After one season with the Cubs, outfielder Jacque Jones knew why they
had trouble sustaining success from year to year, much less from decade
to decade. A general lack of stability — from management
turnover every few years to a roster more often reloaded with free
agents than with players from the farm system, especially among
position players.

MESA, Ariz. — Despite nagging injuries to pitchers the Cubs are counting on to be setup candidates, there’s no urge to speed up the pursuit of a veteran reliever.

Dave Hoekstra: Every time I’ve watched the Cubs during spring training at HoHoKam
Stadium, I have left Mesa immediately after the game. There’s always been more to do a few miles north in Scottsdale. Now that Scottsdale’s legendary Pink Pony restaurant has closed, I’m looking for a new game. So are the Cubs.

Spring training is under way, and you know what that means: It’s time for baseball fans to exercise their inalienable, unfettered right to hope. Last season no longer matters. Everyone is starting over. This could be the year your team goes all the way.