Uh-oh. In what is either finespun voodoo or a stumbling drunk right cross at the Tribune Co., the Chicago Sun-Times has picked the Cardinals to win the NL Central in 2005.

Outlook: The pressure is on Eckstein, who hit .276 with two homers, 35 RBI and 92 runs and was the second-hardest player to strike out in the AL, with 49 in 566 at-bats. The most dangerous hitters in the lineup (Larry Walker, Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds) return, though Pujols is troubled by chronic pain in his left heel. Promising Yadier Molina, 23, replaces Matheny behind the plate.

Bottom line: The Cardinals have a deeper rotation than the Cubs, a better lineup and a legitimate closer. They won't win 105 games again, but they should rule the Central even with 10 fewer victories.

The Cubs meanwhile, aren't, um, any better. In fact, they're worse.

Bottom line: This is a weaker team than what the Cubs opened with last season.

As their former eyesore of a headquarters is razed by Hollywood D-lister and Apprentice-winner, Bill Rancic, in favor of a newer, taller Trumptastic eyesore, the Sun-Times also predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers would win the Super Bowl.

Let's hope they're half-right.