Pity the Cubs faithful. It has been 98 years since Cubs Nation has seen a World Series title. Between now and then, we've seen 18 U.S. presidents, two world wars, the eradicatication of polio and smallpox, one stupid goat, one Bartman, and approximately 37,500 beers consumed by Harry Caray. Cubs fans are due, particularly now that they've been abandoned in the "World Series Dearth Club" by the Red Sox and the cross-town White Sox.Bless the Cubs - they are trying to win and win big in 2007. $300 million in free agency spending proves that you want to win, no doubt (or that you're just a shopoholic). However, I'm sad to report that while the Cubs will improve from their 96-loss campaign of 2006, they will likely miss out on the playoffs. Why? Because the pitching is shaky, and $300 milion bought as many question marks as it did answers. I've already written extensively as to why the Cubs likely won't win in 2007, so this preview will be short (much to your delight, I suppose). Here's what to expect from the Cubs in 2007.
Biggest reason for hope: Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez. Pretty good potential for high run production, wouldn't you say?
Biggest potential nightmare: The free agent pitchers pitch poorly as they've done in the past. No true leadoff hitter means that Soriano is out-of-place in the #1 spot and guys don't get on base when the big boys come up. The outfield defense is Ishtar-awful, most notably Soriano in center. Mark Prior and Kerry Wood could break down at any moment (note: this sentence could be copied into any Cubs preview over a the next 7-10 years).
Player to watch: Soriano. Can he justify his $136 million deal? Can he at least be semi-competent in center field? Can he get on base as a leadoff hitter? Can he get a better nickname than "Fozzie?"
Why do we still have to watch this player?: Cliff Floyd. Seriously, it's nice that the Cubs signed a hometown boy. However, when you consider that (1) Floyd has missed considerable time in three of the last four seasons due to injury, (2) they have capable corner outfielders in Matt Murton and Jacque Jones, and (3) Floyd doesn't consider himself a backup amnd may cause trouble is he if out of the lineup, the move seems short-sighted. Wouldn't the Cubs be better offensively and defesively with Soriano in left, Felix Pie in center and Murton/Jones in right?
Telling Statistic: The Cubs were 14th in the NL with a 4.74 ERA and home runs allowed with 210. Newly-acquired Ted Lilly has had ERAs of 5.56 and 4.31 the last 2 years, and has allowed 51 homers in that span. Last season, newly-acquired Jason Marquis had an ERA of 6.02 and allowed 35 home runs. Unless Carlos Zambranio lowers his ERA to zero or Prior and Wood stay health ... sorry, that last phrase made me laugh uncontrollably. The bottom line is that the pitching won't be that much better in 2007.
Interesting fact signifying nothing: The Cubs were originally known as the White Stockings, which of course later became the name of their cross-town rivals. However, sensing that they needed a mojo adjustment, their name was subsequently changed to reflect the team's successful and happy-go lucky history. The new name? The Orphans. Apparently, the "Destitute Skanky Alcoholics" must have been taken.
Projected record & finish: 79-83, 3rd Place, NL Central
Prediction that won’t come true but should: On May 1, Lou Piniella, upset by his team's consistently mediocre-to-bad play, throws, kicks and eats the first base bag, and then charges Ted Lilly to a fight. He then has a moment of brief longing for his days in Tampa Bay before he spontaneously combusts.
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