Chicago Cubs Lineup Fiasco!

The Chicago Cubs Line-up Troubles Begin with Game 3!

The Chicago Cubs have not started the season as Cubs fans would have hoped. There has been a lot of talk about the quick line-up change by manager Lou Pinella. Although he downplays the meaning behind such a quick change, you have to wonder if he is a little panicked. The " big shake-up" involved switching the first two hitters Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Theriot. The thinking being that Soriano is more comfortable and thus more productive in the lead off spot. Although most Chicago Cubs reporters and even Chicago Cubs fans think Soriano should be anywhere but the one hole... I don't believe this part of the Chicago Cubs line-up is the most important. I don't care where Soriano hits. There is however one major flaw in the Chicago Cubs line-up.

Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. For emphasis let me repeat: Fukudome needs to bat second in the Chicago Cubs line-up. Batting him 5th with Mark DeRosa behind him does him no justice. He is the Chicago Cubs hottest hitter, is patient, and can hit for power. It will not take very long for teams to pitch around him in the 5th spot to get to DeRosa. Listen I love DeRosa, I think he is a critical part of the team, but he doesn't provide the protection that Lee would.

One final thought. I was at Wrigley for the Chicago Cubs second game this year. Late in the game Chicago Cubs slugger (not speedster) Aramis Ramirez was on first with Fukudome up to bat. As usual he drew the count to 3 balls 2 strikes . Now I can't be sure but it seemed as though Lou put on the Hit and Run. (why else would Ramirez be running?) What was the result? Fukudome was forced to swing at a ball way out of the zone to protect the runner and struck out, and Ramirez was thrown out by a mile. now Why in the world would Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella put on the hit and run in that spot. I understand the basic strategy behind the hit and run, but in that spot it makes no sense. Fukudome is too good a hitter, and Ramirez too slow a runner. Had he not done that Fukudome undoubtedly walks and advances Ramirez into scoring position with no outs and Lee coming up.

Now I love Lou as much as I love the Chicago Cubs but we have to be smarter then that. So please Lou for the sanity of all Chicago Cub fans Please Please Please put Fukudome in the 2 hole!

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