Steve Stone needs a partner for the comeback and Mark Grace can sit next to me on a Cubs game any day of my lifetime...so Why not this 2 in the booth with a litlle more games on WGN?

stone back in booth...rick sutcliffe...7 game nail-biter

Man I don't feel like working. Need some new news so I can have something to do other than work.LOL

Jason---preach on man. I agree with what you say. I must admit, I'm one of those eternally optimistic fans. However, I've never predicted anything unrealistic. I believe I said Murton would hit something like 25 hr 85 rbi...and when he hit 13 with 63 rbi last year, playing in his first full season, you can see why that's not a stretch at all to predict that.

I believe it's safe to say Z, Lilly, Hill, and Marquis could all reasonably attain 15 wins...When I try to predict something, I generally look at their historical stats to see three different factors: are they on the rise?, age, and are they hitting a plateau?

In Lilly's case, the last 4 years, he's gotten around 30 starts, which is average for a major league pitcher, and has increased win totals in that period, shedding light to the possibility that he's finally figured things out. In '05 he only had 25 starts, which brought down his win totals, but he had 12 wins the previous 2 years, and 15 last year. In Marquis' case, he also has average over 30 starts for the last 3 seasons, averaging about 14 wins---15, 13, and 14 to be exact.

I would venture to say that Lilly and Marquis have hit a plateau of 15 wins. Now, I hope that's not the case, and they get more, but from a historical perspective, that seems to be the case, though Marquis---age-wise---still is pretty young, so you never know. He might win 20 if Maddux "the professor" was right.

Where do we go from here? Zambrano has seen great success in recent years, hitting 16 wins twice, and he's only 25---giving the impression that it's probable that he could reach 20 wins or more soon.

As for Hill, you have an immensely talented young pitcher who seems to have finally figured things out, and I think it's fair to say he could at least meet the same production of a Lilly or Marquis, though I have higher expectations for him.

So, that was my summary/predictions that you might loathe, Jason, but at least I had a science to it all (minus of course Hill--that was pure speculation), but even so, you have to admit, maybe 20 wins from Z, and 15 each from Lilly and Marquis, and if Hill can hit 15 that'd be huge. That'd about equal our wins from last year in 4 pitchers. Anything that we get out of that 5 spot would be a bonus. We all hope Miller can return to his 2001-2003 form where he averaged 15 wins, but I don't think you can expect that from him anymore.

Btw---did anyone see Piniella's comments about Guzman? Guess I was right on my prediction of him being the long man, and what I've said all along is exactly how Piniella feels too about young pitchers,

"Quite frankly, that's the way you should bring up a young pitcher," he said. "Put him in long relief and let him get some experience there. … He can be protected, but at the same time he'll get his work and watch other major-league pitchers the way they go about their pitches."

That's how the Cubs brought Zambrano up after he struggled as a starter, and look how that's turned out for us...There's some guys like Marshall and Hill, where putting them in the bullpen doesn't make sense at all, but someone like Marmol or Guzman---with electric stuff, it certainly makes sense, and I believe it'll work---just watch

Agustin---sorry about your boy Pagan man, I think most of us were rooting for him, but given Piniella's comments, it looks like he's gone, and that sucks. I thought he would've been good for us with his versatility in the OF.

Jason,

I would take Steve Stone back in the booth as I live in Chicago and have access to all games.

I would rather sit next to Gracie in bleachers, but that would be after a round of golf with Sut.

My head says a 7 game nail-biter would be great to experience, but in terms of "heart-health", I would prefer a four game sweep.

I have never made a ridiculous Cubs prediciton in my life, EVER, just because Jason Dubois did not become the next Lou Gehrig doesn't mean it was a ludicrous predition. And maybe Ced Landrum did not become Vince Coleman, again, those were well-based, thoroughly thought out statements.

First, unless they are going to resurect Harry Carey, I really don't care who's in the booth. Casper and Brennly do a good job as far as I'm concerned. Yes I would like to see Steve Stone come back, but I think that bridge is already burned. As far as the games are concerned, living in Cincinnati, I would like to see more games on WGN like they used to be when I was growing up. I can't get the rest of the Cubs games unless I pay a fortune for them per month for the MLB package. And while its nice that they are on FOX every other Saturday, I cannot stand Tim McCarver. The guy is a bumbling idiot who thinks he's gods gift to baseball.

I'd take Grace any day over Sutcliffe. Rick had some great years here, but Grace is a Cubs guy through and through, even if he did play his last couple of years in Arizona.

Definitelly the Cubs in 7 vs. four games. I'm sure that such a World Series would take about 5 years off my life but it would be worth it. I of course plan on buying the most expensive DVD recorder to be able to show my grandkids the series someday, and to relive the moment everyday for about a decade. And barring the end of the world the day after, the City of Chicago would be DOA for about a week.

Other than Z winning at least 15, and Lou imploding in the dugout oat least once a month, can't really make any predictions. I do know that Pinella WILL be the difference maker. Yes on paper we are better than last year, but you can;t really put a tangible stat on a manger's effectiveness.

Agustin,
Two color guys in the booth? How about a 3-man booth with Pat Hughes, so we get some quality play by play? How would today's version of Santo matched up with older Harry have worked out in the booth?

Bruce,
I wonder if Grace makes more money, and would more than likely pick up more of the beer tab? Hmmm...
I agree on a 7-game World Series win...the anxiety and emotions would make it truly unforgettable, and all great books/novels/stories need a proper build-up to the conclusion!

Jim,
Work on world peace in your spare time...that should keep you busy.

Aaron,
Congrats on actually writing a post that doubles the length of the column in which the post is a response to! Despite claiming you are not currently Fan Goggled, you achieved only the result of proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are indeed wearing the Goggles. Despair not, no real hurt can come from the Goggles, except perhaps a ego-bruising lowering of one's expectations. So the Cubs staff has a bunch of 14 game winners, and they still win the World Series...we will all still be happy, right?

Aaron,
One more thing...get a new wingman.

Brian,
Good call on all, and you may still be right on DuBois, as I don't believe he was ever injured, was he? Very Gehrig-esque when he actually is in the lineup. Don't sweat the heart palpitations of a 7-game World Series...look how boring the Cardinals WS victory was...which was due to their lousy record, and the lack of a true powerhouse in the WS at all. Let's hope for a titanic showdown between the Cubs and Yankees: two historic ballparks, two giant payrolls, two of the biggest fan bases, one happy FOX network, and two great cities!

A 7 game series for the WS would be fantastic. Especially against the Yankees.

Jason I will work on the world peace idea.

I would rather keep Pagan than Ward. I say cut Ward and Floyd can be the backup 1B then you can keep the speedy Pagan. I am still wondering why we signed Ward. He had a good year last year but so do every bench player we sign. Mabry had a great year for the cards the year before but what did he do for us .201 avg. No thanks to Ward and his .111 BA. Yes to Pagan and his ability to play ALL outfield positions and can run faster than my dead grandmother. I just don't see the reason to keep signing guys past their prime who are coming off fluke seasons.

We know Sutcliffe will take a drink (even while broadcasting) so he would be more likely to buy beer rounds all afternoon. Grace was always the babe-magnet though, so I have to vote for him as the ideal bleacher wingman.

90 win season -OO- ?

Pat no reason for the goggles ( I have a hard time not typing google when I type goggles) we will win 90 this year.

Jim,
That's what I've been saying too...signing guys past their prime has been our problem in the past.

Jason,

What gives man? New wingman? I have no clue what you're referring to with that, but whatever....I don't know what you had a problem with---probably the length of what I wrote, and I apologize for that---didn't know it'd be that long, but I don't think you can fault me for looking up stats, and mentioning them in a post, right? Unless, of course, you want to just spew out opinions left and right without actually backing them up---I did---so I can only assume your problem stemmed from the length of the post.

Other than that, very funny, you managed to disagree with everyone's commentary but your own in a sarcastic way. Do you do stand-up? You'd be hilarious. But don't quit your day job.

Ryan,
Here in AZ, we get screwed by Fox, as they just show the West Coast game. There is no package on the planet you can pay for to get a Fox Cubs game on tv in most cases...argh!

Jim,
I would say Pagan is often best viewed through Goggles, but you do have a good point on his speed. I am willing to give Ward a chance, but as it has been pointed out, most of these bench-guys-that-just-had-a-great-year wind up being more like Lenny Harris than ARod.

Uncle Gerry,
Great point...better to just bring them both!

Patrick,
I applaud your skilled use of the keyboard, but I must politely explain that you are not wearing Goggles...the Cubs should easily win 90 games!

Aaron,
Don't be so touchy. No one claimed you didn't offer explanations for your picks, but that doesn't mean you aren't wearing the Goggles. Be proud of your Goggles...run around the block a few times, carrying them above your head, and in a voice louder and more persistent than Ronny Woo Woo, proclaim that you are proudly Cub Fan Goggled!
As always, we are all allowed to disagree with one another, so don't take a view that differs from your own as a personal insult.

We all hope the Cubs win the World Series...that is all that matters. In 2003, only one pitcher (Prior) won more than 14 games...so while I would love for our whole rotation, or even 4 of the 5 starters, to win 15 games or more, I don't think it will happen. More importantly, it doesn't need to happen for the Cubs to have a great season, and a great season is more important to me than whether individual players have great stats.

Jason:

I can see the Cubs winning 85-90 games, I wouldn't be surprised if:

* Soriano, Lee and Ramirez will hit 35 plus HR's each.
* Barrett, Murton, Floyd, will hit 20 plus Hr's each.
*Zambrano will resign with the Cubs.
* Jim Hendry will make a significant trade before opening day.
* Larry Rotschild will once again be our whipping boy.
*Prior and Wood will not be on the opening day roster.
* Mark Prior will be a 10 game winner- FOR IOWA.
* Kerry Wood will visit the disabled list twice this year.
* Rocky Cherry will be on the opening day roster.
* Rocky Cherry will be sent down to Iowa by Memorial Day.
*Jeff Smardzia will be so-so in his first full year of A ball.
* Eric Patterson will be brought up in September.
* Felix Pie will tear up AAA get called up to the bigs and struggle.
* The Cubs outfield defense will be a nightmare.
* A rookie that hasn't gotten much attention will open some eyes in the Cub's farm system.

This division can be had.

I'll be happy as long as the 15 isnt in the loss column for Marquis

Jim,
For line #2, you must be assuming Jacque Jones is traded, in order for Murton and Floyd to get enough at-bats to hit 20 homers each? Line #2 is borderline Fan Goggling, imo...

Line #4 (the big trade before Opening Day) is a stretch I think...not sure who/what they would trade. If they are confident in Pie, then it makes sense that Floyd/Murton/Jones might get traded, but I am guessing they play it safe for the first month to see how things develop.

All your other points are pretty sound, but for the Cubs sake, I hope you are wrong about Rothschild and Prior!

Jason,

Floyd cannot be traded until mid June, as he was signed as a FA, so that eliminates that possibility. The Cubs could cut Ward, but would have to eat $1 million, and I doubt the Trib would be willing to do that, though the White Sox did with one of their catchers I think last year, and Reinsdorf is more of a tight wad than the Trib is.
If they did that, Floyd would be the backup first baseman, LF, and pinch hitter, and that'd make a lot more sense. That would allow the Cubs to have Pie or Pagan on the roster, and give them much better defense.

Some news article I think in the Trib stated that this backup infielder the Cubs are seeking should be Eric Patterson. I'd have to say that he makes more sense than Tomas Perez and anyone else we'd get at this point. Jones isn't going anywhere now, if the rumors are true that the Cubs have been shopping him...if there were any legitimate trade partners, he would've been gone a long time ago.

Also, after Miller wasn't too impressive today, I wonder if Piniella's re-thinking his stance, and might allow Guzman to take the 5th role. In that case, Cotts would be your long man, and Cherry would probably make the team. But again, would the Cubs be willing to eat $1 million of Miller's salary. Probably not.

My only concern with Pagan is that he has a
"Prior-Woodesque" health issues. I agree Jim he at minimum is a backup defensive upgrade...but if he can't play he is no good.

The word is that he will remain in Arizona with Wood/Prior/Marshall "supposedly getting ready. For what I've heard there is not a chance that either of the above brake camp for opening day. Not even if Prior gets a 5 inning no-hitter.

Aaron tks, aree with Ward being a waste of 1 mill dollars but none of the free agents recently aquired are going anywere[too bad]

Jones is tearing up the ST league IMO and I would trade him right away now that his value is building up, but I have a feeling Piniella wants to stick with him. And for the sake of the argument we have bigger problems to attend.

Hey Pagan was aquired via Waivers but is signed in the 40 man roster and does not need to be placed on waivers even if he is not on the 25 man roster.

Well I am one who believes that the Cubs can win with out any of them, but still need them to be great[talking about my beloved towel girls]

Please baseball start allready...I'm sick of Basketball

Aaron,

I am JUST ASKING, but were you able to watch Miller pitch today or are you basing your comment that Miller wasn't too impressive today on stats alone. I am curious because while the stats didn't look so hot, just by looking at the boxscore, it seems the ball was FLYING out of the park today, so his stats weren't as bad as they may seem. I read an article stating that he all but locked up the 5th spot today with his performance so I am confused. Did anyone see the game today (the one Miller pitched in obviously)? Just looking for a little insight.

Thanks

No, I didn't see the game, but my buddy was there, and called me to tell me about him, and said he wasn't that impressed, but said we should all be very very concerned about Floyd playing in our OF, and that we'll definitely love Theriot this year. I will say this though---he's tied for the lead in hr's given up, and has given up 1 less hit than Cotts in only 2 more innings...That's a little concerning. Now, I'm not suggesting that Guzman is the answer, but simply stating that his stats are little concerning, that's all, just as Floyd's defense is horrendous.

"Fan Goggles", classic. Nice work Jason. Now if you have "beer goggles" and "fan goggles" on at the same time, does that mean that Derik Lee starts to look hot? Weird. Sorry.

why not make a trade at the deadline?? how about prior, gallagher, and pagan for the d-train?

With all due respect Matt R., old crap + young crap + back-up crap does not = Allstar Pitcher.

jeff, i was kind of expecting that result....

if we are in the playoff hunt and need a starter who's a stud and we have surplus minor league talent, who do you think we go and get?? what about hitters to get?