Very Nice

With the neologism "Chuckspectations" being coined yesterday, the Cubs are, indeed, on the verge of exceeding them for April 2006. How is this possible? Three unlikely, nearly unpredicatble reasons.

First, Greg Maddux has stepped through Mr. Peabody's Way-Back Machine set to 1994. As noted here, if Maddux can do this for a full season, change what was expected to be #5 quality pitching ino Cy Young calibur, the Cubs have a huge boost to their prospects.

Second, Dusty Baker (barring one game is St. Louis) is managing like he needs to win games, not win his players' addoration. That is also unexpected and a tremendous boost.

But last, is the contribuitions of one Sean Marshall. Sure, he beat a AA team with the wind howling in last night (and AA is still probably where Marshall should be). But if Maddux stays at ace level, all Marshall needs to do is pitch at #5 starter level. He's done far more than that to date.

It's a little early to declare "Baseball Magic" on the north side, but stars seem to be aligning for more than a sale of Tribune assets.