The Chicago Cubs need a healthy Alfonso Soriano if they want to repeat as Central Division Champions in 2009. Soriano played in 109 games for the Cubs last season and he was 127 for 453 (.280 avg, .876 OPS) with 76 runs scored, 29 homers, 75 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. In 108 games in LF last season Soriano made 5 errors while showing below average range. But, Soriano did have 10 assists last season in LF showing off his gun.

Speedy Joey Gathright will be Soriano’s back up in LF. He only played in 3 games in LF last season with the Royals but he didn’t making any errors there while showing good range because of his speed.

26-year old lefty swinging Brad Snyder will start the season in AAA and he’ll get a call from the Cubs if they have some injuries. He played in 115 games in AAA-ball last season and he was 101 for 411 (.246 avg, .723 OPS) with 52 runs scored, 12 homers, 61 RBIs and 7 stolen bases. He doesn’t appear to have much of an upside.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: A-