But I don't live there anymore.
Unfortunately for my non-baseball related free time, I still like the Damn Cubs. Why? I have no idea. Its a team, and a fan base, that grows on you.

They re-signed Nomar Garciaparra and Todd Walker for 1-year $8M and 1-year $2.5M respectively. Walker's deal has an option for a second year, and Nomar's deal could earn him as much as $11M if he meets these incentives,

Garciaparra would make $500,000 each for 535 and 550 plate appearances. He also gets $400,000 each for making 130, 135, 140, 145 and 150 starts.

Now if this were Montreal, the Cubs would bench Nomar after game #129, but they'll probablly be in a pennant race. So considering Nomar has EVERYTHING to prove, you'd have to imagine the Cubs know this. There's no motivation quite as effective as a dollar bill in this country, and the Cubs now get a Nomar that will probablly come into spring training in the best shape of his life ready to try and show he can still hit .360/.400/.600 before it's too late. While I don't think Nomar will be that good, I wouldn't be suprised to see him be the best SS in MLB next year.

In fact, I'd be willing to bet that Nomar will be the best SS in MLB next year.

Todd Walker did a great job for Chicago last year. They couldn't have asked for more out of ol' stone hands, so its no question they brought him back for a full time gig. The best news for Cubs fans: This means no Tony Womack sigtings in Chicago. Phew.

The Cubs now have their infield set for 2005. Their outfield on the other hand.....

Moises Alou: gone. Sammy Sosa: will be gone. Corey Patterson will be there, but where do the Cubs go for help? Carlos Beltran? Not with Sosa and his $17M anchor weighing the Cubs down. Its amazing how fast one man can fall. Remember when people liked Sammy Sosa?

Wait, lets talk about what's really important to the Cubs:

GET RON SANTO IN THE HALL OF FAME! JANUARY 4TH, BASEBALL VETERANS CAST YOUR VOTE!
Curt  ¶ 1:08 AM