The Cubs suffered a lot of key injuries in 2005 which really destroyed the team's ability to be efficient against all opponents.
 The team seemed able to rise to the occasion agains the really good teams, but they couldn't do much against the Milwaukee's, the Cincinnati's, the Colorado's, etc.
 This showed the Cubs' glaring weaknesses, which I think are basic to any team's success.
 And that is team focus. They have to go out there every day with a plan to win. In each inning, they have to concentrate on how to get to the opposing pitcher.
 Now you would think every major league team has a plan to win. But not all succeed and that is why only a few DO win.
 In my view, the Cubs seemed to have good days and bad days all season long. Win a few, lose a few. There never seemed a reason for wins or losses, except lapses in concentration, or focus.
 So instill that in this club in 2006, and the Cubs will win their division or at least the Wild Card in the National League.
 I really don't think personnel have much to do with winning or losing. I think the team brass instills a certain philosophy into a club which gives it the focus to win. The Cubs need this.
 I don't think they will win until they have this key factor, no matter what players they have.

 The Cubs looked very good Thursday night with Glendon Rusch throwing a commanding 4-hit shutout to lead Chicago to its 7th straight victory, including 4 on this road trip.
 The team got timely hitting and just excellent defense throughout the game.
 I am not able to see the Cubs regularly on TV unless they appear on ESPN.
 Last night, ESPN did the game with their backup announcers, Dan Shulman and Eric Karros.
 These guys are good together, but I think Karros talks too much. Its my belief that TV announcers don't need to talk so much whereas radio announcers do need to.
 On the negative side of this game, I thought Neifi Perez had a tough day at the plate. The Cubs seem to leave a lot of men on bases.
 Lets hope the Cubs can keep the Streak going with Sergio Mitre going tonight!