With the acquisition of Matt "oh no, we gave up way too much for him" Garza, the Cubs would appear to have the makings of a pretty good starting rotation for 2011, barring injuries and/or trades. But just who will bat leadoff in this lineup?
Let's take a look at the candidates and see if anyone exists on the current roster. Hey, it had better, because the Cubs seem set at every position.
Kosuke Fukudome
Well, at least early in the season, this could work, as the overpaid Japanese import should have his usual hot start before falling off the map. He has patience, and let's face it, on-base percentage is the number one criteria for a leadoff hitter.
But we don't know if he will even be here come April. Jim Hendry would love to move his ridiculous contract. And even if they don't trade him, there is a good chance that Tyler Colvin gets the brunt of the starts in right field anyway.
That is, at least until they come to the realization that Colvin is a fine fourth outfielder, but is not a starter. But I digress.
On the bases, Fukudome is not really a base stealer, though he has average to slightly above average speed, so he won't clog the bases.
Alfonso Soriano
No. Been there, done that. Not going back.
Moving on...
Blake DeWitt
I mention DeWitt only because he is not a power hitter, and he seems likely to be the starter at second base this season. But it's certainly not because he should bat leadoff.
For one, DeWitt has no speed and runs the bases like a man with a piano on his back. OK, he's not that slow, but he won't make anyone forget Lou Brock any time soon.
Furthermore, he gets on base to the tune of just a .335 clip in his career. He would need to hit much better than his .259 career average to even be considered at leadoff.
Geovany Soto
Hey, don't laugh. I know he's a catcher who runs like one, but speed isn't everything at the top of the order. I don't know if I'd have the guts to do it, but there are worse choices for the Cubs. Seriously.
Soto got on base almost 40 percent of the time last season. Now, this might hurt his legs, and catchers already face a tough workload on their aching knees, so this will not happen. But it's out-of-the-box thinking anyway.
Starlin Castro
Castro would be acceptable as long as continues to hit for average. But if his average falls below the .300 mark, he just does not have the plate discipline to make this a good choice.
His .347 OBP was above the major league average of .325 last season, but he drew only 29 walks in 125 games last season.
Marlon Byrd
Hey, Byrd is the word. He doesn't draw many walks either, nor does he steal bases, but he has above average speed and knows how to run the bases. He's not a burner, but he makes up for it with his aggressive base-running.
Someone Else
If I was Jim Hendry, and again, thank God I am not, I wouldn't be so sold on DeWitt as my second baseman. Or Jeff Baker, for that matter.
If there was an opportunity to acquire a second baseman who could hit leadoff, I'd do it. Unfortunately, it appears Hendry loves DeWitt and will give him every chance to be the starter in 2011.
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Bottom Line
The Cubs have no leadoff hitter on their current roster. But someone has to bat first, and someone will. My prediction is Castro, but who knows how long that will last.
Meanwhile, this will be a huge drag to the offense. But apparently Hendry doesn't seem to think so.
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