After another lackluster performance the Cubs fell to 4th place. Despite having a payroll higher than the Pirates and Reds combined the Cubs are still behind them both in the standings. While it is is very early and probably will not last the Cubs do not look like a team capable of winning 90+ games this year.
The years of overwork, he twice lead all of MLB in pitches thrown for a season, may be wearing down Zambrano. He has had slow starts before and come around, but he struggled in the second half last year and does not have the dominate stuff he once did. Lee has not been able to repeat the great season he had in 2005 and looks to provide no more than 85 rbi from the 3 hole. Bradley is a no show. The bullpen is shaky and a injury to any starter would make the staff look very average.
The Cubs based on their enormous payroll have to still be favorites but they do not look to be capable of running away with things.