Contrary to the results earlier this week, the Cubs are not a series-winning team. Three and four run outputs aren't going to take down many teams come June and I don't think the spring winds off the lake are the only impediment to an offensive outburst from this club. Cubs starters have shown they can throw 5+ strong innings, but haven't shown the ability to cover up for the miserable bullpen by finishing strong late in games. The defense--albeit with improvements in the outfield minus Byrd and infield minus Ramirez--continues to be among the worst in baseball.
That said, it's time for Cubs fans, as many of us already have, to get comfortable aiming for middling results. The purpose of the 2012 season doesn't necessarily stray from doing what it takes to win ballgames--it just shifts from the absolute goal of winning a postseason bid to more individualistic (and attainable) goals of developing each player to the point of either (A) understanding their usefulness as they move towards contention or (B) showcasing their ability to current contenders in hopes of a better return.
Over the next four days, I'll explore some moves that would cut the final ties to the Hendry era and deconstruct the team into the building blocks of a future contender.
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Series
Introduction
Part I: Sell on Soto
Part I: Sell on Soto
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