[ThePundit]

A $300 million makeover, a new manager in Lou Piniella, a new center fielder in smiling Alfonso Soriano ... there's plenty to talk about here. But will the Cubs be a focus of conversation in August and September when the talk centers on the playoff race? That's anybody's guess right now, but be advised: The Cubs had better come up with some pitching.

Strengths
Certainly, Soriano should give them some authority in the middle of the lineup. Put him, Aramis Ramirez, Derrik Lee and, say, Cliff Floyd together, and the Cubs are not going to have difficulty scoring runs. Look out when the wind is blowing out in Wrigley Field. This will be a bombs-away summer on the North Side. And while fundamental baseball has not been a Cubs strong suit in recent years, I think the defense will be improved with Cesar Izturis at shortstop and Mark DeRosa at second ... providing Soriano takes to center.

Weaknesses
For all the money they spent, Ted Lilly is still No. 2 in the rotation to Carlos Zambrano, and Jason Marquis, who wasn't even on St. Louis' roster in the postseason last year, is in the rotation as well. There also are questions surrounding the closer -- is Ryan Dempster reliable? -- and the same ol', same ol' with oft-injured Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. Wood should add to the bullpen, but his health always is an issue. And the Cubs expect Prior back in the rotation, but them saying how he was progressing during the spring was just happy talk so as to not ruffle his feathers. Prior did not look good this spring. Not at all.

Difference Maker
Carlos Zambrano. He's a legitimate ace. If he has a so-so year, what with guys like Lilly and Marquis behind him, the Cubs are doomed. They need an All-Star season from the Big Z.


Player Spotlight

Derrek Lee, 1B
Lee came to the Cubs in 2004, won the NL batting title in 2005 and was only played in 50 games in 2006 because of a wrist injury. His strong spring performance indicates he's back and ready to duplicate his 2005 season.

Give us your thoughts!

What's New

A lot is new with the Cubs as a result of a complete organization overhaul that began at the end of last season. New team president John McDonough is ready to lead the Cubs to a World Series with new skipper Lou Piniella in the drivers seat and a hefty $300 million team pay roll. Also added to the front office are assistant general manager Randy Bush, who was with the Minnesota Twins for two World Series victories, and media relations director Peter Chase, who was on the Boston Red Sox staff when they won in 2004.

Chicago Cubs Preview | MLB Baseball at CBS SportsLine.com
ThePundit's Prediction: 2nd in NL Central. I think Lilly will be really good in the NL and I like Rich Hill. The also have a good manager and a ton of offense.

[azrael492]

ThePundit's Prediction: 2nd in NL Central. I think Lilly will be really good in the NL and I like Rich Hill. The also have a good manager and a ton of offense.

They do have a great offense, but their pitching is going to kill them. No team will be contenders if Marquis and Lilly are #2,#3. Hill is going to have to step up big.