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Analysis, News & Rumors
Archives
February 2007 Headlines
Santo Misses Hall of Fame - 2/27/07 10:30
Updates from Cubs Spring Training - Part 1 - 2/15/07 7:54pm
Cubs Need Zambrano - 2/8/07 6:48pm
2/27/07 10:30 - Santo Misses Hall of Fame
The Veteran's Committee has voted, and the beloved Ron Santo has again fallen short of the necessary votes to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
To make matters worse, he only missed the Hall by five votes. He received 57 votes, but needed 62. Back in 2005, Santo fell short by 8 votes.
Most fans who saw Santo's documentary, This Old Cub, can probably still remember the look on his face when he found out he wasn't voted into the
Hall of Fame back in 2003. Knowing Santo very much wanted this honor, one can only image how disappointed he must be.
Though the Veteran's Committee was formed to give players like Santo another chance at election into the Hall, they haven't voted a player
into the Hall since it was formed six years ago. Many fans are now questioning why the Veteran's Committee even exists if they refuse to vote
players in. Santo is very much comparable to other players who are already in the Hall of Fame. One must also consider the fact that he played
with Diabetes.
Though the next vote is not for another two years, fans can get a head start by voicing their opinion. The following information is
directly from baseballhalloffame.org.
Fans wishing to voice their opinion in support of their favorite candidates may do so in two ways: by sending a single letter to
Hall of Fame Veterans Committee, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or by logging on to baseballhalloffame.org and sending an
e-mail. The Hall of Fame does not forward petitions to the voting members, but makes all correspondence known to any interested
voting members, as well as to the Screening Committee members and Historical Overview Committee members.
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2/15/07 7:54pm - Updates from Cubs Spring Training - Part 1
Pitchers and catchers have reported and in Cubs Nation, there's never a dull moment.
Spring Training kicked off early for the Cubs, who appeared to have been presented with an ultimatum from Carlos Zambrano. "Sign me now or
I'm walking after 2007" was the message sent, but later Zambrano downplayed it. Apparently Zambrano does want to stay with the Cubs and is
looking for a 5-year deal. Early indications are that the Cubs have already offered Zambrano a lucrative deal.
Considering the amount of money the Cubs have poured into their roster, they would be foolish to let their ace pitcher go. Expect Zambrano
to be signed for whatever amount it takes. It may take some time, but Zambrano should have a new contract before the season starts.
The rest of the Cubs pitching staff is getting a mixed reaction. While Prior and Miller are already throwing off the mound, Kerry Wood got
off to a quick start with an injury. Though arriving to camp looking fit and ready to pitch, Wood had a minor setback yesterday after he injured his
side when he fell getting out of his family's hot tub. While it's nothing to worry about
this early in Spring Training, Cubs fans hope its not a sign of things to come.
As the pitchers and catchers got an early look at the new management, one new face also made an early appearance. Piniella and his management
were happy to see Alfonso Soriano arrive early to camp. Soriano hopes to get an early start at the 2007 season.
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2/8/07 6:48pm - Cubs Need Zambrano
The future of the Cubs looks promising in the offense category. The three-headed monster of Soriano, Ramirez, and Lee will definitely bring
some wins to the team, but what about the pitching staff?
Everyone knows that pitching can carry your team. Numerous championship teams in the past few years have proven this. Do the Cubs have
a solid pitching staff? Right now its too early to tell, but if the team loses out on retaining Carlos Zambrano, they will be in a world of hurt.
Yes, the Cubs have up-and-coming pitching talent in Rich Hill, Sean Marshall, and Angel Guzman. They even have Mark Prior, who has the potential
to return to the dominant force he was back in 2003. They also have two new arms in Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis. These guys are good
additions to the team, but they are in no way #1 or #2 pitchers. Most people also forget about Kerry Wood. Though a long shot, he could
eventually return to the starting rotation.
To be a championship team, its usually a good idea to have a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. At only 25 years old, Carlos Zambrano
is already one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. His immaturity is sometimes evident, but he has shown progress. He hasn't yet
had a 20-win season, but playing for the Cubs in the past few years doesn't help that statistical category.
The reality of the situation is the Cubs need Carlos Zambrano and they need him for many years to come. He personifies the team and his
fiery attitude is adored by the Chicago fans.
You can't have the offense the Cubs now have without a top pitcher. The Cubs now have the formula to put together a winning team, but if they
are not able to sign Carlos Zambrano to a contract extension, it could be all for nothing. Did the team spend too much on other talent without
thinking about Zambrano? If so, it was a major oversight. Everyday that Zambrano pitches, his price tag for a long term contract will jump.
Considering the amount of money the Cubs have spent on talent, they need to bite the bullet and spend the additional $15 to $20 million for the next 4-5 years
to keep the Z-Force.
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