Henry V, Act 3, Scene I

The line from that soliloquy pretty much sums up what this year feels like. But, as opposed to the past two years, one feels that this team is, at least, prepared for battle. Sure, they may be armed with munitions better served for use at Bastogne, but at least they are fully equipped. They also seem to have the correct attitude from top to bottom. It’s amazing what the removal of one person from the mix can have on a team.

And the dismissal of Andy MacPhail is due, in no small part, to the Chicago Cub fans who failed to show up last August and September. If you were one of those empty seats, kudos to you. Each time you hear "$300 million," know that was due in response to you.

Where will this team go this year? Anywhere between 75 and 85 wins based on the roster right now would be the educated guess. Where will they finish? Anywhere from first to fifth with the smart money on third or fourth. Something makes me think that, if this team is in the hunt this year, Jim Hendry will do the one thing he seems to do very well – make a trade to add veteran talent.

And I do think that the Cubs will be in the hunt. The NL Central division is so lousy, even the Pirates could end up close. This season will turn on Jim Hendry’s ability to improve the team along the way.

The other plus to this season will be Lou Piniella. Lou is not going to allow the kind of crap that’s been going on in Chicago since 2004. There will be no excuses made about not being able to teach players in the majors. There will be no yelling at broadcasters. There will be no whining about not having "horses."

In short, this should be a more likable team. They should be fun to watch.

So, at least we have that going for us.

And, as has become the equivalent of the Ivy Chat Opening Day Blessing, may Steve Goodman's line from "A Dying Cub’s Fans Last Request" be made incorrect in 2007:

"You know the law of averages says:
Anything will happen that can"
That's what it says
"But the last time the Cubs won a National League pennant
Was the year we dropped the bomb on Japan."