Is This The Year

Gene Wojciechowski wrote an interesting piece today entitled Wait till this year: 10 reasons Cubs could go all the way. His general point is that this team may have what it takes, unlike the 2003 or 2004 teams, or even the 2007 Mets. I don't agree with all his supporting points, but some make great sense.

1. The NL Central. Agree. This division is weak and getting weaker. Milwaukee Houston and St. Louis all looked like they could challenge early, but are fading. Without Pujols, I don't think they'll be around.
2. Circle of Friendship. Agree. You can kind of see it, even on TV. In the past teams have had individuals playing together on game day. This team seems to enjoy itself and place the team at greater importance than the individual. I have never competed at a level any where near the majors, but I do know those teams with camradarie were much more competitive, sometimes despite talent.
3. The Great Switch. Agreed. No brainer on Woody as a closer, or at the very least, reliever. He doesn't have the stamina any more for the rotation. It is a wasted roster spot if he isn't in the bullpen. Dempster has definitely impressed as a starter. At this point he is top ten in ERA and wins, and top twenty in strikeouts. I don't think we could have hoped for any better.
4. The Fukudome Effect. Agreed. Read Wojo's points.
5. Depth. Agreed (but for different reasons) Seriously, Felix Pie is available! What are you thinking. Nice arguments that Edmonds was a solid pickup, DeRosa is versatile, and Hoffpauir is the best player you never heard of. But Pie! What about Fontenot and Cedeno, especially Ronny, off the bench. Those guys don't get a mention in the depth argument, ridiculous.
6. Nontrades. Disagree. Marquis is a traditional first half player. He is 5-3 with a 4.24 ERA. Can't wait to see the second half. Take the ten bats.
7. The True Rookie. Agreed. Geo, enough said.
8. Cha Ching. Agreed. Always nice to have deep pockets.
9. Big Z. Agreed. And nervous. Do we want the MRI to be positive or negative. That always confuses me. Negative sounds bad, but that means no damage. Please only miss Tuesday's start.
10. They're not those guys. Whatever. He just needed one more to make it ten. If he was a real baseball guy he would realize 9 is a solid number.

What do you think?