Ok, Ski's comment means I need to do a brief evaluation of the White Sox.  I used to be one of those fans that could only root for one team.  Well, I have grown to be a fan of both.  I hope they meet in the World Series.  If they do, I will root for the Cubs; but I will be tickled pink that both teams are there.

Offensively, the Sox have it all:  Dye, Konerko, Guillen, Griffey, Thome, AJ, Ramirez, Crede, Uribe....what a power-house.  Slow-of-foot, this team can still generate a lot of offense with their huge home-run power.

Defensively, they are weakened with Konerko, Swisher and Griffey in the lineup at the same time....but they have a strong infield...is it strong enough to get them through the ALCS?

Pitching:  Floyd and Buehrle have to pick things up a lot...especially with recent injuries.  Starting pitiching is their Achilles Heel, and I do not believe they are good enough to hold back the Twins, Red Sox and Angels.  Their relief corps is vastly improved, but middle relief has to stay strong down the stretch because, with this starting rotation, they will be called upon often.

Bench...quite some depth here...if Anderson can hit a bit more.

My prediction:  Wild Card...will lose to the Angels

Go Sox; Go Cubs

I am tickled that the SDCA is going so well.  I know Chris Ferrara and Jeff Williams have worked their jewels off trying to get it together.

I am proud that they asked me to design a new website.  It is still under construction, but is coming along.  Please visit the site at:

http://cdraferra.tripod.com

Ok, time to go off-topic and evaluate the 2008 Chicago Cubs.  I went to my first game in 1956...my grandfather was a good friend of George Altman (called him Yahtzee..not sure why).  I was fortunate to have attended many games in the 50's and 60's.  My favorite was, of course, sitting on the left  field sidelines when Moose Moran saved Don Cardwell's no-hitter.

I think the Cubs have a great chance to make it to the World Sereis.  The winner of the NL East does scare me...whether it be the Mets or Phillies. On paper, these are two great teams.  Here is my assessment of the Cubs starting lineup:

Pitching.  It is outstanding, but I think Zambrano is out of control.  When the play-offs begin, I believe he should be the number 3 starter behind Dempster and Hardin...that is his best chance to win...against anyother team's number 3...he is tough to beat. Marmol has to keep his act together. Howery has to sit down for awhile.

Derek Lee: Simply a stud who is having trouble lifting the ball, driving in runs or hitting to the opposite field.  That has to change.

Cedeno, DeRosa, Fontenot....all second basemen...gotta go with my favorite Cub, "The Rose"...he is a journeyman player who is simply doing all he can at the highest level he can.  Fontenot and Cedeno are having career years, but the Cubs cannot win with them...not consistently.

Theriot:  Holy Cow, can he be the Cub's MVP this year?  He is probably going to fall off his pace unless he continues to hit to right.  He must pick his base-stealing ops more carefully.

Aramis Ramirez:  He is exciting and dedicated.  He gets bad raps for being lazy.  He could be the best all-around 3rd baseman in the NL this year.

Soriano:  What a tool.  Great arm...great power.  He is still too impatient at the plate and, despite his speed, misjudges too many balls hit his way.  He wiill either win it for the Cubs or lose it.

Johnson, Edmonds, Pie(?):  A lot of good defense in center...but without a consistent starter here...that is a  problem..or could be.  I like what Edmonds brings to the table...but does he have the durability?

Fukudome:  I love this guy.  Perhaps one of the best right fielders in Cubs' history.  He is flailing at the plate...I think he is tired and stressed and is coming thru the outside pitch too quickly.  He is losing his patience at the plate...but Lou cannot replace him....just spell him and slow him down.

Soto:  Could be the top rookie of the year...but the keyword is rookie...and he is starting to show that at the plate.  He handles the pitchers extremely well, and his head is in the game all the time.

The bench:  Ward, Fontenot, Cedeno, Blanco (who is the best backup catcher in  baseball)....the bench could be their biggest strength...or weakness.

Thiis is the best Cubs team I have seen in 52 years....so, we will see if they can stay focused.

Should they make the World Series, I do not think anyone can beat the Angels in a seven game series.

Prediction:  Cubs will win the NLCS

My Fear:  The NL East Champs (Mets or Phillies) are going to be tough on the Cubs