The Cubs look to kick off a new era, featuring new manager Dale Sveum, new GM Jed Hoyer, and new team president Theo Epstein, with today’s season opening game against the Nationals.

Starting Pitchers

Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Chris Volstad, Paul Maholm

Ryan Dempster, who gets the Opening Day nod again this year, and Matt Garza are the only holdovers from last year’s staff.  Samardzija had a strong spring and looks to maybe have finally put everything together.  Volstad and Maholm beat out Randy Wells and Travis Wood, among others, for the final two spots in the rotation.

Relief Pitchers

Carlos Marmol, Kerry Wood, James Russell, Rafael Dolis, Lendy Castillo, Shawn Camp

Marmol, Wood, and Russell are the lone holdovers from last season.  The rest appear to be a crap shoot.

Catchers

Geovany Soto, Steve Clevenger

Geovany Soto has been a bit of a disappointment the last few years.  Clevenger won a fierce competition to become this year’s Koyie Hill.

Infielders

Jeff Baker, Darwin Barney, Starlin Castro, Bryan LaHair, Ian Stewart, Luis Valbuena, Blake DeWitt

Castro and Barney are the only holdovers from last year’s squad.  Bryan LaHair finally gets a shot after mashing his way through Triple A last year.  Former Rockie Ian Stewart takes over for the departed Aramis Ramirez at third base.  Valbuena was claimed off waivers yesterday after a horrific spring with the Blue Jays.

Outfielders

Marlon Byrd, David DeJesus, Reed Johnson, Alfonso Soriano, Joe Mather

Soriano and Byrd are the unfortunate leftovers from the previous regime.  DeJesus was brought in to man right field.  Johnson returns as the backup.  Mather had a great spring and forced his way on to the team.