From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

Crickets……….

The weeks before footballs championship game are famous for the lack of anything happening in any sport. The day that pitchers and catchers report to spring training is close, but still two weeks away. Obviously, no football is being played as Sunday is the big game. Hockey had its all star game and basketball is preparing for theirs. At least we had the Grammys which were extremely entertaining.

Kyrie Irving saw the gap in news and decided to demand a trade.

I think the New Jersey Nets were somewhat relieved, and traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. Kyrie is undoubtedly a great basketball player, but he has unique views about the universe that sometimes interfere with his teams chances of winning.

So anyway, with so little going on, I decided to look forward to the baseball season. Actually, as many of you know, that means I want to look forward to what the Cubs may have in store for us this season. The off season started slowly, with many stars going to other teams, but then the Cubs finally started to participate. Let’s start with the outfield.

The Cubs needed a center fielder so they went out and signed Cody Bellinger. Cody was great a few years ago, but injuries have affected his productivity the last couple of years. He’s a great fielder and base runner and if he can regain his hitting form, he could be a superstar in Chicago.

Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are the left and right fielders, giving the Cubs an excellent outfield.

The infield has a new look too.

The biggest acquisition for the Cubs this winter was shortstop Dansby Swanson. Signing him allows the team to move Nico Hoerner to second base making the defense up the middle outstanding. Third base is probably still being manned by Patrick Wisdom unless young Christopher Morel beats him out. First base will be split between newcomer veterans Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini with young, powerful Matt Mervis waiting in the wings.

The Cubs will miss the offensive production of Wilson Contreras, but the defense should improve. The capable tandem of Yan Gomes and Tucker Barnhart will handle the pitching staff. The starting pitchers will be Marcus Stroman, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Kyle Hendricks, and Drew Smyly, a nice blend of old and new and young and old. The Cubs farm system is really starting to contribute, so if anyone stumbles, a youngster will be ready to take their place.

My hope, and I believe it’s realistic, is that the Cubs will battle the Cardinals and Brewers for the Central division championship, with beating them a definite possibility. After a few down years, they’re back with the elite, at least in their division. Once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen.

In honor of Black History Month, my quote this week is from Martin Luther King Jr.: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.