The Chicago Cubs are taking a sledgehammer to the roster for 2012 as they are starting a rebuilding project, or so it seems. Here is a look at the new faces for 2012 so far:

In the field: The Cubs signed David DeJesus to play right field early on in free agency and he should rebound in 2012 for them with a decent year. The Cubs went out and dealt for 3B Ian Stewart and 1B Anthony Rizzo who both really struggled in the majors last year, but, they both have huge upsides and could start for them in 2012. Outfielders Joe Mather and Dave Sappelt will be competing for bench jobs this spring. Infielders Alfredo Amezaga and Edgar Gonzalez will also be vying for bench jobs this spring.

On the mound: The Cubs have added three new starting pitchers so far this winter. Lefty Paul Maholm was signed to a 1-year deal and he will slot near the top of the Cubs’ rotation. The Cubs have acquired lefty Travis Wood and righty Chris Volstad in separate deals and they will both likely be in the Cubs’ opening day starting rotation in 2012. Righties Manny Corpas and Andy Sonnanstine will likely be competing for jobs in the Cubs’ pen this spring.

Overall: The Cubs are looking to get younger in 2012 and that usually is accompanied by losing.

The Cubs have re-signed 34-year old righty reliever Kerry Wood to a 1-year, $3 million dollar deal with a club option for the 2013 season. Wood pitched in 55 games (0 starts) for the Cubs last year and he was 3-5 with 1 save, a 3.35 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. He has now pitched in 331 games (78 starts) in his first 11 years with the Cubs and he is 80-66 with 35 saves, a 3.63 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. This was a good move for the Cubs as Wood still has a lot left in the gas tank.