As the Cubs prepare for the 2007 season, their new manager has a tough task ahead. New manager Lou Piniella must do what Cub managers in the past century couldn't do, win a World Series.

Expectations are high on the North side this season. With the acquisitions of All-Star Outfielders Alfonso Soriano and Cliff Floyd, as well as pitchers Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis.

By bringing in Piniella, the Cubs have a manager with an actual personality. Piniella is the catalyst the Cubs need to create an explosion in the NL Central. Piniella provides motivation to teams who need it.

Piniella is the same man who revitalized both the Yankees and the Mariners, not to mention he won a World Series with the Reds. Piniella knows how to win and just because he couldn't get it done in Tampa Bay does not mean that he will fail in Chicago.

Sweet Lou is by no means Dusty Baker. Piniella has a World Series ring as a manager and Dusty Baker has only appeared in the 'Fall Classic' as manager once. Piniella is an opposite of Baker. Baker was more quiet and reserved while Piniella is loud and proud.

Will there be improvements to this year's Cubs? Yes, I believe the Cubs will improve a lot better, especially in the sense that they will hopefully look and play like a team.

Will they win the Central, I doubt it. I think the Cardinals are still a strong team, and are the team to beat in the Central. But they will be better and can compete with the National League down the road. I just don't see it happening this year. There are too many questions in the pitching staff, if they stay healthy and consistent (like they should) they could be the same team that won 87 games in 2003 and came six outs from a World Series.

No matter what though, it will be a fun year watching this "new and improved" team.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Nostvick.
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