By Pete Schwichtenberg @schwick26_pete on December 15, 2014
Predicting the Chicago Cubs' 2015 Starting Lineup After Winter Meetings
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The Chicago Cubs lineup was mediocre for years, but the 2015 version has plenty of thump. With an exciting young core, here is how the lineup should be after the winter meetings have finished.
1. Chris Coghlan
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1. Chris Coghlan
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Chris Coghlan may not be the same talent that he was when he won the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year award, but he is coming off of a strong 2014 where he batted .283 with nine homers and .352 on base percentage. With a lineup filled with young players, he is a perfect veteran at the top of the lineup.
2. Jorge Soler
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2. Jorge Soler
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Jorge Soler became a rock star in Chicago with his impressive debut, hitting five home runs in his first 24 games. He strikes out a lot, but since he was able to hit for high average last season he is a better current fit for the two spot than teammate Javier Baez.
3. Starlin Castro
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3. Starlin Castro
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Starlin Castro was in a make-or-break season last year and he certainly showed off his talent. He has become one of the best hitting shortstops in all of baseball and though he remains young, he is a solid veteran to put in the middle of the Cubs lineup.
4. Anthony Rizzo
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4. Anthony Rizzo
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Simliarly to Castro, Anthony Rizzo was in a make or break season last year and he played well enough to compete for a Silver Slugger award at first base. While he did not win the award, his 32 home runs were good enough for second in the NL. Locked up to a long term deal, he will be entrenched in the middle for years to come.
5. Miguel Montero
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5. Miguel Montero
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His numbers are not incredible, but Miguel Montero is a solid hitting catcher. By bringing his bat to Chicago, the Cubs add not only a .264 career hitter who has 97 home runs, but a bat that is playoff seasoned.
6. Kris Bryant
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6, Kris Bryant
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Kris Bryant can be a real difference maker for the Cubs lineup. Having nothing left to prove in the minor leagues, the 2014 minor league player of the year looks to bring his power bat to Wrigley Field. If he has sustained success, the Cubs will most likely work their way towards to top of the division.
7. Javier Baez
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7. Javier Baez
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Javier Baez is currently an all or nothing hitter. Last season he showcased his power with nine homers after his promotion, but he also struck out 95 times in 213 at-bats. Sliding him to the seven spot should take pressure off of him and allow him to focus on driving the ball.
8. Arismendy Alcarntara
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8. Arismendy Alcantara
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Last season Arismendy Alcantara showed his versatility by playing in both the infield and outfield. Though he batted just .190 against right handed pitching, placing his speed and power at the bottom of the lineup gives the Cubs a sneaky threat in the eight spot.
9. Jon Lester
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9. Jon Lester
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The opening day lineup looks one million times better with Jon Lester on the hill. He has yet to record a hit in his major league career, but he was not brought over for his bat. Having his arm pitching behind a potent offense should lead to a lot of victories.
Pete Schwichtenberg is a MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or Add him to your Google Network.