http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-081005-how-to-fix-chicago-cubs-playoffs,0,3563262.story

I agree with Paul Sullivan's article in this morning's Tribune for the most part. I just don't see how the Cubs don't bring back Dempster and Woody. I also think it would be a mistake to bring back Edmonds and Ward. Bringing them back would tell me that this organization has learned nothing from the past.

I agree that Hoffpauir deserves more playing time, but I have a radical, although more expensive, solution to the problem at first base: Mark Teixeira, and if the ownership mess can be SUCCESSFULLY sorted out before the free agent wars begin, I can see Mark Cuban not hesitating to pull the trigger on this one. Trading Lee should not be an issue. His contract is by no means an albatross, and he still has value as a player. Hoffpauir should spend his winter tuning up his outfield skills. In my world, he is a less expensive Daryl Ward with more plate discipline and possibly better defensive skills.

I'm conflicted about Zambrano. Part of me wonders if he is turning into another primadonna like Sammy Sosa, and if he is, then I'm all for moving him as long as we get equal value in return.

Sullivan is quite correct about "Cubby Swagger." The 2007 NLDS collapse was understandable and forgivable. That team was lucky to even make the playoffs. The 2008 NLDS collapse can't be forgiven until this team redeems itself in the eyes of Cubdom and all of baseball. There can be no swagger until they have a World Series title to swag about.

I agree that Samardzija should go back to being a starter. As to whether he his is successful there or not, we have reason to be cautious based on his minor league record, but the Cubs have to find out. I also think Sean Marshall deserves a chance to be in the rotation, and I can't imagine the Cubs not picking up Harden's option. If I never see Marquis throw another pitch for the Cubs, I won't be disappointed.

Finally, I just don't know what to do about Fukudome. Anyone can plainly see that he needs some adjustment to his hitting mechanics. The minors might just be the place for him to work out his issues. The majors is a tough place to make adjustments. It did work somewhat for Kazuo Matsui. Perhaps it will work for Fukudome.