Up to MLB Free Picks

posted March 28, 2008 at 15:54 in MLB Free Picks

Starting Pitching:

The Chicago Cubs return the same rotation, which is good enough to win them the NL Central division again, but with raised expectations, there is no certainty that this staff can take them to the World Series.

Carlos Zambrano has Cy Young potential but he also has his fat new contract now. He holds the keys to the rotation as the ace.

Ted Lilly is the reliable second man while the No. 3 role will go to former closer, Ryan Dempster. Rich Hill looked very strong at times last season but has walked a lot of hitters in spring training. Behind him is Jason Marquis.

Jon Lieber, who was moved to the bullpen, is also in the mix in case anyone should falter.

The rotation seems solid but not particularly overwhelming. If Hill could establish himself as a legitimate No. 2 pitcher and allow Lilly to slide to the third slot, the Cubs would in fact have the constituents for a post-season run.

Relief Pitching:

The Cubs are stocked in the bullpen, particularly at the back end where they held a spring-long competition.

Kerri Wood takes over the closers role after beating out Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry. Marmol and Howry have shown that they can handle the seventh and eighth innings successfully, which should allow the Cubs to shorten games. Add Michael Wuertz to the mix and an improving Kevin Hart and the Cubs should have a very strong relief corps.

Scott Eyre is the token lefty and Sean Marshall is there as well. Some might argue that this team could use an upgraded southpaw in the bullpen.

Hitting:

Lou Pinella has used more lineup than Larry Brown’s New York Knicks and some constancy would allow the hitters to get comfortable.

Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez are sure to hit in the heart of the order and they supply the power.

The main question surrounds Japanese import Kosuke Fukudome, who has a good on-base percentage and would likely be best-suited for the top – or near the top – of the order.

Alfonso Soriano could hit leadoff again but it puts some of his power to waste. He hit a ton of solo shots last season that could have easily been two- or three-run shots.

Catcher Geovany Soto is supposed to be on the cusp while Felix Pie will likely share time with Reed Johnson at the bottom of the order.

This will be a premier lineup if Fukudome makes a seamless transition to the Major Leagues and the Cubs can find someone to hit in front of Soriano. Otherwise it is just solid.

Regular Season Win Total: 88

It has been 100 years since the Cubs last won a World Series but count me in among the people that believe that this might be a magical season.

The pitching looks strong and deep, the bullpen can be counted on and the hitting should get a boost from Fukudome. A mid-season trade for Brian Roberts and another quality lefty in the bullpen might be the final pieces to get the Cubs to the World Series.

Free Pick: Over 88 wins

Go to the BetUS sportsbook today and take a swing at Major League Baseball online betting. We have the most current baseball odds and lines, as well as player, game and series props throughout the MLB baseball season. To help you bet on sports, check out the Free Picks section of the Locker Room for sports betting free picks and predictions. Join BetUS to experience the best in online sports betting action!