October 2005 Archives

Part 4 of 5 - The Starting Pitchers

The starting rotation, like the rest of the team, could not stay healthy. What was supposed to be the strength of the team became another weakness for Dusty Baker. Mark Prior started the year on the DL, and then he got beaned, missed another month and finished with a decent season. Carlos Zambrano continued to shine and despite throwing too many pitches, became the ace of the Cubs staff. Greg Maddux took one step closer to the Hall of Fame and showed the young guys how to pitch. Jerome Williams showed a lot of promise for the future and Glendon Rusch had another serviceable year. Kerry Wood spent most of the year on the DL and spent time in the bullpen. John Koronka, Rich Hill, Jon Leicester, Sergio Mitre and Ryan Dempster all made starts for the Cubs in 2005.

Part 3 of 5 - The Outfield

The outfield of the 2005 Chicago Cubs had a lot of change and drama everyday. With the off-season departure of Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou, the Cubs searched the entire year to replace their numbers and experience. Jeromy Burnitz did a fine job in Right Field, but he was the only consistent throughout the year. Hollandsworth and Dubois were traded. Lawton and Gerut were added, and then traded. Corey Patterson sent almost a month in Iowa and Jerry Hariston, Jr. was in and out of the outfield due to injury and playing time in the infield. Matt Murton became a fan favorite and should be in the Cubs' outfield for years to come. Jose Macias, Jody Gerut, Matt Lawton, Jason Dubois, Todd Hollandsworth and Ben Grieve all spent time in the Cubs Outfield in 2005. Too many players for only 3 positions.

Only 2 days after the World Series and the changes are already starting. Let the FREENZY BEGIN! The Cubs announced on Friday the 2006 Options on infielder Todd Walker and pitcher Scott Williamson have been picked up. Jeromy Burnitz's option for 2006 was bought out and Burnitz filed for free agency.

Walker's option was for $2.5 million for 2006. Walker should help the Cubs off the bench and this move makes me wonder about Ronny Cedeno.

Part 2 of 5 - The Infield & Catchers

The infield of the 2005 Chicago Cubs had it's ups (Derrek Lee and Ronny Cedeno) and downs (as in the DL). Nomar started the year at shortstop and ended it at 3rd. Todd Walker was on and off the DL during the year. Aramis Ramirez had his leg problems again. Jose Macias played way too much. Jerry Hariston did not play enough (Hariston is a natural infielder, he played too many games in the outfield). Neifi played well, but again... way too many games. Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, Scott McClain, and Enrique Wilson all had playing time in the infield in 2005. The infield never learned how to play together in 2005... that has to change in 2006.

What about us? I WANT TO KNOW WHAT 'CLOUD 9' FEELS LIKE!!! Last Year it was the Red Sox. Now it's the White Sox. When do we (the Cubs fans) get to celebrate. I will never say 'we' or 'our' when I refer to the Cubs. I am not out there playing, nor am I making any decisions what so ever. I am being VERY SELFISH, I am talking about 'us' the fans.

Part 1 of 5

Well I promised it, so I guess I have to deliver. The 2005 Season Review. This was a season none of us ever want to live through again. Too many injuries, too many mistakes and not enough winning.

I will admit that I did not see the 2005 Chicago Cubs going to the World Series or even making the playoffs. When Alou was allowed to leave and Sammy was traded, I wondered where the offense was going to come from. (I do agree it was time for both of them to leave Chicago)

This is the time of year that most Cubs fans have plenty of spare time...and this year is no different. With the fact the White Sox are in the World Series, this year is even more difficult. It took me almost a decade to switch my wife from the 'Wrongside' to the 'Northside' and now I feel I owe her an apology. She was raised a Sox fan and most of her family still is. It seems like every time I turn on the TV or the radio, someone is making a reference to that dreadful night 2 years ago.

The Wrigley Field bleacher expansion started after the 2005 season was over and crews are hard at work. The Cubs have stated the expansion will be complete by Opening Day of 2006. Here is some useless information about Wrigley Field.

Just when you thought the only baseball going on is The World Series. The boys of summer have moved to Arizona. The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is underway and there are several Cubs playing for the Mesa Solar Sox, including Matt Murton.

Welcome to Chicago Cubs Online. I have been doing a temporary blog on another site for the past few months (BNB-Bleeding Northside Blue), but this is my new permanent home. I look forward to sharing my views and hearing your opinions on our beloved Chicago Cubs. I do not claim to be an expert or an insider, but I do claim to be one of the Cubs Faithful.