Ron Santo up for Hall induction ballot, business ongoing in Spring Training.

The Hall can't keep Legendary Cub, Ron Santo out forever. The all-time Cubs RBI leader at third base deserves another shot and he will be eligible for election as his third time on the ballot in 2008. Being a fan favorite in Chicago for his remarkable 15-year career and infectious personality should draw a respectable amount of votes. Whether the Cubs could pull out a miracle in the new season Santo's time is due. He finished his career with over 330 homeruns and more than 1.000 RBIs. The present Cubs' sports radio broadcaster doesn't ever miss a game, he's as loyal as any fan and exhibits such heart and dedication for the franchise.

Many people will think he'll try to garner sympathy votes for dealing with diabetes and having the leg amputations. He's got too much pride and character to go that route. His numbers speak for themselves, but that doesn't come close to describing what he's done for the Windy city. Guys like him who have class want to be honored for the right reasons and I believe Hall enshirement is in the cards for this "Old Cub." The Cubs will benefit from his presence, the players can feed off his positive energy and excitement whether from the radio broadcast or in the clubhouse.

With Spring Training well underway it's business as usual. The Cubs have already traded right-handed Jak Kuk Ryu to the Devil Rays for two minor leaguers, outfielder Andrew Lopez and pitcher Gregor Reinhard. The Cubs can always use an extra arm in the bullpen yet the outfield situation remains unsettled. Lou Piniella will come with an opening day alignment, which I think should include Alfonso Soriano CF, Matt Murton LF, and Jacque Jones RF. I'm not sure what role Cliff Floyd will play or how many at-bats he'll receive, but a rotation could a viable option.

As some of you may know, I'm still not crazy about Mark Derosa. Sure the Cubs could do worse...then again at second base they ought to have a set up man who can get on base easily (given he hits in the top of the order) for the sluggers to drive in runs. Otherwise Cub fans will see a constant series of solo blasts to no avail. That has never lead to winning baseball for this team. Speed coupled with power towards the middle of the batting order is a key ingredient to scoring enough runs. Aramis and D. Lee should see a volume of good pitches in the zone if Soriano holds up his end of the bargain as expected. Until Opening Day, let the practice and warm-ups continue at the Spring Training site in Mesa, AZ while avoiding injuries.

Zambrano content with expected 1-year contract

After resistance and strong comments by Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs may have found a deal which makes him happy. The Cubs ace earlier stated that if the organization didn't sign him to multi-year deal he'd leave. Apparently, he's changed his mind and believes arbitration can be avoided. In order to do that the Cubs have to come an agreement on salary figures after 2007. Carlos wants $15.5 million while the Cubs have offered $11 million. A long-term package similar to what the Giants gave Barry Zito is what the young power pitcher requests. I'm not sure how the Cubs will manage such a high payroll after signing Soriano, Lilly, and Prior to a new contract.

I don't blame Zambrano for holding out for a long-term deal. He's going to retrieve top dollar on the market when or if he becomes a free agent. The Cubs would be dumb not to sign him to at least a 4-year contract after 2007. Moving some guys later in the season in trades can help free up money. If Mark Derosa doesn't produce in the first 3 months I say get rid of him. The same goes for Cliff Floyd. The Cubs main focus still should be putting together the best offensive lineup possible. Barring that no further freak accident or injuries occur to Kerry Wood like slipping in a bathtub (happened to Ken Griffey Jr. once) and the rest of the rotation can put in a good 25-30 starts each pitching shouldn't be a problem.

At 25, Zambrano will have to be the top leader on this club. Carrying the torch so to speak will be expected of him. Such masterful performances as those he completed last season along with his animated emotion on the field can ignite this new Cubs team. If the Cubs have one good luck charm among the historic disasters they've suffered, it has to be Carlos Zambrano. Who knows, Pinella might even need to come off the bench as a pinch hitter in clutch situations. The guy has already shown he hit the long ball!

Working out kinks for the 2007 starting lineup

So much work and changes have developed during this off-season that the Chicago franchise seems to have finally got serious about winning. Let's just pray as Cub fans that these strides won't come to a screeching halt or efforts become lackluster when the season starts. All I've heard about in recent weeks is whether or not Alfonso Soriano should be the lead-off hitter. Pinella feels he is best suited to play centerfield, already making the announcement official. Playing in the outfield I'm okay with, but for an athletic, power hitter who's getting paid a $136 million contract I think management may want to reconsider him not being a lead-off hitter.

Yes, Soriano has speed and agility which are traits of good lead-off hitters. On the other hand, it's kind of stupid not to put such a guy in a spot where he can actually drive runs in and still have the opportunity to even get an extra at-bat in games. This is why I believe Alfonso would be better at the no. 2 hole, followed by Lee and Ramirez. The only other option that would sound logical is have him hit third in the lineup and move Jacque Jones or Michael Barrett to the 2 spot. Believe me, Derek Lee will see several more pitches in the strike zone in either scenario. NL pitchers won't dare be risky enough to walk the middle of the order.

Another bone I still have to pick with management, despite usually agreeing with Pinella's judgment is why on earth is Cesar Izturis in the expected starting lineup for '07, much less still in a Cubs uniform? Just because he was injured last year doesn't mean he's got a snowball's chance in hell of making up for a bum trade (Greg Maddux for a .259 career hitter, really? I still can't believe it!) and a total lack of production.

I just don't see the infielder providing any kind of spark to the Cubs lineup. Ronnie Cedeno has shown much more promise to me. Pulling in another ulitity player who can rotate with DeRosa and Cedeno is a good idea. The rotation looks okay for now. It's up to Sean Marshall, Rich Hill, and Mark Prior to prove they deserve a spot on the team in Spring Training.