This is my first ever post as a Cubs blogger here at cubsnet.com. Hopefully, it will be the first of many to come.

Well, now on to the main topic: Will the Cubs Pitching Staff be able to overcome Dusty Baker's Overusage Tendencies to get the team to the playoffs?

In my opinion, no. Granted, both Houston and St. Louis are markedly weaker than they were last year. However, the gap between the Cardinals and the Cubs last year was such that the Cardinals could have lost 10 more games than they did and still have won the division. To overtake the Cardinals, the Cubs will still have to been improved over last year. Position player wise, the Cubs probably are a little better than last year since Nomar should be able to play with good health. Problem is that Wood and Prior are questionable, Maddux always has a bad start and the idea of having the likes of Ryan Dempster in the starting rotation is scary. Additionally, both the Reds and the Selig-free Brewers figure to be improved from last year, adding pressure to the Cubs.

Can the Cubs still make the playoffs? If the position players whose names are not Nomar can come through with great defense and post career years, then the team might still make it to the Wild Card. The only way to really ensure that the team has at least half a chance of making it is to fire the clueless Dusty Baker.