Spring Training: Top 10 Questions From Cubs Fans

6) Will the Cubs trade for Brian Roberts?

This has been an ongoing saga all winter.  Despite the fact that Roberts name was featured in the Mitchell Report and the Cubs already have a solid second baseman in Mark DeRosa, they are looking to add Roberts to add some speed at the top of the lineup.  This would be a big move, because it would allow DeRosa to become a starting utility player, which would be a great use of his versatility.

5) Who will pitch the ninth inning?

The Cubs closer situation has not been solid for a long time, and this year there is more uncertainty.  With Dempster moving back to the rotation, Bob Howry, Kerry Wood, and Carlos Marmol are each in the competition.  It looks like the Cubs will have a great looking pitcher finishing games for them regardless, but do these men have the mind of a closer?

4) Is Kosuke Fukudome the next great Japanese transplant?

Fukudome is the biggest question mark on the roster this year.  I don’t think anybody really knows what to expect, but everybody is really hoping that he is the next Ichiro or Matsui.  Apparently he is fast, and can hit for power and average, so I’m excited to see what he can do.

3) What does the future hold for Wrigley Field?

Hopefully, the building will be improved while still retaining its integrity.  Hopefully, the name will not change.  Hopefully, the Cubs will continue to play at the historic stadium in the long term.  With the ownership situation in flux however, there is no way of knowing what will happen in the long term.  I personally think that the new owner will want to keep the team in Wrigley, but it really depends on who the team is sold to.

2) When is the team going to be sold, and how will this affect the on-field output?

It appears the team will not be sold until after this season starts.  I have a feeling that whoever buys the team will want to keep most of the current players around, but might also be willing to input even more cash into the roster in an attempt to bring the team its first world series title in one hundred years.

1) Is this the year?

Optimistically, yes.  Realistically, maybe.  The Cubs did make the playoffs last year, and have only improved upon the team that was knocked out by the D-backs.  While it has been a long, long, long time since the Cubs last won the World Series, Cubs fans have to believe that the team is in a handful of contenders in the NL. 

The Mets look to be stacked now that they have Johan Santana.  The Brewers, D-Backs, and Rockies also continue to have solid young rosters, which will undoubtedly be competitive for years. 

But you have to say this team has a chance.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?