THE CUBS

Theo Epstein is going to have many decisions, but one of his main emphasis is making a detailed examination of the Cubs pitching staff. He probably will begin with the starting rotation.

The Cubs had $134,000,000 payroll for 2011. That resulted in second to last place in the NL Central Division. One of the emphasis for 2012 and the future will be to really scrutinize player salaries.

My 11-year-old son has advised me of the Cubs spring progress through a daily series of e-mails.

The Chicago Cubs have made many mistakes in their quest to be World Champions. Theo Epstein's plan is to eradicate those mistakes.

The Chicago Cubs have not been to the World Series since 1945. They have not won the World Series since 1906. The Cubs must demonstrate that they have the character to win the big games under tremendous pressure.

Micah Hoffpauir is ready to take over for Derek Lee as the starting first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs need the left-handed power, and Micah Hoffpauir's time is now.

The Cubs needed a big break to get to the 1908 World Series, which might be the real reason that the Cubs have not won the World Series in 100 years.

Carlos Marmol is struggling. So are the Chicago Cubs. What should the Cubs do with Marmol since this is a re-building year?

Why the Cubs should get a deal structured with all star Starlin Castro

Like the stock market, the Chicago Cubs climb a wall of worry. No World Series wins in over 100 years. And ah so close many times since. Will Theo Epstein end the curse as he did for the Red Sox. Or will it require a nostrum from She of the Evil Eye?

The Marlins want Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs want him gone. They are a perfect match.

Analyzing the career of Jim Hendry as GM of the Cubs.

Mike Quade took over for Lou Piniella and did a great job. Was the job good enough to get the job next year?

Ted Lilly is starting today against the Los Angeles Angels. Can the Cubs' offense and defense support him?

It is hard to believe I am writing this article because I can recall when Lou Piniella came to the Cubs I thought if anybody could take them to the World Series and win it that he was the guy.

The top-seed San Jose Sharks disappointed in the first round of the NHL playoffs and can compare to the Cubs.

After a 9-0 win against the Astros, can the Cubs swing past the Diamondbacks?

There has been only a couple teams that seem to be keyed in on making the adjustments necessary to win this off season. One of these teams is the Chicago Cubs.

Tribune Co., owner of the Chicago Cubs, announced that they plan to sell the storied baseball franchise later this year.

I'm starting to wonder if this "Cubbie swagger" Lou Piniella spoke of really could exist. By overhauling a large part of the roster and not relying on Mark Prior and Kerry Wood, can this team win?

The 2007 season brings new hopes along with new faces for the Chicago Cubs. The following is their possible starting lineup and starting pitching, and why I feel there is a new hope with this team.