Ho Lotta Fun - Windy City Weekend

It sure would have been fun to be at Sunday's walk-off Cubs victory over the Twins on a beautiful sunny Chicago day; however I was on a plane back to Arizona. Instead the Mesa Hohokams and my family witnessed a couple less than stellar performances by the Cubs in two losses to the small market pests from Minneapolis last Friday and Saturday.

My party joining the Hohokams on their annual trip to Chicago consisted of two Wrigley Field rookies, (my mom and brother Todd), along with my beautiful wife Theresa.


Mom, Todd, Theresa and me

I won't go into each game and the reasons why the Cubs lost, you probably saw the games on TV or read about them, so instead I'll offer up some observations from my two days at Wrigley Field and then tell a bit about the long weekend we spent in Chicago.

Friday was the Milton Bradley game...like many fans at the park who were paying attention to the game, the split second I saw Milton striking a pose after catching the fly ball I knew he thought their were three outs...talk about a one of a kind souvenir for whoever caught that tossed Bradley baseball. While Bradley's mathematical misstep didn't cost the Cubs anything in terms of runs scored, the Milton moment felt like a microcosm of the Cubs play this season...unfocused.

Before the game we took the El Train up to Wrigley from our downtown hotel, this is where we first noticed a lot of Twins fans. Once off the train in Wrigleyville it was apparent that Twins fans had circled this series on the calendar as soon as they saw the schedule and made plans for the 6 hour plus drive from the Twin Cities. Who can blame them with limited opportunities to see their team play at one of baseball's historic shrines. I have watched baseball games at the Metrodome, and it's the anti-Wrigley with carpet instead of grass and plastic baggies in place of Ivy. It wasn't apparent to me just how many Twinkie fans where there until Saturday because of our Friday Wrigley seating accommodations.


View from the Batters Eye Suite during Friday's BP

I have talked about the batters eye suite (the black glass windows below the scoreboard) in the past on this blog and that's where the Hohokams have been stationed in the first game of the annual trip since the suite was built a few years back. Watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field in the batters eye suite is kinda like eating a Chicago Dog made out of tofu - you don't quite get the full experience. Sure, it's a nice set-up having your own private bar, food buffet, TV screens, private rest rooms, and someone serving you, no doubt these are true luxuries at Wrigley but with comfort comes the loss of ambiance. Part of that is not having a full view of the outfield or being able to hear the crowd outside the box. It feels a bit disconnected from the fans and the game which is what makes Wrigley...well, Wrigley.

Unlike other suites at the friendly confines the batters eye has no outside the suite seating so you must exit the bunker and walk around, (which we did) to get a feel for the game, but without a seat outside the bunker you can't really watch the game action. At any rate, I'm not ungrateful or complaining for a second, I was thrilled and lucky to be there. I'm just giving my impressions of this particular suite and game experience. Of course my brother insists that the ease of having rapid replenishment of malted barley and hops beverages makes up for any and all other shortcomings.

Cubs management including Chairman Crane Kenney, Executive Vice President of baseball Operations Mark McGuire and GM Jim Hendry made the obligatory stop out to the suite to chat with the Hohokam group during Friday's game.

Robert Brinton, who is the "Big Ho" of the Hohokam and President of the Cactus League as well as Executive Director of the Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau, threw a ceremonial pitch prior the game and talked with Len Kasper and Bob Brenly on WGN promoting spring training in AZ.


The Mesa Hohokams at Wrigley June 12, black windows of bunker upper left

I also chatted with Robert during the game and found out negotiations are still going on with the Cubs, City of Mesa, and the Hohokams regarding spring training activities and finances. Expect the powers that be for the City of Mesa and the Hohokams to find the funding for upgrades at Fitch Park and Hohokam Stadium...don't plan on the Cubs leaving Mesa anytime soon. A big topic of the congenial dialog surrounds ways to increase revenue during the spring season...hard to believe, I know.

One of the ideas floated was that of increasing the price of game day parking at Hohokam...don't get upset just yet, a feasibility study would most likely have to be done and it's only an idea at this point.

Seeing Twins star Joe Mauer hit a HR on Friday wasn't all that surprising because he had 12 coming into the game, but number 13 at Wrigley on June 12 was different. This number 13 tied the career season HR high for the St. Paul Minnesota native. While Mauer has always had a natural swing he had lacked power for a player of his size. It looks like this is the year his power numbers catch up with the rest of his game, his slugging average is currently .743.

Thinking back to the 2001 draft, the Twins who had the number one pick were roundly criticized for passing on a can't miss MLB ready pitcher because of the money it would take to sign the college hurling sensation - Mark Prior. They picked hometown high school catcher Mauer while the Cubs with the number two pick chose Mark Prior. Makes me wonder what would have happened if the Twins had picked Mark Prior instead...we'll never know.


Many Twins fans in the bleachers sported these ferocious baby blue T-shirts

Friday night we attended the premiere of the Cubs documentary movie "We Believe" at the historic Chicago Theatre. I'll post a separate review on the film in another blog this week.

Saturday's game saw Rich Harden pitching after his stint on the DL taking the mound against a 23 year old Twins pitcher named Swarzak who was 1-2 with a 5.23 ERA.

The weather was not very good, cold with rain and drizzle all morning delaying the start of the game. Before the game we ended up ducking into a bar on Clark called The Stretch mainly because we saw open tables and wanted to get out of the rain. Ended up having a having a very tasty omelet for breakfast while being served by the equally tasty female wait staff who would put any Hooters bar to shame...I don't want that last comment taken as sexist I'm just trying to paint an observant picture for the sake of blogging accuracy. The Stretch staff should also be commended for timely and cheerful service...as well as their smokin hotness...hey, I'm only human.

We had outstanding seats for this game, section 122 just to the first base side of home plate. It would have been perfect except for the weather and the Cubs hitting or lack of. The weather cleared during the game but the Cubs stayed cold at the plate losing 2-0...Harden pitched well but got a big fat 'L' for the effort.

Being outside in the stands on Saturday was when I could tell how many Twins fans were at Wrigley as they chanted 'MVP' when Mauer was at the plate. The Twins Jason Kubel who hit a long HR over the right field bleachers onto Sheffield got a "Let's - go - Ku-bel" chant when he was at the plate, "Let's - go - Ku-bel"...you've got to be kidding me...I just shook my head. Some Cubs season ticket holders I talked to said they couldn't remember other teams ever having as many fans at Wrigley, certainly not as vocal. Guess now we know what it's like for opponents when the Cubs play on the road and Cubbie fans permeate the stands.


Chicago's finest on horseback in Grant Park

One of the things we wanted to do while in Chicago was listen to some Blues music and our timing for the trip couldn't have been better as the Chicago Blues Festival was going on in Grant Park. So after the game we headed down to the festival, the weather was still a bit cool but it had become sunny and made for a fantastic evening. Part of the fun of a festival like this, apart from the music is people watching and Grant Park did not disappoint. We decided to walk back from the Blues Festival to the hotel and that's when the people watching got really interesting and I mean eye bulging, jaw dropping interesting.


Chicago Blues Festival at Grant Park

We heard this commotion down Michigan Avenue towards the river, police sirens (nothing unusual about that in Chicago) but as the noises got closer and louder I see the police clearing the way for a whole precession of bike riders...bicycles not Harleys. I'm thinking that''s pretty cool having a race or charity ride down the Miracle Mile so I step to the median to get a photo. That's when I noticed something different about these bikers, they were naked...yes sir...nude, in the buff, many clad only in shoes and socks.


I'm giving you a few of my 'stylized' versions of the bikers to keep it PG-13

Talk about the proverbial double take, I think I have a touch of whiplash from it. Hundreds of women and men, with all parts of the human anatomy exposed to the cool night air just rolling by, honking bike horns and whooping it up to the stares and grins of amazed bystanders most of whom like me seemed to have no idea what was going on. To be honest they were not all completely naked, they had varying degrees of clothing some just wearing bottoms, some wearing bras and panties, some wearing nothing but a mask on their face but all seemed to be having a great time. Did I say Chicago was my kind of town?


Trust me 'stylized' versions are much better, sometimes reality isn't pretty

Later after a google search I found out it was the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) - An international clothing-optional bike (or other person powered) event where participants ride en masse for the dual purpose of bringing attention to people powered transport and promoting positive body image. Their slogan is "Celebrating the end of oil and the beauty of people." Sounds good, just remind me to never rent a bike in this town; you don't know where it may have been.



Michigan Avenue surprise

Our time in Chicago was short, arriving on Thursday afternoon and leaving early Sunday morning but we packed a lot in while there...Reuniting with my spring training friends the Hohokams, eating Chicago style pizza at Giordano's, walking down to Navy Pier, breakfast at Tempo Cafe, stopping at a 1970's and 80's bar called the Reagle Beagle where we testing a few of their specialty drinks like the Mr. Tea (similar to a Long Island just more expensive) and the Caddyshack Attack which according to the menu is Van Gogh Vanilla, Grey Goose L'Orange, White Creme De Cocoa, Triple Sec, Blue Curacao, with a Baby Ruth candy bar...Oh Mrs. Crane, you're a little monkey woman.

We didn't end up going on the Architectural Cruise but visiting the Chicago Theatre was an architectural experience I won't forget, what an amazing building...and what a fun and fantastic city Chicago is.

The Cubs lost both games we attended but I did get to see the final innings of the Sunday win on WGN-TV after getting back to AZ. The clubs animated celebration after the victory seemed an exhale of emotions, finally getting a clutch win after losing many close ones. Perhaps the players will start to relax now and just have some fun and hit like they're capable. A winning series against the Sox and strong run before the All-Star game would give the Cubs more confidence and put them in good position for another Central title when A-Ram returns for the second half. At least that's my hope...



Check back this week for my thoughts on the new Cubs documentary "We Believe". I have a few more of my photos from the trip below.

Go Cubs!

T








Chillin to the blues


Millennium Park Gardens


Amphitheater at Millennium Park


Millennium Park Bean

Hello Chicago

As mentioned in my last blog, I'll be joining the Hohokams on their annual trip to Chicago...that means I'll be seeing two games at Wrigley, this Friday and Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. Seeing the Cubs play in the friendly confines is really one of my absolute favorite things to do.

Yes, I know this Cubs team isn't playing as well as last year but don't judge the team's success by what they do in April, May, and June. As long as they don't fall too far back in the standings a strong finish in August and September is what really matters...Oh, and October, yeah, it would be nice to finish that month strong.

Reading some of the Cubs blogs and message boards around the net it seems there is an extra bit of angst among the faithful right now. As Cubs fans we can't expect to sail through the 2009 season with the team kickin arse and taking no prisoners like last year. Things are never that easy and it could very well prove to be even more difficult and trying before it's all over. This looks like a season where Lou Piniella is going to truly earn his money. This team has injuries and other issues so if Lou can keep this group together and get into the playoffs, that would be making a statement.

My friend Shepps over at Cubscast.com just wrote a blog, kinda playing Cubs GM for the day and detailing his views on the roster in "The Jim Hendry Scorecard".

Of course the recent big news in Cubdom is the expected announced retirement of Sammy Sosa, some of you like me were probably thinking "is he still playing?"..."big news" was sarcasm in case you missed it. Over at collegeofidiots.com Ginger Russ blogged yesterday about Slammin Sammy and his legacy, good stuff.

I may attend the premiere of the new Cubs documentary "We Believe" this Friday while in Chicago at the historic Chicago Theatre, if I do go I'll give you a review of the film on my return to AZ. This doc was made with backing or I should say, permission of the Cubs and MLB, so I hope it's more than just a long advertisement promoting the team.

I'll also upload some of my photos from the Chicago trip next week when I return from the windy city...like I did last season when I took my dad on the trip. (Blog from July 14, 2008)

Might get to see Rich Harden pitch on Saturday against the Twins so that could be interesting, it would be nice if he could get it going again.

Talk with you next week.

T

Calling Iowa

It's been a while since I last blogged, as most of you know when the Cubs leave AZ after spring training my frequency of posts diminishes. This is by design and necessity, when the Cubs are here in AZ I have the access to provide what most of us die-hard Cubs fans want, photos, videos, and first hand information on the team's activities in the desert. The necessity is me catching up on things that fell by the wayside due to the time expended on the Cubs during spring training; as well as the need to devote more time to the running of my video production company.

Good to see the Cubs finally put up the 'W' again last night, doesn't matter if it's rain shortened or 14 innings it's still one in the win column...hopefully the start of some steady winning baseball. The Neal Cotts experiment is over, at least for now, and Andres Blanco is up from Iowa and put right into today's lineup at second base. Blanco had a very nice spring and should see some playing time with Aaron Miles going to the DL. Big Jake Fox may also see big league game action after tearing up AAA, where and when Lou plays Fox remains to be seen.

I'm getting very excited about coming to Chicago on the Hohokam's annual trip in June and getting the opportunity to see a couple games at Wrigley! Also planning on doing the Architectural Cruise for the first time. It will be a quick trip of only 4 days but any amount of relief from the summer 100 degree plus heat in AZ is appreciated.

I watched the "My Boys" season finale on TBS with Mike Fontenot and Micah Hoffpauir that was filmed in AZ during spring training. In case you don't know (I didn't, until they came to Hohokam) the show revolves around a group of friends, a couple of which are Chicago sports writers. Last night they had a montage scene where I saw several of our Hohokam spring training regulars, organist George Kiefer, Mark the Beer Guy, etc. but during the extended game scene sequence I noticed one thing missing...stadium public address sounds. While I never thought my voice would be a part of the show like it was in a scene from the movie "This Old Cub", I though perhaps it might be heard in the background similar to when WGN broadcasts from Hohokam...no such luck...c'est la vie.

I'm keeping an eye on WGN and today's game, it's a tight one...Big Z just got ejected with the score 2-2 in the 7th, Z did his own version of tossing the ump. Nice catch going into the Ivy by Reed Johnson. We'll see if the Cubs can pull this one out and make it two 'W's in a row.

Play Ball on My Time

After a couple days without a Cubs game it's time to get these guys back on the field and finish the month of April strong.

I'm usually an early adopter of most technologies but for some reason I hadn't had DVR/Tivo until finally getting it after last baseball season. The ability to record programs and not have to watch commercials as well as the convenience of watching things on your own schedule is smart TV viewing at it's best. So this is my first baseball season with DVR and it's true brilliance came into play last Friday and Saturday with the Cubs games.

Friday I was working from my home office, with DVR I watched the Cubs game when I got a free minute or two. And what a game it was, after the 3d inning the Cubs seemingly always looking at a deficit, until Soriano and then Marmol put the birds away for good. The beauty of this is; I was able to work a full day and watch a commercial shortened version of the game in time to take advantage of a beautiful AZ spring afternoon/evening to visit Tortilla Flat.

When compiling the list of "Things to do in AZ" page here at Boys of Spring I realized that it had been a long time since I had been to some of the cool places listed on the page...Some I'd never been to. So I decided to head out to Tortilla Flat east of Mesa, I had been on this road many years ago when most of it was still gravel and on that trip came across a huge Tarantula sitting in the middle of the road. The picturesque drive to Tortilla goes NE out old Hwy 88 past Canyon Lake and is only about 40 minutes from my house. I had to take advantage of perfect weather, sunny with a high of about 78 degrees...It has since warmed up, high of 98 (ouch) expected today. At any rate I was able to work and watch the Cubs victory then be on the road to Tortilla by about 5 pm. I'm posting a few photos of the drive.

My only issue with the trip was missing some of the evening sunset because I had decided to go all the way to Apache Lake which is about 15 miles past Tortilla Flat, at least 10 of those miles on a very bumpy winding one lane dirt road hugging the side of mountains. By the time I was headed back from Apache and had ascended the switch backs up from Fish Creek the best sunset shots were lost.

The last 10 miles to Apache Lake made me wonder who in their right mind would think that a road should be built here and then go ahead and build it. I heard the road had been used as an old pony express route, not true, I found out it was built in 1904 in order to build the dam at Roosevelt Lake. By the looks of it the road is much the same as it was in 1904 except now you get the fun of meeting oncoming trucks on this one lane gravel road with sheer drops of thousands of feet. Don't let that scare you, the drive to Tortilla Flat is all 2 lane blacktop and pretty easy going, well worth a day or half day trip...Find out how Tortilla Flat got it's name and more info with links on our "Things to do in AZ" page.

The DVR did it for me again on Saturday as I got many things accomplished while enjoying the Cubs exciting 11 inning victory on MY time...How did I ever live without this device? Friday and Saturday's Cubs/Cards games were incredible, so many ups and downs and sub-plots and in the end sweet wins against the arch-rival evil doers. It won't be long until the Cubs are here to play the D-Backs and I'll be at at least one of those games. Go Cubs!


Canyon Lake on the way to Tortilla Flat


It's fun to ski or board and look up at the Canyon walls


This is pretty much the only business in Tortilla Flat, town population 6


I can't tell you if it's "good food" or not, didn't eat there


The road to Apache Lake, this was an easy driving spot


On the way you must cross several one lane bridges


A glimpse of Apache Lake


Sun on cliffs above Apache Lake


On the way back looking at Canyon Lake after sunset

Problems Already?

The Cubs are 8 games and 10 days into the 2009 season and what have we learned about this year's club? According to some fans, Marmol needs to replace Gregg as the closer, Milton Bradley is going to be a waste of money, and Aaron Miles is no Mark DeRosa. While these topics may be debate fodder on Cubs message boards across the Internet it's really way to early to draw any such conclusions. More time to see how things develop is probably wise considering these guys will be playing regular season games for pretty close to the next 6 months. However, the next 10 games could give some interesting insight as to the Central Division pecking order.

The Cubs (5-3) are a game behind the Cardinals (7-3), with the two teams playing 7 of the next 10 games against each other. It's a big early season stretch for these rivals, while Milton Bradley may miss a few more games the Cubs want to take advantage of Cards pitcher Chris Carpenter going on the DL and take early control of the division. Will the same Gregg, Bradley, Miles chorus be sung by these fans ten games from now? If not, my guess is they will find a new set of Cubs problems to bring up...If the Cubs struggle during this stretch we may be examining those issues but if they are playing well, it's a lot more fun to talk about the positives.

It's just about time to put a beat down on the birds with The Marshall on the mound.

Go Cubs!

George Castle and Sweet Lou

A good first series in Houston with the Cubs bats showing up last night to take the final game and 2 of 3 from the Astros. Good to see Dome bust out at the plate, I may have been a bit hard on him in my profile blurb the other day...but like last season, time will tell. Since the Cubs have today off before starting an important set at Wrigley North tomorrow, I thought I would bring you this interview.

Just before the regular season got underway I had the chance to talk with George Castle who wrote the book Sweet Lou and the Cubs. If you're not familiar with Castle, he's covered the Cubs since 1980 for various newspapers and magazines, including the Times of Northwest Indiana. He's written eight books and hosts a nationally syndicated weekly radio show about baseball called Diamond Gems.

As the back cover of the book indicates - "Sweet Lou and the Cubs chronicles from the inside out Lou Piniella's stirring and poignant quest to reverse the team's fortunes after the record 100 years without a World Series championship."

Sure we know how last season ended but this book is about a lot more than that, giving plenty of inside information about Lou and some of his key players as well as coaches, front office, and fans. I particularly enjoyed reading about the things that molded Piniella in his early years to make him the type of manager he is today. This isn't a Cubs sugar coated feel good story, however if you're like me and want the inside scoop on what's really happening behind the scenes, this book is for you.

This is a phone interview (NO VIDEO) it runs 12:45 long, if you hear something in the background about 2/3's of the way through it's George's basset hound.

No Predictions, Just Cubs

Getting ready for game 2 after yesterdays sweet victory in Houston, Big Z got the opening day monkey off his back and the Cubs are off and running. I was asked to give my predictions for the season and really it's such a crap shoot, most of us know what teams have talent and what teams may struggle. So many variables that like my NCAA basketball pool some picks would be right and some wrong so I'll leave the predictions to the experts in Vegas and instead focus on the Cubs.

I decided it would be more prudent to talk about the Cubs roster as we go into the 2009 season and mention how some of them did this spring. Spring training numbers can be tossed out the window but in some cases it just gives you an idea of how certain players fared, nothing more. These are my short blurbs about each player after having watched them in person for the last month and a half, probably nothing earth shattering but maybe some useful info.

This follows in alphabetical order starting with the pitchers.

Pitchers

Neal Cotts - The only lefty in the Cubs pen unless Sean Marshall is used in that capacity. Had a so-so spring but is a veteran who came to camp in good physical condition. Cotts will be counted on to get key outs in tough situations. He can be a bit inconsistent and the Cubs hope he's more like the 2005 1.94 ERA Neal Cotts than the 2006 5.17 version.

Ryan Dempster - Was very solid this spring, pitching the most innings of any Cubs pitcher, and like last spring came to camp in great shape. Nobody works harder than Dempster. He's a big key to the Cubs fortunes this season and looks ready for another strong year.

Kevin Gregg - Won the closing competition over Carlos Marmol who was MIA for alot of camp with the WBC. Gregg was lights out this spring not surrendering a single run and is completely healthy from his bad knee that hampered him last year. Gregg is another big strong Cubs pitcher who can hit the mid to upper 90's and should prove an effective closer.

Angel Guzman - Came into spring training in the best shape of his career, added a few pounds in muscle. Like Cotts he was up and down this spring, the Cubs have invested a lot of time and effort into Guzman and it's time for him to perform. He has teased with his live arm but struggled with injuries, hopefully this is the year he meets expectations.

Rich Harden - Started out behind the rest of the pitchers as the Cubs wanted to be extra careful with his injury background. Once Harden got going he had a few tough outings including getting roughed up by the Yankees last weekend. He has been an ace when healthy and as the 4th starter, Lou will make an extra effort to not overwork him during the season.

Aaron Heilman - Came over in a trade and was one of the most effective Cubs pitchers this spring, with a 1.89 ERA. Heilman will be counted on for long relief situations and his effectiveness will go a long way in determining how the Cubs bullpen fares this season.

Ted Lilly - Was MIA for quite a while this spring pitching for Team USA in the WBC. Lilly didn't have a great spring for Team USA or the Cubs but is a veteran lefty who can be counted on to eat innings. I think the Cubs would be very happy if Theodore pitches like he has the past two seasons.

Carlos Marmol - Was going to pitch for the WBC, then wasn't, then did. Missing a portion of Cubs camp didn't help him in the closer competition. He is big key to the Cubs success and I think Lou really likes him in the set-up spot. When he's on, he's nearly un-hittable.

Sean Marshall - Won the 5th starter spot with a very solid spring, pitched the second most innings 26.2 going 3-1. The lanky lefty has worked hard developing his pitches and consistency, he will most likely also be used in long relief out of the pen when needed.

David Patton - The Rule 5 guy and probably the biggest surprise of the spring. He impressed Lou with his veteran like presence and mind set even though he's never pitched above Single - A ball. It will be interesting to see how and when Lou uses the rookie this season and if the kid can make an impact.

Luis Vizcaino - If not for the money the Cubs owe him he may not have even made the roster. Vizciano had a 6.10 ERA in 10.1 innings this spring and also walked 6 batters. He's had some decent years in his 10 MLB season's but the Cubs are his 7th team during that time, so I think that says something.

Carlos Zambarno - The ace of the Cubs staff was pretty much lights out against opponents this spring. He's racked up 97 MLB wins before turning 28 years old, however some feel that if he directs his emotions into more focus on the mound the best may be yet to come. Z made no predictions this spring and the maturation process may result in his first 20 win season.

Catchers

Koyie Hill - What a great story for him to make the ball club after the table saw accident that severed 3 fingers and his thumb last year...In case you didn't know they were surgically reattached. Winning the back-up catchers job over veteran Paul Bako was probably a bit of a long shot in mid-February but Hill's knowledge of the pitching staff, solid defense and .385 BA, .558 SLG, and .458 OBP this spring convinced management.

Geovany Soto - Last year's ROY was gone with team Puerto Rico in the WBC much of this spring but started to come on as the Cactus League closed. Soto doesn't want to rest on last year's achievements and is solidly focused on improving his play this year. The experience of having a full year under his belt with the Cubs pitching staff can only help the chemistry and rapport.

Infielders

Mike Fontenot - A good spring helped cement Fontenot as the everyday second baseman. If he stays healthy his At-Bats will definitely go up from his 243 last year, even though Aaron Miles may platoon some in L/R situations. Fontenot could be ready for a break out year at the plate with the extra playing time and perhaps give the Cubs some unexpected power from the second base position.

Micah Hoffpauir - His play this spring gave Lou Piniella almost no choice in picking the power hitting 1B/OF for the final roster. Hoffpauir led the Cubs this spring in HR's (6 - tied with Soriano), doubles, and drove in 9 more runs than his closest teammate. Hoff is not a good defensive outfielder but played surprisingly well at 1B, although his glove may never be compared to D-Lee's. He gives the Cubs a power left-handed bat off the bench.

Derrek Lee - Started slow this spring because of a minor injury but picked up steam by the end of the Cactus League season. Always in great shape and wielding a perennial gold glove, his infield mates love having the big guy at first to clean up any errant throws. Lee is looking to get his HR number more towards 30 than last year's 20, something Manager Lou has indicated would be helpful.

Aaron Miles - Actually had a pretty good spring at the plate but is going to need to win Cubs fans over as many view him as a replacement for fan favorite Mark DeRosa. Miles brings versatility with him having played 2nd base, SS, 3d base, and even a few games in the OF. He's a switch hitter with a career .289 average, who also has a World Series ring.

Aramis Ramirez - Had a fairly uneventful spring training, came to camp in great shape and was given a number of days off due to the length of this years camp. He has become Mr. Consistent for the Cubs at 3d base, his blend of hitting power, high batting average, and solid fielding are not always easy to find...Thank you Pirates!

Ryan Theriot - Has come into his own over the past couple season's and if this spring is any indication more good things are on the way. His .412 BA and .488 OBP this spring put him near the top of both spring categories. He may not have the range at SS that some others have but he consistently makes plays and works hard at improving his game.

Outfielders

Milton Bradley - Another Cub who started slow this spring due to a minor injury but turned on the switch and finished spring training on fire, .460 BA, .526 OBP, and .800 SLG. He seemed to blend in easily with his teammates and set an example of hard work and professionalism. Bradley's drive towards perfection sometimes frustrates himself as he thinks he should get on base nearly every time. Playing regularly defensively is going be a new thing for Milton having started a total of only 78 games combined in the outfield over the last 3 seasons.

Kosuke Fukudome - Another Cub who missed a large part of Cubs camp playing in the WBC. The jury is still out on Dome as to his ability to consistently hit Major League pitching. He finished spring training with a .200 BA and also hit only .200 in the WBC, he did have a .407 OBP in the WBC. The longer MLB season compared to Japan's Pro Leagues caused Dome to fatigue; at least that was the reason many gave for his fall off at the plate as last season wore on. Cubs fans don't want any excuse this year, just hit, or...what's the Japanese word for "pine".

Joey Gathright - Came in early to Mesa and worked hard, he wants to be known for his baseball skills and not just his speed, but it's his speed that sets him apart on the Cubs. A true base stealing threat and defensive replacement, he was a key piece of the puzzle Lou was after. Gathright didn't disappoint as he made play after outstanding play defensively and stole 9 bases this spring, 2 more than all his other teammates combined. Finished the spring with a .408 OBP.

Reed Johnson - Came into camp in the best shape of his career and had an outstanding spring training. He's the reason many Cubs fans aren't overly concerned if Fukudome can't get his bat going as Johnson provides solid defense and clutch hitting. Johnson also provides the kind of hustling blue collar mentality that endears him to fans and teammates.

Alfonso Soriano - Tied Hoffpauir for the spring HR honors with 6 and hit .325. Not the traditional leadoff guy but he provides energy and power, it's also hard to argue with the Cubs win-loss results when he's leadoff. Soriano's best base stealing days are over, he was 0-3 in his attempts this spring. He loves to play the game and when he gets hot at the plate it's fun to watch.

Go Cubs!