Chicago Cubs Baseball

The advent of actual spring games commences this week, and what better time to assess Chicago Cubs baseball than the present.

As we all know, Gentleman GM Jim Hendry was an active ol’ boy this off season, even with IV tubes dangling from his carcass and cardiologists hovering his hospital bed. GM Jim was on a mission - and who could blame him - after 2006.

Afterall, this year it’s Hendry’s hide on the stretcher - in more ways than one.

So how did GM Jim do? At first blush this is a short list of the Cubs needs, followed by fulfillment:

• Power hitting outfielder: Added Alfonso Soriano and Cliff Floyd
• Starting pitching: Added Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis
• Bullpen help: Added Neal Cotts
• Second base: Added Mark DeRosa (but the jury’s still out)
• Left-handed hitting off the bench: Added Daryle Ward
• Healthy Mark Prior: Who cares?
• Healthy Kerry Wood: Who cares?
• Closer:

Oops. Let’s back up.

I retract what I wrote about Wood not being healthy. I really, really care that’s he’s healthy. With every fiber in my body do I hope he’s healthy.

Cause may the Gods of Good Lungs and Strong Limbs help us all - especially the Cubs - if he’s not.

You could almost call the closer role’s of 2006, LaTroy Part Deux. But let’s be fair and call it by it’s true name: Ryan Dempster.

Just as a review let’s go Dempster Diving.

At last glance, Tryin’ Ryan finished 2006 1-9 in won/lost totals. And for the heck of it, let’s toss in nine blown saves, which wasn’t the worst in the majors, just fifth worst. Together, if my math serves me correct, that’s 18 losses Dempster directly or indirectly accounted for.

He also had an ERA of 4.80. Which sorry to say, is about right on average for Dempster. In his nine year career, his ERA is 4.83, hardly the stuff to be touting to the mound in a save situation.

Again, for the heck of it let’s take a look at last season’s save leaders for the National and American Leagues. Trevor Hoffman posted a 2.14 ERA in recording 46 saves. Francisco Rodriguez saved 47 for the LA Angels and had a 1.73 ERA.

And I’m supposed to feel good with Dempster chugging to the mound, lugging an ERA of nearly 5.00 on his back?

Even in LaTroy’s worst season, his ERA was no more than 3.32. Whoever thought one would be longing for the days of LaTroy?

But Dempster says he’s a new man. Twenty pounds lighter. More focused. He’s ready to return to his 2005 form.

Oh, man.

Please God, keep Kerry Wood healthy.