2009 MLB Team Preview: Chicago

The former All Star has been slipping the past two years. Still, with an average of .303, 21HR and 86 RBI, it's hard to ignore him. His lack of speed and range are slowing his fielding ability. Could be headed to the American League as a DH soon.

Miles came from St. Louis where he displayed good bat speed and contact ability, hitting .316 in just 134 games. He's a confident defender who always seem to be in the right position.

Fontenot has good bat speed and will hit for average, but lacks power. He has good, but not great, range. He has a great arm and sets up well. He hasgood speed, but does not show it.

The Riot is a very capable source of about 30 SB with good run production if he keeps the SS job and continues manning the 2-hole in an explosive Cub lineup. He played over his head as a full-timer in 2008 and his batting average declined each month in the 2nd half of 2008. Another concern is he was caught stealing 13 times and the Cubs put the breaks on him in the 2nd half.

More reliable but more of an injury risk than Longoria. He will likely hit cleanup for a loaded Cubs lineup so will have a ton of RBI chances.

Reigning NL ROY is on the verge of elite status in his sophomore season. His average will be a bit less than the Big 3 but he has the potential for 25 HRs.

Soriano only played in 109 games last year and still hit 29 homers and stole 19 bases. A stud at the top of the order on a loaded Cubs team

Bradley had his best year ever playing DH for the Rangers. However his home/road splits heavily favored Texas and now he is expected to play the field.

Lily will never be a guy who approaches a low 3's era but he has consistently won at least 17 games the last two season and is a very reliable.

Last year he finally showed what he could do in a full season of work. He is a risk being that he pitches with a slight tear in his shoulder.

Dempster adjusted his mechanics and had a heck of a year but it is possible that a huge jump up in innings pitched effects him this season.

Carlos had an extremely disappointing year by his standards but is an extremely good upside pick here based on past performance.

Marshall may just well vault up this list but he will have to win the job as the Cubs number 5 starting pitcher. Sleeper alert.

Marmol is very raw, but extremely talented; he has the stuff to move up. He needs to keep ball down and is prone to the long ball (10 HR allowed on 40 hits). Should have a 40+ save season.