The Future Can't Come Soon Enough

The White Flag was raised a long time ago on the north side but the reality of the future starting now has hit home the last couple of days. First the Cubs trotted out 10 rookies in Wednesday's game and now today we saw Tyler Colvin taking ground balls at first base. Colvin eventually moving to first is no surprise at all and it was long in the offing even before Derrek Lee was traded. The thought process by the Cubs is that Colvin will play either first or right next season. They greatly prefer first because they feel they can secure another left handed hitting outfielder easier then finding another left handed hitting first baseman. And before you say what about Kosuke Fukodome? Well forget that because as sure as you're reading this they will find a way of getting rid of him, whether they have to eat part of his contract or not.

Jim Hendry has obviously been given an edict by ownership to lessen the payroll going into the off season. With the trades of Lee, Ted Lilly, Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot that payroll has already gone down. And if Hendry is so lucky to find takers (suckers) for Carlos Zambrano, Fukodome and Alfonso Soriano that payroll could really come down. Then, and only then, will he have the green light to go out and look for free agents on the market. Otherwise get used to the kids taking over.

As for Aramis Ramirez signaling that he might opt out of his contract because the team is going young you can forget about that. Ramirez is guaranteed $14.2 million next season. If he were to opt out then he would become an instant free agent and anybody could sign him. Does he think any other team would sign a guy to comparable money when he's coming off a very sub par season and who has spent considerable time on the disabled list? Let me answer that question.....NO...or as Hawk Harrelson would say, "Hell No".

So pencil in Ramirez for third base next season unless Hendry can find a taker for him too. And make no mistake, Hendry will try. Hendry's rebuilding job is of epic proportions. He stated that it could all turn around with just four moves but the reality is that he will have to at least double that number. And the pressure is on because the attendance is dwindling. We have had season low numbers the last two days and just like Kenny Williams has repeatedly said on the south side, if the fans don't come out then the team is handcuffed in it's moves. That mantra is starting to be true on the north side, as well.