The Cubs have played poorly in the first half of the 2009 season, However, they are still in contention and if they can fill the following needs they just might make the playoffs for the third straight season.
Catching: Geovany Soto is off to a slow start which I believe a big part is due to the departure of Henry Blanco. Koyie Hill has done a fine job as the backup, but Blanco was a big support system for Soto.
NEED: Pick up Blanco if the opportunity arises
Firstbase: Derek Lee started out very poor but has come on strong. Lou needs to continue to push him with the idea of playing Hoffpauir more.
NEED: Keep the pressure on Lee
Secondbase: Fontenot is not the answer and neither is Baker!
NEED: Replacement
Thirdbase: It will be a welcome sight to see a healthy Aramis Ramirez back at third. However, if he performs well I believe it would be wise to more him for an productive middle infielder.
NEED: Possibly move Ramirez
Shortstop: Ryan Theroit is a nice ballplayer but for the Cubs to get to the next level they need a shortstop of much better calibur. In game one of Sunday's doubleheader he looked more like a little leaguer than a major leaguer. In the second inning Fukudome fooled Ludwick into believing he would catch Thurston's hit only to have Theroit standing at short rather than at second base where he belonged. Then in the fifth he drops Pujols (sun battled) pop up which landed directly in his glove.
NEED: Replace Theroit
Leftfield: What can I say, the Cubs a stuck with Soriano so we can only hope he gets into one of his hot streaks real soon.
NEED: Soriano to get hot
Centerfield: Fukudome has cooled and I believe Fuld should be the everyday centerfielder until he proves he should not
NEED: Relace Fukuedome with Fuld
Rightfield: Bradley has come around a bit and gives 100% effort but is not a championship type ballplayer. His baserunning blunders are proof enough. Hoffpauir may not be the answer but the Cubs need to find out what he can do when allowed to play on a daily basis.
NEED: Get Hoofpauir's lefthanded bat (with power) into the line up.
Pitching: I believe for the most part the Cubs have the pitching to get the job done.
NEED: To workout a few kinks but pitching should not be a problem.
The Cubs needs are simple, other than the idea of moving Ramirez for a productive middle infielder. If the Cubs can do that, I believe they have a chance to surpass the Cards and win the Central. If not, it will be a long offseason for the Cubs.
GO CUBS GO

