From: 00jlbrash@leo.bsuvc.bsu.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Maduux gone, Cubs alive?
Date: 24 Nov 92 00:01:08 GMT
Organization: Ball State University, Muncie, In - Univ. Computing Svc's

In article <1992Nov23.213945.25116@netcom.com>, arrow@netcom.com (Les Arrow) writes:
> In article <wstuartj.722533825@lucky.ecn.purdue.edu> wstuartj@lucky.ecn.purdue.edu (W Stuart Jones) writes:
>>arrow@netcom.com (Les Arrow) writes:
>>>Personally, I think the Cubs are only a few players from having a darn good
>>>team. 
>>
>>...bunches deleted...
>>
>>>I picture a lineup of:
>>>______
>>>Grace 1B
>>>Sandberg 2B
>>>_______
>>>_______
>>>Sosa CF
>>>Duunston SS
>>>Sanchez 3B
>>>Pitcher
>>
>>WOW!  Those are some big holes! I guess you're saying that all the Cubs need
>>to be a good team is a lead off hitter, a # four and # five hitter....Isn't
>>that what every team needs?
>>--
> 
> You're right. And with Rick Wilkins, who I mistakenly forgot, it makes things
> a bit more complicated. It also makes me adjust my lineup.
> 
> ______
> Sanchez 3B
> Grace 1B
> Sandberg 2B
> ______
> Sosa CF
> Dunston SS
> Wilkins C
> Pitcher
> 
> So that leaves a leadoff man and a 5th guy to replace Dawson. Ok, the lineup
> is mediocre. But if they can land Smiley, I'd like their starting pitching.
> Also, despite their dismal season in the bullpen last year, I am optimistic.
> 
> I think the Cubs will fill the Dawson hole if not with Dawson himself and
> probably struggle in the lead-off spot as usual. Still, my early read is 
> they'll be competitive.
Everyone is forgetting Derrick May. I'll bet he will hit 20 homers and bat .300
if he starts he is a perfect 5 hitter and would be all right in the 4 spot. If
Sosa can even come close to living up to his potential. (Lets be conservative
15hr's and bat .240) the offense will be all right.

Look at this.
1. Dunston  10hr .280   Everyone forgets he was hitting over 300 before injury
2. Sandberg 20hr .290   Did anyone else think he was dogging at times in 92?
3. Grace    15hr .320   He's tearing up the Japs
4. ??????   ?????????   Probably a free agent (Carter or Pucket)
5. May      20hr .290   See above (Looks like a young Durham)
6. Sosa     15hr .240   This spot is the weakness
7. Buschele 15hr .270   Descent player, dependable perfect 6 man 
8. Wilkins  15hr .250   Wilkins is very well thought of around the league

Looks pretty good if we just get a clean up hitter. The reason I said Carter or
Pucket is because Carter came up in the Cubs organization and Pucket has said
he would like to play in Chicago. Keep in mind Bonds said he wouldn't mind
playing in Chicago. But I don't think Himes will pursue Bonds, Bonds isnt a
classy player like Himes like. Pucket and Carter are classy players. Plus if
the Cubs are going to resign Maddux or sign another pitcher they won't have
enough money. Keep in mind the Cubs are not a poor team they have money. And
also keep in mind the lineup posted above would be one of the best in the
league in defense, no weaknesses all are good fielders. What worries me is the
bench. It is very thin. Sanchez is about all thier is and the minors don't hold
much. Oh well, all opinions
							Cubs 93
							Brian