[Dougiestyle]

Here it is, the 2004 Major League Baseball season. A season like none other, where every team feels it has a chance. A season of hope, as the Red Sox and Cubs are two of the preseason favorites to make the World Series. 2004 is a season of revenge, as the Yankees are hoping to win the World Series for the first time in three seasons, with the newly acquired Alex Rodriguez. The Anaheim Angels think this is their year ... again. With the additions of Bartolo Colon and Vlad Guerrero, this team is deep and talented. This report will focus on the fight against the Goat, Steve Bartman, and other so-called curses in Chicago. Will this finally be the season of the Cub? Or will Cubs fans once again be heard saying, "Wait 'til next year"?

General Manager Jim Hendry thinks this year could be their year with the current roster they sport. However, if things start to get dicey, Hendry will not be afraid to make some moves.

"I know we have some minor holes on this squad, and if players don't perform, we will look to upgrade. After last year's defeat in the NLCS, I saw the faces of the fans, and I do not want to see them again. We will do all we can to put a squad on the field that will have the best chance to win."

Manager Dusty Baker doesn't believe in curses, only performing when fate calls for it. "Last year, these guys busted their humps and came up a little short. This season, you better believe I will be on their butts more than before."

Is all this just talk, or will the Cubs really end the dry spell?

Baker has already announced how the roster will look on opening day:

vs. RHP:

CF C. Patteron (L)
1B D. Lee (R)
RF S. Sosa (R)
LF M. Alou (R)
3B A. Ramirez (R)
2B T. Walker (L)
SS R. Martinez (R)
C M. Barrett (R)

vs. LHP:

CF C. Patterson (L)
2B M. Grudzielanek (R)
RF S. Sosa (R)
LF M. Alou (R)
1B D. Lee (R)
3B A. Ramirez (R)
SS R. Martinez (R)
C M. Barrett (R)

With starting pitching stud Mark Prior still nursing an injury, the pitching staff looks like this:

1. K. Wood (R)
2. C. Zambrano (R)
3. G. Maddux (R)
4. M. Clement (R)
5. S. Mitre (R)

Mop-up:
1. T. Wellemeyer (R)
2. A. Pratt (L)

Middle:
1. K. Mercker (L)
2. M. Wuertz (R)
3. T. Wellemeyer (R)

Set-up:
1. J. Borowski (R)
2. K. Farnsworth (R)

Closer:
1. L. Hawkins (R)

A few of the immediate surprises are LaTroy Hawkins moving into the closer's role, while Joe Borowski moves to a set-up/middle man. Another small surprise is Todd Walker getting the nod against righties, meaning he will be playing far more than Mark Grudzielanek.

While Jim Hendry says shortstop and relief pitching are the too highest worry spots, he proclaims if anyone is playing poorly, he could be dealt. "Sure, we might need some more help in the bullpen, and maybe a move at shortstop, but if anyone is slacking off, things will change."

Hendry and the rest of the Cubs organization seem to be in agreement. The Cubs will do what it takes to win this season. Can they do it?

(editor's note: I have simmed the first series against the Reds, and I will post about it, the Devil Rays-Yanks Japan series, etc. I'm still getting used to 40-man roster and what not. Any advice on how to make the reports look nice, let me know)