NEWSLETTER
Although we don’t yet have the ZiPS projection (possibly the most accurate of the projection systems – though they’re all very close) for the Chicago Cubs in 2015, it’s worth a periodic check-in with the projections we do have available to see how the Cubs are looking as the offseason unfolds.
I think most folks who follow the Cubs closely would agree that, although there has been a clear organizational need for impact pitching for a long time, the greater concern in the near-term is the offense. That was the case each of the last few years – when the front office did an impressive job of putting together a competitive rotation without a (perceived as) major acquisition or prospect emergence – and it looks to be the case in 2015. Yes, the Cubs have a ton of offensive upside in 2015 and beyond, but it’s not necessarily something the team can count on, especially in 2015 when so much of the talent will be young, and relatively new to facing MLB pitching.
Thus, I’d like to see the Cubs add a significant bat for 2015. That may or may not happen, based on what opportunities present themselves, and I’m not saying the Cubs should trade the farm for a short-term upgrade.
But when I look at the Cubs’ 2015 Steamer projections, I can’t help but notice some things:
But, as I sit here on a Friday afternoon thinking things over, I notice that the Cardinals project to have seven above-average offensive regulars and the Pirates project to have five. Heck, the Brewers project to have six, and the Reds project to have four.
No, offense isn’t everything. No, projections aren’t everything, either. But, on paper, at this moment in the offseason, the Cubs’ offense doesn’t look like a strength.
Fortunately, the Cubs look to have solid pitching. Further, there’s a few months left in the offseason. And finally, the Cubs have more offensive upside than any team in the NL Central (if everything went right, I mean), and I don’t think it’s particularly close.
I’m just saying I’d feel a lot better with another bat.
