So am I the only Cubs fan who doesn't feel that bad right now? So this is yet another collapse...big deal, I've come to expect them. All I know is that last year this team won 67 games and just one season later they came within five outs of the World Series. Not a bad year I would say.
Then again, after game 6 I expected the next loss so I've had a couple of days to accept it. Once you guys get over it you should be able to put things in perspective and feel good about this season. Let's face it, we haven't had this much fun in decades.
I'm looking forward to 2004. The core of the Cubs will be intact and you can bet that the Tribune company will probably up the payroll by another $10-15 million to take advantage of the momentum from this year. Plus the rest of the division is going nowhere fast (Houston is *ancient*) so I like the Cubs' chances to put together their first back-to-back winning seasons in ages ('71-'72, right?).
If nothing else dumping Estes in favor of Cruz or a minor leaguer is good for five more wins all by itself.
What kind of changes would you like to see? Personally I'd like to try moving Alou to first base to replace Karros (a FA, I think). Then Corey Patterson can slide over to left field when he returns, allowing the Cubs to keep Lofton (who's been awesome in the much-needed leadoff role that Corey isn't suited for).
Lose Alex Gonzalez...I don't care who you replace him with, just do something. Tejada would look nice.
I'd also love to see Sammy exercise his option (like he's been threatening) and leave town, freeing up around $17 million. Could he possibly be *that* stupid? Doubtful, but one can still hope.