OK, let's start talking about next year. CubDave--what offseason moves do we need to make to get to the dance in 2004.

Good question Z - In my dream world, this is what I do: Outfield - Alou, Patterson, Sosa with Lofton alternating between left and center, Goodwin and Glanville on bench. Ramirez at third, Tejada signs as free agent at shortstop, Castillo from marlins at 2nd, and Sexson at 1st with Hee Sop as backup. Starting Rotation is Prior, Wood, Clement, Zambrano and Pettite. Pudge is at catcher. Sign Foulke as closer, with Borowski, Farnsworth and Remlinger as set up, and bolster middle relief a bit.

Ok, now in the real world, if I can only add 2 good free agents, it would be Tejada and a closer. Simon and Choi at first, Grudz at 2nd, same outfield as listed above, but you have to help the bullpen too.

How about you Z?

Sexson at first?

Come on, let the Brewers keep someone talented

I thought I heard a report about him possibly going to Arizona to replace Grace.

But I'll tell you what, we'll trade Sexson for Prior straight up .

Not likely - but there has been talk floating about Sexson coming to the Cubs. I think we'll keep Mr. Prior, though, thanks very much. Not sure I would trade hime for your whole team straight up! (although I will admit, I like the Brew Crew; probably my 2nd favorite National League team)

About that whole team straight up comment.....hmmm, that's tempting We finally have a minor league system with some genuine prospects. It's been a long time.

We may not have much to root for up here, but we have plenty of seats for Cubs fans when they're in town.

If you can't get in at sold out Wrigley, Miller Park has room. We're almost like Chicago Junior

If you do get Sexson, print the World Series tickets, he's a monster. Imagine what he could do with a real team.

Any chance Juan Pierre would come to Chicago. Man that guy was impossible to get out --- except for last night. Pettitte sure had his number.

Honestly - wouldn't want Juan Pierre. To me, he will fade out. I look at him, for now, as Jerome Walton type. Yes, he is a great fielder, and his speed is phenomenal, but people like him sometimes tend to have very short careers, either from injury or from hitting .190. If he loses speed from injury, his value diminishes greatly, and if he can't get on base, his speed means bupkus. Of course, he could go the other way and become the next Rickey Henderson/kenny Lofton type too.

Plus, I'd honestly rather have a healthy Corey Patterson.

Dave,

Do you really think the Cubs will pursue Tejada? He'll command LARGE $$$ and with Sosa, Prior, and Wood to accomodate (contractually), I'm not sure he'd be a good fit (in a fiscal sense).

But, since you mentioned Pudge, now that he's had the season and post-season that he's had, how great of a decision was it for him to only sign a one year deal last winter? He's saying "Ka-Ching".

I do think they will - don't forget, Karros was earning about $9 million and even though Gonzo has 1 more year left, he is earnign about $6 million, so they can either trade him, or at worst, trade him and pay some of his salary. Between Gonzo and Karros, that is ~ $15 million in salary. You don't have to pay for another 1st baseman if you settle for Choi and Simon, so Tejada should be affordable???

The sports department for our local paper reported this morning that the feeling is Sexson is as good as traded to make room for Prince Fielder.

They didn't know who he would be traded to, but CubDave, you may be getting another All-Star.

Woo-hoo! Big Sexy* backed up by Big Choi, that would be awesome!

* Please note: "Big Sexy" is not my nickname for Sexton, I heard it on SportsCenter.

You had me worried for a moment there!

Have you seen the Cubs latest moves? For the first time EVER, it looks like the Cubbies front office is actually going to try to improve on a good season.

Isn't it awesome, Z???? And you know what, as much as I think Hendry is doing a phenomenal job, I think a great part of the credit goes to Dusty Baker. I don't think Hawkins would come here to play for Bruce Kimm. But then again, Hendry got Baker here, so gotta love them both. Next up ... Tejada???? Maddux????

Cubdave, too bad you're not getting Sexson. But Lee should do well.

We still have Geoff Jenkins on the trading block, any takers?

We need to get down to a $30 million payroll. Miller Park is sure paying off

I think someone needs to ask the Cub fans if they're worried about Houston's starting pitching. . .Cub fans - are you worried about Houston's starting pitching???

As a Cub-Stros fan, I am happy to see this and can't wait to see the Cub v. Astros games. It should be a hoot!

No worries actually - we are slowly becoming unafraid of all the "B's" in Houston - just like Moises in Chicago, Houston is an old team which truly does not worry me...yet.

True, true. With the addition of the Rocket, they will have to get more whirlpools, more Ben-Gay, and the Houston airwaves will be filled with baseball players doing ads for Viagra. Drayton McLane better start ponying up for some young bucks, or the buck is going to stop. Anyway, why worry, the Killer B's always stink in the post season.

I heard a report this morning that the Cubs are "in the lead" to get Maddox, for a 2 year deal.

A Cub-Stros fan? Is there such an animal? Maybe it's my Cardinal fan upbringin' - but I can't imagine being a fan of two teams in the same league, much less the same division...

I am worried that the Cardinals will not be able to compete with the Cubs OR the Astros this year. Very disappointed.