Cubs

[Valuist]

Keep fading them. I don't see them turning it around. They've got one superstar who you can pitch around. Alou looks like he's been on the DL one time too many; McGriff is too old; Hundley can't play anymore, DeShields is too stupid (trying to steal with Sosa up and 2 out in the 9th????Hellooooo), nobody at 3B until Mueller comes back and now he's injured his knee badly twice so he's probably thru. Patterson is showing signs of promise but its not enough to make up for glaring holes at 2B, C, 3B and relief pitching. This team was smoke and mirrors last year; they had a great bullpen who helped them win many 1-run games. Now Farnsworth and Gordon are out and Fassero, who was good for 4 months last year, is finished. Don't be surprised to see them looking up at Cincinnati all season long.

 

[nighthorse]

You can still count on Leiber.......The more they lose, the quicker Prior will be called up. Beyond that, it's big trouble for a while, at least.

the only spin I can give on Alou and McGriff is, it's been cold.......these old guys need some warm weather. When the Ivy starts to sprout, maybe these guys will too. The season falls on these two guys. While Alou might get healthy enough at some point to contribute, McGriff really looks cooked. I hope I'm wrong.

As far as betting, I think you're absolutely right.....

 

[Valuist]

I think Whitey had some numbers on his thread about April. There's no doubt its a great indicator. They could be good next season. The starting pitching is solid. They also don't want to rush Prior. But there's so many holes in that lineup they can't score enough. Cruz is 0-5 with a sub 3 ERA. DeShields, Bellhorn, Machado and Rosey Brown? How can you expect to win with that? As for the weather, don't be too sure McGriff or Alou will ever return to their old form. McGriff is 39 and I think its the end of the line for him. Moises gets injured more than an NFL quarterback. Kind of reminds me of the White Sox last year. You knew by April 25 they had no chance to win the division. This year, thats the Cubs.