| Scott Miller's Take |
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You're going to hear a lot about this being the 100th anniversary since the Cubs' last World Series title this summer. Question is, the Cubs being the Cubs, will they play right into it, staging one pratfall after another? Or will they play to their talent level, which could get them all the way to the World Series? Stay tuned, inquiring minds can't wait to find out. Prediction here: See you in October. Video Outlook
Strengths
Their Nos. 2 through 5 hitters could be some kind of fun: Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Kosuke Fukudome. I like Ryan Theriot in the leadoff role, but I wonder if the Cubs are too young in the Nos. 7 and 8 spots with catcher Geovany Soto and center fielder Felix Pie. Both are extraordinary talents, but as they grow into their shoes, manager Lou Piniella might find too many innings are dying at the bottom of the order and rearrange things. Good thing about Lou: He's always willing to change things.
Weaknesses
Given his injury history, you have to be concerned about closer Kerry Wood. This is the proverbial early-season question mark that could go either way. Wood gets hurt, Carlos Marmol should be able to handle the ninth innings, but it weakens the bullpen. Wood stays healthy, he could quickly become a strength and turn back into the toast of the town. Otherwise, the late-spring pickup of Reed Johnson was just what the doctor ordered, but Piniella would like more speed atop the order.
Difference Maker
Carlos Zambrano. A true ace and Cy Young candidate, he's the type of guy who can put the Cubs on his back and carry them to the finish line. They go as Big Z goes this season.
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After seven seasons in Japan, OF Kosuke Fukudome has a career .302 average and was signed to a four-year, $48 million deal. (Getty Images)
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 85-77 (1st in NL Central)
Manager: Lou Piniella, 2nd year (85-77)
Stadium: Wrigley Field (41,160; grass)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | R. Theriot, SS | A September slide dropped his batting average from .281 to .266 |
| 2. | A. Soriano, LF | Looking to bounce back after dropping off offensively in '07 |
| 3. | D. Lee, 1B | Accolades include three Gold Gloves and 2005 NL Batting Champ |
| 4. | A. Ramirez, 3B | Had a team-high 101 RBI last season |
| 5. | K. Fukudome, RF | A two-time batting champ and four-time Gold Glove winner in Japan |
| 6. | M. DeRosa, 2B | Got off to a slow start after Feb. heart surgery but is fine |
| 7. | G. Soto, C | Spent seven seasons in the minors and hit .353 in Triple-A last season |
| 8. | F. Pie, CF | Perennial top prospect with the Cubs' with a .301 minor league average |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
C.Zambrano (R) |
In 34 starts last season, he led the Cubs in wins (18) and losses (13) |
| 2. |
T. Lilly (L) |
Pitched over 200 innings last season for the first time in his career |
| 3. |
R. Dempster (R) |
Moving to the rotation after saving 28 games in 31 opportunities |
| 4. |
R. Hill (L) |
Hopes to build on '07 breakout -- 11-8 with a 3.92 ERA in 32 starts |
| 5. |
J. Marquis (R) |
Has had problems with consistency in the latter half of the last two seasons |
| Closer |
Comment |
| K. Wood (R) |
Converted to a reliever last season to preserve his troublesome right arm and shoulder |
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