I think the most obvious to start with is Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.  The Cubs beat out several teams for his services, signing him to a 4-year $48M contract on December 11, 2007.  Though drafted as a shortstop in 1998 by the Chunichi Dragons, he was coverted to an outfielder in 2000 because of his poor infielding skills and has won 2 Golden Gloves while playing right field in Japan.  It will be interesting to find out how he adjusts from facing pitchers in Japan to facing major league pitchers.  Is he the guy that can finally help the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title in over 100 years?

Alfonso Soriano is a player that a lot of people should keep their eye on for a couple of reasons.  First, as odd as this may sound, his HR (33) and RBI (70) totals in 2007 were the lowest it’s been since his 2004 season with the Texas Rangers, the RBI’s were the lowest since his first full season (73) with the New York Yankees in 2001.  Another staggering number to throw at you, 23 of his 33 HR’s last season came with the bases empty, although his batting average (.299) was the highest since 2002 (.300).  I know that 33 HR’s is nothing to scoff at, but a guy with that many HR’s should easily be driving in 100+.  Even though he’s in the leadoff spot, he’s going to come up with runners in scoring position, with the bases loaded or even just with runners on.  He needs to take advantage of every situation if he’s going to get this team over the hump.

The one player that could make a huge impact in 2008 is Ryan Dempster.  Dempster hasn’t been a full time starter since his final year with the Cincinnati Reds in 2003, though he did make 6 starts for the Cubs in 2005 before going back into the bullpen.  He’s spent the last 4 seasons in the Cubs’ bullpen but didn’t become the full time closer until 2005.  If Dempster can pull a John Smoltz, and be just as dominating as a starter that he was as a closer, he’s going to be a great addition to the starting rotation.

The two things that could bring the Cubs to a halt is the health of Derek Lee and the effectiveness of Carlos Zambrano. 

Zambrano did have his highest number of wins (18) than he’s had thus far in his career, but his ERA (3.95) was also the highest it’s been.  If he can be the ace of that team and win 15-18 games, it should keep them in front in the NL Central the whole 2008 season. 

As for Derek Lee, even after an unintentional collision at 1st base last season, putting him on the DL, he still played in 150 games hitting .317 with 22 HR’s and 82 RBI’s.  Lee is one of the best hitters in the National League, not only power wise but he’s a natural hitter.  A guy that can hit 25+ HR’s and still not hit lower than .270 is a pretty darn good hitter.  You give that kind of hitter protection in the lineup by hitting behind Fukudome and in front of Aramis Ramirez, it forces the pitcher to pick his poison.  Lee could put up career numbers in 2008, and if he does, the National League better watch out for the Chicago Cubs.

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