I know it's been a while since I've talked Cubs baseball...not much has happened besides the organization signing Ted Lilly to a 4-year deal, which was completely unnecessary, luring in former Cardinal Jason Marquis, and shelling out the big bucks for Alfonso Soriano. I'm impressed with the aggressive moves thus far by Jim Hendry. To put a little extra icing on the cake the Cubs' 2006 draft pick, Jeff Samardzija has committed to play baseball. He's a former Notre Dame wide receiver, but from a baseball standpoint he holds a 21-6 record in 50 career starts with a 3.82 ERA. Right now the Cubs seem to have pitchers coming out of the woodwork. Why couldn't such talent be acquired 4 or 5 years ago?
Well, most everything is beginning to fall in place during the off-season. Lou Piniella is contemplating whether or not to pencil Soriano in centerfield on a permanent basis. Personally, I think he'd be better to play at shortstop, either way the Cubs still need an extra outfielder. They might as well bring up Felix Pie and place him in centerfield, it's past time to see what all the hoop-la is about this kid. If anything Pinella can rotate guys once the 40-man roster is set. The other events going on this winter: the Cubs Convention and hiring new assistant GM. Just the same old publicity ploy, take pictures, sign autographs for fans, and raise money for charities.
Oh, yeah it nearly slipped my mind (because it's insignificant really) the Cubs sign infielder Tomas Perez to a minor league contract with Triple-A Iowa. I realize these guys can't all be winners, although management doesn't have to start going overboard on mediocre utility players. Filling spots in the farm system isn't the top priority now, reshaping the team is before the season. The young players like 22-year-old Jeff Samardzija will get their share of practice in while in Spring Training and will show some level of promise. All the Cubs can do is wait and see what players blossom the quickest. It's only January, it's hard to believe the season is near 3 months away.
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I am a Notre Dame fan, but I also root for the Sox. My feelings on the Cubs are probably apparent, but I hope he does well for you. That being said I like your blog and what you are doing with it. Keep up the good work.
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