[wvuauthor]

I see that the Cubs finally wrapped up Zambrano for another season. Yesterday they signed him to a one year deal worth $6.5 million. Last year he led the Cubs with 14 wins, so they definitely needed to keep him around.

Along with Wood, Prior, and Maddux the Cubs rotation should be pretty strong this season. Hopefully they will be able to avoid injuries throughout the season.

But outside of Lee and Ramirez, what do the Cubs have at the plate this season? Am I forgetting someone, or will the Cubs again not be able to help out the pitching staff?

[Lefty Noob]

Good for them. Zambrano is a fantastic pitcher, and might actually be the best starter on the Chicago staff. He's an intense pitcher, and he led the team in wins [14], ERA [3.26] and strikeouts [202] in 2005.

They've got a few other guys who can hit -- Jacque Jones, Todd Walker, Michael Barret, for example -- but you're right in saying most of the offense will be on Lee and Ramirez's shoulders. But if any of those guys can pick it up, maybe deliver 20 HR and 80 RBI, the Cubbies could go far in '06.

[4bagger]

Zambrano is without a doubt the anchor of that staff. Wood is so injury prone at this point that he can not be counted on whatsoever. Prior seems to be heading down the same path. That leaves Glendon Rousch and Wade Miller... ouch!

The Cubs will be worse than last year... and last year was bad. The Cubs were 79-83 and 4th in the NL Central -- the Brewers even finished ahead of the them.

Afraid the Cubs will be lovable losers again... but the stands will be packed.

[wvuauthor]

Very true, the stands will definitely be packed with hopefuls! If the pitching staff can get it together, and not suffer so many injuries, they may have a chance to make a run at the wildcard.

They are also going to need another guy to pick it up at the plate. Lefty mentioned a couple of guys that may be able to help. I am expecting Lee to have another big season, but again, it is all for not if they cannot stay healthy.