With Ryan Dempster moving into the rotation, who is the closer? And can Ryan Dempster even handle a move into the rotation?

Where They Are Coming From

General manager Jim Hendry committed some $300 million dollars in payroll during the winter before the 2007 season to completely recast the Cubs. New manager Lou Pinella brought a little attitude and swagger to the clubhouse, and the players responded by taking the team from worst to first in the NL Central. The Cubs compiled a record of 85-77 to take the division and earn the right to play in the NLDS. Their post-season hopes were short-lived though, as the Arizona Diamondbacks swept the Cubs in three straight.

As the Cubs turned their attention towards 2008, they had a number of decisions to make regarding personnel. First, they needed to take a hard look at catcher Geovany Soto to decide if he was to be their catcher going forward. Second, the pitching rotation is pretty set for four of the slots, but the fifth starter has yet to be determined. Ryan Dempster, who has been the closer for two seasons, has expressed a desire to start again, and will likely get that chance. This means the team needs to find a closer to replace him. Kerry Wood’s name has come up as a possibility, though there are several other pitchers already on the team who might be better choices. The Cubs also needed to figure out center field. Can Lou Pinella trust Felix Pie, or is there another move ahead?

Players Lost

• Outfielder Cliff Floyd, Catcher Jason Kendall, and Pitchers Steve Trachsel and Mark Prior filed for free agency.

• Outfielder Jacque Jones was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Infielder Omar Infante.

• Outfielder Craig Monroe was traded to the Minnesota Twins for a player to be named.

• Infielder Omar Infante and Pitcher Will Ohman were traded to the Atlanta Braves for Pitcher Jose Ascanio.

• Outfielder Angel Pagan was traded to the NY Mets for Pitcher Ryan Meyers and Outfielder Corey Coles.

Players Added

• Pitcher Jose Ascanio was acquired from the Atlanta Braves.

• Pitcher Tim Lahey was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays.

• Japanese League Free Agent Outfielder Kosuke Fukodome was signed to a four- year contract.

• Pitcher Ryan Myers and Outfielder Corey Coles were acquired from the NY Mets.

• Free Agent Pitcher Jon Lieber was signed to a one-year contract

Moves Still to Come

As of this writing, it appears the Cubs only real need is a back up infielder. They are taking a long look at Ronny Cedeno, who us coming off a MVP-type performance for Venezuela in the Winter Leagues. He could end up being the answer for their bench and infield depth. The team has cleaned house of all the players they added during last season to make their post season run. They have added pitching depth and have eight starters competing for the five rotation slots, along with plenty of arms in the bullpen. It appears they are going to go with Pie in center, Soto behind the plate, and Theriot at shortstop, so the youth movement is in full swing in Chicago.

What to Watch in Spring Training

There are no obvious position battles among the starters on the team who appear pretty well set. There could be some competition among the back ups though, particularly in the infield where Ronny Cedeno appears to be the favorite. There are two pitching competitions to watch. The first is at closer, where Carlos Marmol, Bobby Howry, and Kerry Wood are all hoping for a shot at the job. Howry and Marmol have some experience, and they certainly have the stuff and the makeup for the job. But Wood has to be the sentimental favorite. He desperately wants some job with the club. His starting days are over, so this is his last chance to make an impact for the team. The other competition for a job will be for the final rotation spot. Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Jon Leiber, and Rich Hill all seem to have slots locked up. The fifth slot will go to Ryan Dempster, Sean Marshall, or Jason Marquis. Other than those battles, all eyes will be on the youngsters up the middle. Geovany Soto, Ryan Theriot, and Felix Pie will all need to be consistent and produce in order to gain Lou Pinella’s trust.

The following players were signed to minor league deals and given non-roster invitations to Spring Training; Pitchers Edward Campusano, EsmailinCaridad, Jose Ceda, Chad Fox, Geoffrey Jones, Mike Smith, Shingo Takatsu, and Les Walrond. Catchers Wellington Castillo, JD Closser, Josh Donaldson, and Koyie Hill. Infielders Andres Blanco, Luis Figueroa, Micah Hoffpauir, Casey McGehee, and Bobby Scales. Outfielders Tyler Colvin, Josh Kroeger, and Andres Torres.