Listen up, Chicago coaches

Orton should be Bears' QB No. 1

From a Bears fan's perspective, neither Rex Grossman nor Brian Griese should be the Bears quarterback. Kyle Orton is their man.

I believe this because Orton was very successful during the 2005 season. The Bears won 10 games when Orton started. And within those games, he rallied the Bears to an eight-game winning streak -- the second most wins by a rookie ever.

While Brian Griese was successful in his day, Orton is the youngest of the three quarterbacks and shows the most potential. In my opinion, Griese should remain the back-up and help Orton refine his moves and techniques.

Michael Shield, Kildeer

For Bears, it starts with the run game

Unless Cedric Benson and the running game start to put up better numbers, the playoffs will not be in the Bears' immediate future.

Dale Hebert, Mundelein

Bears playoffs? Yes!

Not only are the Bears going back to the playoffs, they're going to be a tough team to beat when they get there. All they needed was a consistent QB who doesn't look nervous out there. The biggest problem with Rex Grossman was the fact that the other team knew they could rattle him easily and that takes away any chance of striking fear with the most important position on the field.

Brian Griese doesn't have to be John Elway for the Bears to be dangerous. Just consistent. The opponents know he's a 10-year vet who has seen just about every defense in the league, and he isn't afraid to throw the ball deep. If we can keep teams guessing, we can utilize every weapon in the book.

Our "D" stands alone as top tier even without Mike Brown and Dusty Dvoracek. … Sunday night's victory over Green Bay was as sweet as they come, wasn't it?

Steve Paoli

Northfield, Minn.

Cubs' record will stand forever

The Cubs' dismal history is almost beyond human comprehension. It borders on the supernatural. How is it possible that any team in professional sports can fail for 99 years?

Their record will stand forever. Baseball as we know it will not exist 100 years from now.

James R. Schaefer Mount Prospect

Why the surprise that Arizona won?

Watching the media coverage of the Arizona Diamondbacks' sweep of the Cubs, I was stunned that Cub fans were shocked that their heroes took it on the chin. These people actually thought that the Cubs would beat the D'backs.

The Diamondbacks had the best record in the National League, they beat the Cubs 4-2 during the season and they had homefield advantage. The Cubs, meanwhile, struggled to win in the worst division in baseball. So the result should not have been a surprise.

Robert Larson, Oak Park

Thanks, Cubs, for an exciting season

Once again we thank the Cubs for another exciting season. You're the Cubs, so we love you just the same. Wait until next year!

Dan Mateja Mount Prospect

Rubbing it in

Now that the $300 million Cubbies are out of the playoffs, I can always watch my seven-DVD set on how the White Sox won the 2005 World Series!

Jack Lee Arlington Heights

An action plan to help the Cubs

Here's how to get the Cubs better.

On offense:

• Must get highest OBP & speedy guys in the 1-2 slots. Soriano has to move down, probably to No. 5. Theriot is ideal at leadoff. He wore down this year but will rebound.

• Team's plate approach has to mimic June/July; work the count, hit behind the runner and hit the ball where pitched. Playoff killer was the inability to move runners and swinging for the fences. Did 45 September HR's affect that?

Pitching:

• Rich Hill and Shawn Marshall need to continue development on a put-away pitch. Carlos Zambrano must be more efficient.

• The bullpen needs a strong start. Decide (who should be the) closer before March 31.

On defense:

• '07 was better, but must improve turning double play.

• Soto will be the real deal behind the plate.

Moves to make:

• They need a strong left-handed batter. They need an everyday right fielder. If those can be had at the same time, great.

• Another starter to go deep into games and put away batters would be nice.

• They need to consider moving any of these guys for the right returns: Aramis Ramirez, Matt Murton, Sean Gallagher, Kevin Hart, Felix Pie and Mike Fontenot.

Bob Richter

Lake in the Hills