For 2008 to be the year of the Cubs, team chemistry that is off the charts will be one key. I would like to see Wood, Howry and Marmol determine that they should pitch the 7th, 8th and 9th in that order. Marmol stats (69 inn, 41 hits, 35 wks, 96 so's and 1.43 era) are clearly superior to the others. It likely helps Marmol's confidence and composure to know when he is going to pitch.

Wood and Howry know who they are, don't need the "glory" and just want to win. Wood probably benefits from having the 7th off when starters are still pitching, and he could pitch two innings when that is important. With Howry's "closing" the 8th being almost as important as the 9th, we could have the best late inning pen in the majors.

Colon fans can read a "downer" report on the Cubs site. He gave up 2 runs on 5 hits in 4 innings in a playoff outing yesterday--and the comment is that he didn't help his cause for a new deal. He could end up being a low cost and incentives signee for someone.

JimK, you are very right on the chemistry. It seemed once Barrett was let go and everyone started to come together is when the team took off last year. That and when Pie is on the Big league club, we have a winning record and Soriano shines.

Also I just read that Joe Blanton is on the trading block, could this be one of the deals that Hendry has on the table?

Man I am ready for some baseball!!! Can't wait till "Talkin' Cubs Live"

Mitt Romney just quit the presidential race. With a name like Mitt, maybe some team picks him up as a sign and follow. "Mitt" probably means he can't hit a lick--in the same way that the guy who made his living sticking his right arm in the lion's mouth is named "Lefty." I'm sorry that no other baseball news tops this at this moment.

Just think, next time this week, pitchers and cathers are giong to have their first workout.

I just read that Curt Schilling could have a serious shoulder injury and that boston is not 100% comfortable with Julian Tavarez as their 6th man (I wouldn't be either for what it is worth). This made me think about Coco Crisp's availability because of Jecoby Ellsbury and coincidentally Jason Marquis's availability because I flat out don't like him. Something to watch and think about.

Following the posts from Jerry and Lows from earlier today (on another post topic), I fully agree with some of the mentality of posts on this site. For a sight that is for the "cubs faithful" a good portion of this group sure turns on this team with their wannabe GM aspirations.

Without the use of stats, stats, and more stats, do we not think that Soto will be markedly better (both offensively and defensively) than Kendall. And that F'Dome won't be a major upgrade than Floyd or Murton in right. And that center field is in much better hands with anyone other than J Jones....and while I like Pie, I personally predict that Fuld's plate discipline and ability to make contact will land him the starting CF role (similar to Ellsbury in Boston). The chemistry of this team will be so much better than with the "veteran" retreads we had last year. And as Jerry stated, I'm looking forward to seeing the likes of Hart, Gallagher, Samardjia compete for those starter roles v. mortgaging the farm for a 12 game winner with suspect health. And our late inning bullpen will likely be the best in the league with Wood, Howry, Marmol and even Eyre out there (along with a potential Hart). This team is head and shoulders above last year in heading into spring training.

This is about health, development, team chemistry, and leadership/mentoring, none of which is a stat line item.

We should all be excited about the prospects for 2008.

Bryan,

Your message was a breath of fresh air. Well said. Go Cubs, and go youth movement.

Youth movement?

Tell that to my buddy's Great-Grandfather (who I am particularly close to) that is turning 97 in a couple months who still hasn't seen his favorite sports team win the world series.

When someone says they want the cubs to trade for Santana, Bedard, or Blanton and they are willing to part with the farm to get them don't be so pompous as to belittle them for their love of the Cubs. There is a chance they have been watching this team LOSE for much of the last 100 years and are anxious for a winner in their lifetime.

Cliff,

I don't think anyone is being pompous. Your buddy's great-grandfather who's 97, and my grandmother who's 98 (and an avid fan), haven't died from a heart attack or from depression from the Cubs not winning the WS. It's still just a fun sport to watch.

We'd all also like to win the lottery someday, and that may not happen as well. So life goes on...let's enjoy it, and the reasons why sports were created...for entertainment.

Jerry - Are you serious? Losing doesn't bother you? You don't mind the Cubs being called the lovable losers?

This is not our 5 year old's soccer team...

"if winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?"
-Vince Lombardi

ESPN news is reporting that Schilling's season is in jeopardy, bay-bay, ooh ooh ooh. Sorry for the 80's song reference. THAT does make a Marquis for Crisp trade interesting to ponder...