I know I have said this before. The only reason that I see the Cubs spending the money on Lilly and Marquis is because they needed guys with experience; and there were not that many out there this offseason without having to spend even bigger cash than what they did. These guys could pan out really well and be worth the money we spent, or be a bust and a waist of money. This unfortunately is the risk. But instead of being in the boat that they were in last year with 4 out of 5 of the pitchers being rookies, they spent some money that others might not have on the certain players they got.
I know I would rather over pay Marquis and have him be the starter than rely on the arm of Guzman or Maeto(?). This I actually think was a very smart move for the Cubs.
Next topic I will save for another write up, but I really see great things from this team. If it all falls in place, and that damn Billy Goat stays away, this team can make a run at the playoffs. They are better built offensively that the last two years. Pitching is in the rebuilding, but if you take the skills of Big Z, the good days of Hill, 2004 season of Marquis, a healthy Prior, and a carreer year of Lilly, you will have an outstanding pitching corps. The bullpen has the potential to really be one of the best in the league.
This shall be an exciting year, or a very, very disappointing one.
