Tagged: Mike Quade
Another Season, Another Year of Frustration!
It has been a while since I written about the Cubs. My mother always said, “If you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say anything at all!” There hasn’t been anything positive about the Cubs in 2011. It has been a long season and we’re only half way through it. Disappointed and disgusted, I stopped watching the Lovable Losers back in May. Even had my satellite shut off so I wouldn’t have to endure the pain anymore. What can I say at this point? It’s the same old story and the same old outcome. Very predictable. Very sad.
As a die hard Cubs’ fan, I can only hope that someday, things will be different. Someday, this team will learn how to win. But when? Back in March, I bought tickets to see the Cubs take on the Phillies. Two games actually. Monday and Tuesday. Apparently, I will be lucky enough to see two of the greatest pitchers of this era, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee. Unfortunately, they pitch for the other guys! I do not expect much from the Cubs, but on a positive note, perhaps I will get to witness back to back no-hitters. It is a very real possibility, especially the way the Cubs are going.
I will be rooting for the Cubs, but I have to admit, I don’t have much hope for this team. When will this frustration and disappointment end? When? Cubs’ fans are the greatest people on this planet and deserve so much better. The Ricketts family said that they were committed to winning a championship. When? As long as Jim Hendry continues to make bad decisions, the Cubs will continue to be the laughing stock of baseball. Isn’t it time to clean house and bring in the right personnel? SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE!!! I love baseball. I love the Cubs. Until this team learns the art of finding ways to win, I cannot look. I will peek every now and then, but it has become too painful. Maybe someday, I will look forward to watching the Cubs play. Maybe someday, the Cubs will be World Series champions…. Maybe someday.
Cubs Win First Game With Teamwork!
Cubs Win! Cubs Win! How? A combined effort of solid pitching and timely hitting gave the Cubs their first victory of 2011. Everyone contributed and provided the kind of teamwork that will carry this team to new heights. As a diehard Cubs’ fan, I am very encouraged by this team’s tenacity to hang in there. I am pleased by the effort that everyone gave. Indeed, this will be a fun group to watch. Mike Quade deserves a world of credit for the way this team has come together. I think there is good reason to be optimistic this season.
Carlos Zambrano struggled early but managed to keep the game close. Cramping in his hand forced him to leave the game, but Kerry Wood came in and took care of business. Sean Marshall followed Wood and also shut down the Pirates. Then in the bottom of the 8th, the Cubs came to life and battled for a 5 run inning. The beauty of that inning was that everyone contributed with timely hitting.
60602722.jpg Alfonso Soriano had a key hit and of course, Blake DeWitt delivered in the clutch. Dewitt, who struggled in Spring Training, deserves a lot of credit. His confidence needed a boost and he needed that hit as much as the team did. It was a total team effort.
60602747.jpg I like the way that this team sticks together and supports one another. It is refreshing. Carlos Marmol came on in the 9th and struck out the side for his first save of the young season.
60602748.jpg In fact, the bullpen retired the last 9 Pirate batters of the game. Now that’s a solid bullpen!
Matt Garza is on the bump today. He will be starting his first game in a Cub uniform. If he can have a solid outing, then the Cubs should win again. Garza seems like a really good teammate. He’s a gamer, you can tell. With the addition of Garza, Carlos Pena, and the return of Kerry Wood, I believe the club house chemistry is finally coming together. Mike Quade has good reason to like his chances this year. Teamwork is what champions are made of and the Cubs are showing signs of having the right chemistry.
Good job to everyone! Keep up the good work! Go Cubs Go!!!
Spring Training Assessment
With Opening Day less than a week away, it’s time to assess the Cubs and determine what we can come to expect in the upcoming season. There have been some positives and negatives that have emerged. Let’s take a closer look.
In his first full season as a Major League Manager, Mike Quade has been impressive with the way he has conducted himself in Spring Training. Quade has demonstrated that he is a hands on type of guy. He brings a ton of energy to the ballpark and that has to rub off on the players. I have heard reports of how Quade has been actively involved in every phase of the game. When he spots a mistake, it is immediately addressed. Mike Quade has proven that he is one of the guys, which is important to teamwork. He doesn’t maintain the distance that other managers might keep between him and his players. Perhaps, that is the reason that the players have responded in a positive manner. Anyway, I like what I have seen thus far. He is an honest, candid, and a no non-sense man on a mission. He has gained my confidence that he was indeed, the right man for the job.
Mike Quade and the Cubs are in the process of trimming the opening day roster, which is no easy task. Many players have already been optioned to the minor leagues. One of the biggest questions revolve around the starting rotation. Ryan Dempster, Carlos Zambrano, and Matt Garza will be the top three starters. Randy Wells has had a good Spring and has earned the #4 spot. Carlos Silva thought that he deserved to pitch in the starting rotation but didn’t back it up. His performance this Spring was terrible. He had an ERA over 10 and was optioned to Triple A, but refuses to go. The Cubs will most likely try to trade him. Braden Looper had a rough Spring and consequently, did not make the team. He decided to hang it up and retire once again. Andrew Cashner was named the 5th starter, however, I am not so sure that he is the right fit for that role. Cashner has done very well in relief. He has the tools to be an awesome set-up guy. Last season, he opened our eyes. Many people feel that he would make a good starting pitcher, but even while he has earned a spot in the rotation, Cashner has not really demonstrated his effectiveness in that role. Personally, I think Sean Marshall is better suited, but I cannot argue his effectiveness and value in the bullpen. Another possibility is Kerry Wood, although like Marshall, that is unlikely to happen. The only other option for the Cubs would be to trade for a solid starting pitcher and move Cashner back to the bullpen where he can be the most effective. Hopefully, Cashner will settle into his new role, but time will tell.
The Cubs have a similar outfield situation to the one they had last year. Alfonso Soriano will be the left fielder. Of course, he will need to have a good year and stay healthy. He will need to produce if he wants to keep the Cubs’ faithful off his back. Marlon Byrd has had a good Spring and promises to be a team leader. Right field is where the problem lies. The Cubs have Kosuke Fukudome, who has not done well at all. It seems like he has nothing to offer the Cubs but defense. It may be time to unload him and get it over with. Tyler Colvin can definitely hit, but his defense remains a bit shaky. I do not share most Cubs’ fans optimism concerning Colvin. He simply needs to work on his defense. Reed Johnson was re-acquired this offseason. Reed will definitely help the Cubs this year, particularly against left-handers. If I had my way, I would platoon Soriano and Colvin in left, move Marlon Byrd to right, and bring up Brett Jackson to play center and lead off.
The infield needs to tighten up the defense. Darwin Barney has earned the job at second base, period. Blake Dewitt and Jeff Baker can be used as back-ups. Barney has shown all the signs of a promising second baseman. He has won me over this Spring. He has the right attitude and work ethic to succeed.
Carlos Pena remains a bit of a mystery. He is a gold glove first baseman, but his hitting still needs work. He has the left-handed power that the Cubs were looking for, but still struggles at the plate. Pena has a lightning-fast bat, but has difficulty with pitch recognition. Hopefully, that will improve and he can raise his batting average to a respectable level.
Finally, Geovanny Soto will be the primary catcher, but there is much debate over who should back him up. Koyie Hill handles the pitching staff well, but simply cannot hit. Wellington Castillo has had an incredible Spring, batting over .600, but the Cubs will probably elect to send him back to the minors where he can get regular playing time. That is unfortunate. How much more does Castillo have to do to prove that he is ready for the big leagues. He is way better than Hill who has contributed nothing to the offense or the defense. Wellington Castillo has earned a spot on the Cubs’ roster, pure and simple. To deny him the opportunity to play in the big leagues would be a travesty.
Well, Mike Quade and the Cubs’ front office still have work to do. There remains much to be optimistic about, however, there also remains some wrinkles to work out and decisions to be made. Let’s hope the Cubs can figure it out. As Spring Training winds down, Opening Day will soon be upon us. It’s time to “Play Ball!” I can’t wait.
The Cubs Need A Lesson In Teamwork!
By now, everyone has seen or heard about the scuffle that took place last week. If this is a sign of things to come, then the Cubs are in serious trouble. Hopefully, this incident will be put to rest and the Cubs can get on with the business at hand. Before we move on, perhaps we should take a closer look at how these things happen.
Obviously Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Silva have better insight into the situation than I do, but I may be able to shed some light on this subject. Players get frustrated when things don’t go their way. A bad pitch or a costly error can cause some players to become unhinged and blow up at their teammates. Bad idea. The word “Teammates” suggest that players should be on the same side. We’re all in this together should be the motto. A teammate should lift his fellow player up when he makes a mistake, not condemn him. This has been the problem. Mike Quade did a fine job of downplaying the incident with the media, but I wonder how the situation was addressed in the clubhouse. Sure, they had a team meeting to address the 14 errors in the first 4 games, but was it enough to prevent future outbursts of infighting? Time will tell.
A successful team establishes urgency and direction. A worthwhile purpose that unites the team as a whole. Teams must have complementary skills at each position. Everyone plays a particular role. Teams set clear rules of behavior to help achieve their purpose and performance goals. This enables the team to stay focused and committed. Teammates should challenge one another to be better rather than placing blame and embarrassing each other. Teammates should be family, spending alot of time together to create an unbreakable bond, trust, and understanding. Successful teams feed off of positive reinforcement, recognition, and reward. Lastly, there must be accountability. Each player should be held accountable for his performance. That does not mean he deserves to be ridiculed but rather each player has a responsibility to his teammates to learn his craft, work hard, and improve on a daily basis. Just because a veteran earns millions of dollars doesn’t mean that he isn’t expected to work hard and give maximum effort. It doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t seek help from a coach when he needs it. There are too many players that think they know it all and don’t need the extra help or that they don’t have to hustle. Those players don’t deserve to wear Cubby blue. The players who are truly commited to improving and winning are the ones that should stay, everyone else should go elsewhere. There is no room for laziness at the MLB level.
Every successful team forges its own path. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be conflicts because there will be, but how a team handles it, is crucial. Isn’t it time the Cubs start playing as a team, committed to excellence and winning? Enough of these childish tantrums, let’s get down to business and win a World Series!
Seriously, Are The Cubs Going To Be Any Good This Year?
With Spring Training right around the corner, it’s time to evaluate the offseason moves made by Jim Hendry, the Cubs General Manager. Each and every year Cubs’ fans get excited around this time. We are ever hopeful that the new season will bring that elusive championship, but in the end, we are disappointed yet again. Could this year be different? Could 2011 be the breakthrough year to remember? Have the Cubs made the necessary moves to bring the right balance to a team that has struggled to reach its potential? I am going to gaze into my crystal ball and peek into the future and try to determine what kind of team we have to look forward to.
The first glimpse that may be indicative of a promising year dates back to the last month and a half of last season. After the sudden retirement of Lou Piniella, Mike Quade took over the helm and steered the Cubs in the right direction. Under Quade, the Cubs finished strong. The players responded to his style of managing and won nearly 2/3 of the remaining games. Quade made a strong impression on Jim Hendry and Cubs’ Chairman, Tom Ricketts, and the interim tag was removed as he won the managerial job over fan favorites such as Ryne Sandberg and Joe Girardi. There was much controversey over the process, but in the end, Mike Quade had earned the position. In 2011, Mike Quade will face the challenge of managing over the long haul of the season. If 2010 was evidence that he has what it takes to turn this team around, then indeed, the Cubs have much to look forward to.
As the Cubs searched the free agent market to fill some obvious holes, Jim Hendry finally found a left-handed first baseman in Carlos Pena. Was it the right fit? Some may argue, but seriously, Pena is a great defensive first baseman and has a powerful left-handed bat. Exactly what the Cubs needed. Is his .196 batting average and high strikeout ratio a concern? It would be, but Pena is working with Rudy Jaramillo, the Cubs’ hitting coach, and is totally committed to improving his swing. That willingness to learn is the key. There are far too many veterans who think that they are so great that they have nothing more to learn, the very same players who start to stink and drag everyone around them down. So it is refreshing to see a player who wants to get better. Carlos Pena is going to work out just fine, you’ll see.
The Cubs also re-acquired Kerry Wood. I am very happy about this because Woody is, was, and always will be a Cub. He is a club house leader and understands what it means to be a Cub. He gave the Cubs a huge discount to come home. He did an awesome job for the Yankees last season and he promises to do more of the same for the Cubs in 2011. Hopefully he can remain healthy and prove to everyone that HE’S BACK! I think that he will return with a vengeance. I am excited to see him again!
Then, there was the controversial trade for Matt Garza. The Cubs may have lost some top prospects, but they have gained one of the best pitchers in the game today. He will be a welcomed addition to the Cubs’ pitching staff. Coming to the National League where hitters aren’t very familiar with him will be to his advantage. I look for him to have a great year. Like Woody and Pena, I foresee him silencing the critics very quickly. I predict that he will win 18 games or more this season.
The Cubs have also made some minor moves, such as re-acquiring Reed Johnson, Todd Wellmeyer, and getting some players in the Tom Gorzellany trade. We’ll see how those work out as only time will tell. On a positive note, the Cubs have signed Geovanny Soto, Sean Marshall, and I believe, Carlos Marmol thus avoiding arbitration. So that is good news.
One important factor that will determine the Cubs destiny is whether or not they can stay healthy. Last year was a disaster as far as injuries go. A healthy team learns to play as a team and gel. A different line-up everyday is disastrous to team chemistry and that was something we saw too much of last year. The Cubs need to stay healthy, period! It is good to hear that Tyler Colvin will be back this year. Watching him being impaled by a broken bat scared us all. It’s great that he will return, we’ll need him.
The Cubs seem pretty solid up and down the line-up, except for one thing. We still do not have a protypical lead-off hitter. I probably sound like a broken record, but this could make or break the Cubs’ offense. Last season, there was no spark to ignite the offense and consequently no pressure on the opposition. If the Cubs truly want to contend, this crucial piece must be found. If no trades are made, then somebody will need to step up and learn how to get on base and rattle the defense. I hope that Mike Quade doesn’t just pencil in just anybody. He knows full well that the lead-off hitter sets the tone for what will follow. Anyway, we’ll see what happens. Perhaps Starlin Castro or Kosuke Fukudome will be willing to learn how to fill that role. Who knows, after all, there is still some time before the season begins.
Overall, I think the Cubs will be much improved. If the lead off role can be filled, I think the Cubs will be in business. Once again, I am excited about the upcoming season, unfortunately, my crystal ball isn’t as clear as I’d like it to be, but that would take all of the fun out of watching the season unfold now wouldn’t it?
Cubs Still Missing Crucial Piece To Offense
The Cubs have been busy this offseason improving the team for 2011, but there is still one piece that has yet to be addressed to elevate them to the next level – a legitimate lead off hitter.
In 2010, the Cubs lacked one crucial element which failed to spark the offense. All season long, the offense struggled to score runs. There was nobody at the top of the batting order to ignite the spark and put pressure on the defense. Lou Piniella and Mike Quade exhausted every option at their disposal to find somebody that could fill the role. Ryan Theriot was traded to the Dodgers and consequently left a huge hole to fill. Many attempts to try different players were unsuccessful. As a result, the offense struggled to offer much run support. Too much reliance on the long ball resulted in a lack of run support for a pitching staff that deserved better.
During an interview, Mike Quade was asked who would be the Cubs’ lead off hitter in 2011.
His response was disturbing. He admitted that the Cubs did not have such a player that he would consider a true lead off candidate. He acknowledged that the Cubs simply lacked what was needed. At least he was honest. Given the fact, his response was that the lead off role would be by committee. In other words, he would be forced to pencil in anybody and everybody to fill the slot. A repeat of last season apparently. This disturbs me because last season was a disappointment due to the lack of run production. There was no spark to ignite the offense. So is 2011 doomed to failure?
What exactly is the role of a legitimate lead off hitter? A lead off hitter, first and foremost, must be able to get on base. He should be able to draw walks, bunt for a base hit, and hit for average. In other words, he must have a high on-base percentage. Secondly, he must have speed. Once on base, he must apply pressure to the opposing pitcher and defense. He must be a base stealing threat. He must cause the pitcher to be nervous and disrupt his concentration. He must draw the defense out of position and wreck havoc. Not only should he have the abilty to steal bases, but have the abilty to reach third base on a hit and run. He must be able to get himself in scoring position, somehow. He must be fast enough to score runs and make things happen. Such a player causes the opposition to make mistakes and opens the door for the offense to score runs.
The Cubs have made some improvements this offseason, but still lack the necessary spark to ignite the offense. With all due respect to Mike Quade and the current roster, the Cubs will be in for another long season if this isn’t addressed.
The Cubs’ General Manager, Jim Hendry, needs to find a way to fill this hole. It is too important not to. I was reading another Cubs’ blog, Strictly Cubs Baseball, http://strictlycubsbaseball.mlblogs.com/, I began thinking about this problem and reached the conclusion that this IS a HUGE problem. The lack of offense last year is directly attributable to the lack of a legitimate lead off hitter. There simply was no run support. Opposing pitchers were entirely too relaxed while facing the Cubs. Jim Hendry still has work to do. I hope and pray that he does something to address this glaring hole or 2011 could be disastrous. The Cubs are on the right track, but to be truly competitive, we need a solid lead off hitter. Only then, will we be in good shape to reach the playoffs.
Will The Winter Meetings Bring Solace to Cubs’ Fans?
It has been a year of disappointment and frustration for Cubs’ fans. The Cubs’ have yet to make any moves to fill the glaring holes at first base and the lead off position. Time is running out and Cubs’ fans are getting nervous. What are the Cubs going to do?
The 2010 season was lost from the very beginning. The season brought many disappointments along the way. After Lou Piniella suddenly retired, Mike Quade took over and brought some renewed hope to Chicago. He managed to motivate the players and the Cubs finished strong. A glimmer of things to come?
Following the season, the managerial search was on. Fans argued over who should be the next manager. Ryne Sandberg and Joe Girardi were amongst the names that most believed would win the job. Of course, the Cubs decided on Mike Quade, who earned the position with the strong finish. Many diehard Cubs’ fans were angered that Sandberg wasn’t named manager, others were mad that Girardi never had the opportunity to interview. In the end, it didn’t matter what Cubs’ fans wanted, the Cubs had made their choice.
Next came the off season. The Cubs have many holes to fill, particularly first base. The Cub faithful once again started a debate. Who should the Cubs acquire? Many Cubs’ blogs have made suggestions. The Cub Den, http://cubden.mlblogs.com/ and Strictly Cubs Baseball, http://strictlycubsbaseball.mlblogs.com/ have explored all of the possibilities. I, myself, have made some suggestions. Unfortunately, our suggestions have seemingly fallen on deaf ears. Do the Cubs actually listen to the fans? Do they acknowledge what the fans want? It has been my opinion that they do not. Of course, I understand that the Cubs have all the experts that share their input when it comes to assembling a team. That’s what they get paid to do. However, since the fans are the ones that support the team, shouldn’t the Cubs take a more active interest in what the fans want? I think so. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen any evidence of that. I suppose that we should leave the management to the professionals, but I would like to believe that the Cubs care about the fans. Obviously, the fans have a thousand opinions and not all of them are wonderful, but some are.
So what is my point to all of this?
I would like the Cubs to listen a little more closely to us diehard fans, that’s all. Sometimes we feel ignored. Many of us wanted the Cubs to acquire Adrian Gonzalez, but he got away.
As the Winter Meetings get under way, the Cubs need to get busy filling holes. The Cubs haven’t done anything yet and other teams are swooping down and plucking players left and right. Hopefully, the Cubs will make some moves that will earn the fans’ respect again. Cubs’ fans don’t want to wait till 2 or 3 years before the team competes. We want to compete each and every year. Baseball should be exciting, not disappointing. On that note, Jim Hendry needs to get busy. Cubs’ fans are getting restless.
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!
Ryne Sandberg Is Officially Back With The Phillies
After the bitter disappointment that followed as the Cubs named Mike Quade their new Manager, Ryne Sandberg left the Organization for good.
Today, he landed another job. Not as a Major League Manager as he had hoped, but a managing job nonetheless. Ryno will take over for the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate. Sandberg won the Pacific Coast league Manager of the Year last season with the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. Cubs’ fans will miss Ryno.
He has been a fan favorite since the eighties and now, will return to the team that traded him to the Cubs all those years ago. Good luck to Ryno. He will do an outstanding job for the Phillies.
The Diehard Cubs’ Fan Suggestion Box: Who’s On First?
The Free Agent frenzy is about to begin. The Cubs have some holes to fill and first base is first on the list for Jim Hendry. Let’s explore the options and find the right fit. I have some suggestions that might make sense, so listen up, Mr. Hendry.
Since the trade that sent Derek Lee to the Atlanta Braves, Xavier Nady took over at First Base. Now that Nady has become a Free Agent, the Cubs have a glaring hole at First. With First base open, the Cubs have been considering moving Tyler Colvin to First, a position he hasn’t played since college. On the surface, it seems like a good idea. The transition would allow Colvin more playing time, but considering he hasn’t played the position in quite some time, it would require a lot of extra hard work and practice to make a successful conversion. This may take some time. Until then, the Cubs would probably be better off finding a suitable veteran player that will fit in with the Cubs’ game plan. That means, of course, signing a Free Agent.
Let’s consider the options that are available on the Free Agent Market. We’ll try to determine who is the best fit for the Cubs,
First, there have been many rumors surrounding the Cubs having interest in Adam Dunn. Here you have a left-handed slugger with a ton of power. Dunn is tops on the list if the Cubs are seeking a clean-up hitter. He has the power to hit 40-50 homeruns a year. For Fans of the long ball, he’s your guy.
But is he the best fit?
Adam Dunn has a downside and the negatives may outweigh the positives. Up front, Dunn will be asking for a 4-5 year deal worth upwards of 40 million dollars. That is another high priced, long-term contract that the Cubs may not have the resources or the desire to entertain. In addition, Adam Dunn strikes out a ton. Do the Cubs really want a player with a high ratio of strikeouts? Offensively, that is a huge weakness. Also, he has no speed on the basepaths and figures to clog the bases with his inabilty to take the extra base. Finally, Dunn lacks defensive prowess. He has struggled since converting from the outfield to first and the Cubs do not need any defensive liabilities. Sure Dunn can hit the homerun, but does it outweigh the negative factors? I think not. Adam Dunn is NOT the best fit for the Cubs.
It has been reported that Jim Hendry, the Cubs GM, is looking for “… the likes of a Nick Johnson“. This really puzzles me. Why? Nick Johnson did not play much last year. He spent the season on the DL after having wrist surgery. Besides, when he did play, he was nothing more than a DH. He didn’t even play first. When he did in the past, he wasn’t anything special. His offensive numbers weren’t very good either. I don’t know why Hendry would have an interest in an injured player like Johnson. The Cubs acquired Xavier Nady after he had surgery and that didn’t exactly work out did it. In Nady’s defense, he might actually be healthy in 2011 and have a better year. The Cubs may consider bringing Nady back but it is doubtful since they really want a left-handed bat to balance the line-up.
The biggest name that surfaces among Cubs’ Fans is Adrian Gonzalez, but the San Diego Padres have picked up their 2011 option and for now, will stay in San Diego.
Gonzalez has expressed a desire to play in Chicago, but won’t hit the Free Agent Market until next year. Whether he will become available at the trade deadline is unknown at this time. Also, he is having shoulder surgery so it may take a while to bounce back. When healthy, Adrian Gonzalez is arguably the best First Baseman out there. He is a hitting machine, plays great defense, and is my personally favorite for the job. Unfortunately, at this time, AGon is unavailable, unless the Cubs can work out a trade, but it is unlikely. The Cubs have others on the radar. Who?
To narrow down the field of first basemen, let’s focus on the left-handers that will add hitting prowess in the middle of the line-up.
The San Francisco Giants were World Series Champions this season and were led by first baseman, Aubrey Huff, who will now be a Free Agent. Huff is a lefty and he is consistent, year in and year out. He hits around .300 and has power.
Aubrey Huff is a proven leader in the club house and on the field. In my opinion, Huff had a lot to do with the Giants’ success this year. He was a valuable piece to winning. Aubrey Huff was a bargain when San Francisco acquired him. He may be one of the best options for the Cubs, provided the Giants’ don’t want to keep him around. If he becomes available, I would sign him. He adds leadership that the Cubs definitely need.
Adam LaRoche is a possibility, but in my opinion, he is a better back up than a starter. He has average numbers, both offensively and defensively. The Cubs could sign him to an average contract, but I think they may be dissapointed by his production. I think he is over-rated to say the least. He would be a last resort.
Lance Berkman doesn’t make any sense. He is getting older and his offensive numbers have declined dramatically. He would want too much money and would fail to deliver the punch that he once had. Not a good fit.
Some Chicago Fans like Paul Konerko, but he is right-handed and doesn’t fit in well with the game plan. Not really a good idea, although I admit, he is a good player.
Jorge Cantu and Lyle Overbay are options, but I don’t believe would be good fits for the Cubs.
Carlos Pena is another, but he batted under .200 this past season, not exactly the offensive production that the Cubs are looking for.
There are several others that I will not mention, mainly because they have too many question marks, are either declining or simply don’t provide the offensive fire power or defense that the Cubs need at firstbase.
Finally, I have a suggestion for Jim Hendry.
Consider Victor Martinez. Here is a switch-hitting, explosive bat that provides a .300+ batting average with a great deal of power. While he considers himself primarily a catcher, Martinez also plays firstbase. Here is my suggestion.
Sign Victor Martinez. HE CAN PLAY FIRSTBASE AND BACK UP CATCHER. He not only brings a switch-hitting bat for the middle of the line-up, he can double as Geovanny Soto’s back up catcher. Victor Martinez brings a valuable commodity, VERSATILITY. If there is a downside to VM, it is that he is looking for a 4-year deal. Even still, he would be worth it, in my opinion. Here is something else to consider, when Victor Martinez has catching duties, Tyler Colvin could gain valuable experience playing First base, backing up Martinez. It would make for a smoother transition. In addition, the Cubs would have TWO versatile players in their line-up, Victor Martinez AND Tyler Colvin.
In my assessment, the Cubs have two very good options that I would encourage Jim Hendry to consider. While Tyler Colvin should increase his versatility and practice playing first, he has not proven himself there yet. So I have narrowed the field down to Aubrey Huff AND Victor Martinez. Dollar for dollar, they possess the most value. Both are consistently good, providing strong numbers and a strong presence in any line-up. Adam Dunn pales by comparison and so do the others. If the Cubs’ Front Office is paying attention, I hope that they would seriously consider Huff or Martinez. Both would bring a lot to the table. Both would be good fits for the Cubs.
Let the Free Agent frenzy begin.
Next blog: I will tackle the Pitchers in the Free Agent Pool.
A Diehard Cubs Fan Speaks Out 
