Chicago Cubs on 4-Game Win Streak

Folks are awfully quick to jump on a team after the first week of play.

In an attempt to dispel those who like to base predictions off less than 10 games, I'll break out the age-old cliché, "It is not a sprint, it’s a marathon."

But the Cubs have started off hot, as their 6-4 victory over the Pirates, Wednesday night, has them riding a four-game win streak. 

Ryan Dempster has been fantastic as the No. 3 starter in the rotation and Lilly, Hill, and Marquis don't concern a whole lot. I don't see Marquis pitching in the Cubs’ rotation come August. Whether his departure is by means of trade, or a move to the bullpen comes to order, I just don't feel he will be a part of this rotation all year.  

The offense hasn't been anything spectacular, but it is too early to jump ship on some of these guys. However, I think in the coming weeks we will see Cedeno make a strong push for more playing time over Theriot at short, especially if Theriot's production continues to diminish.

Pie does not appear to be Major-League ready to me but it seems Lou feels ABs will get him there. Derrek Lee continues to impress and is, in my opinion, the best pure hitter in baseball.

Soriano's approach to the plate has not thrilled me by any means. Lou has to have him in that leadoff spot because it is the only place he'll see a fair amount of fastballs. Soriano continues to struggle with good breaking balls and may be one of the worst two-strike hitters in the game. I am sure he'll go off for a month or so to post his usual numbers, but his inconsistency may be the eventual downfall of this team.               

The bullpen has faced a number of obstacles early on and has been so-so. Woody has thrown the ball effectively after opening day. Despite the home run to Jason Bay on Wednesday night, he has shut the door in the ninth.

Marmol is picking up right where he left off and may be the best setup man in baseball. Howry has struggled early, but his veteran savvy will prevail and I have no doubt that he will put together another solid season.

The dark horse in this Cubs 'pen is Michael Wuertz. Wuertz has thrown the ball very well early on and will be a huge factor in the success of this 'pen. When he gets ahead of batters with his slider, he is extremely difficult to hit.

The Cards and Brew Crew have gotten off to nice starts, but with the Cubs’ current four-game win streak, they find themselves right up there with those two.

I have a feeling the Brewers and Cubs will separate themselves early from the rest of the division and the two-team race should go right down to the wire.

We should have an exciting summer of baseball to look forward to in the NL Central.