The Ugly Truth
Kaplan Brings the Pain in Assessing Cubs

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If you want a bare-knuckles look at this year's Cubs, media maven David Kaplan has it. On his blog, he points out what went right: Marlon Byrd, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, and Starlin Castro. As for what went wrong, Kaplan rips the Cubs for breaking camp with four rookies in the bullpen, calls signing Xavier Nady "a complete waste," and says the rotation lacked "depth and quality." Kaplan also says the team needs more accountability, whether it's for Alfonso Soriano gazing lovingly at his homers or Aramis Ramirez dogging it. Damn, Kap, bring it!

Kap's Corner: An honest assessment of the Chicago Cubs

And the Winner Is...
Doling Out Awards for the 2010 Cubs
Clearly this year's team wasn't exactly raking in the postseason awards. (Your Cy Young is going to have to wait until next year, Justin Berg.) But Tales from Aisle 424 gave out some trophies of their own, and the blog hands out the typical awards — Best Pitcher (Marmol), Best Position Player (Castro). But then it gets to the fun stuff, like Best Sexy Stubble (your stylist is on line 1, Blake DeWitt), Best Ricketts (Pete), and Best Tirade (come on, who do you think it is?).

Tales from Aisle 424: First annual Aisle 424 outstanding achievement in the...
Cubbies Crib: Cubbies Crib 2010 Cubs Awards

Here's the Pitch
A Look at the 2011 Starting Rotation
Remember this year's starting staff? Good, because it's probably going to be the same next year. A blog looked at the Cubs' options and came to a few conclusions: First, the team probably isn't going to sign free-agent ace Cliff Lee. With that in mind, the "ace" will be Carlos Zambrano, with Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, Tom Gorzelanny, and Carlos Silva rounding out the top five. But we have a few thoughts: Casey Coleman looked somewhat promising, and let's not forget about Andrew Cashner as a starter. So it's not a done deal.

Pine Tar and Pocket Protectors: 2011 Chicago Cubs: starting pitching

Please, Mr. Postman
The Next Manager, the New Starter, and More
We're thinking Paul Sullivan won't be heartbroken that this was his last mailbag. But he gets to some juicy stuff, including the opinion that "it'd probably be an upset if anyone [other than Mike Quade] got the job" as new manager. Sullivan also thinks the Cubs need a new starter, but given the budgetary constraints they might just promote Andrew Cashner to the rotation. He also steps out and calls the way Zambrano deals with teammates "bush league." Watch your back, Paul....

Chicago Tribune: Ask Paul: Paul Sullivan's Cubs mailbag

Appraising Arizona
Cubs to Build Megaplex in Mesa... If Voters Say Yea
Want to see the Cubs at spring training? Bring your swimsuit. The Cubs have put together their plans for a new, massive complex in Mesa, Arizona, and it includes a humongous waterpark, in addition to shops and restaurants. But there's a catch: It has to be approved by Arizona voters in order for the financing to be approved. It's estimated the Cubs bring $138 million to the area, and the proposition hits the ballots in the Nov. 2 election. If the measure passes, the Cubs hope to be playing there in 2013.

MLB: Cubs unveil proposed Spring Training site
East Valley Tribune: Cubs unveil vision for Wrigleyville West concept

Roy Halladay pitched only the second no-hitter in post-season history — against Dusty Baker's Reds... We have no idea what their criteria was, but the Sporting News picked Chicago as the best sports city in America... The rumor mill said Cubs announcer Bob Brenly was going to be named Milwaukee Brewers' manager, but the team's GM shot that down... The Lakeview Post Office will be dedicated to folk singer Steve Goodman this Sunday at 3pm... Unless something cataclysmic happens over the next few days, your next edition of Cubs Fan Report will arrive Monday. Excuse us while we go sleep for 72 hours.

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