Season of Spending: 2007 Chicago Cubs

[Jistic]

Thought I'd start it off this year. After last year's season of futility. I will say this. I'm at least happy they're spending some dam money. So happy, that I might actually go to a game this year!

Anyway, they're at a the convention now. The best line I read...

Quote:

I felt the worst for the little kids, their eyes filled with innocent wonder as they waited happily in line for autographs and photo ops with their favorite players. You wanted to pull them aside and gently explain that there are less painful hobbies than following the Cubs, such as plunging knitting needles into your inner ear canal.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/colum...ene&id=2758900

[AI_Franchise]

I'm loving the fact that Soriano is in another big market alternate to NY. Go Sori!! I might be checking out couple of games just for this fact.

[Jistic]

I'm not expecting this team to do anything this year. But it's easier for me to be a fan when they at least spend some money. I know we'll score runs, but pitching could be ugly after Big Z.

[UMass03]

What's the status on Prior? Last I had heard he was in line for the 5th spot but could very well be in AAA to start '07

[wang_chi7]

Quote: Originally Posted by UMass03

What's the status on Prior? Last I had heard he was in line for the 5th spot but could very well be in AAA to start '07

He's still a big question mark. Right now I'd guess the rotation would look like the this:

Zambrano
Lilly
Marquis
Prior
Hill/Marshall/Miller/?

Wood is now in the pen, and Prior can't really be relied upon as a full time starter because who knows how much of the season he can last. The 4 and 5 starters are a big question IMO.

[skitch]

Wow, that rotation could kill the Cubs.

[Sandman]

Hill is a lock for the rotation after last year's post-ASB performance, barring that he doesn't go Rick Ankiel in the first months of the season.

If Hill keeps up numbers and Prior stays healthy, you're looking at one of the most solid rotations in the NL. Pinella just needs to stay away from shuffling it too often. In a weak Central division, I'm feeling very good about this season.

[SPTO]

LOL Lilly will be the worst #2 starter in the NL IMO.

Actually I kinda hope the Cubs do well. I like Lou Piniella and I want to see him have some success with this team but the lack of pitching is gonna kill them unless they win games by the score of 12-10 regularly.

[wang_chi7]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sandman

Hill is a lock for the rotation after last year's post-ASB performance, barring that he doesn't go Rick Ankiel in the first months of the season. If Hill keeps up numbers and Prior stays healthy, you're looking at one of the most solid rotations in the NL. Pinella just needs to stay away from shuffling it too often. In a weak Central division, I'm feeling very good about this season.

I didn't see Hill too much last year, he had good numbers though. This rotation has so many question marks its hard to call it solid. Marquis really sucked last year, Prior nobody knows about, Lilly is a decent pitcher but not great and a switch in leagues will probably hurt him for at least the beginning of the year.

The bullpen isn't anything great neither. Wood could possibly become a mean closer if he takes that role, otherwise he might be a fine long reliever. Who knows if he lasts the whole year though. Dempster shouldn't be a closer, but is a decent setup man or could even be a spot starter if the rotation falls apart and he picks up a new pitch or two. I really don't know much about Cotts. Howry is a pretty good reliever, very solid; Eyre the same.

[Macar91]

What do you guys think of Big Z's recent comments? He said that the Cubs have until opening day to to sign him to a contract extension or they'll lose him forever. He also said he wants a contract worth 18 million per year.

Get it done, Jim.