Filed:April 6th, 2009

I’m not all that sentimental. Or wildly enthusiastic, for that matter. And for those who read this site who know me, you know I don’t subscribe to the audacity of hope, or most other audacities, for that matter.

When I was growing up a Cubs fan in the 80’s, I was just happy to see baseball games, win or lose. And as I got older, I realized that talent and shrewd personnel decisions create championships, and most years, the Cubs had neither.

So, I never uttered words like “wait till next year”, or “this is our year”. Well, at least not until now.

I’ve never seen in my lifetime such a perfect storm converging on Chicago. The old ownership is looking to make a statement on their way out, and the new owners are apparently serious about building something. A championship-winning manager, who’s been given not only great talent on the field, but enough fiscal slack to hunt down some more, if need be.

It’s a balanced club, with good pitching, a balanced lineup, and the ability to grind out runs, AL East style. And a league that for the most part looks happy this year to hoard cash, and play out the season like it’s a 162-game exhibition schedule.

This club has holes, make no mistake about it. But I’ve never personally seen a situation before in Chicago  where everyone, from the top down, was so committed to fixing them.

My point? I think we’re going to see something special this season. And I’m happy to be along for the ride. Especially since, THIS IS OUR YEAR!!!


Good luck in Houston guys.

 

 
Power Rankings
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Team
Comments
1
1
Yankees

Rodriguez is out for months, but it's not like the Yankees don't start off slow every year anyway.
2
3
Red Sox

Probably a touch overrated, but someone else is going to have to step up for them to drop.
3
2
Phillies

Sorry. Still spooked over the Hamels elbow scare.
4
4
Rays

I like that youth a lot.
5
5
Cubs

I suspect that Hoffpauir at-bats are going to come at Fukudome's expense.
6
6
Angels

If it were any other division, I'd be more worried about three starters on the shelf.
7
9
Indians

I still can't tell which Indians team will show up, but for now I'm high on them -- especially with DeRosa.
8
10
Mets

Signing Gary Sheffield? Really? That New York clubhouse has the potential to get real toxic, real quick.
9
8
A's

Too early to tell if the kids can play.
10
12
Twins
 Look for Crede to have  a bounce-back season.
11
7

Braves

 You need a bat, and I'm still not sold on Vazquez.
12
14
Dodgers

Manny's back, Kent is gone, and I love that defense with Furcal and Hudson.
13
11
White Sox

Still looking for a lead-off man, and if Contreras and/or Colon crumble, look out.
14
13
Giants

I like almost everything that I see. But Fred Lewis hitting third? Eww...
15

15
Cardinals
 Troy Glaus is out for months, but the Cubs won't run away and hide.
16
16
Diamondbacks

Too much talent, not enough leaders.
17
19
Brewers
 They'll be good this season, but it's really time to start thinking about moving Fielder.
18
20
Marlins

Hanley wants out. Do you blame him? He'd be a household name on any other winning club.
19
18
Royals

Meet the 2008 darkhorse. Seriously.
20
26
Rockies

Helton looks worlds better, but it won't be enough.
21
17
Blue Jays

The East is way too competitive for them, and now there's talk of Wells being a bust. I think it gets ugly up North before the season is over.
22
21
Reds

I'm high on that talent, but looking at the cast-offs in camp this spring, it seems Dusty still doesn't get it.
23
23
Rangers

Kris Benson made their starting rotation. Maybe they're just allergic to quality pitching.
24
22
Astros

Even the pitching that they do have looks overrated.
25
24
Tigers

They shed Sheffield, and the sell-off could continue early for this club.
26
28
Orioles

Honestly? I think that they may finally be heading in the right direction...
27
27
Pirates

Unlike this club.
28
25
Nationals

This is what happens when you stock up on left-fielders instead of pitchers. See ya Willy Mo.
29
29
Mariners

Just stick to your plan, and you'll be fine.
30
30
Padres

I thought about something good to say for 15 minutes. Couldn't think of anything.