of Soriano, and Lilly sent a message to Cubs fans that the team was serious about winning.

However, Hendry was not done yet. He traded utility player Freddie Bynum to the Orioles for pitching prospect Kevin Hart, a player whose impact may be felt in 2008. Hendry also claimed OF Josh Hamilton, but flipped him to the Reds in a cash exchange.
He could have kept Hamilton, as the team was in need of an outfielder, but he signed Cliff Floyd to a one-year deal instead. Pitcher Jeff Samardzija was signed to a five-year deal and represents another player whose impact will likely be felt down the line a year or two.

During the season, Hendry moved malcontent catcher Michael Barrett to the Padres for catcher Rob Bowen and outfield prospect Kyler Burke, both of whom were optioned to the minors. Rob Bowen was later flipped to the Athletics, along with pitcher Jerry Blevins for catcher Jason Kendall. Kendall was needed to fill the offensive gap left after the trade of Barrett. He did a nice job for the Cubs down the stretch, hitting .270 and providing some stability behind the dish. Hendry also move INF Cesar Izturis once it became apparent that Ryan Theriot was entrenched at shortstop. Craig Monroe was brought in from Detroit for outfield help when it became apparent that Felix Pie was not ready, a lesson it took all season to learn. Finally, for starting pitching depth, Rocky Cherry and Scott Moore were shipped to Baltimore for Steve Trachsel.

The Moves They Didn't Make (But Should Have)

It is very difficult to find fault with Jim Hendry's moves in building the '07 Cubs. The moves he made secured the club's future for several years to come. However, one major flaw in the design of the Cubs is the lack of a true center fielder, and lead off hitter. Alfonso Soriano was used in that role for much of '07, but his OBP is too low for the job. It would have been wiser to add a true lead off hitter to the team. They could have made a run at Willy Taveras, who was available at the time, which would have solved two problems at once. It is understandable that they did not make that move, believing Felix Pie was ready for the Show. Things might have worked out quite nicely if he was ready. As it happened, he made several attempts to get comfortable in front of major league pitching, but he just was not ready.

Another player type that the Cubs would have found useful is a speed demon who can get on base and help manufacture runs. They were too reliant on the long ball which did not always come when they needed it. The inability to manufacture runs when the big bats were quiet made their offense inconsistent at times during the season. Considering the poor production they got from outfielders Cliff Floyd and Jacque Jones, they probably should have gotten themselves an outfielder with some speed to burn and good on-base skills. One move that they made, but should not have would be the signing of Mark DeRosa. I am just not a believer, sorry.

Where Now?

The Cubs have already fired the first salvo in the acquisition wars this winter by signing Japanese league free agent Kosuke Fukudome to a four-year $48M deal. Fukudome is a lifetime .305 hitter with plenty of pop, and excellent patience at the plate, evidenced by a .397 lifetime OBP. He can play right field for them and will likely bat fourth or fifth, giving them another big bat in the lineup. Hendry will probably look to add some depth in the starting rotation, perhaps taking on a reclamation project like Matt Clement. He will also likely look for available arms for the bullpen, though he is fairly deep there already. With the vast majority of their core team returning in 2008, there is no reason why they should not repeat and improve on their effort in 2007. The Cubs have a strong chance to with their division again and make the playoffs. The only question is – Can they gel as a team and work together to become more of an offensive threat. If they do, and their pitching has another productive year, they have every chance of making it to the World Series in '08. Shhhh....do not tell Steve Bartman.

Fantasy Corner

Three Keepers

1. Aramis Ramirez – One of the best, most consistent hitting third basemen in the game.

2. Carlos Zambrano – Workhorse, innings-eating ace who gives fantasy owners plenty of K, wins, and a low WHIP – the only drawback is that he has over 1000 innings the last five years and could be headed for a burnout.

3. Alfonso Soriano – Should be a 30/30 player again this season

Three Sleepers

1. Geovany Soto – He has a great batting eye and some pop to go with it. Could end up being the starter in 2008.

2. Carlos Marmol – Insane stuff. Strikes out batters in bunches. Closer in the making.

3. Felix Pie – 2007 was one year too soon. This will be the year he breaks out.