Predictions - Chows Fielding Ratings

Tomorrow the annual fielding ratings will be released and give Chows GM/Owner Brad Sherlag some clarity bout some of the teams strengths and weaknesses. Below is the Illinois Times predictions and how changes could impact the club.

1B - Carlos Pena -- Prediction 2 -- Last year Pena had a 1, figures to go down a little with injury and others moving up.

2B - Martin Prado -- Prediction 3 -- There is a chance for a 4 here and Illinois would then have to address 2B. Prado may not even hit well enough for a 3 to be there. Look for the Chows to open up some trade talks once the ratings are known.

SS - Hanley Ramirez -- Prediction 3 -- He was a 4 two years ago and a 3 last year. We see him retaining his 3 but you never know. The Tulo trade will look worse if Hanley is saddled with a 4.

3B - Chone Figgins -- Prediction 2 -- Chone was a 3 last year but is regarded as a premium defensive 3B around the league. He could get anywhere from a 1 to a 3 - we are splitting the difference and going with a 2.

OF - Carlos Beltran -- Predition CF2 arm -2 -- Beltran is a perennial 1 but we think his injuries will push him to a 3 this season.

OF - Michael Bourn -- Prediction CF1 arm 0 -- Winning the gold glove should assure no worse than a 2, but we think Bourn will get the 1

OF - Kosuke Fukudome -- Prediction CF3, RF2 arm -1 -- He was not previously rated in CF so it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for kosuke.

OF - Josh Wilingham -- LF 4, RF 4 arm 0 -- Josh could get a 5 or he could get a 3 but we think a 4 is about right.

C- kurt Suzuki -- 3 arm +1 -- Kurt had a poor throwing year this season and should move from neutral to plus.

The Chows should be in good shape at the corners in the IF and in the OF with Beltran, Bourn and Fukudome. Unfortunately the middle infield is the most important part of the diamond and the Chows are weak there. SS, 2B and C could be a defensive sore spot for Illinois. Look for the Chows to get a 2B via trade or the draft and add a defensive C on draft day.