[soriano33]

As they stand now on paper with Ramirez, Soriano, and Lee at the heart of their line-up, is this team for real now? Any predictions? Do they need to make a deal for a starting pitcher?

[MVB]

Oh, the Cubs are definitely for real this year, and with the NL Central not being that strong, they stand a good chance of winning their first division title in a few years. Their lineup will be right behind the Mets as the most feared in the league.

But they do need to work on the pitching, both starting and relief. Chicago brought back Woods and will have Zambrano to lead them into battle. A couple more solid guys, and they'll be set. The bullpen, though, will take a bit more work. I remember watching numerous Cubs games last year where the bullpen blew a late lead. It seemed to happen every other day, and eventually became expected. This needs to be changed; it should be the high priority of the front office.

[EmpireWF]

They still need help with pitching before I can annoint them the class of the NL.

But that line-up is going to be a force....if Lee can stay healthy.

[Lefty Noob]

I agree with Empire - they're definitely contenders, but another quality starter or two puts them over the top.

[domer747]

Lets just finally be better than the Pirates! Sorry Pittsburgh fans....but I think this year they will finally be able to put something together and attack the Cardinals. They just need to find a good place for Jacque Jones, I think he can be a solid player in the right spot in the batting order.

[Lefty Noob]

Domer, man... you and I were getting along so well, chatting in the Notre Dame forum and all, and then you had to go and diss the Pirates.

Just kidding, of course! I'm sensible enough to recognize that the Cubbies and the Buccos are teams heading in vastly different situations. Chicago may well be close to challenging for a division title, at least. The Bucs, meanwhile - well, as a fan, let me just say that a season about .500 would be a blessing from above.

[cwstech]

Sorry Lefty, but I agree with Domer. We have to do better than last year. It hurt so bad to see that team with so much potential just fall apart.

Maybe with Wood gettin healthy and seeing bullpen duty, we will be better there. He could be a nasty setup man or closer with his fastball and curveball.

And I agree we need some pitching.

Zito, I have $100 with your name on it if you will play for the Cubs!!!

[domer747]

Sorry to pain you Lefty, you do have one of the coolest stadiums in all of Pro Baseball if that makes you feel any better. Pitching is the key before we can annoint this team, I just wish Prior would get over whatever has been ailing him, realize your arm is going to hurt when you pitch in the majors, and get out there and be the man!