Post by Yankees GM (Trent) on Mar 7, 2012 13:12:47 GMT -4
Associated Press 3/7/12:
The Chicago Cubs are anticipating the 2012 season with much fanfare. A lackluster bunch in 2011, who took everyone by surprise when they made it to the National League Championship Series, has many new faces.
They have brought on board young hitters such as Ike Davis, Jose Altuve, and Jerry Sands with hopes to anchor the lineup around Starlin Castro for many years to come. However, their biggest additions came in the form of David Wright, a superstar third basemen in his prime, and Jay Bruce, the 24 year-old slugger who will provide much power in the heart of this team's lineup.
The team also revamped its starting rotation, with second-year pitcher Brandon Beachy headlining the staff. He had a superb rookie season for the Braves and is widely viewed as a top young pitcher. Also newcomers Homer Bailey, Juan Nicasio, Jordan Lyles, and Tommy Milone hope to build upon their short career in the major leagues so far. These five starters, with the addition of veteran A.J. Burnett and international free agent Wei-Yin Chen, hope to anchor the pitching staff well into the future.
Cubs GM Trent aka "Theo Epstein" stated in an interview, "We are very excited about what our young additions can bring to the franchise for many years to come. We feel we have made the necessary moves to compete in the NL Central this year and well into the future. We had to make some tough decisions this offseason...we wish well to the players who are no longer with us but they understand that this team needed to rebuild from the ground up." The GM was referring to hideous contracts with Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Zambrano, and Kosuke Fukudome, who never lived up to expectations.
The air in the city of Chicago is alive with excitement surrounding the young team. This city no longer views the franchise as "cursed" after last year's run at the title. Locals have gone so far as to call the Cubs "Epstein's Dream Team".
-AP
The Chicago Cubs are anticipating the 2012 season with much fanfare. A lackluster bunch in 2011, who took everyone by surprise when they made it to the National League Championship Series, has many new faces.
They have brought on board young hitters such as Ike Davis, Jose Altuve, and Jerry Sands with hopes to anchor the lineup around Starlin Castro for many years to come. However, their biggest additions came in the form of David Wright, a superstar third basemen in his prime, and Jay Bruce, the 24 year-old slugger who will provide much power in the heart of this team's lineup.
The team also revamped its starting rotation, with second-year pitcher Brandon Beachy headlining the staff. He had a superb rookie season for the Braves and is widely viewed as a top young pitcher. Also newcomers Homer Bailey, Juan Nicasio, Jordan Lyles, and Tommy Milone hope to build upon their short career in the major leagues so far. These five starters, with the addition of veteran A.J. Burnett and international free agent Wei-Yin Chen, hope to anchor the pitching staff well into the future.
Cubs GM Trent aka "Theo Epstein" stated in an interview, "We are very excited about what our young additions can bring to the franchise for many years to come. We feel we have made the necessary moves to compete in the NL Central this year and well into the future. We had to make some tough decisions this offseason...we wish well to the players who are no longer with us but they understand that this team needed to rebuild from the ground up." The GM was referring to hideous contracts with Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Zambrano, and Kosuke Fukudome, who never lived up to expectations.
The air in the city of Chicago is alive with excitement surrounding the young team. This city no longer views the franchise as "cursed" after last year's run at the title. Locals have gone so far as to call the Cubs "Epstein's Dream Team".
-AP
