What Now?

The Cubs are pretty set. Yes, there are murmurs about right field and shortstop and the bullpen. This morning I wrote that it would be neat if the Cubs signed Randy Johnson.

Still, the Cubs are pretty set.

With Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly and Harden, they have a strong top four in their rotation. Any number of people can compete for #5, including Marquis, Marshall, Gaudin and Samardija.

With Marmol, Gregg, Cotts and Wuertz, the bullpen is strong. Those who can't make the rotation will have spots in the pen, especially Marshall, Gaudin and Samardija.

Despite what people say, the Cub infield is solid. Soto will be behind the dish with either Blanco or Koyie Hill backing things up. Henry Blanco will probably be the next to sign. Ramirez, Theriot, DeRosa and Lee are around the horn. Cedeno, Fontenot and Hoffpauir will back-up the infield. Don't forget that Koyie Hill also has infield experience.

Soriano and Fukadome will be in the outfield. Don't let anyone tell you that Kosuke will start the season in Iowa or on the bench. Won't happen. Now whether he's in center or right is the question. Either way, Felix Pie and Reed Johnson will be around to cover what isn't covered.

So that's the team. Twenty-five fellows who are capable of marching this team to the playoffs again. They did it once. Why change anything now?

If we're lucky, Wood will come to Hendry and insist that he get a one-year contract, to prove his durability. Then when Lilly and Marquis leave next year, they can give Wood their money.

If that would happen (long shot) Wuertz would likely be the odd man out. He's out of options, but will land on someone's roster.

Would we like another left hand bat? Sure, but at what cost? There's no one that HAS to go. You could put together an arguement that Pie and Cedeno have worn out their welcome. You can gripe about Marquis. Still, Pie is very young and Cedeno and Marquis have done what we've asked. Why trade what we know for what we don't know.

I don't see much more happening this winter. Let's see what tomorrow brings!