"Years ago, Cubs fans would cram the ballroom at the Hilton Chicago every January and scream one player's name over and over again.

"Sammy, Sammy, Sammy …"

The new-era Cubs ushered in the 2012 campaign in much the same fashion Friday, though the biggest cheers were reserved for the new president.

"Theo, Theo, Theo …"

Change is here, and it's a strange thing to behold.

"Much appreciated," Theo Epstein said of the chanting. "But I'll know I've done my job if they're chanting the players' names at the end of the year, the way it should be. I'm sure it will be."

In spite of re-signing Kerry Wood to a one-year deal before Friday's opening ceremony, the Cubs have downsized the last two months, waving good-bye to the big salaries of Carlos Zambrano and Aramis Ramirez and greeting young and inexpensive replacements.

The fans on hand at the Hilton seemed primed for some fresh faces and a new game plan."