Posted on 3/12/2007 5:14:55 PM

Cubbies Cursed? Make Way for the Hex's Exit

By Jordan Adams

DREAM JOB SPORTS WRITING CONTEST WEEKLY WINNER

2004 NLCS game six, victory just five outs away. Everything is about to change for Chicago’s loveable losers. Oh wait it’s the Cubs. Proceed to meltdown. Everything that occurred in that notorious eighth inning three years ago spoke for itself, so what’s the use of a diehard Cubs fan living in the past? Nope, it’s World Series or bust. My cynicism only goes so far, so I second Carlos Zambrano’s decision to go public with guaranteeing a Cubs championship. I mean, what, it’s only been 97 years since they last tasted the ultimate victory.

The man leading the charge from the dugout could make the most impact of any new addition. The leader of the new school is as old school as it gets. Lou Piniella was the perfect managerial hire, and his track record speaks loudly that he can have this team up and contending as soon as Opening Day. Over his long tenure, he has captured five division titles. In fact, in his first season as Cincinnati Reds boss, all his team did was win the 1990 World Series.

Right now it’s still early in spring training, so no need to scurry too far down the line with a forecast for the season. The main focus is to come out of Arizona injury-free. So Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, let’s pretend like your arms aren’t made out of eggshells for at least one season.

 

While pitching is key for any success the Cubs will have in ’07, the bats will make the biggest change on the north side of the city. Too often the Cubbies failed to score enough runs to win last season. We’ve had our share of good outings from the starting rotation in the past, but zeros for the opposition don’t always equate to victories in the standings. Well, nothing like spending over 200 million to change all that.

Without a doubt the biggest off-season signing was Alfonso Soriano, a player who will have an unparalleled effect on this ball club. The ex-National is coming off a year that only three others have ever matched by clubbing at least 40 home runs while swiping 40 stolen bases. His ability for the long ball combined with his speed atop the lineup makes his presence in the lineup just as valuable as either Derrek Lee or Aramis Ramirez.

Adding second baseman Mark DeRosa and outfielder Cliff Floyd brings another offensive dimension that will boost this team to the top of the NL Central division. DeRosa comes over from Texas, and his multifaceted game and ability to play three or four positions will have him in the batting order nearly every afternoon or evening. Floyd, whose power is evident, actually hails from the Windy City and returns home where he played high school ball in South Holland, IL.

The pitching rotation will essentially have at least three new starters among the five. Carlos Zambrano returns as the ace of the staff and his demonstrative body language and occasional mound temper tantrums make him the leader of this group. His stuff is among the best in the National League and he will be among the top arms vying for this year’s CY Young award.

Pitching alongside ‘Big Z’ are several new Cubbies that come in via free agency. Ted Lilly comes in from Toronto while Jason Marquis switched to the right side of the rivalry between the Cubs and Cardinals. Lilly, a valuable lefty, has earned double digit wins each of the last three seasons, however his ERA needs fine-tuning. Hopefully the more pitcher-friendly National League will play nicer and throwing to pitchers three times a game will help as well. Marquis had turned in 28 wins over the past two seasons with St. Louis and his ERA is very respectable in an era where hitting sets the stage in the sport.

 

And of course the wildcard is none other than Mark Prior. Thought to be the one guy the Cubs could rely on after getting called up from the minors several years back, the only thing he has been is unreliable. His injuries have been a nuisance, and quite frankly every bit of criticism he receives is well deserved until he gets his body back into form where he can handle the physical rigors of a six or seven month season. And while we’re on the subject of arm troubles, Kerry Wood has to be included. Thought to be basically finished after last season’s setbacks, hopefully his new bullpen position will keep him fresh and healthy. Talk aside, the jury is still out on these guys until they hit the strides everyone is expecting from them.

Yes, I know, all these words are hype, and we’re still a long way from seeing if the Cubs will be on the right side of Sportscenter’s ‘contender or pretender’ segment. As a Cubs fan you want to be greedy and wish for a World Series title, but truthfully all one can ask for is for them to be playing meaningful games beyond July.

Anything is possible. In 2003 the Florida Marlins stole our World Series spot and then proceeded to blast the Yankees in route to an unforeseeable championship. In 2004 the Boston Red Sox rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS to send the Bronx Bombers packing and then swept the Cardinals to break the curse. In 2005 the White Sox came out of nowhere to cruise through the postseason and bust out their own brooms to best the Astros. Last season it was Detroit’s year to play the part of Cinderella, albeit falling short in the World Series. So, to add to the list, why not the Cubs in 2007? It’s all within their grasp.

“This is nothing to me. Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week”
-H.O.V.A.

Jordan Adams of Hinsdale, IL, entered the Dream Job Sports Writing Contest for this week and was chosen by BetUS Judges as our weekly winner for the second time. Congratulations Jordan!! Enjoy your $100 Free Play!

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