Thursday, June 5th, 2008
                                      
"CUBS IN 2008??"

            Many people are talking about the Cubs' recent phantasmagoric success in recent weeks, but is no surprise to me at all.  I predicted the Cubs' 2007 post-season collapse in which one reporter regarded as an ‘overrated offense.'  But as the 2008 Baseball season heats up, so do the Cubs.  I predicted in only the Cubs' second week into the season that they would absolutely run away with their division.  Not only did they manage to do that, but they are running away with the entire league.  What happened to the glorious Diamondbacks?  I will tell you what happened to them.  It is a lopsided season this year.  Great pitchers have gone flat such as C.C. Sabathia of the Cleveland Indians, Roy Oswalt of the Houston Astros, Josh Beckett of the Boston Red Sox, Johan Santana of the New York Mets, and who can leave out the most overpaid flop in big Baseball contract history than the San Francisco Giants' Barry Zito?  I might as well name the entire pitching rotation of the Detroit Tigers.  The poor pitching performances by many aces and non-aces this year explains the offensive explosions of many sluggers new and old this year.  The Diamondbacks have disappeared from the equation and will never return simply because their pitching can't do all the talking.  Randy Johnson is always a back spasm away from the D.L. and Dan Haren got smoked in a pitcher's duel against Ted Lilly at beautiful Wrigley Field when they swept the D-Backs.  Brandon Webb is their only good pitcher, and their bullpen is sub par.  Their offense is cracked as well, and highly overrated.  Young, yes, experienced, no.  And that is their Achilles heel.  The Cubs' offense is stacked head to toe with rookies and veterans that all can deliver in loads.  As for Orlando Hudson, Eric Byrnes, and Chris Young?  They are all flat lining worse than the Detroit Tigers.  What happened to the Tigers, you ask?  That's what happens when you put all of your eggs in one basket, meaning their offensive lineup, and nothing into the pitching rotation.  They are God awful with their offense being the most unexpected predictable downfall in recent baseball hallmarks.
            There are only two players on the Cubs' roster hitting below a solid .300 and they are Reed Johnson and Jim Edmonds.  They are both definite Hall of Fame center fielders and there is one thing that I like best about the Jim Edmonds pickup and that is the fact that he is a career clutch hitter, which strongly explains his warm Wrigley Field debut reception.  Cubs fans know him well, and Edmonds knows Wrigley Field well likewise.  Sometimes in life a passionate hate can become a passionate love.  And that is what I believe the longtime Cardinal had become when he first put on the Cubby blue and stepped up to the plate.  And they say Cubs fans have no respect for the game?
            The 2008 Cubs have a stellar offense that tops the MLB in runs produced and a bullpen with an exceptionally low E.R.A.  The starting pitching is strong with Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, and Sean Gallagher leading the way.  Ted Lilly is also coming around strong and expect him to deliver when needed.  The Cubs' entire roster is fully loaded with young phenomenal rookies, seasoned veterans, and familiar faces from days of baseball lore.  Also expect for them to add Greg Maddux once again to their roster either after the All-Star break or a post-season appearance singing after the San Diego Padres close up shop for the season.
            I also made reference to the White Sox winning their division this year.  Once they overcome their offensive struggles, they will be a force to reckon with.  Ozzie Guillen and Kenny Williams both have fires lit under their asses and they know it.  Either deliver, or get fired.  I predict Ozzie Guillen will find his magical lineup or die trying and I also believe that Kenny Williams will put together some form of a spectacular trade or free agent signing that will have many people rethinking the prowess of the once mighty South Side Hitmen.
            Crosstown World Series?  I wouldn't doubt it.  It can happen.

Sean C. Cusack

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