Now that the election has been called, I feel I can move on to more important things -- like the Cubs' chances in 2005. In a nutshell, the problem in 2004 was that the inmates were running the asylum -- the likelihood of a position player housecleaning is great -- it's likely the Cubs will say goodbye to Sosa (if there's any takers) Alou, Grudzielanek and Nomah (if the Yankees rumor is true). The 2005 Cubs will also be without Chip Caray and Steve Stone, Stone being a particularly tough loss to swallow given the fact he's one of the best color men in the business.
What the Cubs need for success in 2005 is a fairly simple recipe -- fewer significant injuries, better team chemistry, smarter hitting and baserunning and a closer. Injuries you can't predict. Better team chemistry is a function of creating some respected sheriffs in the clubhouse as well as Dusty Baker putting an end to useless distractions. Smarter hitting may or may not happen, it's a function of talent and fundamentals -- I'd love to see the Cubs make a play for Edgar Renteria and Carlos Beltran, to terrifically talented, smart and fundamentally sound winners. With respect to closers, Troy Percival is available, and he's a winner. Let's see if the Tribune Company continues to reward Cub fans' loyalty by spending like they did last year, or whether we're back to the same old, same old.
In closing, I'm still disappointed in the election results, and the Republicans still need a trip to the woodshed.
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