As a Cubs fan my season ended a long time ago, so I've spent the last month or two thinking about signings for 2011. Here are a few names for Jim
Hendry and company to consider:
1. Adam Dunn-To me this move is beyond obvious. The Cubs have a hole at 1B, and they desperately need offense. Say what you want about Dunn's defense and batting average, but he's a walking machine with big-time power. This move alone would make the Cubs better in 2011.
2. Lance
Berkman, Carlos Pena- If the Cubs don't want to break out the checkbook for Adam Dunn,
Berkman or Pena might be a nice one-year fit (no multi-year deals here). Both are coming off down seasons, so the price tag might be Cub friendly. Either would be a low-risk, high-reward acquisition.
3. David Ross- Enough with
Koyie Hill already. The Cubs need a solid backup catcher who can actually swing the bat. David Ross has shown decent pop and plate discipline in his nine-year career. A one-year, $1.5 million contract should get the job done.
4. Scott Downs, J.J. Putz, Matt Thornton- The Cubs will have to overpay for one of these plus relievers, but they really don't have a choice. The bullpen was beyond awful in 2010, and that's with career years from Marshall and
Marmol. Both are likely to take a step backwards in 2011, so depth is critical.
5. Plan B Relievers- If the Cubs don't land one or more from the list above, these arms (if healthy) probably wouldn't kill them: Jeremy Affeldt, Grant Balfour, Chad Qualls, or Jason Frasor. Not exactly exciting, but potentially useful.
