Category: Dailies
Cubs Lose, Cubs Lose! Red Sox Win Adrian Gonzalez
Another day of bitter disappointment and frustration for Cubs’ fans as the Boston Red Sox acquire Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego. Apparently, the Cubs are more committed to cutting payroll than winning. I am disgusted by the Cubs’ lack of moves. It appears that we are in for another long and disappointing season.
The Padres will receive 3 prospects, a pitcher, a first baseman, and an outfielder. Surely, Jim Hendry could have put a better package deal together, but he failed to. How does Hendry retain his job? He is destroying the Cubs and Tom Ricketts is okay with that. Apparently, since the Cubs have $103 million in payroll committed to players that do not perform up to expectations, there is no desire to spend any more. Why can’t these players take a pay cut to improve the team? It’s not about winning anymore, it’s about money. Adrian Gonzalez would have been the perfect fit for the Cubs, but they let him get away. Now, Cubs’ fans will have to settle for a second-rate first baseman. How can this team treat their fans this way?
We are diehard Cubs’ fans, so I guess we are supposed to be frustrated and disappointed. The Cubs want to preserve their ‘Lovable Losers’ status. Personally, I am sick and tired of this team’s committment to losing. Cubs’ fans want a winner. We want a World Series championship. Shame on Jim Hendry and Tom Ricketts. Shame on the Cubs. Maybe in another hundred years the Cubs will win, but that will never happen with the new ownership and as long as Jim Hendry is running the show. Maybe I need therapy to deal with being a diehard Cubs’ fan, because they are driving me crazy!
Why Ron Santo Deserves To Be In The Hall Of Fame
The best baseball player to never get inducted in the Hall of Fame, Chicago Cubs’ third baseman, Ron Santo has died. It’s a sad day at Wrigley. Before he died, Santo only wanted two things. One, to gain the respect of the Hall of Fame voters.
The other, to see the Cubs win a World Series. The poor man was denied on both counts. Time after time, Ron Santo suffered the pain and heartbreak of rejection and failed to garner enough votes to punch his ticket to Cooperstown. The rejection hurt, but it wasn’t as painful as watching the Cubs choke time and time again. All he really wanted was to see the Cubs win it all. Unfortunately, that never happened either. Ron Santo was an icon. He was, without question, the #1 diehard Cubs’ fan. His love of the Cubs was unsurpassed. As a player, he was a leader. Billy Williams and Ernie Banks fed off of him. They had a team that seemed destined to go all the way, but as luck would have it, the Cubs would fall short of their goal. That seemed to be a recurring theme for Cubs’ teams over the years. As a broadcaster, Santo wore his heart on his sleeve. When the Cubs performed well, he would get excited. When the Cubs’ fell apart, Santo’s heart would bleed. Listening to him on WGN Radio, he made it sound like the end of the world. As a diehard Cubs’ fan, I felt his pain. It is very frustrating to be a Cubs’ fan. We have so much hope going in to Spring Training, but the ending is always the same. We cry, “Wait till next year!”, but the promise of a new season always ends in frustration. “Just once”, Ron Santo cried, “Just once, I want to see the Cubs win it all”. He never did.
Ron Santo seemed to be just as cursed as the Cubs’ have been. He should be in the Hall of Fame, but for some reason, he has been overlooked. Why? Any Hall of Fame voter who has not voted for Santo obviously did not do their homework. A closer look will reveal that Ron Santo’s numbers are just as good as anyone’s. He is arguably the greatest all-around third baseman of his time, rivaled only by Brooks Robinson. ESPN’s Jayson Stark wrote a book called ‘The Stark Truth: The Most Overrated and Underrated Players in Baseball History. You can read an excerpt at http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=5879992. Jayson Stark reveals why Ron Santo deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. It is very cool. It really makes you wonder how Santo was never enshrined into Cooperstown.
Santo played 15 seasons in his career.
He was a 9-time All-Star and won 5 Gold Gloves. He was a leader. He was a loyal Cubs’ fan. He was not only the voice of the Chicago Cubs, but the voice of diehard Cubs’ fans. The man batted between Ernie Banks and Billy Williams. He was at the heart of the batting order. He was the heart and soul of the Cubs. Ron Santo was a special player, but more importantly, he was a special person. He will be missed. The Cubs have countless diehard fans, but Ron Santo was the most loyal and passionate diehard Cubs’ fan of all. When the Cubs finally win a World Series, the Heavens will open and tears of joy shall fall down upon Chicago, because Ron Santo will finally find fulfillment and peace. If the Hall of Fame never opens its door to Santo, it will be a shame. I hope that some day both of his wishes come true. He deserves it!
An Open Letter To Bud Selig Re: Reinstatement of Pete Rose
The BBWAA Hall of Fame ballots have officially been released. One name that is not among the candidates to be enshrined is Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader.
Some names that will appear on the ballots are names connected with steroid use. There is no forgiveness in baseball, unless your method of cheating was by steroid use. Why? Why is betting on baseball a worse crime? Pete Rose never bet against the Reds so it wasn’t like he “fixed” the games to ensure he would win a bet. He lied about his gambling at first, but finally broke down and admitted his wrong-doing. He regrets his mistake. Players like Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro denied any wrong doing despite the evidence that proves otherwise. Roger Clemens will deny his actions till the day he dies and even then, will never admit it. Alex Rodriguez denied reports of his usage, but finally revealed the truth after the evidence was leaked to the press. His reward? He gets to keep playing as if he did nothing wrong. Why? Why does a player that tests positive for steroid use gets to get caught 3 times before he faces a lifetime ban? Why are steroid users allowed to be on the Hall of Fame ballot? Are they not cheaters?
Dear Mr. Selig, I don’t understand why Major League baseball has crucified Pete Rose. Sure, he made a mistake. He bet on baseball and that is strictly against the rules. He made a mistake and is truly remorseful. As the Commissioner of MLB, are you afraid to overturn a previous Commissioner’s ruling? Why? Is there no forgiveness in baseball?
In light of the steroid era, haven’t we learned anything? The steroid users have been glorified. In 1998, fans of MLB enjoyed the greatest homerun race ever. Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire slugged it out and the fans went wild. At the time, we thought we were witnessing history, only to discover that it was all smoke and mirors. In hindsight, it was a major disappointment. Then there’s Barry Bonds, who belted 70 homeruns to become the homerun king. Again, it was all an illusion, wasn’t it?
Considering the fact that steroids not only tarnished the game, it destroyed the integrity of America’s past time. So why do players like Palmeiro get rewarded by appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot? I don’t get it. MLB has always taken the stance that baseball is a pure sport, a sport with integrity. Let’s face it, baseball has been stained by steroids. Players looked for an extra edge and found it. They cheated, pure and simple. The problem that I have is that if a player fails a drug test, he gets suspended for 90 days or whatever it is. then, if he tests positive again, it’s a 180 game suspension. The third offense results in a lifetime ban. So why is it, that Pete Rose received baseball’s death penalty for one mistake made after his playing days were over? Pete Rose played the game the way it should be played. He set the example for everyone. He never used steroids or cheated in any way, shape, or form as a player. As a manager, he bet on his team to win. Big deal. Why is his case a greater crime than steroid use? I think there is something wrong with that picture.
Here is my proposal, Mr. Selig. I have an idea that might actually prove to be the right thing to do. I hope that you read this post and seriously consider what I am about to suggest. Why? It is the right thing to do and I am confident that you are a man of integrity. Here’s my idea.
Since Pete Rose bet on baseball while managing the Reds, then he should be banned as a manager. However, since Pete has alot to offer, he should be allowed to coach, mentoring young players and teaching them how to play the game the way it was meant to be played and teaching them about the dangers of cheating. Pete Rose should be allowed to participate in the game of baseball in some capacity. He was the greatest hitter ever. Have some respect and give him his due. Pete Rose has paid the price for his mistake and is sorry. He should be forgiven. Perhaps a little forgiveness would bring back some of the integrity that has been lost in Major League baseball.
In addition, Pete Rose deserves to be in the hall of Fame, period! His numbers speak for themselves. His success came the old-fashion way, he earned it. He worked hard to get where he had gotten. He deserves to be on the ballot to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It doesn’t mean that the writers will vote him in, although I think he deserves it. He should at least have the opportunity to be on the ballot. It’s time to be a leader, Mr. Selig, and give Pete Rose a reprieve. It has been long enough. Don’t you believe in giving people second chances? Steroid users get second and third chances. Pete Rose needs only one second chance and you are the only one that has the power to forgive. There is no forgiveness in baseball, but maybe there should be.
Pete Rose was my favorite player when I was a youngster. He inspired me to play baseball. He inspired me to hustle. He inspired me to dive head first into whatever base I was trying to reach. He inspired me to aspire to becoming a big leaguer some day. Pete Rose was awesome. My very first MLB game was at Riverfront Stadium and Pete Rose was playing third base. He was the reason I wanted to see the Cubs and the Reds play. Rose captivated my imagination and made me realize that a player had to work hard and give 100% all the time. He inspired a strong work ethic in me. Watching Pete Rose chase Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak was unbelievable. Every game was exciting. That was what made baseball so great. He chased the 3,000 hit milestone. Then, the incredible 4,000 hit milestone. He finally broke Ty Cobb’s record for most hits all-time. It was amazing. Pete Rose kept me interested in baseball, no, more like obsessed. Pete Rose deserves some credit. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Have a heart and reinstate his eligibility status. It’s the right thing to do. If it wasn’t for Pete Rose, I would not be the diehard baseball fan that I am today. I hope that somehow you read this, Mr. Selig. I have the utmost respect for you and your integrity and I trust that you will consider doing the right thing. Thank you, Scot Blust.
Would The Red Sox Consider Trading Jacoby Ellsbury To The Cubs?
The Cubs need a spark to ignite the offense, a legitimate lead off hitter. The Red Sox will undoubtedly try to sign Free Agent, Carl Crawford, and Jacoby Ellsbury could land on the trading block. Could a trade between Jim Hendy and Theo Epstein bring Ellsbury to Chicago?
It is no secret that the Cubs have had trouble finding a hitter that can effectively lead off. The Red Sox have shown some interest in Kosuke Fukudome, who has 1-year left on his contract, however, Boston seeks to restock their farm system with pitching prospects.
Is it possible that the Cubs will pursue a bonafide lead-off man to set the table for an offense that sorely lacks the abilty to score runs?
Jacoby Ellsbury was injured last season and only played 18 games so the Red Sox have made adjustments to their outfield. Boston is reportedly in the mix to acquire Crawford and Ellsbury may be more valuable on the trading block. If so, the Cubs should seriously consider this particular trade option.
Ellbury is 27 years old and has only played 2 full seasons. On a 162 game average, Ellsbury bats .291 with 9 HR’s and 60 RBI’s. He averages a .344 OBP which could be better, but in 2008, he swiped 50 bases and in 2009, he stole 70 bases. He is a base-stealing threat. Ellsbury is the type of lead-off hitter that can put pressure on the defense and make things happen. To acquire Ellsbury, Jim Hendy will need to move an outfielder.
The Cubs have 4 to choose from. Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd, Kosuke Fukudome, and Tyler Colvin are all possibilites. I think that such a trade would be mutually beneficial. Jim Hendry has alot of work to do next week as the Winter Meetings get under way. Let’s see if Hendry can find the Cubs a legitimate lead-off hitter. Jim Hendry does a pretty good job finding trades that work for both sides and Jacoby Ellsbury would be a perfect fit for the Cubs. He has led the American League in Total Zone Runs, Stolen Bases, Fielding %, Defense, and Triples. According to http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/11/jacoby-ellsbury-trade-boston-red-sox/1?csp=34, the Red Sox are prepared to trade Ellsbury and Epstein is looking to restock pitchers at the minor league level. So a trade between the Red Sox and the Cubs certainly looks possible. I hope so, the Cubs need a solid lead-off guy and some solid defense in the outfield and Boston needs to replenish the farm system. Jacoby Ellsbury can spark the Cubs’ offense with his base-running prowess and defensive skills. He has a tremendous amount of energy, something that has been missing in Chicago.
Should The Cubs Consider Signing Orlando Hudson To Play Second Base?
In an effort to improve the Cubs’ defense, let’s consider gold glover, Orlando Hudson. He is a switch-hitting second baseman who could complement Starlin Castro up the middle. The Cubs could acquire him on a modest, short-term contract.
He could be a good fit.
Orlando Hudson is coming off an injury-prone season last year but is expected to be completely healthy come Spring. In 2010, Hudson only played 126 games. His offensive numbers were down as well. His defense did not suffer. He remains one of the best fielding second basemen in the game today.
He has 4 gold gloves.
During his 9 year career, Hudson’s batting line is .284 / .358 / .402. That is a definite improvement over what the Cubs have had the last few years. Hudson would be an upgrade for a defense that has relied on utility players to play every day. Hudson has a career fielding % of .986. He ranks 1st in range factor for all active second basemen.
He would boost the offense as well.
You can learn more about Orlando Hudson‘s free agent stock value at MLB Trade Rumors. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/09/free-agent-stock-watch-orlando-hudson.html Hudson would be a fine addition to the Cubs. He would be a definite upgrade and he wouldn’t cost a fortune. He might be worth signing. Blake DeWitt would be ideal as the main utility infielder. Orlando Hudson would be ideal at second base. Something to think about.
Should Starlin Castro Move To Second Base?
Allow me to create a hypothetical situation. What if Starlin Castro made a transition to second base? It would create an opening at shortstop, which with a trade, could provide the Cubs with a legitimate lead-off hitter.
A switch to second base could provide the remedy to Starlin Castro‘s defensive woes. Castro has excellent range and could develop into a solid defensive player. Playing second base would allow Castro to make shorter throws thus cutting down his throwing errors considerably. It would also allow room for a shortstop that can lead off and ignite the offense. But who?
What we’re looking for, is a player that can lead off, has a high OBP, steals bases, and plays solid defense. That’s it. Any player that fits that description is worth consideration. I may miss a few. There are many minor leaguers who could meet the requirements but, for all intents and purposes, I will focus on established veterans.
Let’s examine shortstops with a combination of these attributes.
While there are many “untouchables” out there with high on-base per centages, here are some players that may be fair game.
Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins. His OBP last season was .378. He also stole 32 bases. The Marlins have a history of cleaning house and Ramirez could easily be on the trading block. He is an all-star caliber player.
Hanley Ramirez and Starlin Castro would make a lethal combination up the middle and a powerful and speedy 1 – 2 punch at the top of the order. I wonder if Jim Hendry could pull off such a deal.
Consider this: The Cubs have a highly touted shortstop in the minors. Hak- Ju Lee will be ready for the big leagues in a couple years and the Cubs will have to decide whether or not to move Castro to second base anyway, so why not make the transition now and acquire a shortstop that can leadoff and provide defensive prowess?
Jose Reyes is another possibility. The New York Mets may want to trade Reyes. Like the Cubs, the METS have paid a ton of money and have been disappointed by the results. Perhaps a contract for contract trade would work out for both teams.
Jose Reyes hit .282 and had 30 steals last season. Starlin Castro could benefit by having a veteran double play partner, someone that can also teach him to lead off. Castro needs a mentor to inspire him.
Rafael Furcal is another possibility. The Los Angeles Dodgers are in turmoil and it sounds like they are prepared to clean house.
The time may be right to swoop down and pluck Furcal from the Dodgers. In 2010, Furcal batted .300 with a .366 OBP. He stole 22 bases.
There aren’t any fits on the free agent market so a trade would have to happen. Possibly a better solution to the leadoff dilemma would be a free agent second baseman, but that’s another blog. For now, I will have to explore the possibilty of adding a shortstop and moving Castro to second base, a position that Castro may be better at. We have to explore the possibilities and wonder…What if?
Carlos Pena; The Best Defensive First Base Option For The Cubs
As the search for a first baseman continues, the Cubs need to consider a first baseman who can play solid defense and hit for power. Is former Rays’ first baseman, Carlos Pena, the right fit for the Cubs?
The Cubs have struggled defensively and need a first baseman that can be relied upon to improve the defense. The Cubs are seeking a first baseman with defensive prowess, a left-handed bat for the middle of the order that can provide power. Let’s examine what free agent, Carlos Pena, brings to the table.
Last season, Carlos Pena had a down year at the plate. He batted a meager .196 but still managed to belt 28 homeruns and knock in 84 runs. On the surface, a low batting average might eliminate most players from consideration, but a change in hitting coaches might put Carlos Pena back in the saddle again. In a contract year, Pena can expect to make less money until he can prove that 2010 was a fluke.
Pena’s career numbers are better. In 10 Major league seasons, he has hit .241, which is not very impressive, but he averages 35 HR’s and 98 RBI’s per season. If he could improve on his batting average, then he would be far more attractive to sign. That is his biggest downside, other than he does strike out too much.
Defensively, Carlos Pena is a gem. He has a fielding % of .994.
He won a Gold Glove in 2008. The only question is, does his defense and power outweigh the holes in his swing?
Carlos Pena may accept a 1-year contract to improve his numbers and might agree to an incentive-based contract, which is appealing from the Cubs’ point of view. He is a Scott Boras client, for what it’s worth, but Boras will often agree to incentive-laden contracts to improve the stock of his clients. MLBTRADERUMORS has an article about Carlos Pena‘s free agency. You can read it at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/09/free-agent-stock-watch-carlos-pena.html. You can decide for yourself, if Carlos Pena would make a good fit for the Cubs.
Is Lance Berkman The Answer At First For The Cubs?
The free agent dominoes are about to fall. Victor Martinez has signed with Detroit and Aubrey Huff has re-signed with the Giants. The Cubs still need a first baseman and have talked to Lance Berkman‘s agent. So is Lance Berkman a good fit for the Cubs? Let’s consider it.
There is an upside and a downside to Lance Berkman.
First, let’s examine the downside.
Berkman made 14.5 million dollars last season. For a player coming off of orthroscopic surgery and having a disappointing season following his return, Berkman cannot expect to be signed to a big contract this year. He is 35. Berkman realizes that he is viewed as a declining player, but blames his poor 2010 performance on his knee surgery. Last season, between the Astros and the Yankees, in 122 games, Berkman batted .248 with 14 HR’s and 58 RBI’s. Berkman wants the baseball world to know, that the injury-plagued season of 2010 does not reflect his abilities. He believes, after getting healthy, that he can return to form. He also understands that he will need to prove himself.
The upside to Lance Berkman is his bat. When healthy, Berkman has been one of the best hitters in baseball. In his 12 year career, Berkman has hit .296 with a .409 on-base per centage. His career fielding per centage at first base is .995.
Lance Berkman is a switch-hitter, which is an advantage.
Due to his disappointing season this past year, the Cubs could get a discount. Berkman knows he will need to prove himself so he is likely to accept a short-term deal on a smaller contract. Financially, the Cubs could afford to take a chance on him for the 2011 season.
The Oakland A’s have had interest in Berkman, but want to use him as a DH, which is something that Berkman is shying away from. He wants to play first base. He prefers to remain in the National League where he feels more comfortable. With the Yankees, Berkman struggled against the AL pitching because he wasn’t familiar with them, which makes a difference.
I can only conclude that if Lance Berkman is healthy and can regain his hitting prowess, and will agree to a short-term deal for less money, then he may very well be the best fit for the Cubs at this time. With the knee in question, which affects his hitting, the Cubs will have to decide if Berkman is worth the risk. Any deal would need to be contingent on passing a physical examination to prove that he will be healthy. If he is, he’ll be back in business.
Personally, I would rather take such a risk with Adrian Gonzalez, who had shoulder surgery recently. If a deal with the San Diego Padres can’t get done to bring Gonzalez to Chicago at this time, then Lance Berkman may be a short-term solution. Stay tuned!
An Open Letter To Greg Maddux
With the departure of Larry Rothschild, the Cubs will need a new pitching coach. Isn’t about time for Greg Maddux to wear #31 again and join Mike Quade’s coaching staff? The time is ripe, but will Mad Dog change his mind to help the team?
Greg Maddux has asserted that he is not ready to coach and would like to continue what he is doing, which is in the capacity of Special Assistant to Jim Hendry. He has been scouting and assisting young pitchers in the instructional league and elsewhere. Maddux, undoubtedly, has been doing a great job.
He is enjoying the time that he has with his family and the rigorous demands
of a pitching coach does not fit well with the schedule that he would like to keep. That is understandable, but…. The Cubs NEED him, now, more than ever. Could it be possible that he changes his mind?
Dear Greg,
I have been a huge fan of yours every since your major league debut. You are my #1 all-time favorite Cubs’ pitcher. As you well know, Cubs’ fans everywhere think you’re awesome. You have no idea, or maybe you do, how much Cubs’ fans would like to see you back in uniform. We appreciate what you are doing for the team right now and respect your decisions. Having said that, the Cubs really need you right now. Larry Rothschild has left the organization and now there is a vacancy for the Pitching Coach. I know it’s a long shot, since it has been reported that you have no interest in such a job at this time, but I implore you to reconsider. The team needs you. The fans need you. We need something or someone to make us smile again, a reason to get excited, a reason to be hopeful. We appreciate the need to spend time with your family, but our family, the Chicago Cubs, needs a true leader to teach our pitching staff. You have said in the past that you would like to coach someday, maybe someday has come. Here’s your chance. Please take it. We have the utmost respect for you and your family, but please reconsider. If the Cubs are ever to win a championship, then we need a champion to lead us. You are the greatest Cub pitcher ever! We REALLY would like to see #31 back in a Cubs’ uniform. Think about it. Thank you, Scot B.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking, but a man must dream… And I believe miracles do happen!
The Cubs Need A Spark… The Search For A Lead-Off Hitter!
This week, the GM Meetings are under way in Orlando. Now is the time to start entertaing trade possibilities. Will Jim Hendry make a move to acquire a legitimate lead-off hitter? With an offense that has struggled to score runs, the Cubs could use a “spark” at the top of the order.
In 2010, the Cubs juggled the batting order relentlessly in pursuit of somebody to fill the lead-off spot. Ryan Theriot began the year leading off, but was traded to the Dodgers. Kosuke Fukudome took his turn, but stuggled with his bat. Alfonso Soriano was moved down in the order and his days of leading off are over. Other players were given the opportunity to ignite the offense, but nobody fit the role.
Starlin Castro was the best available option, but hasn’t developed much in the stolen base department. Hopefully, he can work on it and find success. For the time being, he really isn’t ready for that responsibility. The Art of Stealing bases requires an astute student of the game. It requires a player to read the pitcher, the catcher, and the defense. There is more to it, then just taking off for second base. It is an art, to be sure. Tyler Colvin, Blake DeWitt, and Jeff Baker, have all led off for the Cubs, none could pull it off. A lead-off hitter requires the ability to get on base and put pressure on the defense. It requires the ability to steal bases. It is a huge responsibility that requires knowledge, talent, and skill. Not just anyone can be inserted at the top of the order. It requires a special player, a player with athletic prowess and brains.
Ricky Henderson was probably the best lead-off hitter ever. He knew how to get on base, then once there, he knew how to rattle the pitcher and defense.
Ricky Henderson got on base and made things happen. He didn’t wait to be bunted over. He didn’t wait for somebody to get a hit. He didn’t wait for anything. He was off to the races. He set his goal and went after it. He would steal second, but Henderson didn’t stop there. Very often, he would steal third base as well. The defense was in disarray and the pitcher lost concentration. Ricky Henderson was a very effective lead-off hitter. He set a record for walks drawn. He set a record for stolen bases. Ricky exemplified what a lead-off hitter should be. That is why he is in the Hall of Fame today. The Cubs need such a lead-off hitter. The Cubs need a spark to ignite a sleeping offense.
With Brett Jackson and Brandon Guyer still developing, Starlin Castro is the closest thing to a lead-off hitter that the Cubs have. However, it appears that Castro is better suited for the #2 hole, which brings us back to the question of WHO will lead off next season? If Jim Hendry is to acquire a true lead-off hitter, then he will most likely need to trade for one. But who?
I have compiled a short list of candidates that Jim Hendry may be interested in trading for.
Rajai Davis, of the Oakland A’s, an outfielder that swiped 50 bases last season. His OBP was .320 and his batting AVG was .284. Oakland is in search of power hitters.
Brett Gardner, of the New York Yankees, another outfielder, stole 47 bases. He had an OBP of .383 and a .277 batting AVG. He was the spark that ignited the Yankees’ offense time and time again.
Gardner gives 150% all the time. The Yankees are in need of a solid, left-hander to anchor their bullpen.
Chone Figgins, of the Seattle Mariners, had 42 stolen bases, a .340 OBP, and a .259 batting AVG.
Figgins is a third baseman, but played second base last season, and has played in left field as well. The Mariners are searching for power hitters.
Will Venable, of the San Diego Padres, another outfielder, had 29 steals, .324 OBP, and a .245 AVG. He appears to have more potential than his numbers reflect.
The Padres are looking for more power, not to mention, prospects.
Michael BournE, of the Houston Astros, recently won a gold glove and led the NL in stolen bases with 52.
He batted .265 with a .341 OBP. Houston needs pitching and power.
Former Cubs, Corey Patterson and Angel Pagan, turned in solid numbers last year, but whether the Cubs are interested in their return, is another story. Patterson stole 21 bases and Pagan stole 37.
The 5 players listed are my personal favorites to lead-off. The Cubs need a spark at the top of the order and will need to make a trade to make it a reality. Who will lead-off in 2011? Will Jim Hendry make a move to improve the top of the batting order? Will Starlin Castro learn the Art of Stealing bases? What do you think the Cubs should do about the lead-off situation?
A Diehard Cubs Fan Speaks Out 