So Close In 2009, The Chicago Cubs Look To Pass St. Louis In 2010

The Chicago Cubs finished in second place in 2009, but one could hardly call that a successful season. They scary thing is that they finished more games out of the wild card than they did out of their division. The National League is sporting some heavy favorites once again and if the Chicago Cubs are going into the playoffs, they have to get past St. Louis.

One of the most exciting things for this franchise is the return of Greg Maddux. One of the most dominant pitchers of our time, he has decided to get his post playing career under way with the Chicago Cubs. Never one to power through hitters, this staff will surely benefit with a few lessons about his pinpoint precision. During his prime, there was no better control pitcher on the planet.

The entire team and system is ecstatic about having Maddux come back to Chicago. The young pitchers are looking forward to the knowledge that he can give to them and even Piniella is excited about talking to him to learn his approach to pitching and games in general. While he will not be on the field, his expertise could add half a dozen games to the win total.

Going back to the days of Dave Kingman, Cubs fans have always been treated to a big offensive machine in Chicago. The lineup that they feature this year will give more than one opposing pitcher indigestion. When you add the speed of Fukedome, Theriot and Byrd, it is an absolute nightmare for opposing teams.

Pitching will also be very impressive in 2010 if Lilly returns from his surgery in good shape. Between him and Zombrano, the Cubs have a pretty powerful one and two punch. These two starters could lead the way and if the bottom half of the rotation pitches .500 ball, the wins are going to be rolling in.

The Cubbies will start out on the road, but their fans will have a chance to see them at the ballpark after their first quick road trip. The games at home will allow everyone to stand up and cheer as they should absolutely paste the Brewers and Astros. It will be a great way to spend a day at the ballpark in April.

This will surely be a very exciting year for the Chicago Cubs. This team always seems to have an injury at the wrong time, but if they can stay healthy, St. Louis is going to have a tough time getting by them. If they get that division crown, who knows how far they can go.

Written by Heather Maxwell, sponsored by Stub.com. Stub.com sells Chicago Cubs Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and many more tickets to just about any event in your area.