LITTLE HOPE FOR THE 2006 CUBS

WILL THE CUBS WIN? WILL PIGS FLY?
It is time for my annual Cub baseball prediction. My heart is not in it this year. However, here is what I really think.
(1) Pitchers Mark Prior and Kerry Wood will get healthy and win 20 games each.
(2) First baseman Derrick Lee will be the league MVP.
(3) Rookies Ronny Cedeno and Matt Murton will both hit over .300.
(4) The Cubs will win their first pennant since 1945 and first world series since 1908.
(5) Pigs will learn to fly.
I may have stated the above in the wrong order. Actually, the first four predictions will not come true unless the fifth one does.
Spring training has been a disaster for the Cubs with both Wood and Prior injured. The players acquired in the off-season will make little difference for the team that finished 79-83 and 21 games out of first place last year. Oh yes, we still have “Dusty” Baker as manager. That alone will make winning difficult.
Since I am so pessimistic--should I become a Cardinal fan? If I ever become a Cardinal fan, you will see pigs flying over barnyard fences.
No matter what, I will always be a loyal Cub fan—it must be in my genes.