Only 103 years and counting. That's how long since the Cubs won the World Series.
But, it's spring and hope springs eternal. The Cubs opened up spring training for pitchers and catchers yesterday in Mesa, Arizona. Above, a picture of Hohokam Park, the Cubs' home in Mesa.
My daddy, who passed away over a decade ago, wasn't even born the last time the Cubs won the World Series.
We've got a new manager, and it isn't Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. No, it's Mike Quade who served as interim manager last year after Sweet Lou Piniella decided to pack it in.
We aren't expecting much from the Cubbies this year. It's a transition year. We are aiming to be competitive again, perhaps in the next decade. The team features some exciting young players in Starlin Castro, Andrew Cashner and Tyler Colvin.
I'd love to take a trip home to Chicago for a game at Wrigley Field, but it's tough to plan these things when you're working as a contractor. (I have an interview coming up for a full time job on Wall Street. Don't know if I can take the pace. May be too old for that.) If the Cubs show some signs of life early in the season, I might sign up to get the games over the internet on mlb.com. About 20 bucks a month.
The big off season acquisition was pitcher Matt Garza, a fifteen game winner who pitched last year for the Tampa Bay Rays. Also acquired as a free agent, Carlos Pena, who hit a sterling .196 last year for the Rays. $10 million for a .196 hitter!
The good news... we've cleared out some bad contracts. Next year, after the Cubs dump a few more bad contracts (like the one given to Kosuke Fudodome), we'll have the money to go after Albert Pujols when he becomes a free agent. I'll bet he's always dreamed of playing for the Cubs!
So, it's already time to start waiting until next year. In the meantime, I'll try to enjoy the 2011 season for what it is.
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