Starlin Castro

[doug shank's crossover]

In typical Cub Fan fashion, I'm trying to find a silver lining to this year's terrible season. Here's what I've come up with: Starlin Castro looks like the real deal at Short. He's hitting over .300 and has the potential to be the best defensive shortstop the Cubs have had since...? And...he's 20 years old.

Tyler Colvin, given playing time, looks like a guy that could hit 30 hrs and knock in 100 RBI, to go along with his athleticism. Andrew Cashner routinely throws 98-100 mph. and has an ERA below 3....could be a potential set-up man or starter down the road. Well........that's it! That's all my search came up with. Looks bleak.

[Beninator]

I also like what I see from the rookies. The trade talks are heating up so maybe the Cubs can get some value from Ted Lilly.

[LittleBrave]

If Marlon Byrd is not a bright spot for the Cubbies, I don't know who is!
How long is his contract? We need to sign him for a 6-year deal! Just kidding.
Don't think he'll be a bust like Soriano though.
Soto is also putting together a fine season IMO with OBP over .400
Yes, Colvin & Castro come to the park every day trying to prove that they belong. Castro's got such a quick swing.

Unfortunately, the bright spots seem dim when placed next to the dismal seasons that Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Fukudome, and Big Z have had.
Theriot hasn't had a stellar year either, but we expect him to be above .300 from the past 2 solid seasons. I just wish he'd walk more.

[doug shank's crossover]

Byrd is having a great year indeed. And...looking at some minor league stats it looks like Brett Jackson may be poised for a Sept. call-up along with Tony Campana....

[CubbieBear]

Don't leave Sean Marshall out as a bright spot too...and Marmol has been pretty darn good--and both of those guys are relatively young. As woeful as the Cubbies are...it's mostly the veterans who are not holding (or hitting) their weight I happen to believe the new owners will keep most of the good (young) pieces that are in place, and put a contender on the field in the next couple of years

[LittleBrave]

Don't leave Sean Marshall out as a bright spot too...and Marmol has been pretty darn good--and both of those guys are relatively young. As woeful as the Cubbies are...it's mostly the veterans who are not holding (or hitting) their weight I happen to believe the new owners will keep most of the good (young) pieces that are in place, and put a contender on the field in the next couple of years

Thanks for adding these 2 relievers to the list of bright spots, 'cause I agree with you. Marmol has been unstoppable in games where he throws strikes.
His K's per inning is just ridiculous!!!
Marshall has been flat out solid all year. If we get Cashner to pitch consistently next season, that's the makings of a good pen for innings 8 & 9.

The Cubs this year remind me a lot of the BU Braves last season - such high hopes, but failure to meet expectations. The BU veterans came on strong in the 2nd half of the season, but too late. At times, there was lack of enthusiasm and focus. Newcomers had to play bigger roles (DSE & JE for BU / Castro & Colvin for Cubs) Both teams have played better vs. the better teams.

If you ask me, the Cubs are a bigger disappointment that last year's BU team. Maybe because I factor in the overpaid salaries of Cub players, and I didn't see a weak spot going into this season (except Soriano), and was confident that Fukudome & Soto would improve over last year.

[Beninator]

Don't leave Sean Marshall out as a bright spot too...and Marmol has been pretty darn good--and both of those guys are relatively young. As woeful as the Cubbies are...it's mostly the veterans who are not holding (or hitting) their weight I happen to believe the new owners will keep most of the good (young) pieces that are in place, and put a contender on the field in the next couple of years

Marmol drives me crazy! Way too many walks!