Chicago Cubs

I realize that the title sounds a little arrogant, but it's true.  Allow me to explain to you how/why it's going to happen. 

The first reason is very simple: we have an easy starting schedule. Of the first 39 games we play, only six come against teams that had a winning record last year. We open the season with a three game series at Atlanta, and then host the Marlins for a three game series early in May. 

This article was originally published at TheDailyCub.com , my blog covering all things Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs’ infield has been one of the stronger areas for the Chicago Cubs over the past few years.

Their corner-infielders have become stars in Chicago, and they have had lovable middle-infielders as well.

Here is a look at the expected starting line-up for the infield:

C: Geovany Soto
1B: Derek Lee
2B: Mike Fontenot
SS: Ryan Theriot
3B: Aramis Ramirez

The prevailing wisdom in Major League Baseball is that umpires are best when they are relatively anonymous. The thinking goes that the more transparent he is in a ballgame, especially the home plate umpire, the better he's doing his job.

Well, they seem to take a similar philosophy to life itself.

How many times have you heard about an umpire doing charitable work in the community? Sure, you hear it when an ump blows a call, but the good work many of these men often gets overlooked.

This article was originally published at TheDailyCub.com , my blog covering all things Chicago Cubs.

Let’s take a look at an alternate universe, one where nobody ever has to take accountability, then gets to do an interview on a major network without being asked about your play.

It’s a world where, if you screw up, the world is just against you. It’s not your fault. Why should you take the blame when people are trying to hold you down?

While the signings of guys such as Alfonso Soriano and Milton Bradley are in the forefront of Cubs fan's minds, there have still been a number of great moves made by the front office throughout the years. This article will look at the ten best free agent signings in team history.

First, a few ground rules. I have only included signings made from the beginning of free agency in 1975 on, since prior to that the only free agent signings were ametuer free agents, as the draft did not exist yet.

Chicago Cubs General Manager, Jim Hendry, had some good words of advice for Milton Bradley on Wednesday. Hendry told ESPNChicago.com that it is time for Milton to look at himself in the mirror and take some responsibility for his unsuccessful season in Chicago.

Bradley recently did an interview with ESPN's Colleen Dominguez. He told her that he felt like a prisoner in his own home when he was in Chicago. Also that he received hate mail with no postage mark on it. When asked if this mail came from inside the organization, Bradley told her that he hoped not but maybe it could've.

With 25 days until Opening Day for the Chicago Cubs, I would like to clear the air about one Cub.

Kevin Millar, owner of a World Series ring and scruffy facial hair, is, in the simplest form, no longer a serviceable major leaguer.

If he makes the team out of camp it will be because his image as a blue-collar "winner" preceded him, and likely not because he tore the cover off the ball in Arizona against AAA pitching (although he is hitting a robust .400 so far this spring...in five at-bats).

I'm not here to argue Millar's resume because it speaks for itself.

"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggonit, people like me."

That was not a quote from Milton Bradley, formerly of the Chicago Cubs, and about a fourth of the teams in baseball.

He's probably not good enough. He certainly wasn't in Chicago.

I don't know how smart he is, but does a guy that acts like him have anything upstairs? 

As for people liking him—well you know the answer to that one.

People can't stand him—from his teammates, coaches, managers, GM's, and the fans.

Have I left anyone out?

This article was originally published at TheDailyCub.com, my blog offering thoughts and insight on the Chicago Cubs.

After breaking down the starters a few days ago, it’s time to look at the guys who will be working off of their performances.

The Cubs’ bullpen has always been a concern, and they have been changing closers pretty much every season.

I guess today is just going to be the day that black men make me weep.

That's my first thought after running through the morning news, and finding these delightfully insane, and completely narcissistic interviews with Milton Bradley and Torii Hunter.