Things have been a little slow this week on BCB except for the always diligent cubbie(when do you work)julie. Listening to a sports talk show in Des Moines last week callers were making predictions for the upcoming year in sports. One caller predicted the Cubs trio of Soriano-Lee-Rameriz would have 140 home runs. Immediately scoffing that off, then thinking later, you know, they may not hit 140 but 130 is possible.

So it's time to make your predictions of the 2007 Cubs. For me, here it goes. Cubs win the division. Yes, going out on a limb here but I think it will happen. Prior will bounce back the second half of the season and look like the pitcher we've missed. Lilly and Zambrano combine to win 30 games. Marquis is up and down, finishes 1 game  over .500 but his big wins out weigh his stumbles against lesser teams. We will have the best bull pen in the NL. Center field will remain an albatross. Wood will get a late season start and go 5 brilliant innings for a no decision but Cubs win. Marshall makes the rotation in late May and is the reason we lead the central division. Wade Miller struggles and is our DL leader. Our Cubs show some heart and pick up many late inning wins with DeRosa-Barrett and Jones heroics. We will like Soriano and gripe about Izturis hitting but love the glove. Pinella will capture the hearts of beer drinkers and rowdy fans; dirt will fly.

What's your prediction for the season and especially interested in your thoughts on Prior, home runs and the rotation.