No more excuses for the Cubs

By Marco Santana Sports Central Columnist

While it's tempting to look back at the 2003 season and pine on the great season that may have been a Steve Bartman away from the World Series, the Chicago Cubs and their fans must move on. That is easier said than done. I won't get into the numbers that are often brought up.

If you don't know how long it's been since a World Series title came to Chicago's north side, then you are probably not reading this (which brings up a different issue of why I mention it). But when you are a franchise that has not had consecutive winning seasons since a six-year stretch that ended in 1972, it is hard to move on and look to the future. The 2004 Cubs, however, don't have that problem.

After improving 21 games and taking the National League Central, the Cubs find themselves in the awkward position of favorites to return to the postseason. The more amazing thing is that this team may have a chance to return and make it a regular occurrence.

It has often been said that the Cubs are this decade's version of the Atlanta Braves in the '90s. And with the stable of arms that they have, as well as the acquisitions that have been made this winter, this could be next year. Here is a look at the 2004 Chicago Cubs.

Middle Infield

The Cubs' most glaring weakness exists in the middle of the field. More specifically, it is the SS and 2B positions. Mark Grudzielanek had a career-year in 2003. In his first season as a Cub, Grudzielanek had his second highest batting average at .314. There are whispers around town as to whether he can do it again. While the Cubs have some strengths, it will take another career-year from somebody to do what they are aiming at doing.

SS Alex Gonzalez was on the other end of the spectrum at the plate. His .228 batting average was his worst as a regular player in his career. While most Cubs fans will not forget the error that he committed after the Bartman incident, his glove is as good as gold. If he can continue to pick them at SS, his spot in the lineup will not be in jeopardy. Ramon Martinez and free agent acquisition Todd Walker give manager Dusty Baker some options to give Gonzo and Grudzielanek some rest.

Corner Infield

The Cubs may have their best corner infielders in decades. What is even better is that the two men are both in their mid-20s. 3B Aramis Ramirez was a part of the theft of the Pirates that occurred during the stretch run last season. While his glove leaves much to be desired, he brings some power to the position and could stabilize a spot that has needed it since the Ron Santo era.

Combined between the Cubs and Pirates in 2003, he hit 27 homeruns. If he were to revert back to his 2001 numbers of .300/34/112, he could turn into the protection that Sammy Sosa has been looking for.

Derrek Lee at 1B is a great acquisition and could turn the Cubs' corners into a formidable duo. Consistently in the 20s in homeruns for the past four seasons, Lee also gives them a good glove. These two could be together for a long time. Lee recently signed a one-year deal that leaves time during the season to negotiate for a long-term deal.

Catcher

This may be a spot where the Cubs took a step backwards this offseason. C Damian Miller was traded in the offseason and the replacement is a hitter that struggled with the Mendoza line last season. Only time will tell if he can handle this pitching staff. Miller did a tremendous job in this underrated task and it now falls on Michael Barrett. His arm is unquestionable. His backup, Paul Bako, may need to tutor this kid as he stepped in admirably for Miller when it was needed.

Outfield

Right field is exactly who you would expect. Sammy Sosa should put up the numbers that you are expecting once again. Hopefully, he can play a full schedule this season, although even with a shorter season, he put up some very good numbers in 2003. Moises Alou is back once again and will miss time due to injury, as usual. And injuries are a big story when you mention the Cubs' outfield because Corey Patterson will return for opening day after losing almost half of the season to injury in 2003.

Skeptics will say that if it wasn't for Patterson's injury, the Cubs may not have made it due to Kenny Lofton's arrival. But Patterson was on his way to a great season and may have turned the corner and gotten to the level that the Cubs and Cubs fans were agonizingly waiting for since the day he debuted.

With Todd Hollandsworth joining Tom Goodwin as a backup in the outfield, injuries may not be as big of a factor as both players are accustomed to playing off the bench.

Starting Pitching

This is where the bread is buttered. The Cubs are the envy of most of the league with their dynamic duo of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. With Prior locked up until 2008 and Wood negotiating a long-term deal, the Cubs have the makings of that Atlanta squad. The Cubs will not make the same mistake with Wood that they made with Greg Maddux in the '90s. Wood has constantly expressed his desire to remain in Chicago for the foreseeable future and the Cubs would be foolish to let him go.

Speaking of Greg Maddux, his agent and the Cubs have been trying to come to an agreement that would fix one of the franchise's biggest mistakes (and that's saying a lot). If Maddux comes in, that would put him at the No. 3 spot in the rotation with Matt Clement and Carlos Zambrano -- both top-notch starters -- at the number four and five spot. If he doesn't, it is time to give the ball to Juan Cruz and let him take off in the No. 5 spot. It can't be any worst than letting Shawn Estes get the ball every five days!

Relief Pitching

Another weakness of 2003 shows up as a possible strength in 2004. After blue-collar closer Joe Borowski's performance last season, Baker didn't think it wise to get another closer. But they made it more likely that a game will get to him. Mike Remlinger had a decent season in 2003 and was the only lefty Baker could rely on for a while. But with the additions of LaTroy Hawkins and Kent Mercker, he may have an abundance.

With Baker getting to know his players more, this could be just what he needs to play the matchup games that he loves playing. Kyle Farnsworth will be getting more than his share of games as he is the only proven relief pitcher that throws from the right-hand side. As with Estes, I think the Cubs will be better off throwing a lefty pitcher at a right-handed batter than throwing Antonio Alfonseca out there!

So the season is just about ready to begin. And fans of the Chicago Cubs don't know what to think. The horses are in place with another horse on the way if things fall right. It seems to be about the right time to end the 31-year drought of back-to-back winning seasons. But ending the other drought may be too much to ask.

Or is it?

Article courtesy of Sports Central.