Cubs' Team Preview: Here We Go Again

The new regime of president Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer did not get off on a good foot in 2012. The Cubs lost over 100 games for the first time in nearly 50 years, and with Houston gone to the American League and the Pirates showing some signs of life, 2013 could bring their first last-place finish since 2006.

Epstein and Hoyer are preaching patience, and there are some good young players in the pipeline, but the 2013 version of the Cubs doesn't look significantly better than the one thrown out there in 2012. Much of the offseason was spent signing castoffs and mediocrities, particularly to fill out the pitching staff. The Cubs offense – led by Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo – might score a few runs, but not enough to overcome a shaky starting rotation and bullpen, and there are more than enough holes in the starting lineup as well. Youngsters Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, and Albert Almora can't get here fast enough.


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