Chicago Cubs Preview
It’s the same story for the Chicago Cubs early on in 2006 as it has been the
past couple years. Their pitching staff can’t get healthy. Kerry Wood and Mark
Prior remain 2 of the top pitching talents in the league, but it’s beginning to
look like they may never get a chance to shine as their injuries keep piling up.
However, Greg Maddux, who has gotten off to slow starts the past several
seasons, is off to a great start in 2006. If he keeps throwing like the ace that
he was in Atlanta, it will go a long way toward keeping the Cubs right in the
thick of things in the NL Central until the rest of the Cubs starting pitching
staff can get healthy.
Derek Lee is another player who has notoriously started slow in his career,
until last season when he had a MVP caliber year, but he is off to a solid start
in 2006. The addition of Juan Pierre fills a huge void in the Cubs lineup as
Corey Patterson wasn’t consistent enough in the lead off spot and struck out too
much trying to hit the long ball. Pierre provides the Cubs with a natural lead
off hitter who has great instincts on the base paths. Pierre getting on base
with Lee and Aramis Ramirez hitting behind him should be a good recipe for
success. I also expect solid numbers from second baseman, Todd Walker, and left
fielder, Matt Murton.
Chicago Cubs fans are hoping that the 2006 season won’t end with the same
disappointment that Cubs fans have come to expect from their team. I do think
they have made enough off season moves to get back in contention for the NL
Central, but ultimately I think they’ll play second fiddle to the Cardinals. But
you never know. If the Cubs talented pitching staff can get healthy, they may be
able to catch some fire down the stretch of the season and make a run at St.
Louis. But because the NL Central is such a tough division, you won’t be able to
find much value in betting on the Cubs within their division. It’s too
unpredictable. However, there is some value in going against the Cubs at Wrigley
field. The Cubs are a team like the New Yok Yankees who get quite a bit of
public attention. They will be favored at Wrigley virtually every game and if
you pick your spots, you’ll be able to make some nice profits on underdogs going
against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
The 2006 Chicago Cubs could have the makings of a good totals team. When their
aces are on the mound, the under is usually a safe bet. However, the Cubs are a
good homerun hitting team. They have the ability to put a lot of runs on the
board, and sometimes the books will over compensate for the Cubs touted pitching
staff. This situation will enable us to take advantage of these bookmakers gifts
and cash in on several overs during the course of the season as well.
2006 Baseball Previews
Baseball Picks
by Jimmy Boyd
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