Random Cub Thoughts and Such

Hey all,

I realize I have been absolutely awful at updating my blog lately. With the semester starting, work has been piling up a bit. And to think that I was the one that used to always get mad at the people who didn't update their blog because of work or school.

Anyway, I've had a lot of thoughts lately about the Cubs, just gearing up and getting ready for Opening Day. And while that's on topic, pitchers and catchers report to camp in 22 days now, on Valentine's Day. Since the Cubs Convention just passed, I thought I'd leave you with a few thoughts.

1. I don't think any big deal is going to be worked out, even with rumors still flying about acquiring Eric Bedard and Brian Roberts.

2. If any deal is made, it'll be to acquire a right-handed hitting outfielder (lots of people have been saying Marlon Byrd from the Rangers). With that acquisition, it basically moves Felix Pie into a platoon, which I honestly do not like. If he's your top prospect, you have got to let him prove himself, he has done everything he can in the minors. Now is his time.

3. The rotation is going to look like this: Zambrano, Lilly, Hill, Marquis, Lieber. Ryan Dempster, you'll get your shot at some point in the season. Same goes to you, Sean Marshall and Sean Gallagher. Seriously thinking that Rich Hill is going to have a real big year. Also, I really like Sean Gallagher, I think he can make a big impact on the team this year. I won't bother speculating with the lineup because Lou has posted his "If the season started today" lineup that can be found on Cubs.com, and the fact that it will change about 100 times over the course of the season.

4. As much as I love the way Ryan Theriot plays, if he does not start the season well, I realllllllly want to see Ronny Cedeno get a shot. He's a former high ranked prospect, and when the pressure was on last September he only went out and had tons of successful at bats for the big league squad, hitting .391 with an 1.113 OPS, albeit in limited at bats. Another guy with nothing left to prove in the minors. Plus, I don't mean to be mean, but Ryan Theriot is just not the starting shortstop on a championship team unless he makes some serious improvements on his game.

5. I love Geovany Soto. Period, this guy makes great contact with the ball, not to mention his ability to throw baserunners out at a rate that we haven't seen since Vietnam.

6. I realize there is no place on this team for Matt Murton, but don't sell low on him Jim. This guy is very talented and if put on the right team would make a perfect #2 hitter in an order. The guy flat out gets on base, and the power will develop to make him a 20 HR guy. The only way I really see him getting a lot of reps is with an injury or severe slump out of Pie, moving Fukudome to cover Center, or (gulp) an injury to Soriano.

7. I honestly like this team. Last year I picked them to closely miss the playoffs and I was almost right, but they gave me a great run and I couldn't have been happier in the regular season. This year I fully expect them to increase in wins...if that will be enough to win the division is still up in the air. You'll get those predictions sometime during Spring Training.

Well, now that I've wrote more words tonight than in the past 3 weeks, I'll wrap it up. But in the meantime, if you have the ability to go out and listen to a newish album, go out and listen to Cassadaga by Bright Eyes. Granted it's new in the terms of past 9 months. But upon re-listening again, I'm more blown away now than ever. Key song is definitely Four Winds.

Oh, one more note, go see Cloverfield. Real cool movie...and then get into the whole viral advertising they have online. Enjoy!