Cubs return to scene of the 'cho-llapse'

How do you make a sequel to a horror movie? As the Cubs enter their 2009 home opener, they vow to both remember and forget their horrific fall.

They're called 'prospects' for a reason

While the Blue Jays and Phillies continue to haggle over prospects, Starting 9 revisits some trades involving highly touted minor leaguers who became major league busts.

Cards GM expects to talk with Boras

Matt Holliday is in no hurry to talk about the future. Neither are the Cardinals, who want to sign him to a long-term contract.

Cubs' offense often inept in many ways

The Cubs are muddling along in that middle ground between waiting to erupt and going nowhere fast.

AL East … King Albert … and lots more

With the All-Star Game now in the rearview mirror, Starting 9 looks ahead at the top things to keep a close eye on in the second half of the season.

Finding the next Ben Zobrist

Eric Karabell highlights a number of bench players who are deserving of more playing time and could be better fantasy players in the process.

Cavs join long list of heartbreakers

Not all great teams win it all. The Cavs join this list of 20 teams that got exposed when it counted most.

Active seniors still living the good life

To quadrigenarians Jamie Moyer, Gary Sheffield and Randy Johnson, age is just another number in their illustrious careers.

AllNight

Jerry Crasnick discusses unemployed free agents, such as Pedro Martinez, Jim Edmonds, Frank Thomas and Ben Sheets, that can help a team this season

Red fightin' blue? It's Cards vs. Cubs

The Cubs and Cardinals get together again this weekend in St. Louis. Every time these two Midwestern rivals clash, major bragging rights are at stake, writes Jon Greenberg

Pounding the pavement

In recognition of the nation's 8.5 percent jobless rate, this week's installment of Starting 9 catches up with some familiar faces who failed to hook on through free agency.

...Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) Chicago Cubs v Milwaukee Brewers MILWAUKEE - JULY 31: Jim Edmonds #15 of the Chicago Cubs follows his solo home run in the 3rd inning against the...

Cubs-Cardinals turf war (continued)

The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry is a battle for Midwestern supremacy

Hard to believe anybody can challenge the Cubs in NL Central

AP Photo/Charles Krupa Chris Carpenter, plagued by injuries last season, will make his debut Thursday. CAN ANYBODY THREATEN THE CUBS? By Steve P...

...02: Kosuke Fukudome #1 of the Chicago Cubs runs over to pick up the ball that Jim Edmonds couldn't make a play on which was hit by Manny Ramirez #99 of the Los...