Happy Opening Day, Cub Fans.

Went outside on this, the morning of Opening Day 2022, and I thought hey, what's that sound?
Of course. 
A cardinal.

I've come full circle on these superstition things.
I mean I used to LIVE by them, then about 2015 I stopped because it was just smarter and easier to believe the players.
But now... that stupid Cardinal will be in my brain all day long, thinking it's a sign.
Whatever.
Hey do you know the Cubs starting lineup?
It's okay if you don't - so many new faces and they haven't posted it yet.
Here's what it was one day in August last year, the year the Cubs featured 3,021 different lineups:

Wow.
Well... pretty sure the starting right fielder will be the new kid, Seiya Suzuki.

He went 4 for 17 this spring, with 2 going out.
Just like the team overall, it'll be smart to not expect too much too soon with him.
He'll have that learning thing coming from Japan's Bigs to the Bigs here.
And since I didn't see him do that crazy corkscrew tornado turn-all-the-way-around swing... no comp to Kosuke Fukudome at all.
So... my hope is he's a nice surprise, getting better as the season goes along.

Today we'll get to see if normally Old Faithful Kyle Hendricks has figured out last year's homer problem - it's always awesome watching him. 
Then the starting staff features ex-Met Marcus Stroman, who I've got huge hopes for.
Then Wade Miley... oh wait. Ouch he's out with a sore elbow.
So after those top two guys the Cubs feature lotsa questions, and as I explained to my cat... that's not good. 
On the other side, what's exciting?
Well there's Nico Hoerner at short. Did you see that play he made the other day?
Here's hoping he stays healthy and we get a good season long look at him playing every day.
There's the catching duo of Willson Contreras and Yan Gomes, meaning Willson won't have to wear the Tools of Ignorance every day. 
Like last year's Core, Willson's on that no long term contract bubble and you gotta be realistic and expect he may be gone at the trading deadline.
But in the meantime, the lone All-Star on this team.
Enjoy!
Will Patrick Wisdom and Frank Schwindel continue where they left off, respectively smacking homers and OPSing with the best in baseball?
Will Ian Happ be his best Ian Happ?
And then after him... it's a lot of hmmms.
In 2012, the Cubs traded Andrew Cashner for Anthony Rizzo.
In all the freaking crazy trading Jed Hoyer did last year... could any of these new guys turn into a kind of Rizzo?
Time will tell, but for now probably the guy you'd hang your hat on would be Suzuki. 

2022.. man. The smart people have the Cubs waaaay down there. I saw a power ranking thing that has the Cubs 23rd, the Cards 13th, and the Brewers number freaking 4.
Made me do this drawing here:

Well, that's not encouraging.
But eff that.
It's Opening Day.
Let the rain not come, the beer be cold, and lets see what these fresh faces can do. 

I have a couple "last things".
First and most importantly, listen to this The Athletic's  "Starkville" podcast with Jason Stark and Doug Glanville interviewing Theo Epstein in his new role as the Guy Trying To Save Baseball. Theo explains all the game's changes in that clear, smart Theo style.
If that link doesn't work, try this. It's soooo good!

Albert Pujols went back to St. Louis and while we all hate the Cards, it'll be deadly-foe awesome if and when he bats in Wrigley. (This is a sketchbook painting from 2003, when he was a skinny kid hitting 40 homers.)


And lastly, how long can Liam Neeson be an "action" star?

WHAT DID THAT STUPID CARDINAL MEAN ANYWAY?

Comments

[Rich Beckman]

The cardinal was thinking "I wonder if I can see any food from here...."

Great opening day game! I thought the 7th was the beginning of a loss. Talking heads keep talking about the Brewer's great pen!

But no!! The Brewers only tie it! Remember when the Indians only tied the game? That was great, too!

Just one game, and still lots of questions. But so far, so good!

It's Hollywood, Neeson will be an action star until the tickets no longer sell. Even if it's from a wheelchair.

[Tim@Cubby Blue]

BAHAHAHAHA!
I saw one of the "Taken" movies waaay back when, and there was a part where Liam had to sprint on a dock. It was hilarious and looked like he could run about a 25 second 40.
And now, a great second game, Rich!
Only game 2, and the Brewers and Cubs are throwing at each other.
Oh well, nine to nothin' with a kid pitcher in Steel looking so good is pretty freaking sweet!