Only four players are still around from that team that defeated the San Francisco Giants in a one-game playoff before losing to the Atlanta Braves in three games in the Division Series. Sosa and Wood are two of them and with Sosa signed to a long term deal and Wood back on track, they should be part of the next Cubs team to compete in October. Lieber was 12-11 last season and could have been much better with better support. He led the NL in innings and while he doesn't have the stuff to be an ace, he can be counted on for a solid effort every five days. Tapani contributed to the Cubs' woes in 2000 but, in all fairness, he was banged up.
Wood is key to Chicago's future.
When he was right the Cubs won 90 games. Without him in 1999 they won 67. Just 23, Wood should double his win total. If Tavarez can build on last year's success he could be one of the most important free agent acquisitions of the winter. Pitching at Wrigley should not faze him but you have to be concerned about a finesse pitcher who walks as many as he strikeouts and gives up more than a hit per inning.