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RAMIREZ ROMPS WITH RISP

Aramis Ramirez was one of the most productive players in baseball this season -- when healthy, at least. Ramirez missed two months with a dislocated left shoulder, but the third baseman was one of the most clutch players in the league when he was in the lineup.

THROWN FOR A CURVE

Milton Bradley and Alfonso Soriano were supposed to be two cornerstones of the Cubs' lineup this season. Instead, they were huge disappointments. Both can partly blame their struggles on their inability to hit curveballs.

Both ranked in the bottom 20 in the majors in average versus curveballs. Bradley hit .146, Soriano hit .119. The league average was .213.

ON A ROLE

Mark Kotsay and Jeff Baker weren't exactly the kind of marquee midseason acquisitions that put Chicago fans in the seats. But both played key utility roles for their respective teams, and both showed prowess for hitting outside pitches.

JENKS' SECRET WEAPON

White Sox closer Bobby Jenks might be known for throwing 98 mph heaters, but it's actually been his curveball that has been more effective this season.

Opponents hit just .074 against his curveball, which was third best in the league (behind Joe Beimel, Colorado; Garrett Mock, Washington).

MARMOL WALKS, BUT STILL TOUGH TO HIT

For Carlos Marmol, it's all about command. The Cubs closer led all major league relievers with 65 walks this season. However, with some of the nastiest stuff in baseball, Marmol has been able to get out of jams all season. He was the hardest pitcher to hit with runners on base (.131). That was better than Mariano Rivera (.139). If Marmol can cut down on the walks next year, he could be even more dominant.

SOTO'S BIG DROPOFF

Cubs' catcher Geovany Soto had a breakout season in 2008, hitting .285 with 23 HRs and 86 RBIs and winning the NL Rookie of the Year award. But this season was a disappointment as Soto fought injuries and hit just .218 in 331 at-bats.

Perhaps there is a silver lining. Soto's well-hit average (.269) was almost identical to his .270 mark in 2008, and his plate discipline was still good. In fact, he chased fewer pitches in 2009 and his walk-to-strikeout ratio improved.

Expect Soto's performance next season to be more similar to his breakout 2008 season than his disappointing 2009 campaign.