01-27-2010, 02:32 PM
<!--quoteo(post=77531:date=Jan 26 2010, 09:05 PM:name=BackyardLegend)-->QUOTE (BackyardLegend @ Jan 26 2010, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->So now that the off-season is winding down, there is just one thing that isn't quite settled for me.
Who leads off?
I'm sure conventional wisdom will say Theriot and his .356 OBP as a leadoff hitter is sufficient. However there is just something about him that doesn't sit right with me as the #1 hitter.
Fukudome was in that role a lot last year and didn't do too shabby. We know he can take a walk and nearly a career .400 OBP in the 1-hole. Yet if a platoon is in his future, do we want to really slot him up top. Consistency is key for me.
The other option is if we bring in a 2B who can lead-off, but I'd say the chances of that are slim to none.
So what are your opinions on this matter? In my opinion the leadoff spot is the most integral in a lineup. Kenny Lofton (as you all know) what a HUGE difference maker for us in 2003. We need that sorely, and I don't think we had it in our last two trips to the playoffs.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
As pointed out by others, the Cubs have one leadoff man for righties and one for lefties.
Overall, you should consider Fukudome is our leadoff man. His OBP as leadoff man in 130 ABs was 404 last year which would put him in the Top 15 of all MLB players.
The only issue is that Fukudome platoons against lefties so the Cubs have Theriot come in leading to a platoon leadoff man.
I don't know if that I am that concerned that Theriot is most likely going to lead off somewhere between 20 and 25% of games.
If you are against platooning, you could just have Fukudome stay in. The issue last year Fukudome's OBP vs lefties was over 100 points lower than against righties.
Otherwise, the Cubs have a damn good reason to platoon if their leadoff man is Fukudome.
Who leads off?
I'm sure conventional wisdom will say Theriot and his .356 OBP as a leadoff hitter is sufficient. However there is just something about him that doesn't sit right with me as the #1 hitter.
Fukudome was in that role a lot last year and didn't do too shabby. We know he can take a walk and nearly a career .400 OBP in the 1-hole. Yet if a platoon is in his future, do we want to really slot him up top. Consistency is key for me.
The other option is if we bring in a 2B who can lead-off, but I'd say the chances of that are slim to none.
So what are your opinions on this matter? In my opinion the leadoff spot is the most integral in a lineup. Kenny Lofton (as you all know) what a HUGE difference maker for us in 2003. We need that sorely, and I don't think we had it in our last two trips to the playoffs.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
As pointed out by others, the Cubs have one leadoff man for righties and one for lefties.
Overall, you should consider Fukudome is our leadoff man. His OBP as leadoff man in 130 ABs was 404 last year which would put him in the Top 15 of all MLB players.
The only issue is that Fukudome platoons against lefties so the Cubs have Theriot come in leading to a platoon leadoff man.
I don't know if that I am that concerned that Theriot is most likely going to lead off somewhere between 20 and 25% of games.
If you are against platooning, you could just have Fukudome stay in. The issue last year Fukudome's OBP vs lefties was over 100 points lower than against righties.
Otherwise, the Cubs have a damn good reason to platoon if their leadoff man is Fukudome.