Thoughts and predictions on Opening Day game tomorrow

I won't say that Spring Training was brutal on the Cubs then again it wasn't real uplifting either with arm problems for Prior and Wood. Finally the season Opener is only a day away, the time for speculating and inquiring is over. When the Cubs arrive at Cinergy Field all they have to be concerned about is playing good baseball. This means being effective and executing, a strategy they've struggled with throughout 2006. The franchise seems hell bent on making up for lost times and wiping last season's 66-96 finish from fans' memories. I like the approach management has took so far, they just have to continue on this path.

Lou Piniella becomes the 50th coach in franchise history, feeling good about the ball club that's been assembled this off-season. Someone with his experience and baseball knowledge can only rub players the right way. The adjustments he thinks may need to be made later is with the defense. Carlos Zambrano makes his third straight start on Opening Day Monday. I'll miss the game since I have to work (should take the day off instead). I think Zambrano will pitch at least 6 innings and get the win. Avoiding a high pitch count would be great. He has a tendency to outstretch the usual limit.

The opening match up between the two NL Central rivals will put Zambrano (16-7 3.41) up against Aaron Harang (16-11 3.76 ERA in 2006), slated for a 1:10 p.m. start. The following is projected starting lineup for the Cubs:


1. CF Alfonso Soriano
2. LF Matt Murton
3. 1B Derrek Lee
4. 3B Aramis Ramirez
5. RF Jacque Jones
6. C Michael Barrett
7. 2B Mark DeRosa
8. SS Cesar Izturis
9. P Carlos Zambrano


This lineup can put some runs on the board, enough to give their starting ace a cushion. What I don't like about the lineup is having Izturis starting over Ronny Cedeno. Obviously, he's shown who the better hitter is in Spring Training. I'm okay with Murton hitting second for Opening Day. The spot could work for him. Later in the season I think Piniella could experiment with Barrett there as well since he has good OBP. Having Lee in the lineup always helps, who I expect will get at least 2 hits tomorrow. Let's kick the new season off right when a win on Opening Day!