But 1997 was the last season both Hundley and White were healthy at the same time. If this is a DL-free season for Sosa, Hundley and White, the Cubs will have a shot at .500. Hundley's situation is especially critical because he's signed through 2004. He wasn't throwing well during the spring. The Cubs can't afford teams running on them.
Third base is no longer a problem.
Bill Mueller is a great fielder and a solid No. 2 hitter who won't be out of the lineup very often. The question is whether Mueller's play could combine with the rise of prospect David Kelton to influence assistant GM Jim Hendry to pick USC right-hander Mark Prior instead of Georgia Tech third baseman Mark Teixeira with the second pick of the draft. The Cubs needed Corey Patterson to earn a share of the center-field platoon if only to serve as a preview of the future. For it to be a good year, Kerry Wood needs to win again while Patterson earns a quick promotion to Wrigley. Julian Tavarez is a great addition to the pitching staff.