For Openers??
With the Cubs' 133rd National League season starting today, I want to get your keys to another division crown. Mine are these: 1) Can Kerry Wood be the dominant closer many think he can be? He sure looked the part in spring training. 2) Will an offense that finished in the middle of the pack in the NL in runs last year be a little better? The Cubs finished 8th in the NL in runs. If they can sneak into the top 5 and continue to pitch as well as they did last season, the sky's the limit.
Len
PS - It's pouring here at 11:59a.
Comments
Well like all the years in the past i will say it again and that is THIS IS OUR YEAR I'm praying at least see i made a bet that i would not cut my hair till the cubs won the world series (i always have my head shaved so this is one new look lol) any way i have said it before and i will say it again GET RID OF KERRY WOOD. He may have been good in ST but just wait he is the same and always will be he will get hurt or choke when it counts. The Cubbies need another great pitcher and Wood is NOT it. Good luck to the Cubbies this year me and my hair are craveing for a WS title
Posted by: mack | March 31, 2008 2:38 PM
Len,
With Matt Murton carrying one of the best batting averages on the team, and so many infield replacements why would the cubs want to get rid of him...How does he bat in clutch situations?
Soriano takes up alot of money and is no longer a leadoff batter couldn't we trade him and save money at the same time, by replacing him with Murton in the outfield.
Posted by: Alex Tieri | March 31, 2008 2:42 PM
My keys for the season are as follow:
1. Capitalize on opportunities, I don't know the exact numbers, but I seem to remember a lot of men left on base last year and we need to correct that.
2. Keep on top of the fundamentals. We need to limit mistakes made in the field and on the base paths in order to create opportunities for ourselves and limit the opportunities of our opponents.
3. We need to see how people adjust to their new roles. If Woody settles into the closer spot, Dempster into the rotation, Fukudome to MLB, and Soto as everyday catcher then we've got a shot to end this drought.
That is all from me! GO CUBS!!!
Posted by: Ben | March 31, 2008 2:42 PM
Len,
Like to new graphics package for the broadcast. What happened to the MPH for each pitch, though? I used to really enjoy keeping up with how hard the pitchers are throwing.?
Posted by: Jonny Hee | March 31, 2008 2:47 PM
I think if the cubs give kerry enough rest and not use him all the time he will be healthy enough to play the whole season. also if we start playing more small ball and quit worrying about hitting homeruns all the time our average and runs as a team will be alot higher than any other season.
Posted by: Sam D'apice | March 31, 2008 3:17 PM
I am so happy it is opening day! At least it is raining and not snowing. I did not think i was going to make it through this winter with all the bad weather( and i usually dont mind the winter) so having you and Bob back and the Cubs back, feels like there is hope for warm weather. I also think the Cubs will be Great in 2008! Im filled with hope! Thanks as always for the great job you both do!
Posted by: Pam | March 31, 2008 3:44 PM
i did not see the centarldivsflag
Posted by: mikestine | March 31, 2008 6:43 PM
JUST WATCHED THE HOME OPENER NICE JOB ON ERNIES STATUE. ERNIE WAS MY CHILDHOOD HERO. CANT WAIT TO BE THERE IN PERSON. TOUGH LOSS . LETS GO CUBBIES,///
Posted by: ERNIE TAYLOR | March 31, 2008 6:55 PM
I agree with Mack. I hate to say it but one good year does NOT make the pitcher. Unload Wood, not just because of today, although I think that's a precursor to the season. Besides, I think he has a mouth in the club house and I am anxiously awaiting for Piniella to show his Billy Martin upbringing and call the class to order.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | March 31, 2008 9:51 PM