The 2013 Chicago Cubs as I see it today

The Chicago Cubs 2013 opening day lineup as I see it today: 

1. David DeJesus – CF
2. Nate Schierholz – RF
3. Anthony Rizzo -1B
4. Alfonso Soriano – LF
5. Starlin Castro – SS
6. Ian Stewart – 3B
7. Wellington Castillo – C
8. Darwin Barney – 2B

Puke inducing.  There isn’t a much better way to describe this diatribe-inviting lineup. 

The Cubs starting rotation though, looks much better:

1. Matt Garza
2. Jeff Samardzija
3. Edwin Jackson
4. Travis Wood
5. Scott Feldman/Carlos Villanueva

DL. Scott Baker

When Scott Baker returns this spring from Tommy John surgery he will join Edwin Jackson as another solid #3 MLB starter in this rotation.  Travis Wood, Scott Feldman and Carlos Villanueva each have the potential to be #3 big league starters as well, but each also has experience in the bullpen giving the Cubs plenty of flexibility.

Bottom line: the Cubs should have a deep and effective starting rotation. Good pitching, solid defense and anemic offense.  Do I smell the number two wild card in the Cubs future?  If absolutely everything goes right, it could happen. Cubs fans are at least allowed to dream.