Perhaps you’re like many Cubs fans who continue to grow impatient with the Cubs seeming unwillingness to add pitching depth.  Of course, we all cringe when we see the numbers of Jason Marquis’ contract when you put them next to his ERA, and I’m not going to defend the situation.  I will, however, try to add this bit of perspective: 

In comparison to their 2006 spending splurge in which they set all kinds of money with their wallet rather than their on-field performances, this offseason has been surprisingly barren aside from the signing of Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome. 

Still, there is a shocking difference between the Cubs of old and this new breed.  In years past, the Cubs would make it known of their plans to acquire a top-flight, proven free agent over the winter only to end up settling for a cheaper version at the last minute.  Case and point: Juan Pierre.  The 2005 acquisition spent all of one season in Chicago and came at a heavy price in hindsight.  However, over the last two seasons, the Cubs have gotten exactly what they wanted.  Alfonso Soriano was seen as the top free agent available in last season’s class, and Kosuke Fukudome was the undisputed top target of an organization desperate for some stability in the outfield.  Clearly, times have changed for the Cubs.  This offseason will perhaps be best known for the addition by subtraction to the Cubs roster.  Jacque Jones and Mark Prior are each off to greener pastures, and while it would be completely unsurprising to see each of these players have career years now that they have left the not-so-friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, these are still moves that needed to happen.  The same can be said for Cliff Floyd, who obviously felt the pressure of playing in his home town.

Looking at the way the outfield has changed in the last few months is quite surprising. Instead of watching Jones and Floyd lumber in the Wrigley grass, we suddenly have one of the most athletic outfields in the League.  Soriano was a surprisingly capable outfielder last season despite being hampered by a leg injury for most of the season, and Felix Pie, despite his struggles against left handers at the plate, is undoubtedly the best defensive outfielder on the Cubs roster.  Fukudome is known in Japan as an above-average outfielder with a good arm, and while most of the Japanese parks are stadiums and don’t have nearly the variables that a Wrigley Field corner outfield spot poses, it is reasonable to assume that most of his defensive prowess will translate into the Majors.

Sure, we’d all love the Cubs to add a proven number two starter to their rotation, but let’s be honest: the market is decidedly thin (Kyle Lohse? Seriously) and the Cubs have a lot of young arms at their disposal.

So, as you feel yourself growing increasingly frustrated at the Cubs lack of activity in the pitching department this winter, just remember what 66 wins felt like..

Ouch.