Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs (61-101) - 5^th NL Central

2012 was a tumultuous season for the Chicago Cubs.  The off-season started with tons of hope with the additions of Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, and Jason McLeod to the front office, but that hope would soon turn to disappointment.  Saying the on-field product at Wrigley was bad would be sugar coating it.

Jason McLeod, Theo Epstein, and Jed Hoyer (left to right) 

are introduced as part of the overhaul of the Cubs' front office

(image courtesy of chicagobaseballreport.com)

Pitchers- The starting rotation was difficult to judge, as they were pretty good up until the trade deadline, when the Cubs lost 60% of their rotation due to trade or injury.  Ryan Dempster (traded to Rangers), Paul Maholm (traded to Braves), and Matt Garza (elbow/triceps injury) were the late July casualties.  Jeff Samardzija broke out in 2012 in his first season as a starter, striking out 180 hitters, and becoming another piece to the Cubs’ rebuilding plan.  The rest of the rotation was a revolving door of awful, and included the likes of Chris Volstad, Justin Germano, Jason Berken, Randy Wells, Chris Rusin, and Brooks Raley.  The bullpen was okay at best all year.  James Russell was the only reliable lefty, sporting an ERA in the low 3’s all year.  Workhorse Shawn Camp, who tied for the league lead with 80 appearances, was also a bright spot in the pen.  Closer Carlos Marmol struggled at times early but was decent in the 2^nd half to finish with 20 saves in 23 opportunities and a 3.42 ERA.  With the exception of good late season performances from Michael Bowden and Jaye Chapman, the rest of the bullpen was flat out awful all season long.

Infield- Cubs phenom shortstop Starlin Castro had yet another solid season, hitting .283 with a career high 14 home runs and 78 runs batted in.  Perhaps the biggest surprise however was the first half performance of first baseman Bryan LaHair.  LaHair had 14 home runs at the All-Star break and represented the Cubs in the All-Star game in Kansas City alongside Castro.  LaHair however had to move aside in July for Cubs’ top prospect Anthony Rizzo.  Rizzo did not disappoint, leading the team with a .285 average while clubbing 15 home runs.  Second baseman Darwin Barney had a remarkable season in the field, going 141 straight games without an error at 2^nd base, but struggled with the bat.  Third base was quite the black hole all season long with Ian Stewart, Luis Valbuena, and prospect Josh Vitters all disappointing at the hot corner.  2012 was the year of the rookie catcher for the Cubs, as 4 different rookies started behind the plate throughout the season.  Wellington Castillo finally earned the job for good in September.

Outfield- Ever since he was signed following the 2006 season, Alfonso Soriano has been a complete flop for the Cubs.  This year however, was completely different.   Soriano led the team with 32 home runs and 108 RBI’s, while playing much improved defense in left field.  David Dejusus did his job at the top of the lineup all year, finishing with a .350 on base percentage and consistently working good at bats.  The same can’t be said for rookie and top prospect Brett Jackson.  Jackson played above average defense but struggled to find his swing at the plate, striking out an astonishing 59 times in 120 at bats.  He has to improve his contact rate if he’s going to stick in the Major Leagues.

Next up- Thursday, November 1st, Minnesota Twins

Houston Astros

Houston Astros (55-107) - Last Place NL Central

There isn’t much to say about the Houston Astros 2012 campaign. They just flat out aren’t any good.

Pitchers- When your record is as bad as the Astros was; the pitching stats won’t be there. This is the case with the Astros in 2012. The staff had a few bright spots in starter Lucas Harrell and end of year closer, Wilton Lopez. Harrell led the team in wins with 11 and innings with over 190. Harrell took the next step in 2012 after spending years in the minor leagues. In Lopez’s last ten appearances in 2012, he sported a 0.77 ERA collected 8 saves. This is very impressive for a guy who only had one save in his career entering the season.

Infield- At only 5’5” Jose Altuve entered the season as a little known youngster and left the season as the Astros lone All-Star and best player. Altuve put up great numbers with a .290 average and an astounding 33  stolen bases. Going forward, Altuve is someone for Houston to build around up the middle. Shortstop Jed Lowrie was also a bright spot for the Astros. Although only playing in 97 games on the season, Lowrie was impressive when healthy. Corner infielders Brett Wallace and Chris Johnson were asked to fill big roles after the trade of Carlos Lee. Both Johnson and Wallace have shown flashes of what the Astros are hoping for but yet are still lacking the consistency that the Astros need.

Outfield- J.D. Martinez and Jason Maxwell led the Astros in RBIs with 55 and 53 respectively. Both of these guys could have a bright future if they are able to stay healthy. The Astros are really hurting and some consistency in the lineup from these two guys could be a huge help. Maxwell was the elder statesmen in the outfield at age 28. This group is full of young guys who did not have enough experience to make an impact in 2012 for the Astros.

After this past season, this might be the only Astros fan left.
Associated Press (Pat Sullvan)

Next Up-Tuesday October 30th, Chicago Cubs



Welcome!!

Welcome to The Full Count, your source for all things baseball

As a result of knowing way too much and talking way too much about baseball, Wade and I decided to start this blog to share our opinions with the world, instead of just arguing back and forth with each other.  Starting Monday and going through the middle of December we will be reviewing the 2012 MLB season, team by team.  I hope you enjoy reading and feel free to comment and share with your friends!!  If you have any suggestions or requests feel free to share them.  And now for a little background on the 2 of us:

Tommy Meyers-National League Blogger

I am currently a student getting an MBA from Loyola University Chicago with a concentration in sport management.  I graduated from Concordia University Chicago in 2010, where I got a degree in sport management and marketing and pitched for the baseball team for 4 years.  I currently reside in Skokie, Illinois.

Wade Arthur-American League Blogger

Wade is currently working as a senior accountant.  He graduated from Concordia University Chicago in 2010 as well, where he received his degree in accounting and sport management while playing 2nd base on the baseball team for 2 years.  He resides in Schaumburg, Illinois with his wife.

Next week's schedule:

Monday October 29th-Houston Astros

Tuesday October 30th-Chicago Cubs

Thursday November 1st-Minnesota Twins

Friday November 2nd-Colorado Rockies