Cubs general manager Jim Hendry had hoped to have his 2009 team pretty well set by Christmas, but it looks as if Hendry will be working deep into January or even beyond. 

--2B/OF Mark DeRosa will play for Team USA this spring in the World Baseball Classic. 

The Cubs look to be strong contenders for the NL Central title for at least a few years to come. 

When we profiled Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper right before spring training, expectations for the team were sky-high. 

A year may seem an arbitrary way to carve up time, but as any schoolchild can tell you, the measurement, of course, stands for something very real -- the time it takes the Earth to go once around the sun. 

The White Sox's postseason run lasted just one game longer than the Cubs', but their path to October -- three victories in three win-or-go-home games against three different opponents over three days to end the regular season -- left a lasting impression. 

The Cubs look to be strong contenders for the NL Central title for at least a few years to come. 

The Cubs look to be strong contenders for the NL Central title for at least a few years to come. 

The Cubs look to be strong contenders for the NL Central title for at least a few years to come. 

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry had hoped to have his 2009 team pretty well set by Christmas, but it looks as if Hendry will be working deep into January or even beyond. 

--2B/OF Mark DeRosa will play for Team USA this spring in the World Baseball Classic. 

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry had hoped to have his 2009 team pretty well set by Christmas, but it looks as if Hendry will be working deep into January or even beyond. 

--2B/OF Mark DeRosa will play for Team USA this spring in the World Baseball Classic. 

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry had hoped to have his 2009 team pretty well set by Christmas, but it looks as if Hendry will be working deep into January or even beyond. 

--2B/OF Mark DeRosa will play for Team USA this spring in the World Baseball Classic.