North: Cubs still have some work to do
Well, the Chicago Cubs have made another huge splash with the signing of free agent Jon Lester.
The former Boston Red Sox pitcher will reportedly be paid $155 million for 6 years. Included in that is a signing bonus of $30 million paid over the lifetime of the contract.
While I believe the Cubs overpaid, it's not my money so it's fine with me because Lester is my kind of guy. He's a bulldog who wants the ball and will give you 100 percent. Lester has proved he can deliver under pressure with a 3-0 record in the World Series.
New Cubs manager Joe Maddon expressed happiness over this deal, along with the signing of catcher Miguel Montero, but he cautioned the Cub faithful that there is a lot of work to still do.
Cubs fans and some of the Chicago media will whip themselves into a frenzy over these recent player acquisitions, but let's slow down a bit while we look at some facts.
We know Lester's impact will be huge, but the other pitchers in the likely starting rotation of Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Kyle Kendricks and Travis Wood will have their share of issues. While the disappointing Edwin Jackson is still on the roster, is the arrow pointing up with the other starters?
Definitely.
Hopefully, Lester will be a terrific leader. The only blemish on Lester's resume was the beer and fried chicken fiasco in the clubhouse with Josh Beckett and others three years ago. The Red Sox went 7-20 in September, blowing a nine-game lead and fading into the sunset.
That aside, Lester can pitch for me any day of the week.
Next on the list for the Cubs is finding a big bat for the middle of the lineup, and then some others things have to happen too. The Cubs can't collectively hit .239 like they did in 2014 and expect to beat teams in their division such as the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Maddon also will need to adjust to the National League. He won't have the luxury of the DH and the ability to keep his starting pitcher in longer like he did in the American League, where less managing is needed.
Should Cubs fans be optimistic? Yes, but no one can deny it has been a rough road for one of the most loyal fan bases of all times in any sport.
Can Maddon get it done after guys with more impressive resumes such as Dusty Baker and Lou Piniella couldn't? Remember their teams, especially Dusty's clubs, were supposed to be better, and we did see some playoff baseball in Chicago under their tenure.
So here's my question for Cubs fans: In four years will the North Siders be raising a World Series trophy or will they be showing Maddon the door? Tweet me at north2north. I'd like to know what you think.
Condolences
My condolences to the family of Harry Olson, a kind, wonderful man and father of my dear friends, Terri and Louie LoBianco.
Program notes:
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• North's column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.