The Chicago Cubs came into the 2010 season with hopes of rebounding after a dismal 2009 season. 

With an aging roster, concern over the bull pen and new owners, most did not expect much from the Cubbies.

Here are my observations after the first 9 games of the season:

Record:  4-4

  -          Only 8 games into the season, so people shouldn’t look too much into the record.

Pitching

  -          The starting rotation is headed by Carlos Zambrano, who has a 1-1 record, with a 9.45 ERA through his first 3 starts.  Not a good start for the Cubs ace.

  -          Randy Wells looks like the real deal, with a 2.92 ERA through the first 2 games.

  -          Tom Gorzelanny and Carlos Silva opened some eyes in their first start, each going 6 innings and Silva only allowing 1 run.  These two could battle for the fifth spot when Ted Lilly returns. 

  -          Sean Marshall (5 IP), Carlos Marmol (4.1 IP) and James Russell (3.1 IP) have a combined ERA of 0.00.  The rest of the bullpen combines for a 6.30 ERA.  Time to be concerned.

Hitting

  -          Aramis Ramirez (35 at bats, .143 BA), Marlon Byrd (32 AB, .219 BA), Alfonzo Soriano (28 AB, .214 BA), Geovany Soto (19 AB, .211 AB). 

Not how you want your top paid players to start the season.

  -          Not all is bad on the north side though.  Xavier Nady (.364 BA in 11 AB) could be the steal of the off-season; Derek Lee (.346 BA, 26 AB) and Kosuke Fukodome (.345 BA, 29AB) are off to a hot start.

Again, this is the beginning of the season. 

There is no need for concern.

Unless Alfonso Soriano is calling for a fly ball.