Soriano is now a Cub, what a blockbuster deal!

I'm absolutely stunned that the Cubs have signed Alfonso Soriano to an 8-year deal worth $136 million. First of all, bravo finally to management for having the brass to make this deal happen. I knew they were holding out for a long time. Parts of the puzzle are still being put together. This appears to be one of the lastest and greatest moves the Cubs have made this off-season. Jim Hendry understands his ass is on the line and has no choice to spend lucratively to acquire top market talent.

This franchise is now going in the right direction (after coping with 3 straight miserable seasons). I knew Lou Pinella was the best choice and right fit for this team. Also, it worked out well that Aramis Ramirez was able to come to terms on a new contract and not leave. So we have three star, top caliber players with Lee, Ramirez, and Soriano in the lineup, but who will be next to sign? Oh yeah, the Cubs traded and got Mark Derosa from the Indians like anybody cares. Personally, I don't think this guy will make a difference at second base. Cedeno and Theriot are okay for now, they're young and are still developing their skills. Plus Derosa isn't worth over 3 million a year.

Management keeps talking about filling another spot in the rotation, which includes Zambrano, Prior, and Miller, to give depth. What about Barry Zito? Sure he'll want a crap load of money, but what star pitcher of his quality doesn't? Strengthing the rotation won't be an area Cubs management can procrastinate on and be cheap with either. I don't know who is on the market or free agency right now, but I can't think of a better replacement than a strong-armed southpaw. They need at least one good lefty in the rotation. Hendry should keep wheeling and dealing this off-season until he pieces together an all-around masterful club.

Cubs hire Dejesus as managerial assistant

The news and efforts swirling around Chicago are positive this off-season. Snagging Lou Pinella was one of the best decisions this franchise has made in a long time. This week the Cubs filled another management position as they hired former player, Ivan Dejesus to be Pinella's coaching assistant. As Cub fans know, Dejesus is known primarily for being traded to the Phillies with Larry Bowa for Ryne Sandberg in 1982. He had been coaching in the minor league for the Houston Astros. I'm really unsure of how this deal will pan out for the Cubs. If Dejesus coaches anything like he used to hit (.254 career avg.) then it will best not to include him in on the offensive strategy.

I know this club is undergoing a major transition and having to find a new staff, but couldn't they have sought out a former player who was accustomed to excelling and being successful. I would think players like Mark Grace and Ryne Sandberg exhibit those qualities. Heck, Grace even won a World Series with the Diamondbacks (should've happened with the Cubs...damn '89 NLCS). Even if it wasn't a former Cub at least the new President, CEO could've done is located someone within baseball who has a proven track record. Management needs to think along the lines of quality rather than availability.

Next on the list of priortiies will be the players, who to keep, who to let go. I wouldn't mind seeing a new face over at shortstop or second base, God knows this team needs production from those positions. Merely finding a utility player to fill the spot won't cut it. Cub fans are tired of seeing hapless nobodies come to Chicago, unable to deliver when needed. I'll think about this DeJesus deal, but I don't think it will work out.