Chicago Cubs 2009 Lineup Preview

Is it “Next Year” yet? I sure hope so. Getting swept out of the playoffs was pretty rough in 2007. To see it happen again in 2008 was just inexcusable. The Cubs agree. They have taken steps to ensure their ball club can compete in October. Below is the projected starting lineup for the 2009 Cubs. It looks a little different than last year, but also has a lot of familiar faces. Numbers in parenthesis are my projected stats for 2009. Catcher - Geovany Soto (.290/25 HR/90 RBI) - Reigning Rookie of the Year will improve on a stellar rookie campaign. He will have protection in this lineup so he should continue to see good pitches. I think another standout year as the best offensive catcher isn’t out of the question for Soto. First base - Derrek Lee (.300/18 HR/78 RBI) - Entering his 13 MLB season DLee has some mileage on him. I would say that as a hitter he’s on the downside of his career. His 2008 stats .291/20/91 were about the same as his 2007 stats .317/22/82. I ... (link)