A Little Bit of Cubs Talk

So far, we have had a few posts on the White Sox, and now I think it's time to bring a little Cubby Blue to the table.  Perennially the Cubs have a fan fest we all know as "Cubs Convention" that kicks off the new year of Cubs baseball.  Every year is pretty much a carbon-copy of the last year, with thousands of high-hoped Cubs fans gathering to talk about how "Next year is here", along with enjoying Cubs Bingo, autograph sessions, and extreme binge drinking.   This years convention took place a little less than a month ago and it was no different.  Mr. Cub and Billy Williams were spotted all over the Chicago Hyatt, amongst other former and current players.  I was also in attendance, and got this great snapshot with TV broadcaster Len Casper:

So let's take a look at the new high-profile faces the Cubs added to give false hope the millions of Cub fans throughout the states:


Carlos Pena:  He's pretty much a journeyman at this point, but should produce better than his sub .200 average last year, and don't be surprised if he hits 40 home runs with Wrigley's swirling winds... but don't be surprised if he gets off to a bad start and the Bleacher Bums put so much pressure on him he's afraid to enter the ballpark (a la Milton Bradley).  Pena Career Stats

Kerry Wood:  Wood returns to the team who drafted him, after a few mediocre stints in the AL.  Contrary to that, Wood did happen to be the Yankees best reliever during their playoff run last year, posting a .69 ERA in 26 innings.  He will be comfortable in Chicago, and he will be welcomed back with open arms.  Look for him to have a very solid year, with an ERA in the low to mid 3s... But don't be surprised if he tears his rotator cuff first week of April either. Wood Career Stats

Matt Garza: Another Ray joins the Cubs, this time via an offseason trade.  I love this pick up for the Cubs.  Garza is a balls-to-the-wall type of pitcher that the Cubs need, but balances that competitiveness with on the field composure.  I hated seeing him in Minnesota as a Sox fan because I knew one day he would be the real deal.  I full expect him to dominate the lesser National League by putting up a sub 3 ERA and if the Cubs can give him some run support, maybe 20 wins.  You never do know with this team though... Garza Career Stats

The Cubs also made several smaller moves, re-signing Reid Johnson to a minor league deal.  They gave up Tom Gorzellany, a Chicago Native who had a solid year in spot starts and out of the pen last season.

Overall, I think the cubs will wind up in third or fourth place in the NL Central.  The Cards have a great young staff, with Pujols anchoring a deep line-up and the Brew Crew now has a great young ace in Zack Grienke, who should be back to Cy Young form in the NL.  It is a pretty deep division, and don't be surprised if the Cubs make a splash in it or if they finish last either.  As a Sox fan, I truly try to write this blog unbiased, which is actually pretty hard.  I do promise though, that I will more than likely be ripping on the Sox just as much as the Cubs this year too.

Concluding, here's a song that every Cubs fan should have played at their funeral.  So fucking true it's crazy...