Thoughts on Cubs Outfield in 2009

**Showtime** · 01-21-2009, 01:18 PM

So, the Cubs signed Milton Bradley, as you probably know. While that's been the headline, the Cubs have also invited So Taguchi to Spring Training.

Pending the signing of Taguchi, what do you think of the new additions to the Cubs outfield? How does it stack up to the MLB's best?

**HILLCYD** · 01-21-2009, 01:19 PM

Personally I am expecting to see a Milton vs Carlos brawl in the dugout by June.

**mwitt** · 01-21-2009, 01:22 PM

So Taguchi is a probably an insignificant signing. He's been good in the past, but calling his 2008 "bad" is putting it mildly, and he's old. He probably won't make the active roster.

On paper, their OF should be a productive group. The problem is their outfielders seem to be made of paper, too.

**cycloneman003** · 01-21-2009, 01:25 PM

i really dont think there will be ANY dugout tussles this season. this team is gonna have very good chemistry. it will be a fabulous hitting outfield, but a lackluster defensive one.

LF: Soriano, Johnson, Gaithright
CF: Fukudome, Johnson, Gaithright
RF: Bradley, Fukudome, Gaithright

...my assesment of the depth chart. Taguchi probably wont make the opening day roster

**Swanson10** · 01-21-2009, 01:25 PM

I am looking forward to it as long as Milton keeps his head on straight. It will be nice to see what a few more lefty's do to the line-up. I wouldn't mind a mix up of lee and aram to see what that could bring. seems those two need some kind of boost, yea i know they had decent numbers, but i would still like to see it.

**Showtime** · 01-21-2009, 01:28 PM

I think there's a good possibility the Cubs make the playoffs again this year, I just hope we pull together and advance past the first round. The hitting these past two postseasons for the Cubs has been disappointing, especially in 2008. For a team that was hitting on all cylinders in the regular season, we really struggled in the post-season.

**Clone_12** · 01-21-2009, 01:29 PM

I'm very excited about Milton Bradley coming on board...anytime you can add a guy with an obp over .400 that's a good thing in my book...I think the pitching staff will be great again, whether or not Harden is healthy...but I'd be a lot more excited about the lineup if the said someone other than Soriano was gonna leadoff...all he does is hit bad pitching now-and he's has far too many slumps, and too low of an obp to be a leadoff man...that being said, they should be good enough to win the division again this year.

**Clones21** · 01-21-2009, 01:30 PM

I like it! Cmon cubbies!

**mwitt** · 01-21-2009, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by cycloneman003

i really dont think there will be ANY dugout tussles this season. this team is gonna have very good chemistry.

What do you base this on?

**mwitt** · 01-21-2009, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Showtime

I think there's a good possibility the Cubs make the playoffs again this year, I just hope we pull together and advance past the first round.

I'll be surprised if they don't make the playoffs. They have far and away the most talent in the NL Central.

**gocubs2118** · 01-21-2009, 01:34 PM

NL Central is fairly weak this year. No team other than the Cubs should win more than 85 games. The goal is to make the playoffs and hopefully this year we can get hot at the right time.

**pyrocyz** · 01-21-2009, 01:36 PM

I will be amazed if Bradley starts more than 115 games for you.

On that note, I will be surprised if Harden makes it all the way to the end of the season.

**CubsnClones** · 01-21-2009, 01:39 PM

If Milton can adjust to the National League, He'll be fine. His attitude has improved as he's matured significantly. Just remember though, Milton was primarily a DH, so his defensive skills is what worries me..

Look for the Cubs to bring on a Japanese hitting coach for Kosuke. He'll platoon with Reed Johnson in center. We'll be solid there!

Soriano? Who knows what game he'll get hurt, then be out for two months on IR..

**cycloneman003** · 01-21-2009, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by mwitt

What do you base this on?

the fact that milton bradley has matured, and big Z didnt have any out bursts last year. plus with loads of veterans on this team i dont expect any ******** getting started by retards like Barrett that one season.

**cycloneman003** · 01-21-2009, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by ajsp

I will be amazed if Bradley starts more than 115 games for you.

On that note, I will be surprised if Harden makes it all the way to the end of the season.

i will be amazed if your bullpen doesnt lose 40 games for you this year.

i think there is just a touch of jealous that your team has been and will be behind the cubs in the NL central