Week one for the Chicago Cubs would rank average in my book.
Biggest Surprise: The biggest surprise for the Chicago Cubs would have to be outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. I have fast come to love watching this man play the game. He had a slow spring (which may have been on purpose) but through 7 games hes batting a team leading .458 with a slugging percentage of .708 and an on base percentage of .581. He is also stolen 2 bases and laid down one of the greatest bunts I've seen in a long time, especially from a Chicago Cub.
Honorable mention for this category has to be the the Chicago Cubs late addition Reed Johnson. He has been more then productive in his three straight starts.
Biggest Disappointment: This honor unfortunately has to go to Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Through 7 games he's batting .094, slugging .188, and has an on base percentage of .147. And yes Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella has moved him back to the lead off spot. Although he has one outfield assist, I wouldn't call his defense stellar. He looks to be jogging down balls, and over ran a few balls as well.
Honorable mention for this category is an easy one with Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ted Lilly. Of all the Chicago Cubs starting pitchers he has the highest ERA with a 9.72 through 2 starts. He's given up 9 runs on 12 hits through 8.1 innings. As our 2nd starter this is scary!
The Chicago Cubs are currently sitting tied for third place in the NL central. They are only 1.5 games back of the division leading Brewers. The Cardinals have started hot and are in second place only a half game back of the Brewers. I would have to say the Cardinals have surprised me with their play through the first week, but they will fall off soon enough. Mark my words!
I know some of you may be saying we're only through one week, don't you think its a little early to be analyzing anything. Well after waiting 100 years for a World Series I think nothing is off limits. And besides I wouldn't be a true Chicago Cubs fan unless this early in the season I showed some sort of illogical hope and extreme panic!
Showing posts with label soriano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label soriano. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
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!
For more Chicago Cubs rants please check back often!
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!
For more Chicago Cubs rants please check back often!
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