Cubs look ahead-The Outfield

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The Cubs outfield is still somewhat in flux as we head in to 56 and the real determining factor is whether or not they start the season with Big George Altman, or if he starts the season at AAA, which seems probable at this point. As of now it looks like the Cubs OF will look like this:

CF-Johhny Groth. Groth had a nice bounceback season last year and gave Cubs GM Andersen more of what he THOUGHT he was getting when he signed him to a nearly 4.7 million dollar contract prior to the 55 season. Got on base at a .340 clip, set career highs in doubles(31) and homers(13) all while playing stellar defense. Still has 3 more years left on that contract and it doesn't seem Andersen has any real interest in moving him at this point. Was forced in to the #3 batting spot last year and may end up there again this year. Cubs would prefer to see him hitting second.

LF-Bob Hazle. Hazle held his own as a rookie last year hitting .285 with 26 doubles anda .356 OBP primarily against right handers. Cubs are going to let him play more against lefties this year and see how he does. The power is still developing, he hit only four homers last year, and the Cubs think he can hit in the low to mid 20's, but the OBP makes up for the lack of power at this point. Started hitting low in the lineup, got moved all the way up to leadoff at one point. Has been involved in some trade conversations because the Cubs have so much depth behind him, but it looks at this point like he's staying put.

RF-Preston Ward? If Altman starts the season at AAA, which looks likely at this point, Ward probably gets one more chance to show he can hit big league pitching. It's a temporary fix, but the Cubs would like to have Ward show that he can at least be a contributing lefty off the bench when Altman inevitably gets called up as they are short of lefty bench bats.
He'll be in a platoon situation with either............

OF-Solly Drake. Cubs like what Drake brings to the table, only real speed they have on the major league roster and had a very nice major league debut last year after destroying AAA pitching. Hit .329 with four homers in only 149 AB's last season after his callup, primarily against left handed pitching. Only stole one base, but has speed to steal more. In 232 AAA AB's he hit 5 homers and stole 9 bases while hitting .345. The other platoon option in the OF would be.............

OF-Eric Rodin. Some question about Rodin's future at this point. Has been the right handed part of an OF platoon the last 2 years and his stats are underwhelming. .241/.317/.655 with 10 homers in 453 AB's. Rodin has power, and actually his talent makes one think he could even eventually possibly be an every day OF, but the results are not there yet. Plays great D, which keeps him viable. If the bat doesn't heat up this year Rodin may start looking more like AAAA material.

OF-George Altman, THE future. Altman is close, but right now it looks like the Cubs prefer to start him at AAA and let him earn his shot. Last year, in his first full AAA season he hit .271/.349/.829 with 23 homers and 18 steals. In 674 AAA AB's he now has 30 homers and 25 steals. Cubs want to make sure that once he's up, he's up to stay and it will be a shock if he's not roaming Wrigley by late spring/early summer.

We'll look at the minor league outfielders next...........

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Waiting in the wings...................

The closest to being ready besides Altman is..........

Don Robertson. Roberson regained his top prospect status last year after struggling to hit lower level minor league pitching. Hit .274/.389/.844 at AA with 21 doubles and 12 homers 347 AB's before getting 107 AB's in AAA and holding his own there. He's better defensively than Hazle and looks to have similar power with maybe a better OBP but with a lower batting average. His development is what has the Cubs debating moving Hazle. Will probably spend the year at AAA which would make him a 26 year old rookie next year.

Mike Solomko. Still only 19, has kind of gotten lost in the shuffle when it comes to prospect lists, but more because of the talent the Cubs have added than anything he has or has not done. Was OK at AA last year after a slow start. Only hit .250 but did have 20 homers. Still projects as a high average/high power guy and now looks like he'll settle in as an OF after being drafted as a 1B. Cubs have a backlog of good corner OF types so not surprising to hear his name in trade talks this winter either.

Willie Kirkland. Another guy who doesn't get the praise some other guys do, but Cubs still like his power/speed combo. Spent his first full year at AAA as a 21 year old and struggled as one might expect. Hit only .247 with a .316 OBP but did have 13 homers and 17 steals. Will probably spend another year at AAA so management can see what they have. Has top of lineup potential if he can hit enough.

Lou Johnson. While Cubs have discussed some of their higher rated OF's in potential deals, every time Johnson's name comes up it's end of discussion. Cubs really see him taking over CF for Johnny Groth in a few years. Plays great D, has decent pop and great speed. After putting up HUGE numbers in A ball at the start of the 54 season, he's now had 671 AA AB's where he's accumulated 12 homers and 45 steals, but he's still struggling to hit for average. Cubs think the bat comes around and he's only 21 so still has lots of time.

Ellis Burton. Cubs 5th round pick in last years amateur draft, proved quickly he was too advanced for A ball and got promoted to AA where he held his own hitting .282 with 9 homers in 330 AB's. Buried on the OF depth chart behind lots of good young hitting prospects. His defense is a liability and may make it tough for him to find the field. May end up more of a bench guy.

Roger Marquis. Cubs 7th round pick last year, only 18, did a decent job between A and AA hitting 8 homers in 310 AB's. Buried right now but still very young and lots of time to develop.

[CSCommish]

4 pts