Can the Cubs sweeten Lous team?
When Lou Piniella was named manager of the 96-loss Cubs, he said he had learned patience in his previous managing job with the no-win Devil Rays from 2003-05. He might need that patience trying to get the Cubs back to the World Series for the first time since 1945. There’s plenty for Piniella to fix. The Cubs need starting pitching, a leadoff batter and a power hitter. Last season, when they had the worst record in the NL, they were outhomered 210-166. Money appears to be no object for the Cubs, but it isn’t the cure-all, either. They might try to re-sign center fielder Juan Pierre (who had 58 steals in 2006) as their leadoff batter, and bringing Soriano to Wrigley Field is another possibility. The Cubs would be well served to get third baseman Aramis Ramirez (who hit .291-38-119 last season) from opting out of his contract. The offense will be helped by the return of Derrek Lee, who expects his fractured right wrist to be fine by spring training. Lee played in 50 games last season. Bu
