Once More Into The Breach, Dear Friends

The traditional first day of spring gets rolling today at 4:10 PM (Chicago time). May this season end with the Cubs winning the final game that MLB hosts.

I don't see it happening. I see the Cubs' chances as much more precarious than they were a year ago. My faith in Mark Prior and Kerry Wood to stay healthy has been swept away. The lineup has a man batting lead-off who is better suited for 6th, 7th or 8th. The bullpen remains a problem for the 3rd consecutive year. And Jim Hendry still sits on a stockpile of prospects while other teams add All Stars.

But, some of the pieces are in much better shape. Carlos Zambrano will challenge for the Cy Young award this year. Shortstop is a position of strength instead of a place to hide weakness. The number of check swing strikeouts will decline dramtically, as will the arguing with the umps. And I doubt we'll see some shmoe hop, thinking he's hit a home run, only to embarrass himself.

While this team may not win, they should at least be easy to cheer for. It seems to be a bunch of guys who want to play and not whine.

What's that? Kerry Wood is pissed at Steve Stone again? Hmmm.....