Cubs Convention Ushers in "Next Year"

The 22^nd annual Chicago Cubs Convention kicked off Friday evening at the historic Hilton Chicago. There was an unmistakable air of optimism among the assembled diehards who came to see their heroes of Cubbie past, including Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, and Ryne Sandberg, and their hopes for a Cubbie future, including Alfonso Soriano and, not the least of which, new skipper Lou Piniella.

Sports clichés were at a high. Yet, amidst declarations that "all the pieces are in place" and "we're gonna' do it for you guys, the fans," there was an unmistaken, genuine belief in the room that next year was indeed finally here.

The 1945 Curse of the Billy Goat, the Black Cat of '69, and the infamous Bartman Ball of 2003; all these things, along with a miserable 66-96 record last season, are the things of Chicago Cubs past. Opening night of the 2007 Chicago Cubs Convention was carried live on WGN Radio, AM-720. It was a decidedly forward-looking affair.

A packed house greeted Lou Piniella to a chorus of "Lou, Lou, Lou." But the most boisterous welcome was reserved for when WGN announcer, David Kaplan, introduced "the man who will be going into the hall of fame soon." And Ron Santo did not disappoint. With that infinite optimism only old No. 10 can muster for his beloved Chicago Cubs, Santo brushed aside last season's woeful last place finish to three key players being injured and said that with manager Lou Piniella, the Cubbies now have "the right guy for the job."

He thinks the Cubs can go all the way in 2007.