An Optimistic View of the Loveable Losers

Every year, it’s the same story with the Cubs, “This is the year!” But, alas, it always winds up not being the year; or should I say years?

It’s been 100 years since their last World Series title and that can cause problems for any franchise. I sometimes have to wonder when the word “ loveable” is going to be removed from their “loveable losers” nickname?

But I'm going to stay optimistic, because that’s what Cubs fans do, they stay positive no matter how appalling it looks.

It’s Lou Piniella’s second year as the head coach, and, if history tells us anything about “Sweet” Lou, it’s you don’t know what to expect.

If anything, Cub fans are hoping for a repeat of his 1987 and 2004 years when his teams improved going into his second year, not receded as they did in his 1994 campaign.

This year, Piniella knows the organization, city, and fans a lot better than he did last year.

The Lineup:

Piniella has all the pieces in place offensively, but the pitching is suspect, to say the least. The Cubs have a lot they need to improve upon, but it’s Piniella’s job to find the right mix, although the Cubs might add another ingredient or two.

If the anticipated deal with Baltimore for Brian Roberts goes through, the Cubs would have a new lead-off hitter and other adjustments to make.

Otherwise, Piniella said the lineup they went with on Saturday, March 22 is the one that will start the season with, but with one exception. He started Mike Fontenot at shortstop, and Ryan Theriot will be the Opening Day starter at short.

Here is the proposed lineup with a little bio about each player and predictions for the upcoming year:

1. Ryan Theriot (SS) He is finally getting his due.

Your shortstop doesn’t need to be a home-run machine or even win a batting title, just look at the last couple of World Series winners: Julio Lugo (‘07), David Eckstein ('06, '02), Juan Uribe (’05), Orlando Cabrera/Pokey Reese ('04), Alex Gonzalez ('03), and Tony Womack ('01).

He plays with heart, and I’ll take that any day over an overpaid and overrated guy, because even when things look the worst, he’s still going to go up to the plate or onto the field and give it his all.

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