Owner Confident Cubs Will 'Be Right In The Mix'
Year one of the Ricketts Era didn't go the way any Chicago Cubs' fan, or the Ricketts family anticipated. But team chairman Tom Ricketts sees change coming in year two.
"We're very very excited," Ricketts said. "We had a lot of momentum at the end of last season. Mike [Quade] got the guys playing extremely well, really believing in themselves at the end of last season."
Financial constraints limited some of what the Cubs could accomplish via free agency over the offseason. Their biggest splash came in a trade for Tampa Bay Rays' pitcher Matt Garza. Garza, along with Carlos Pena and former Cubs' pitcher Kerry Wood make up the only significant additions to the club.
"We added three guys who are both great players and great character guys," Ricketts said. "So we think we have a great clubhouse."
The Cubs will need more than a great clubhouse if they want to realistically compete in a much improved NL Central division. The Milwaukee Brewers acquired pitcher Zack Greinke, signed first baseman Prince Fielder to a one year extension. The St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds are sure to be competitive again next season.
"Our division is going to be tough, the Brewers got better," Ricketts said. "But that'll be good for us. We'll be right in the mix."
