The Latest From Levine....

Here is the latest from Bruce Levine and the slow rumor mill...

- Bruce says that Castro would be better at SS for the Cubs next season and moving Theriot to 2b would also improve them up the middle.

- The Cubs are looking to add a veteran set-up man to take pressure off Jeff Gray, Caridad, and Guzman. I understand the idea but I do think these guys are ready for the show.

- The Cubs will not add a pitcher around Spring Training unless it is a trade. Levine also said the Cubs have had no interest in Kris Benson.

- Keep an eye on John Gaub and Jeff Gray. I expect both to make the Opening Day roster with a good Spring.

- Jeff Samardzija will be only looked at as a starter. He has been hurt by being flipped back into a reliever then a starter. He will likely start the year in AAA unless a injury occurs.

- Levine said he would offer Lilly and Lee short extensions to stay in Chicago. I agree both on a one or two year deal would be great for the club. If I could not extend them then there is no doubt I offer them both arbitration.

- The Cubs are always looking to add depth to their roster.

- The Cubs will give young players every chance to make the team in camp but will scout other players in camp as well.

- Aram and Soriano should be ready to go when position players report according to Hendry.

Here is Bruce Levine's Opening Day starting lineup for the Cubs-

1. Fukudome RF
2. Theriot 2b
3. Lee 1st
4. Aram 3b
5. Byrd CF
6. Soriano LF
7. Soto C
8. Castro SS
9. Zambrano P

Here is mine-

1. Theriot 2b
2. Castro SS
3. Lee 1st
4. Aram 3b
5. Soriano LF
6. Fukudome RF
7. Byrd CF
8. Soto C
9. Zambrano P

Until Next Time....

Cubs Rumors.....

- According to Carrie Muskat the Cubs are still searching for a right-handed reliever.

- CCO.com did their homework once again and has the latest info on the Cubs minor league system. I have to say I am excited about the thought of Starlin Castro and Hak-Ju Lee being our middle infield of the future and having Lee be our leadoff hitter. Kudos to ChicagoCubsOnline!

- Single game tickets for the Cubs go on sale Friday, February 19th.

Here is a little prediction fun, name your 2012 starting lineup.... Here is mine...

1. Hak-Ju Lee SS
2. Starlin Castro 2b
3. Carl Crawford RF
4. Aramis Ramirez 3b
5. Soriano LF
6. Soto C
7. Josh Vitters 1st
8. Brett Jackson CF

What does yours look like? Some notable free agents are Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalas, and Albert Pujols for the 2012 season and Adam Dunn, Derrek Jeter, Carl Crawford, Manny Ramirez, and Jason Werth after the 2010 season.

Until Next Time.....