This post was mentioned on Twitter by Louie_Ruffolo8: I just posted a new #Cubs blog on my website. Check it out……http://chicitysportsfan.com/wp/2010/03/why-the-cubs-need-to-suck-in-2010/…

Ryne Sandberg was my favorite player, I went to the HOF to watch his induction, I have made trips to watch his minor league clubs play. With that, he needs more time to get ready before taking the Cubs job. You say he knows the everyday expectations of Wrigley, I’m sorry he doesn’t. Ryno was in the playoffs twice in his career and that was during a time when Wrigley was a under appreciated beer garden. There was no pressure, and there were no high stakes to win. Now since the Cubs success in the 2000’s (4 playoff appearances) as well as the White Sux title and the Red Sox breaking their “curse” there is so much more added pressure on the Cubs team.

What leads you to believe that Greg Maddux has the ability to build successful teams? When has Greg Maddux built a team? Scouted talent? Negotiated contracts? Worked with a planned budget?

Steve Stone on the other hand would be the best idea you had in this little story. He probably wants to be more involved in ownership, but he is one of the most brilliant baseball minds out there right now. Stoney could most probably be effective as an owner, team prez, GM, manager, or pitching coach. He is multi talented, and deserves a bigger job in baseball rather than playing co-pilot to the no brained Hawk Harrelson. Would Stoney take another job with the Cubs? Maybe under a new regimen, with a title like Team President, and a pay check with a whole lot of zeros behind a crooked number.

The Cubs are in need of 3 things or about 4 players.

1. A leadoff hitter. Theriot is a very nice player, better suited for the 2 hole or a number 8 hitter. The Cubs had some opportunities to improve this area with Johnny Damon or with Juan Pierre, but elected to bring in Marlon Byrd. Byrd may do a lot as far as building clubhouse chemistry and preaching Rudy’s hitting philosophy, but its not a leadoff guy with a .370 OBP. The only player that could be on the Cubs roster that has lead-off potential is Sam Fuld, but he would have to steal at-bats from Byrd which is unlikely to happen. This leads to a possible midseason acquisition for a second baseman who can lead-off.

2. A Short Stop. Sorry to keep picking on Theriot, but his range and arm hurt the club at his position. Theriot would be a better fit at 2B (which clears another hole they have) and the Cubs could have signed any number of Free Agent SS as a stop gap until someone signs off on bringing Sterling Castro up from the minors.

3. 2 bullpen arms. I don’t know where they will find them, but they need another 2 guys. They need a right handed set-up guy, and probably a lefty long man, with a proven track record for getting outs. Jeff Samardzija could be a set-up type, but if his future is in the rotation all of the changing back and worth will ruin him. Seam Marshall is another guy that could end up in the pen, but he has been widely ineffective as a reliever. Carlos Silva? Ha, even Carlos Silva can’t say that with a straight face.
The Cubs may have yet another disappointing season in 2010, due to injuries, aging players, and a poor bullpen however this team could regain its 2008 form as well. Its not out of th realm of possibility for D Lee to hit .300 with 35 HRs and 115 RBIs, Aramis Ramirez could hit .300 with 30 HRs and 120 RBIs, Marlon Bryd could hit near .300 with a high OBP, which could keep men on base for Alfonso Soriano, and he is capable of hitting 30-40 HRs, with men on base how many RBIs does that translate into? If Gio Soto hits .250 its a step up from last season, if Fontenot regains his 2008 form, and Jeff Baker continues to play the way he has since being acquired, as well as getting a similar year from Fukudome the offense could be talented. Then if our starters work deep into games, and Marmol continues this season like he did when he got the closers job the lack of arms may not hurt.

So there are reasons to be pessimistic as well as optimistic, just sounds like another summer on the North-side.