Hope Springs Eternal

Unless you're a Cubs Fan. We're entering the 99th season since the Cubs last won a World Series. How is that even possible? I'll tell you why. To quote Homer Simpson, they are "the suckiest bunch of sucks to ever suck."

The front office is trying to change that by spending nearly $300 million this past off season. They should score some runs, but man, the pitching stinks. As usual.

$75 million to Aramis Ramirez. He puts up big numbers but unfortunately half will come in an 8 week stretch and he'll be cold the remainder of the time.

$136 million to Alfonso Soriano. That's a lot of jack for Mr. Strikeout himself. The guy strikes out 25% of the time. And they're moving him to center field. Couple that with Jacque Jones in Right and Matt Murton in Left and presto - you have one of the crappiest defensive outfields in baseball. All for only $20 million a year!

$40 million to Ted Lilly. I actually like this signing. It might actually turn out well for them. The switch to the NL might help him this year (the first half at least) to face batters that haven't seen him much.

$21 million to Jason Marquis. What? Jason Marquis of the 6.02 ERA last year with the World Champion Cardinals? The same Cardinals that didn't put him on the playoff roster last year? The team that would rather throw a rookie out there instead of him? But I'm sure Wrigley will be good for him. Being the pitcher's park that it is.

No Prior. No Wood. Again. And throw in the Dumpster to close out games and it's going to be another forgettable year for the Cubs. It will be fun to watch the different ways they find to lose games. The over under on Lou having a Lee Elias moment is 20 games.