Learning By Doing
Today ends the Cubs first homestand and what have we learned?
Kosuke Fukudome is THE MAN. I love watching him hit (and take
pitches) and by the way, did you see the catch he made Saturday? He does everything well.
Derrek Lee is really good. I get a little aggravated by all the concern about him (he doesn't pull the ball enough, I hear people say). Derrek is a terrific offensive players because he 1) gets on base a lot, 2) hits for power (his HR power was down last year, but it looks like it's back) and 3) he hits the ball to all fields--yes, it's a good thing that he hits the ball to RF.
Kerry Wood can handle the 9th inning. Yes, he struggled on Opening Day, but the last two outings, he got the job done. His stuff is electric and the sky's the limit.
Bob Howry struggles early. Just the way it is. Let's hope he gets it going soon (you know he will eventually). Lou said today he's going to use him under less stressful conditions for a bit to get him going.
Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez haven't hit but their track records say they will.
It won't be easy...it never is with the Cubs, is it? We're destined for a rollercoaster ride again this season. I believe this will be a very special year, but there are always Cubbie occurrences it seems.
The Ernie Banks statue is a HUGE HIT. There have been big crowds around the statue since Monday and it is already a top attraction at the ballpark.
I could go on and on...there are always a million topics with this club. Your thoughts?
Len
Comments
i know you're absolutely right, Fuky is the man!!!
im soo glad we got him. i use to be an Ichiro fan and wished the Cubs would trade for him (then i woke up you know) but this is the next best thing. im glad to hear your voices once again on WGN and i wish every game could be on 9, as do most Cub fans i think. Believe it or not, alot of us DON'T HAVE CABLE!! Say hi to Bob for me will ya Len, he's favorite in our home, and we all think he's quite a character. Yer cool to Len!! lol...
go cubs!
peace
Nick Magnus
P.S. im sooo glad to see the Cubs rockin the Blue Uni's again!!
Posted by: Nick Magnus | April 6, 2008 2:06 PM
I love the cubs with my heart and am watching them right now. Apr. 6 Cubs 1 Hou. 0 so again i agree with your blog about Fukudome fabulous catch saturday with the stretching arm. I to get mad about my friends saying that derek lee is loosing his swing and just doesnt have it no more so im printing out your blog and bringing it to school monday to prove them wrong. Love the blog and Go Cubs
Zachary Mlcoch
High school (9)
Posted by: Zachary Mlcoch | April 6, 2008 2:12 PM
I have no doubt that howry and soriano and ramy will get there. we are only six games in so lets not worry too much. kosuke is the man, a very patient and disciplined player in general. i look for him to have a big impact on our lineup. my wife and i big cubs fans here in orlando and have gotten the baseball package so we get all the cubs games and listen to the best two commentators in baseball. Go Cubs
Posted by: Jason Young | April 6, 2008 2:35 PM
Great job on the opening home stand, I cant wait to get to Wrigley and check out the E Banks statue. Its excitng as anything in the game to watch the outfield assists from Soriano and Fukudome. Talk about some strong arms.
Posted by: Jay | April 6, 2008 7:55 PM
Agree with all of it. TheRiot will also hit. So will Soto and even Pie. A few guys always start slow. But the bats are starting to wake up.
Love Fukudome too, but I still think he'd be a better fit in the #2 or #3 hole. His OBP would be a real asset there. And ARam has never really needed a ton of protection to be productive. So I'd probably like to see Fuku, DLee and ARam 3-4-5. Or 2-3-4, if you're gonna keep TheRiot down in the order.
Posted by: scootk | April 7, 2008 12:49 AM
Len,
Kerry Wood looks great as a closer. I think putting him in this role has the potential to extend his career and prevent more injuries. He could still pitch another decade as a closer and end up with 300+ saves. Anyone remember Eck?
Posted by: Rick | April 7, 2008 7:49 AM
Fukudome is so the man! I wonder how many teachers who are not cubby fans question the wearing of a fukudome jersey at school. My mom's friend thought it said a very bad saying, well I'm sure that you can get where i'm going.
Posted by: Sara | April 10, 2008 7:49 PM