I give you Ten reasons to get excited about this Cub season (in no particular order). As indicated in the Rules of Top Ten Lists, the list will be in reverse counting order, although the order is still unimportant.

10) No More: Sammy, Alou, Farnsworth, Merker means no more whining (or at least less)

9) Nomar: the shortstop we've always wanted. Now we have him.

8) No news out of spring training means so far no injuries

7) JoBo has his velocity back up and slider popping. And he's wicked skinny

6) No more: "Belted! Deep to Left! Garciaparra is under it, and makes the catch." That man gave more false positives than a Jewel brand ept

5) Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Maddux. Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Maddux. Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Maddux. Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Maddux. Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Maddux. Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Maddux. Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Maddux. Prior, Wood, Zambrano, Maddux...

4) Aramis Ramirez is only 26. He's just beginning to break out.

3) Patterson is one more year removed from his knee surgury.

2) Ron Santo still has two working limbs (three, if you count his head)

1) It's baseball.