"Lou Piniella is having so much fun with his postseason TV gig that he's considering spending the 2006 season in the booth," reports the AP. I personally like listening to Piniella in the booth. He's not nearly as stiff as a lot of managers or players are.

Derrek Lee's performance this season was one of the best in Cubs' history. Lee finished with an adjusted OPS+ of 177 (in other words, 38.5% above the league average OPS, adjusted for ballpark effects). That 177 OPS+ is 4th in Cubs' history, just behind Sammy Sosa (201 in 2001), Rogers Hornsby (178 in 1929) and Hack Wilson (178 in 1930). The Cubs all-time single-season adjusted OPS+ leaderboard has been updated.

This off season presents the Cubs many options. The Cubs need to strengthen their Bullpen (first and foremost), sign/trade-for one or two out-fielders, and decide whos at 2B and Short.

With the likes of Billy Wagner, B.J. Ryan, etc. on the Free-Agent market, the Cubs could get a great set-up man for Dempster, or turn Demp into a Set-up man. None of us want to hold our breath once the 7th, 8th, and 9th come around. It would obviously help the club if they had someone to pitch behind their starters. It would be really nice if starters, ie. Mark Prior, could co more than 6 in. a start. But, if the other teams had something to be scared of in the Bullpen, it would be a major boost.

Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon are the only real Outfielders on the market. Although, either one of them would be a major boost to the Cubs Offence. Also Felix Pie sits in the ranks waiting for his Major League debut!