TOWER GROVE — The biggest swing and miss of my preseason predictions, as any of my friendly and oh-so supportive colleagues are bound to tell you, was picking the Cleveland Indians to play in the World Series. My pick was based on two things: The Indians smart addition of two former Chicago Cubs that fit their team — closer Kerry Wood and that one guy, Mark DeRosa — and the presence of Grady Sizemore.

Not sure if…

TOWER GROVE — On this past New Year’s Eve, the Chicago Cubs made a deal that surprised the industry and may have tripped one of the early dominos in their struggles to play up to their clear talent this season.

The Cubs dealt infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa to Cleveland for three minor-league pitchers.

DeRosa, a fan- and clubhouse-favorite in Chicago known in the nickname currency of the day as “D-Ro”,  had been an essential member of back-to-back playoff…