What? The Cubs?

The Cubs will win the world series. Yes, you heard it here folks, they will indeed win the world series. Of course I didn't say "when"! This year? Who knows? Being a fan for the last 30 years or so I can say one thing about them in the last, oh 10 years or so, there does seem to be more of a committment to winning than just filling the seats at Wrigley. Oh, filling the seats is a big deal, don't get me wrong. However, imagine the revenue if they actually won this thing. They have as good a chance this year to at least make the world series as many of the other National League contenders (Mets, Padres, Diamondbacks, and the Brewers (my wild card pick)). Well, now that the bad century is up, here is my unofficial, non-technical, total fan-opinioned take on what to look for this season:

Pitching: as always in baseball, it really does ultimately come down to pitching. How good and how healthy can you be? Health, well, that is something that you can't predict, unless someone has a history of it, like Kerry Wood. It can always be the ultimate equalizer in any season. Look for a big year from Zambrano and an even bigger year from Hill - that kid just has stuff too good to not see a breakout season from. This should be the one. Lilly is the big question. I am not sure if he will have as good a year this time around - hopefully I am wrong but his stats in past years indicate that he will fall closer to normal. Also, I know I am totally nuts for thinking this, but I can't help thinking that Dempster is going to have a good year in the starter role. I have nothing to back it up other than going on a hunch. Lieber will probably get the last starter role, but Marquis could get it too. I think one of these guys is going to be included in a trade somewhere. We'll see. Marmol will be lights out this year and, although not initially, will come out as a star closer this season. If not closer, then at least a star set up man. Overall, the bullpen will be a major strength with the likes of Howry, Wood (also a closer this year), and others. Look for that kid Kevin Hart to make a splash later this year. He will most likely start the season in the minors but a call up will prove beneficial. Some of the remaining kids I think will be in some trade that is still forthcoming.

Fielding and hitting: This should be fascinating. I think we know what Lee and Ramirez will do, barring any injury. They will be their usual great selves. If that Roberts deal goes through, look for Soriano batting 6th. I wish they wouldn't lead him off, regardless. I heard on the radio the other day an interesting comparison: the guy the Cubs want, Roberts and Theriot have a lot of similar stats that you would want from a lead-off guy. Theriot should lead off. But, I am not Lou. However, he will probably bat second, I think, regardless. I liked what he did at shortstop last year. Hopefully he can grow from that. Look for a good year from him. I think that a major piece to the puzzle is how Soto does as catcher and as a hitter - probably 6th or 7th. He was really outstanding last year: in the majors and minors. Heck, he was the only hitter that did anything in the playoffs against the Diamondbacks last year! Here is a kid that I look for a breakout year from as well. Or, a bust? We will see. DeRosa defined what a Super-Utility man was last year. Without his contributions when all those injuries happened during the season, I say they never would have made the playoffs. I look for the same thing this year but not as spectacular. All I know about Fukodome is that he is one great player. As a fan, I need to wait and see what he does to form any kind of opinion. Baseball in the USA is different than in Japan. However, knowing how to play is consistent no matter what league. Even if he doesn't crank out the home runs, look for a lot of RBI's from him batting fifth. I have no clue on the CF position. Pie has to start living up to his potential this year. Otherwise, put him in with all the other busts the Cubs have had from the minors and ship him out. Three backups to note: Ward is a great pinch hitter, he does well in that role and will continue this year. Blanco as a backup catcher will mean more to Soto that anything else. Fuld, the brief times we saw him play last year, well, I would like to see if he stays consistent. He might be another kid to watch.

Manager: Lou is the biggest "x-factor" this year. Now that he knows his team, and it is a good one, his track record indicates that he will guide them to a nice, winning season. I like his style. He is a proven winner - especially when you give him good players (unlike his times in Tampa).

Look for a 93 win season this year and to win the Central. Yeah, I know that is more than what most experts predict (most think around 87-88). I will go on a limb, and against conventional wisdom, and predict that the Brewers will be close behind (91 wins) and grab a wild card. The Reds should be improved but not enough. Sorry, but the Cardinals and Astros look to have a down year this time. The Mets should win the East with all that they have. But, I don't know, I am still not sold on them taking it all like everyone says they will. Look for the Phillies to be right behind them, if not ahead of them. And you can never really count out the Braves. In the West? Hmmm, that is a good one. My initial reaction is the Diamondbacks again but the Padres still look like the darkhorse to win the division. As good of a finish that the Rockies had last year, I'm not sold on a repeat performance.

Yep, I see the Cubbies in the NLCS. Who against? I am betting that it is one of the teams out of the West (Padres or Diamondbacks). Although, wouldn't it be fun to see a Cubs-Brewers NLCS? Who will win? Man, I don't know. I really don't. But, you heard it here first, the NL will have the World Series winner this year. Yeah, I know, the AL is sooo much better. But as the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals have already proved in recent seasons, anyone can win a series if they are hot at the right time.

So, mark this post in your favorites. That way, later in the season, we can laugh at all the ridiculous things I said in this post!