KTE - Cubs

[Frayed Knot]

I hope no one else was already doing one of these .. probably not.
So I figured we could use one seeing as how it's been so long since we saw them (April) and, if nothing else, we might need to know them for next week too.

C - Geovanny Soto: .285/.362/.504; 23 HRs
Probable Rookie of the Year

1B - Derrick Lee: .293/.360/.462, 19 HRs
Not the MVP-candidate that he was a few years back before a wrist injury derailed his season, but still dangerous and a good glove

2B - Mark DeRosa: .282/.374/.471, 20 HR; or Mike Fontenot: 288/.381/.509 - 9 HRs, or maybe Ronnie Cedeno: .279/.344/.363, 2 HR
DeRosa was the regular 2B but has played 6 different positions in all and is as likely to be found in RF these days as anywhere.

SS - Ryan Theriot: .301/.379/.355, 1 HR
'Ryan the Riot' forms, along with Fontenot, the other half of their Louisiana born 'French Connection' infield

3B - Aramis Ramirez: .287/.378/.516, 26 HRs
Think Pittsburgh is enjoying the services they're getting from Jose Hernandez, Mike Burback, and Bobby Hill that they got in return for trading Ramirez to the Cubs in 2003?

LF - Alfonzo Soriano: .289/.352/.554, 29 HR
Maybe the best season of his career even though he's missed several chunks w/injuries. Much better OBP than in recent years.

CF - Jim Edmonds: .260/.377/..574, 18 HR
The rejuvenated Edmonds doesn't play everyday but is back after looking absolutely done early in the season in San Diego

RF - Kosuke Fukudoma: .258/.359/.375, 9 HR
Got off to a great start on this side of the Pacific but his season is a tale of two halves; he's hitting .212 w/2 HRs over his last 150 ABs and is sitting as much as playing.

Good bullpen, a lot of power arms:
Closer Kerry Wood may have found his niche: 31 saves, 3.43 ERA, 1.13 WhiP, 80 Ks in 63 IP
Carlos Marmol - Better first half than second, but throws a lot: 78 G & 83 IP. Will walk his share (39 BB) but also [u:7abad3d2ef]39 Hits[/u:7abad3d2ef]!! a 2.67 ERA and 0.92 WhiP
Jeff Samardjza - Called up this season after landing a huge signing bonus to keep him out of the NFL draft (All-America reciever at Notre Dame). Is a bit raw still (13 BB in 24 IP)
but throws upper-90s with a killer slider.
Neil Cotts - Seems to be their main LHP, 45 G, 33 IP, 4.18 ERA, 1.36 WhiP

Monday: Marquis (10-9; 4.39) - Niese
Tuesday: Harden (5-1; 1.66 as a Cub - 10-2, 2.04 overall) - Santana
Wednesday: Zambrano (14-6; 3.77) - Perez
Thursday: Lilly (16-9; 4.17) - Martinez

[metirish]

Nice work , I didn't realize until I read this that they are throwing four damn good pitchers at us....well three anyway.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Surprised to discover how much Fukudome sucks.

[bmfc1]

Thanks for the knowledge FK.

[Guest themetfairy]

Nice job FK.

[Frayed Knot]

Sean Marshall (LHP) -- 31 games, 6 starts, 60 IP, 3.62 ERA - will start in place of Rich Harden Tuesday night against Santana

[stevejrogers]

Well, as much as I'd love to take on LA, I am hoping this will be a nice Playoff Preview.