'07 to '08 Continued... Pitchers

Now it's down to the hurlers, dealers and game-sealers. There is so much to be learned about the Cubs rotation that it is very arrogant to think I know how it will play out. Well, make no mistake about it, I do know and it is arrogant.

Starting Rotation 1-5:

1. 2007: Our Raging Bull, Big Z. 18-13 with a sub-4 ERA and 30+ starts. Is this his ceiling? Nope. His greatest contribution? Kicking the snot out of Michael Barrett and exposing him as a losing catcher.

2008: Big Z. I don't expect anything better from Zambrano this season. In interviews he has done already this year, he refuses to recognize that controlling his emotions will make him a better player. I like his fiery attitude (even though sometimes he reminds me of a 9-year old HIghland Park boy when he didn't get what he wanted for Christmas, waa!) and I understand that is who he is. BUT, I would like it much more if he was 23 and our #3 starter without the hopes of millions upon his shoulders to shut down a playoff team in a playoff series. Z has to step up and be a number one and ironically enough, I don't think he will be capable of that until he loses a little zip on his fastball... and a little movement off his sliderl and is forced to learn how to pitch. I think Z is the perfect complement to a bonified number one starter... unfortunately.

2. 2007: Who said Ted Lilly didn't deserve 4yr/$40mm?!?

2008: He's returning and he's bringing his 'take no shit' attitude with him. His stuff isn't lightening. His fastball won't blow you away. He gives up a lot of homeruns. Yet somehow Ted gets through six, seven innings with a lead and next thing you know you're dealing with Marmol. And the best part for me is that Teddy does it quietly. I don't know that he'll have the same season he did last year, but it will be close. Ted's the stopper... the Silent Assassin.

3. 2007: Jason Marquis had a better year than most people think. He lead the team in a very critical category... the Cubs won more games when Marquis was the starting pitcher than anybody else (23). He fell off the cliff in the second half and has since scared the piss out of Lou and the Gang.

2008: Ryan Dempster is back opening doors instead of closing them... well kind of closing them ...mostly leaving the "Don't close the door all the way!" Chris Duhon- bedtime-wail-sized crack in them. He's worked hard and thus far has been impressing the coaches and I'm happy for him. I think he has the right attitude and confidence. If Ryan can stay healthy enough to get 30 starts, and that's a big "if," I think he can get to the 14-9 range-ish.

4. 2007: Richie Hill finally broke out of his shell. A lot has been made of his lack of run support (bottom5 in the NL) and for good reason. He pitched well. When he located his fastball, he was very tough on batters. He had a sub-4 ERA in a hitter's park in his first full season.

2008: I expect 15 wins and 200 k's from Rich this season. Confidence and maturity will go a long way for him. Did anyone catch his Kip impression (from Napoleon Dynamite) for the lineups that one game? He is talent. Tall, awkward, gangly talent.

5. 2007: Wade Miller worked out like John Kruk in the offseason.... Sean Marshall has some potential (if you're in favor of throwing in a mediocre lefty with their lefty incumbants, Lilly and Hill, already taking up two spots).

2008: Jason Marquis will win this job.... if he stays on the team. I hope they hang on to him to be the fifth starter. I would take his 2007 numbers as the production of our 2008 fifth starter in a DeRosa heartbeat. Couple that with the fact that you can use him as a pinch runner and even a pinch hitter.... in a pinch (God, that's terrible), and you have a useful ballplayer.

That's the rotation. I know that many of you don't support it, and maybe, just maybe it won't be this way. However, I wouldn't bet against it.

Next up: Bullpen and CLOSER once it shakes out... Grind on grinders. For the record, I love Krukkie and his bratwurst-based opinions. Anybody else ready to petition to get Harold Reynolds back?