Wait 'til Next Year...

by Tater01 on Oct 6, 2007 8:26 PM CDT

I know we've all heard it before - and said it before - and we're hearing and saying it again.

"WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR"

For 99 years.

But I contend that in spite of this week's result, this year's results were ABOVE expectations. Yes, management spent a lot of money in the off season which paid off - in the end. Think about those first 60 days when the club was learning what Lou was all about and vice versa. The North Siders had to fight so hard to come back from that deficit and invest so much emotion into June, July, August, and September that there simply was nothing left for October.

In 2008, the team goes into spring training knowing what Lou is about. Lou has a pretty good idea what he has to work with, from Sori (in LF, NOT CF but maybe 2B, from some rumors) to The Riot to Soto, Kendall, Blanco, et al...

In theory, this club hits the ground running in 2008. Further, anyone who knows me offline knows I've been proclaiming for several years that 2008 is the Cubs year - with an even 100 years between titles.

Changes certainly need to be made...a "real" CF who can hit and field (a mesh of Pie, Sori, Jones (did I just type that?) and others...can the team afford to make a run at Andruw Jones? Can the team afford NOT to make a run at him? The rotation still needs a little bit more to get over the hump - whether a "psychiatrist on call" for Z or a solid back end starter that can be counted on for 200IP.

I know tonight hurts us all after the promise that September brought. But the sun will be up tomorrow. And there's always "next year".

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

Jesus

the game isn't over with!!!

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Oct 6, 2007 8:26 PM CDT 0 recs

I see a strong push for Arod

Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Oct 6, 2007 8:31 PM CDT 0 recs

I wouldn't count on any big acquisitions

during this offseason. It is likely, this ownership change deal will drag on until early 08 and will not allow any big expenditures.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Oct 6, 2007 8:35 PM CDT 0 recs

And they really dont

And they really don't need any big acquisitions. This isn't like last offseaosn.

Shore up the outfield and a 4th starter neither of which is huge money.

I'd be much more worried if Z wasn't tied down.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Oct 6, 2007 9:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

They'll need more than that.

n/t

by Fraggin Judge on Oct 6, 2007 9:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

Need balance on offense

and that means (I hate to say it) a leadoff hitter. I would be surprised if Lou has Soriano in that spot next year. Theriot, IMO, is really an 8 hitter and does not have the OBP to be at the top.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Oct 6, 2007 9:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

A CF that Can Hit

A CF that's a combination of Soriano, Pie and Jones? That's Willie Mays or Duke Snider. That's a Hall of Famer. They don't grow on trees. And Andruw Jones looks like he has dropped off of the cliff in terms of his performance on the field. Do they need an upgrade? Maybe. But that upgrade may simply not be out there. I would stick Pie out there from the start of the year and live with the growing pains.

by frustratedfan on Oct 6, 2007 9:44 PM CDT 0 recs

I don't think you buy that CF

I think you grow him. Like Frustratedfan, I think it's Pie.

I think that with Soto catching regularly, and (hopefully) Murton in the lineup regularly as well (I love Uncle Cliffy, but he's really not a starter anymore), we need some backfill in the bullpen to take the #4 spot from Marquis, assuming Marshall can't come back.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Oct 6, 2007 11:36 PM CDT 0 recs