Pre-Spring Training Projected Cubs 25 man roster and Lineups/Rotations

It's that time of year again, Spring Training! The Cubs come into this spring with many questions in their rosters with a busy season full of signings, trades, and releases. Today I'm going to take a look at what the Cub's 25 man roster might look like come the start of April.

Lineup:

1. RF - David DeJesus: I wasn't completely sold on the early signing of DeJesus. Although I was somewhat put to rest after the trade of Tyler Colvin to the Rockies, but I still am not 100% on it considering it's a pretty crowded outfield with strong up and coming talent. I do feel that he is the best we can do, right now. Hopefully DeJesus can finally be the go to leadoff guy the Cubs have been searching years for.

2. 2B - Darwin Barney: Really no question here, Barney coming off a great rookie of the year potential season (Barney received 7th place in the RoY votings) in which he put up a .279 AVG.

3. SS - Starlin Castro: Another no brainer here in my opinion. There was some debate among others as Castro didn't put up his best numbers from the three-hole. But I think you should always put your best hitter in the 3rd spot in the lineup.

4. 1B - Bryan LaHair: This could come as a surprise to some people, but it's justified. LaHair coming off an absolutely outstanding year both in the minors and his limit time in Chicago. LaHair was the PCL MVP and was in the top of all major hitting statistical categories in AAA. The only question is how long of a leash will LaHair have with young phenom Anthony Rizzo, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Andrew Cashner trade, waiting in the wings presumably in AAA Iowa.

5. CF - Marlon Byrd: I see no reason for Marlon Byrd to not be in his usual fifth spot this year. Byrd is supposedly coming into spring training 20-30 lbs. lighter after intense offseason martial arts workouts. This could be because Marlon has a slew of top prospects waiting to take his spot, such as Brett Jackson, Matt Szczur, and Dave Sappelt. But Marlon will start the season as the starting CF.

6. LF - Alfonso Soriano: Sori has had quite a journey along the cubs lineup card, quite possibly batting at every single spot in the order. May I remind you that he was signed in hopes of being the starting CF and leadoff hitter *cringes*. I think that Soriano will find himself in the 6th hole this year. Much like Byrd, Soriano had those same rookies on his tail

7. C - Geovany Soto: Notice a common theme here, another Cubs player with a rookie on his tail. Geo hasn't quite lived up to his potential since his Rookie of the Year season, and any more drop off could find him on the trading block, and on the bench watching Welington Castillo behind the plate. But for now, Geo will start the season in the 7 hole behind the plate.

8. 3B - Ian Stewart: I'm really not quite sure what to think yet of Ian Stewart. Much like the player he was traded for, Tyler Colvin, he has loads of potential but just hasn't quite released it yet. Cub fans are hoping he can replace the power and reliability of newly departed Aramis Ramirez, but until then he will be lower in the order.

9. P - Pitcher's Spot.

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Bench:

C Jason Jaramillo: With my talk of Welington Castillo above, you'd might expect him here. But being a backup catcher would be a tough thing for a young guy to do. With Koyie Hill gone, the Cubs just need that guy who could start once a week and not complain about it. I think veteran Jason Jaramillo can fill that role. Castillo will be starting everyday in AAA Iowa.

OF Tony Campana: Arguably one of the fastest players in the league. Campana had some high energy moment last year and hopefully can continue that off the bench. Campana hopefully improved his hitting from last season which would make him even more valuable. Tony can provide a spark off the bench as a pinch runner and get a start every now and then when Marlon Byrd needs a day.

OF Reed Johnson: Despite all of the outfield talent in the farm. Seasoned veteran Reed Johnson should find himself back on the Cubs bench this year. Hopefully his injuries are no longer an issue or can be controlled as they plagued his season last year. Reed Johnson can provide some pop off the bench and also give the corner outfield spots a day off. I also believe Reed will retain his unofficial role of "Late inning fielding substitution to Alfonso Soriano."

UTIL Jeff Baker: Much like Reed Johnson, Jeff Baker should find himself back as well. His versatility is key as he can virtually play all of the infield and outfield spots. Baker is one of the Cubs most underrated assets.

UTIL Blake DeWitt: DeWitt has been in a little bit of limbo as of recent with him being DFA'd but ultimately coming back to the team as a Non-Roster Invite. I do feel though that he will end up on the team. His versatility similar to Baker and his solid lefty bat off the bench can't be passed up

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Rotation:

The rotation is looking to be quite the log jam this year with nearly 11 potential candidates. Two of which have guaranteed spots so it could be 9 guys fighting for 3 spots. And rightfully so after early injuries in the Cubs rotation last year put the season off on a rough start. No clue what the Cubs do with the guys who don't make it.

1. Matt Garza: Don't need to explain here.

2. Ryan Dempster: Nothing to say here either, keep scrolling!

3. Chris Volstad: ALRIGHT, let's get this mess sorted out! I think at the end of the day the #3 spot will go to Chris Volstad. Volstad if you remember was the player swapped for Carlos Zambrano (Thank God!). Volstad had a rather unimpressive season last year but I think he can turn it back around this season.

4. Randy Wells: Randy had some tough moments last season which started out with an injury during his first start. He actually ended up with a season that wasn't too bad. I think he finds himself back in the rotation this year, where hopefully he can finally maximize his potential.

5. Paul Maholm: Maholm was a late offseason signing which was key since he will be the only lefty in the Cubs rotation. Maholm wraps up the rotation at the 5 spot.

(Guys left out: Travis Wood, Casey Colman, Jay Jackson, Trey McNutt, Chris Rusin [AAA Iowa rotation] Jeff Samardzija, James Russell [Bullpen] Trever Miller, Rodrigo Lopez [Released])

Bullpen

LRP - James Russell - Russell will remain the spot start and long relief guy this year.

MRP - Andy Sonnanstine - The Sonnanstine signing bring some much needed veteran presence to the bullpen.

MRP - John Gaub - Gaub had an outstanding year in AAA last year and will find himself as the lefty specialist.

MRP - Manuel Corpas - Similar to Sonnanstine, Corpas can bring some good veteran presence. Has a good career ERA, a shade under 4.

7th Inning - Jeff Samardzija - Theres talks right now of Jeff being stretched out to be in the rotation. I disagree with this because the rotation is already jammed full, and the presence of Sean Marshall will need to be replaced in the bullpen. Hopefully the Cubs abandon the plans of Samardzija in the rotation. Unless they make a move somewhere.

8th Inning - Kerry Wood - The Cubs had a bit of a contract scare with Wood that almost landed him in Philadelphia. The Cubs managed to get him back and he will be in his normal 8th inning spot.

9th Inning - Carlos Marmol - Consistency. Please.