Where does this leave the Cubs?

[knapplc]

Assuming the Sosa/Hairston trade goes through, what are your predictions for the Cubbies in 2005? Does this improve them enough to make the playoffs again? Do they have a winning record for the third straight year? Do they overtake the Cards?

I'm betting on a second place finish in the Central, especially if they don't get the on-base numbers they're hoping for from Hairston and Walker. The Closer situation is still up in the air. There's no way Borowski saves 30+ games again. I think Lee, Ramirez, Garciaparra and/or Patterson have enough power to keep pitching honest. I'm undecided on whether Prior, Wood & Co. can combine to earn 55 or more wins.

If the pitching is as good as it was supposed to be last year before all the injuries and the offense figures out a way to get guys around the bases without swinging for the Ivy every time, 2005 should be a good year.

I for one am excited about a season without Sammy. As fun as he was to watch at the plate 40 or 50 times a year, he was very frustrating to watch the other 130 times when he struck out on pitcher's pitches.

[RugbyD]

Cards have too many bats and Houston will only be mildly competitive.

Wild Card unless Mulder goes down.

I am excited to see how the season plays out with no 'spotlight man' on the team.

[ironman]

I'm hoping last year's finish plus Sosa leaving will detract all the poser bandwagon Cub fans from buying tickets this year. Last year sucked trying to find anything close to face value, and it was nearly impossible to get through online the day they went on sale.

[RugbyD]

I'm hoping last year's finish plus Sosa leaving will detract all the poser bandwagon Cub fans from buying tickets this year. Last year sucked trying to find anything close to face value, and it was nearly impossible to get through online the day they went on sale.

NONONO!! I depend on those bums for my profit margin!

[DieHardCubbie]

I think we are comign down to a battle for the division with the Cards again this year...The Cubbies have a better starting staff than the Cards...I really don't see Carpenter, Marquis and Suppan reproducing last years numbers...I actually like the Cubbies pen better than the Cards...Ankiel, Julian Tavarez(remember him )...are the LR for the Cards...not much to like there....The Cards have better bats..that is for sure...but what is the old baseball motif...good pitching beats good hitting...

Well maybe not this year...2nd place...fading in the stretch...