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The 2015 MLB season will begin with the Cardinals and Cubs playing a primetime game at Wrigley Field on Sunday, April 5. ESPN2 will air the game, which will "move from Monday afternoon." The matchup will feature the Cubs' debut of manager Joe Maddon and will take place at a "rehabbed Wrigley Field". The game will be the "first-ever night home opener in Cubs' history".

So there you go.

About time we start to get a little respect!
Really hoping we have a true # 1 on the mound by then… Interesting times in Wrigleyville!

And starting for the Cubs on Opening Day will be Jon Lester!! That has to bring a smile to Cubs' fans.

Okay Winston, Russell, KJ and all you other devoted Cubs' fans, what do you think of the six-year, $155 million deal for Lester? Does it make the young Cubs a contender in the tough NL Central? Can this starting rotation produce wins even with an unproven bullpen? Will they get enough hitting from their youngsters to score 3 or more runs for Lester & Co? Or does the Jinx continue and Lester breaks down before the heart of the contract has been earned?

It's too quiet around here. Let's hear from the Cubs' fans and anyone else about this blockbuster signing. Whatcha got?

I don't think the Cubs are contenders or even close. Lots of talent some have reached the majors some haven't yet. They don't yet play winning baseball. Baez swings at anything that leaves the pitchers hand and they all seem to fully embrace the majors trends of swing full out every time just in case you might hit it. No taking pitches let alone walks. No cutting down on your swing with 2 strikes. Hitting behind the runner, what's that? What's a bunt? On base percentage? Now having said that. I think Epstein and company are fantastic. What the Cubs have been missing for about 100 years or so. Bosio is a magician. I hope he's signed for a long time. I like the addition of Madden. There's lots of talent and depth of talent to work with. As Theo said they are moving into a new phase. Looking for veterans to teach and lead the young guys. However there's a lot of teaching and leading still necessary. More experience and seasoning, lots more, are part of the process to get to a winner. 3 years ago I said 2019 was the year we could expect to start winning regularly. I still think so, though it could happen earlier with some luck or out performance followed likely by disapointing year the year after. I think they'll get there, but not this year or next, no matter who they sign.

It all started by getting Theo & Jed into place to start building this thing from the ground up. Now we are starting to put some proven talent and pieces around the kids. Lester is a HUGE signing for us and I don't think we overpaid. The market is what the market is and to not have to give up a pick in the next draft to get this top arm is worth something big as well. Madden will do a good job leading them, so watch out NL Central!
Look at this team today...
C- M Montero, W Castilo
1B - Rizzo
2B - Baez
SS - S Castro, A Russell
3B - Valbuena, KRIS BRYANT in the wings baby!
LF - C Coghlan or J Lake, but I think the Cubs Add Here
CF - Alcantara
RF - Soler (Future MVP)
___
SP - Lester, Arrieta, Hendricks, Hammel and then pick one (Wood, Wada, Jackson, Turner) I think we add here too
RP - Rondon could be a good closer and then after him I think we need to add a few arms in the pen

Yes, it is exciting times for us Die Hard Cubs Fans who have been waiting A LONG TIME to start this party… Lets Go!

Greg Ambrosius wrote:The 2015 MLB season will begin with the Cardinals and Cubs playing a primetime game at Wrigley Field on Sunday, April 5. ESPN2 will air the game, which will "move from Monday afternoon." The matchup will feature the Cubs' debut of manager Joe Maddon and will take place at a "rehabbed Wrigley Field". The game will be the "first-ever night home opener in Cubs' history".

So there you go.

And on April 6th, the Chicago Tribune will have a headline they will only have to use once in 2015..."Cubs a Game out of First!"

Just sour grapes from a Braves fan looking forward to a tough summer...