Hi there. i'm gonna make this pretty short about myself, since this is my first blogpost and I would hate to bore you on the first time.
I have been dedicated to the Chicago Cubs since 1984 as a little 3-year-old gal. Since then, the friends I have made are either dedicated White Sox fans or former-Cubs-fans-turned-Sox-fans-cause-they-couldn't-take-losing.
So, while they have decided to keep me as a friend (and vice versa), I will continue to hope for the miracle that is a World Series championship.
Now, on to the subject.
Like last year, the prognosticators are once again predicting the Cubs to be on top and winning it all. Like this bold prediction from Sports Illistrated saying the Cubs will win the pennant. Or like the many betting and fan sites who loudly proclaim "This is the Year."
For once, can't we just let it be?
I know , it's hard for fans not to be wishful. But to fantasize that the Cubs will do it allwithout even thinking about any consequences is not the smartest thing to do.
While I will have hope that they will make it into the playoffs, I will have some questions as they approach this season and into September:
1. The closer role. I wasn't happy that they let Kerry Wood go, especially since he excelled as closer, earning 34 saves. And while I liked Carlos Marmol as a setup man, I have my doubts for him as closer. I know he had over 100 stikeouts, but let's not forget he's in his third season in the majors and as his SO's went up so have his innings. Which of course is caution for any Cubs player to wear his arm down by the time the Fall Classic rolls around. As for Kevin Gregg, I hadn't seen much of him last year and I think I know why: He had 9 blown saves. If both these guys can control their pitch count, and Sweet Lou can control how many games they pitch, then sure, they can go all the way.
2. Hitting. My gosh, was that terrible hitting against the Dodgers last postseason or was that f***ing terrible hitting? What happened A-Ram, D-Lee and Sori? (Though Soriano was bothered by whatever part of his bod is always suffering.) Another bat was lost from Mark DeRosa's departure, but we still have a good BA. I still don't get what happened. Did they choke? Were they tired? They all came back to spring looking fine. I guess they shouldn't worry about the hype anymore, because its now past 100 years without a title.
3. Big Z. I love him and am baffled by him. He got a no-hitter. His innings were down last year; so were his strikeouts. Then there was the whole lack of nutirents problem from him stopping at Starbucks before every game. But he's still tops. Oh, and he bat well too. So drink plenty of water Zambrano, and to my friend who makes his drinks: maybe cut the caffeine in half or something. 
If those three problems are nonexsistent in September, then I can take a deep breath. If they get past the first round, I will exhale. It's all about baby steps, people. Don't put anymore pressure then they already have on themselves.
We can wait another year.
