Play Ball!

Yes, pitchers and catchers just reported to spring training last week and position players slowly are filtering in as well. But let me be the first to report: THE CHICAGO CUBS ARE ELIMINATED FROM PLAYOFF CONTENTION.

"What?" you ask, "Didn't the Cubs just bring in a new high profile manager who was wanted by nearly every club with a managerial opening?" Very true. This is supposed to be the "next year" that Cubs fans have been waiting for. But the Cubs have brought in the "It" manager before and while "Dusty" Piniella may breathe some long missing life into the dugout, the talent on the field has to get the job done. I'm still waiting for Piniella's miraculous turnaround to happen in Tampa.

"What about the Cubs free agent signings? Certainly they'll help." Alfonso Soriano is a top notch hitter. Slugging in a pitcher friendly RFK Stadium last year was most impressive especially given the early controversy of his position change. But don't you think he might be looking at the second base position at Wrigley with a jealous eye with the revolving door of so-called talent there? Ronny Cedeno is still just trying to avoid spiking himself after moving to second. Mark LaRosa? Ryan Theriot? Are they really the answer? Just wait. A controversy will be a-brewin'.

The Cubs overpaid for Ted Lilly which will incite Carlos Zambrano to demand even more money or risk yet another clubhouse distraction. As Zambrano (or as he refers to himself "The Big Z") said, "Whatever happens, I don't want to know about a contract during the season. I want to sign with the Cubs before the season starts. If they don't sign me, sorry, but I must go. That's what Carlos Zambrano thinks." Gotta love a guy who talks about himself in the third person. Oh, YEAH!

And, of course, the Cubs didn't just sign new problems. They re-signed Aramis Ramirez. He of the lackadaisical hustle and head-bonking pop-ups. If Piniella can get Ramirez to show some heart, the Cubs may actually have some hope. Nah.

Oops, gotta go. Kerry Wood just got hurt again and Larry Rothschild is helping him and Mark Prior rehab with the infamous towel drills. Ya know, cuz that's been so effective in the past.