Shortstop

#5 Anthony Nomar Garciaparra


2004:
.308 AVG, .365 OBP, .477 SLG

When the Cubs aquired Nomar Garciaparra to man SS at the deadline last summer, they changed the team's worst offensive position into one of their best. Nomar is a high average contact hitter who could help any lineup, but replacing Alex Gonzalez in a high strikeout lineup makes Nomar especially appreciated in Chicago. I expect a droppoff in Nomar's power because he will no longer get doubles off the Green Monster but he is still a hitting machine. I just wish the Cubs had more OBP guys to go around him and Aramis.

A career .322 hitter, Nomar isn't a question mark with the bat and will be vital to the success of the offense. Health however is another story. Nomar missed half of the season last year and almost all of the 2001 season with an achilles and wrist injury, respectively. If you want to look on the bright side Nomar has averaged 607 ABs over his other 6 seasons. I am hopeful Nomar won't have any soccer accidents this year now that Mia is retired and he'll be good for 150 games.

Ignoring my suggestions, Hendry decided to play it safe with Nomar and only offer him a one-year deal. I was hoping the Cubs could buy low and get Nomar for a reasonable three-year deal because I expect him to come up big this year..which may lead to himnot being a Cub in 2006. He is 31 so I understand not wanting too much of a commitment, but I don't see the Cubs comming up with a better player at SS anytime soon. Hopefully Nomar will do well enough in 2005(lead the team deep into the playoffs?) that the Cubs won't be able to let him slip away.