The Cubs are embarking on a massive rebuilding project under new manager Dale Sveum, with rookie first baseman Anthony Rizzo a key piece. Ian Stewart gets a chance at third base but much rides this year on the erratic trio of leftfielder Alfonso Soriano, closer Carlos Marmol and catcher Geovany Soto.

2011: 71-91, fifth place.

First Workout: Feb. 19/24.

He’s Here: LHP Paul Maholm, RHP Chris Volstad, LHP Travis Wood, 1B Anthony Rizzo, 3B Ian Stewart, OF David DeJesus, LHP Trever Miller, RHP Andy Sonnanstine.

He’s Outta Here: Manager Mike Quade, RHP Carlos Zambrano, 3B Aramis Ramirez, 1B Carlos Pena, LHP Sean Marshall, RHP Andrew Cashner, C Koyie Hill.

Overview: The Cubs brought in Theo Epstein as president of baseball operations, luring him from the Red Sox to be the same championship-drought buster he was in Boston. The Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908 but Epstein’s mantra has been to build for the future. Chicago has added depth to its pitching rotation, ridded itself of mercurial one-time ace Carlos Zambrano and brought in everyday players David DeJesus and Ian Stewart to see if they can shake off poor seasons. The remake of the front office also included the hiring of GM Jed Hoyer from the Padres. There’s also the lingering question about star SS Starlin Castro, who had 207 hits a year ago but has been questioned about an alleged sexual assault. No charges have been filed. RHP Matt Garza, who settled for a $9.25 million contract shortly before an arbitration hearing, has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason. The Cubs were shaky on defense a year ago and Sveum will demand more hustle, but his biggest chore could be finding run-producers after the departures of Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Pena.

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