Other info on Spring Training

Here is a list of non roster invitees-


Pitchers-
Jason Anderson
Sean Gallagher
Adam Harben
Ben Howard
Ryan O'Malley
Carmen Pignatiello
Les Walrond
John Webb
Randy Wells

Catchers-
Jake Fox
Koyie Hil

Infielders -
Mike Kinkade
Casey McGhee
Eric Patterson
Tomas Perez

Outfielders -
Tyler Colvin
Chris Walker

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Here is your 40 man roster-

57 Rocky Cherry R/R

48 Neal Cotts L/L

46 Ryan Dempster R/R

47 Scott Eyre L/L 37

Angel Guzman R/R

53 Rich Hill L/L 6

2 Bob Howry L/R

30 Ted Lilly L/L

49 Carlos Marmol R/R

21 Jason Marquis L/R

45 Sean Marshall L/L

51 Juan Mateo R/R

52 Wade Miller R/R

44 Roberto Novoa R/R

13 Will Ohman L/L

22 Mark Prior R/R

55 Clay Rapada R/L

-- Jeff Samardzija R/R

34 Kerry Wood R/R

43 Michael Wuertz R/R

38 Carlos Zambrano S/R

Catchers

8 Michael Barrett R/R

24 Henry Blanco R/R

58 Geovany Soto R/R

Infielders

5 Ronny Cedeno R/R

7 Mark DeRosa R/R

56 Brian Dopirak R/R

3 Cesar Izturis S/R

25 Derrek Lee R/R

15 Scott Moore L/R

16 Aramis Ramirez R/R

2 Ryan Theriot R/R

Outfielders

27 Buck Coats L/R

-- Cliff Floyd L/R

11 Jacque Jones L/L

19 Matt Murton R/R

29 Angel Pagan S/R

17 Felix Pie L/L

12 Alfonso Soriano R/R

32 Daryle Ward L/L

A new addition to Wrigley Field

Thanks to cubs.com-

The green doors tucked into the ivy in the left- and right-field bleachers of Wrigley Field will be decorated with 7-by-12 foot advertisements, touting Under Armour's signature logo.
It's the first time the Cubs have allowed any ad or sign on the outfield doors. Jay Blunk, director of marketing and sales for the team, said the Cubs have been approached by other companies wanting to use the space. He said Under Armour was the "right fit."
"For us, marketing-wise, to have our logo and Wrigley associated with it is tremendous," Blunk said. "The brand represents performance and athletic achievement at the highest level."
New Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano is a spokesman for the company, and wears the Under Armour batting gloves and wristbands. Under Armour released its first line of baseball cleats this year.
Now, Soriano will have the company logo behind him -- if he's in right or left field.
"The Cubs have an impeccable track record of tastefully adding signage," Blunk said. "No question, there's been a change in the culture here. It's an aggressive culture. That aggressive culture means always maintaining the integrity of Wrigley Field, but how do we still win? This helps us in that regard."
The advertisements will definitely help offset the $300 million spent this offseason on new manager Lou Piniella and free agents, including Soriano, who signed an eight-year, $136 million deal in November.
All other National League Central teams have new ballparks except the Cubs. Wrigley Field is the second-oldest baseball stadium in the country behind Boston's Fenway Park, and the Cubs management has done its best to preserve the ballpark's charm while still being competitive.
The addition of lights, sky boxes, last year's bleacher expansion and the rotating advertising sign behind home plate have provided millions of dollars, Blunk said.
"We're not putting up giant billboards," Blunk said. "We're taking things that are already there and changing them and gradually adjusting so we can compete. Our fans deserve a winner. They've waited long enough."
The additional revenue from the advertising also will help keep Wrigley Field alive and functioning.
"I love Wrigley Field, but this really does help maintain and extend the life of Wrigley Field," Blunk said. "It updates Wrigley, it allows us to compete, it allows us to tap into revenue streams that allow us to win. We don't want Wrigley to become financially obsolete. Our job is to tastefully and gradually add these revenue streams so it doesn't detract from the backdrop, but allows us to do things like get Alfonso Soriano and re-sign Aramis [Ramirez]."
The partnership also gives Under Armour advertising rights to the signage behind home plate at Wrigley Field. The company is well known for it's moisture-wicking performance apparel.
The Under Armour logo is featured in Fenway Park, sharing space on the Green Monster with sporting goods retailer, The Sports Authority.
"We greatly appreciate the Chicago Cubs' history and wanted to be part of their new direction and exciting future," said Steve Battista, vice president of brand for Under Armour. "We're thrilled to partner with a storied ballclub as a symbol of their strong desire to improve on-field performance while blazing new trials with the franchise."


Alot of f ans have emailed me about this story so I thought I would put it on my blog. I really don't think this is that big of a deal. If anything fans should be happy that they have such a good product as Under Armour. At least you don't have Tums, Krispy Creme, or any product like that. Yeah those are all right products but what would you rather have a giant Donut on the green doors or the Under Armour logo. I would prefer the Under Armour logo! The cubs did spend alot of money this off season and did need something to offset it and this was it. There not putting up billboards, there not painting the brick with advertising, there not removing the ivy or the scoreboard. They are simply adding a 7x12ft logo on the door in RF and LF. I personally like the logo and what it stands for: " The brand represents performance and athletic achievement at the highest level" . I do think fans have other things to be concerned with other than 2 7x12 ft signs, but that's just y opinion.

Zambrano expected to make statement today

Thanks to Chicagosports.com-

Carlos Zambrano isn't expected at camp until Thursday, when Cubs general manager Jim Hendry expects him to clarify his statement on leaving after the season if he doesn't get a new contract by Opening Day.

I'm sure Carlos didn't mean what he was saying or if he did he just realized what he said was wrong. Him or his agent is expected to make it clear that Big Z's primary focus is to get a deal done and stay with the cubs. Z has already said he wanted to stay with the cubs-

''This is the team that gave me the opportunity to play since I was 18 years old,'' Z said. ''They brought me to the big leagues. They gave me the chance to be somebody. Now I have to sit with them and discuss whatever they have on the table.'' - Chicago Sun-Times

To me I think things just got taken out of context, yes, Carlos did say that he is gone if a deal isn't worked out. But I just think it was a big misunderstanding and I still feel a multi-year deal can be reached by opening day if they work hard enough.

Ryu traded to the Drays

According to draysbay.com-

Devil Rays acquired RHP Jae-Kuk Ryu from the Cubs for RHP Greg Reinhard and outfielder Andy Lopez.

Here is info Lopez-

Lopez batted .256 in 56 games with the Rookie-level Princeton Rays in 2006, leading the team with three triples. The 20-year-old was originally selected by the Rays in the eighth round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.

Heres info on Reinhard-

Reinhard made 26 starts for the Class A Southwest Michigan Devil Rays, working to a 6-10 record with a 4.50 ERA. His 134 strikeouts were fifth-most among Rays Minor Leaguers. The 23-year-old was selected by the Rays in the sixth round of the 2005 draft.

Not a bad deal. We had to many pitchers as it was in AAA so it was wise to trade the and it is always good to get some decent young talent.

Zambrano- IF IM NOT SIGNED BY OPENING DAY IM GONE!

This is starting to get serious. It is very likely that Z and the cubs will come to terms on a one year deal about 13.3 million before the arbitration hearing. But what is not guaranteed is that he will be a cub next year. Here is the quote thanks to Chicagosports.com-

"I'm ready to sign, and I would do my job anyway with the Cubs this year," Zambrano said. "Whatever happens, I don't want to know [anything] about a contract during the season. I want to sign with the Cubs before the season starts. If they don't sign me, sorry, but I must go. That's what Carlos Zambrano thinks."

This could get really ugly for the Cubs and Z.. If a deal is not reached by opening day they risk losing him almost like they lost Aram. Z is very tempted by the cash he could get in the off season but he has said he wants to stay a Cub throughout his career and its up to the Cubs and Jim to get the deal done.

The last thing the cubs want to do is to go into the season with there Ace as a distraction and that would definitely happen if a deal isn't reached by opening day! Come on Jim, get it done!

Spring Training Tidbits and Q&A

Thanks to cubs.com for this info-


If Mesa, Ariz., could build a bigger ballpark for the Chicago Cubs, it would.The Cubs were again most popular team in the Cactus League in 2006, drawing more than 150,000 fans to HoHoKam Park. This will be the team's 29th consecutive spring in Mesa.As Cub fans prepare for their journey to the desert to Lou Piniella's squad up close, here are some tips:

When do the Cubs arrive at camp?

Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Fitch Park in Mesa on Feb. 14, but they will not begin workouts until the next day. Position players will report on Feb. 19, and the first full-squad workout will be on Feb. 20. The team will train at Fitch Park before moving down the road to HoHoKam Park shortly before the Cactus League games begin.

When do games start?

The Cubs will open Cactus League play at HoHoKam Park on March 1 against visiting San Francisco. Highlights on the schedule include a visit from the White Sox on March 4 and a visit to Tucson to take on the South Siders March 16.The Cubs will wrap up their spring schedule with two games against the Mariners in Las Vegas on March 30 and 31.

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/art...=.jsp&c_id=chc

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2006 record66-96, sixth NL CentralProjected batting order
1. CF Alfonso Soriano:.277 BA, 46 HR, 95 RBI in 2006
2. 2B Mark DeRosa:.296 BA, 13 HR, 74 RBI in 2006
3. 1B Derrek Lee:.286 BA, 8 HR, 30 RBI in 2006
4. 3B Aramis Ramirez:.291 BA, 38 HR, 119 RBI in 2006
5. RF Jacque Jones:.285 BA, 27 HR, 81 RBI in 2006
6. C Michael Barrett:.307 BA, 16 HR, 53 RBI in 2006
7. LF Matt Murton:.297 BA, 13 HR, 62 RBI in 2006
8. SS Cesar Izturis:.245 BA, 1 HR, 18 RBI in 2006


Projected rotation
1. Carlos Zambrano, 16-7, 3.41 ERA in 2006
2. Ted Lilly, 15-13, 4.31 in 2006
3. Jason Marquis, 14-16, 6.02 in 2006
4. Rich Hill, 6-7, 4.17 in 2006
5. Mark Prior, 1-6, 7.21 in 2006

Projected bullpen
Closer: Ryan Dempster, 24 saves, 4.80 ERA in 2006
RH setup man: Bob Howry, 3.17 ERA in 2006
LH setup man: Scott Eyre, 3.38 ERA in 2006

The new guys OF
Alfonso Soriano:
Soriano could take care of two perennial trouble spots for the Cubs: he will lead off and most likely play center field. Baseball's first 40-40-40 man (46 homers, 41 doubles, 41 steals), Soriano wasn't cheap. His eight-year, $136 million contract is the largest in Cubs history, and fifth largest in baseball. It would make sense to put someone with his kind of power lower in the order, but he likes leading off. He does strike out a lot, but he'll make up for that with his on-base percentage and runs scored.

LHP Ted Lilly:
Lilly signed a four-year, $40 million contract to return to the National League for the first time since he made his Major League debut with Montreal in 1999. The lefty ranked seventh in the American League with 7.93 strikeouts per nine innings, the third time he's been in the top 10 in that category. He is a fly-ball pitcher, so look out when the wind is blowing out at Wrigley Field.

RHP Jason Marquis:
Marquis has been tutored by Leo Mazzone and Dave Duncan, two of the best, but it just hasn't clicked. He got off on the right foot with Larry Rothschild after a brief session this offseason before he signed with the Cubs. Rothschild gave Marquis some specific exercises to do to fine-tune his mechanics. He signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Cubs, and probably can't wait until April 20. That's the first meeting between the Cubs and his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals.

2B Mark DeRosa:
DeRosa played six different positions in 2006, but will be stationed at second base for the Cubs. That was the main reason he signed a three-year, $13 million deal with the team -- the Cubs promised he'd be a regular at one position, not half a dozen. He is coming off his best offensive season (.296) and credits Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Hopefully, he's on DeRosa's speed dial in case he needs some help.

LHP Neal Cotts:
Cotts was acquired from the White Sox for RHP David Aardsma, and could be used as either a reliever or spot starter. The Cubs hope he can regain his 2005 form, when he was 4-0 with a 1.94 ERA in 69 games. Last season was a struggle.

1B/OF Cliff Floyd:
Another left-handed bat, Floyd battled an Achilles tendon injury last season which limited him to 97 games with the New York Mets. If healthy, Floyd can provide some punch. His contract has plenty of incentives for him to get healthy. He hit .266 against right-handers, .179 against lefties.

1B/OF Daryle Ward:
Ward has accepted a part-time role, and batted .355 as a pinch-hitter. He'll also be helpful against right-handed pitchers (.345 average). He can sub at first base if Lee needs a break, or in the outfield.

Prospects to watch OF Felix Pie: You've heard all the hype. But once you see Pie play, you'll understand. He has speed, power and energy. But, it may be best for him to open at Triple-A Iowa, especially after struggling offensively in winter ball (.216 in 38 games). He's only 21.

RHP Jeff Samardzija: OK, the Notre Dame wide receiver isn't expected in the big leagues in 2007. But keep an eye on him. Samardzija signed a five-year, $10 million contract on Jan. 19, and fully expects to be in the big leagues before that deal expires. He most likely will be. He'll open at Class A Daytona, which is about as far away as one can be from big-time college football or the NFL.

RHP Angel Guzman: The young right-hander was a prospect to watch last year, too, but the 2006 season also was his first injury-free campaign. Guzman had a good winter in Venezuela, and will likely open at Triple-A Iowa. One of eight rookie starting pitchers who got a chance last year, he could be the first one called up in '07.

Returning from injuryRHP Mark Prior: The right-hander spent the winter strengthening his right shoulder, and all signs indicate he could be ready by Opening Day. Prior's goal is to stay off the disabled list -- he's been on the DL every year he's been in the big leagues. If he can return to 2003 form, when he won 18 games, it's a bonus.

RHP Kerry Wood: Don't expect any more 20-strikeout efforts from Kid K. Wood is headed to the 'pen, and could provide a powerful setup arm. He spent the winter rehabbing from a partial tear in his right rotator cuff. In 2005, he pitched in relief and posted a 2.25 ERA in 11 games, striking out 17 over 12 innings. This could be a great career move.

1B Derrek Lee: The Cubs didn't anticipate losing Lee for all but 50 games. A freak collision in mid-April resulted in a fractured right wrist. Lee ended the season healthy, but frustrated he didn't have a chance to defend the NL batting title he won in 2005. Having him back will definitely give the lineup a boost.

SS Cesar Izturis: Izturis didn't get much of a chance to make an impression on Cubs fans because of a sore hamstring. After he was acquired July 31 from the Dodgers for Greg Maddux, Izturis appeared in 22 games. He is a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop, and the pitchers will be happy to see him.

C Michael Barrett: The last month of the season was painful for Barrett, who was sidelined because of a foul tip. He may be sporting a high-tech, bullet-proof protective cup this season. Barrett still matched his season high with 16 homers despite playing in 107 games. He spent the winter training hard so that the grueling season seems easy.

On the rebound Ryan Dempster: Expect Dempster to get more work this spring in hopes of avoiding some of the problems he had last year with his location. If he can't handle the closer role, Howry is waiting in the wings. Wood is another option, but first he has to prove he's healthy.

Mark Prior: Prior is as frustrated as everyone else at his injury-riddled career. He is one of three Cubs who could be candidates for Comeback Pitcher of the Year, joining Wood and Wade Miller.

Triple play: Three questions that need answers
1. Who are the final five starters?

Zambrano will be the Opening Day starter, but after him, there are a lot of questions. Lilly and Marquis can give innings, but Lilly is a fly-ball pitcher and Marquis is coming off a tough season. Hill had a solid September -- can he maintain that over a full season? Prior probably leads the NL in simulated-game starts. Is his right shoulder ready? Miller may be the sleeper. If he could return to form, he might be the best bargain in baseball. Sean Marshall and Guzman also are in the mix.

2. Can Dempster rebound from 2006?

Dempster led the NL in save percentage in 2005, his first year as a closer, but ranked last in the Major Leagues in 1-2-3 innings last year. He is physically ready for the new season after dropping 20 pounds because of an intensive offseason conditioning program. Dempster still has the right mental makeup to handle the role. Now, can he find his location?

3. Can the Cubs actually score some runs?

The Cubs ranked 15th in the NL in runs scored, and had the fewest walks (395) and worst on-base percentage (.319), but the team average of .268 was fifth best. That means guys simply aren't driving in runners. New hitting coach Gerald Perry has a lot of work to do. Having Lee back in the lineup will definitely help.The bottom line The starting lineup is pretty much set, although who bats second is to be determined this spring. The Cubs have to see who's healthy to sort out the rotation. The bullpen may be one of the best in the big leagues, especially if Wood can contribute. They have to figure out a way to win at home, too. As manager Lou Piniella says, all good teams have a swagger, and that's been missing at Wrigley Field. http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/art...=.jsp&c_id=chc

Just some info for all you die hards!

More ideas and thoughts are forming closer to ST

As we get near Spring more and more you hear about potential trade candidates. As for the Cubs only one has came up and you have heard his name all through winter and that's Jones. Jones reportedly asked to be traded after Dusty's contract was not renewed. Then we found out later that he did no such thing and he wanted to stay in Chicago if Lou wanted him there. So a while it sounded like Jones would play RF for the cubbies in 07 with Soriano in CF and Murton in LF. Then came the signing of Floyd, the speculation of him being traded again came up but was quickly diminished when said that Floyd would be a valuable bench player and to be a great 4th outfielder. Now that were days away from pitchers and catchers reporting the Jones being traded is another hot topic. It is said that Jones wouldn't be given away and he shouldn't. In fact I don't think he should be traded at all. Besides getting a proven OF for him or seeing Pie is ready to start for the Chicago Cubs, he shouldn't get traded. Jones put up career numbers last year and besides some shaky defense he played very well in 06. The media and some fans( me included) think or thought Jones would be traded away and such players as Figgins, Rowand, Church, Pie, or Duffy would take his place in the outfield. But now I have changed my opinion about Jones. He seems the logical choice in RF, you cant get someone who puts up power numbers like Jones without trading more than just him or a proven player. Pie needs another year in AAA, which is stated by a number of Cubs coaches, so I don't see him producing with the parent club at the beginning of the year. For now it does look like Jones wants to stay in Chicago and Lou and the cubs want him to hit 5th in the batting order. You really cant count on Floyd to play right everyday with his injuries, unless he proves otherwise. You also don't know how Murton will fare this year with just a year in the MLB, so giving Jones up would be a huge blow to the Cubs you would have to think. Anything short of getting a player that can hit .280+ 20+hr and 70+ rbi, you just cant trade JJ.

More and more times throughout winter and you recently have heard the "Arod in cubbie blue" rumors. Alot of that has to do with Lou being the manager of the Cubs now and the speculation of Arod wanting out of NY or opting out of the end of the year. Expect the rumors not to stop until he lands somewhere else. Recently in the San Fran newspaper stated- in a perfect world Arod would start ST with the Angels, Giants, Dodgers, or Cubs. Well all those are places you could see Arod landing. The Angels have alot of prospects ( Santana) to give the Yanks as well as the Dodgers have alot to. The Giants and Cubs however do not have the resources that the LA teams do. In order to get a player of the ability you would have to trade a star or get another team involved. Another thing all the teams could provide to maybe pry away Arod is to pay the majority of his remaining contract( which alot of teams might not agree to) . That way you could give them lower quality players and still get the All Star. Another thing that could be in the back of that Yanks mind is that the Twins have an impending free agent named Santana who they would love to get in pinstripes. That would cost some green but with Arod and his contract gone it would be easy to throw that money at Santana. Theres alot of variables that could take place and it will be very interesting to see how these topics pan out throughout the 07 season.

Could Arod become a cub???? At the deadline???

It is speculated that Arod will opt out of his contract to get more money and possibly leave New York. He and his agent somewhat danced around the subject and left it up to us to guess what he will do. Personally he would be a fool not to opt out. Given a chance he would leave the haunting NY media and fans I would have to believe. Not to mention I think he would get more money that whats left on his contract. If he does opt out, you have a long list of teams who would be willing to shell out the cash to have Arod play for them. But according to John Friend on Jim Rome yesterday he might join a team before he gets the chance to opt out. Here is what he said in a nutshell-

Friend thinks that Rodriguez is going to opt out if he doesn't perform well and gets fried from the New York media again. Friend then came out to say that the Yankees could in fact ship A-Rod to Lou and the Cubs around the trade deadline. Arod and Lou have been good friends and have a good relationship ever since Seattle, I can see him getting reunited with Lou in Chicago.

The one things he doesn't address is what the Cubs would have to give up for Arod. It could be a situation that they might just want to get some prospects from us for him so they can make a future trade, or they could ask for Prior(if healthy and proven he is back) or Z or any other players. The players that couldnt be traded because of the no trade clause is Aram, Soriano, and Dlee.. Now that's not to say they wouldn't wave there no trade clause to go there but I seriously doubt that happens.

This whole situation is just speculation on apart of the media. There is too many variables that could happen from now til the deadline or end of the season or to even say there is a good chance Alex comes here. But you can always wish and dream and hope!

Cubs give Bobby Hill another chance

According to baseball sources-

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/teamTransactions?categoryId=71602

In 2003, Jim Hendry traded Bobby Hill and two others to the Pirates for 3B Aramis Ramirez and CF Kenny Lofton, a deal that lead to the N. L. Central crown. Things didnt work out the way the Pirates had hoped tho.

Bobby Hills career did not turn out exactly as planned, either. After spending two seasons as a back-up infielder with the Pirates, Hill was traded to SD last March, after which he spent the 2006 season in AAA. But now Bobby Hill has a chance to get last spot on the Cubs bench in 2007.

The Cubbies have signed Hill to a minor league deal and although no announcement has been made to confirm that he will get an NRI to ST, I would expect that he will get one, and that he will have an opportunity to compete with Angel Pagan, Tomas Perez, and Mike Kinkade for the famous 25th man.bench. Bobby Hill can pinch hit tho. (275/362/396 in 100+ career MLB PA as a PH). He could provide a good 2nd infielder off the bench not to mention he is a switch hitter. A very good move in my opinion.


I do have a question to all cubs fans. Why in the world did we not invite Mark Bellhorn to spring training? He is a switch hitter who hits for really good power and can play multiple positions. He would have been a good 25th man, at least in my opinion.

My thoughts on Zambrano and other tidbits

Now that the Superbowl is over and the media craze is drawing to a close it is time to talk baseball. Really the only concern left in the cubs front is will Z get signed to a long term deal? and will they avoid arbitration? Here's my thoughts-

The cubs have spent a crap load of cash this off season. Getting a 40/40 guy, a tough bench with the additions of Floyd and Ward, a solid rotation by adding Lilly, Marquis, and resigning Miller, and not to mention keeping one of the best power 3rd baseman in baseball. The reason I am mentioning this is because I don't see Jim doing all that spending just to lose an ace next season. Jim is a very smart man and will do what it takes to keep Z. Now having said that I don't think they will get the long term deal done before the arbitration date. I think they will agree on a one year deal around 13-14 million for next year then in Spring Training they will announce he has been signed to a long term deal. The amount and years I think will be agreed upon is 5-6 years 85-95 million. I feel the only thing that may snag a deal is the years, but never less they will get the deal done before opening day. So I really think cubs fans have nothing to worry about here, Jim will get the deal done.

Another minor concern is will Jones still be traded with the addition of Floyd. I say that depends on how Floyd does in the spring and how Jones does with his mouth and his work in the outfield. I think this will be the same situation as the Walker dilemma last year. We will look to trade him but no one will give up enough for him. As I see it now is Murton in LF, Soriano in CF and Jones in RF with Floyd coming off the bench to spell Matt and JJ.

Another thought I have is who is gonna bat 2nd in the lineup. My thought is that it will be Derosa. Yeah it will be awfully right handed 1 thru 4 but you cant always base it on lefty righty match ups. Now if I was I was Lou I would bat Murton 2nd. He has a high on base percentage, can still hit he homer and is OK speed. That way you could bat Derosa in the 7 spot behind Barrett and would have a decent solid lineup instead of being top or middle heavy. That's just my thoughts.. I would also entertain the idea of Barrett batting 2nd, he has OK speed for a catcher, .365 OBP last year( Matt's is .368), he provides home run power and would provide more protection for Lee than Murton would. Either Derosa(.357 OBP), Murton, or Barrett batting 2nd is fine by me, the stats show any of them can do it.

Addressing the rotation for the Chicago Cubs is very interesting because you don't know who is gonna be injured or not ready by opening day so here's my rotation on opening day-

1. Zambrano- Of course he is the ace of the staff and in the top 5 best pitchers in baseball right now.

2. Lilly- A solid lefty who can be a great #2 starter in the NL central. Pitched in the strongest division in baseball last year and I think will have a breakout year. At times he is unhittable and such a competitor. He is my number two starter.

3. Prior- Yes, I do think he will be ready by opening day. I even think he will be ready in 9 days when pitchers and catcher report. I think you will see the Prior of 03 and he will be a very good #3 starter.

4. Hill- Hill looked magnificent late in the year. Got to love the looping curve ball and his nice 90mph fastball. With experience under his belt I see him winning 8 or more games this year and finish with a even or winning record. That's why he is my #4.

5. Marquis- They brought Jason in for insurance but he is getting paid 27 million for 3years so he wont be in the pen. He will be the dark horse in the rotation. He will come in and fans(except me) will expect him to be at .500 or worst and have a 4.50 era or worst. I on the other hand think he will come in and learn alot from Larry and win more games than he loses and be in the 3.75 to 4.00 era range I feel he will have his sinker working and all his pitches fine tuned during spring training. By doing that he gets the #5 spot in the rotation.

Miller gets my spot starter in the pen for the reason he is only making 1.5 mil and There is not enough room in the rotation for him

Marshall/Guzman will start in Iowa and might get called up if someone is injured or traded.

Either way the Cubs look good this year and I'm excited to start seeing them play!