Shortstop Finally Locked Down on the North Side

Starlin Castro appears to be the shortstop that the Cubs have been searching for. The 21-year old second year pro, in his first full season, is still going through some growing pains defensively but has stayed consistent at the plate. Shortstop is a very important position for a good club. They Cubs have had a revolving door there as of late. Let us take a look at the Cubs shortstops of recent years and see how they fared compared to Castro's stats.

• 2010-2011- Starlin Castro, .308 AVG


• 2009- Ryan Theriot, .284 AVG


• 2008- Theriot, .307 AVG


• 2007- Theriot, .266 AVG


• Backup/ sometimes starter '05-'08- Ronny Cedeno: .243 career hitter


• 2006- Cesar Izturis, .246 AVG


• 2005- Nomar Garciaparra, .283 AVG


• 2004- Alex S. Gonzalez- .217 AVG


• 2003- Alex S. Gonzalez- .228 AVG

The point being, Castro has a chance to be the best Cubs shortstop since Ernie Banks. The Cubs middle infield of Castro and Darwin Barney is something that you could build a team around. Potentially, here is what the Cubs lineup could look like in 2013.

• 1. Tony Campana, CF


• 2. Darwin Barney, 2B


• 3. Starlin Castro, SS


• 4. Brett Jackson, RF


• 5. Geovany Soto, C


• 6. Josh Vitters, 3B


• 7. Alfonso Soriano, LF


• 8. Free Agent Signing, 1B

The pitching staff-

1. Andrew Cashner

2. Chris Carpenter

3. Jay Jackson

4. Randy Wells

5. Matt Garza

Closer: Carlos Marmol

Can this team win? The Cubsh have shortstop and second base figured out long term, now they just need to develop pitching and more hitters!

Numbers Breakdown: A Look at the 2009-2010 Offseason Now

Half way through the year, we always like to take a look at back at what Jim Hendry did in his offseason transactions. It's fun to grade the moves when they happen, but at that point we are just speculating. Now that we have seen the Cubs play, we know if how the moves are turning out so far.

Based on the Cubs record, one would think that the Hendry's offseason moves have not panned out. However, that is not necessarily the case!

Date: 11/19/09
Move: Traded Aaron Heilman to Arizona for Ryne White and Scott Maine
Heilman's Numbers (this season): 2-3, 3.83 ERA
Maine's Numbers: 2.20 ERA in 12 games at AA, 3.81 ERA in 20 games at AAA
White's Numbers: .228 AVG 11 games at Daytona
Move Grade: B-

Date: 11/20/09
Move: Resigned John Grabow
Grabow's Stats: 1-3, 7.36 ERA in 28 games this season
Move Grade: F

Date: 12/4/09
Move: Jake Fox and Aaron Miles traded to Oakland for Jeff Gray, Ronny Morla, & Matt Spencer
Fox's stats: .222 AVG, 51 games between Baltimore and Oakland
Miles' Stats: Only played in minor with A's before being released, picked up by St. Louis
Gray's Stats: Brief stint w/ Cubs, 5.00 ERA in 7 game at AAA, currently injured
Morla's Stats: 2-2, 3.58 ERA, 28 games at Peoria
Spencer's Stats: .286 AVG at Daytona; .264 AVG, 9 HR, 33 RBIs at AA
Move Grade: A-

Date: 12/18/09
Move: Traded Milton Bradley to Seattle for Carlos Silva & cash
Bradley's Stats: .210 AVG in 62 games
Silva's Stats: 9-3, 3.45 ERA, 17 starts
Move Grade: A

Date: 1/2/10
Move: Signed Marlon Byrd to a 3-year contract
Byrd's stats: .317 AVG, 18 games
Move Grade: A

Date: 1/27/10
Move: Signed Chad Tracy to a minor league deal w/ Spring Training invite
Tracy's stats: .250 AVG, 28 games before being DFA'd
Move Grade: C+

Date: 1/29/10
Move: Signed Xavier Nady to a one year contract
Nady's Stats: .225 AVG, 62 Games
Move Grade: C-


Move (Grade): Allowing Kevin Gregg (B-), Neal Cotts (A), Reed Johnson (C), Rich Harden (B+), and Chad Fox (A) to leave via free agency.

With the additions of Byrd, Silva, and some prospects and the subtractions of Jake Fox, Miles, Bradley, Heilman, and other Hendry had a very good offeason. The only moves that didn't turn out well were resigning Grabow and signing Nady.

Overall Offseason Grade Now: B

And remember... the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: Are Marmol & Silva All-Star Snubs?

Before we get into tonight's Number Breakdown, a come of other matters of business. First of all, congratulations to Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd on his All-Star Selection. Byrd will be the lone Cubs representative on July 13 at Angel Stadium. Shifting gears, I want to wish all of my readers a happy Fourth of July! Even though our favorite team has dropped three of four, I hope you enjoyed a nice holiday weekend with friends and family.

Most of our voters on our last poll on the right sidebar agree that Marlon Byrd is the most deserving Cub in the All-Star Game. However, pitchers Carlos Silva and Carlos Marmol also got a good amount of votes. In my opinion, Silva and Marmol should be in the Mid-Summer Classic. Let's compare the stats of Silva and Marmol to that of the other pitchers on the National League staff in today's Numbers Breakdown!

Carlos Silva: 8-2, 2.96 ERA, 1.08 WHIP
Carlos Marmol: 2-1, 2.13 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 16.3 K/9, 15 SV
Roy Halladay: 9-7, 2.42 ERA, 1.11 WHIP
Josh Johnson: 8-3, 1.82 ERA, 0.97 WHIP
Tim Lincecum: 8-4, 3.28 ERA, 1.30 WHIP
Tim Hudson: 8-3, 2.37 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
Jonathan Broxton: 3-0, 2.08 ERA, 16 SV
Arthur Rhodes: 3-2, 1.09 ERA, 0.91 WHIP
Adam Wainwright: 11-5, 2.34 ERA, 1.03 WHIP
Chris Carpenter: 9-2, 3.16 ERA, 1.21 WHIP
Brain Wilson: 2-0, 2.10 ERA, 22 SV
Evan Meek: 3-2, 0.98 ERA, 1 SV
Ubaldo Jimenez: 14-1, 2.27 ERA
Matt Capps: 2-3, 3.19 ERA, 22 SV, 1.39 WHIP, 7.9 K/9
Yovani Gallardo: 8-3, 2.56 ERA

So, there are some really good NL relievers. However, Marmol should be an All-Star over Matt Capps. Since Washington has to have an All-Star, the Capps selection over Marmol is acceptable.

However, Carlos Silva is definitely a snub. He should be in the game over Carpenter and Lincecum. It is still possible that a Cub will be called to replace someone due to injury or a Sunday before the break start.

Remember, the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: The Cubs Struggles

Is there a pattern in Cubs history that explains their struggles this year? We'll found out today as we go by the numbers...

The Chicago Cubs have always had problems opening decades with good seasons. Since the early part of the 1900s, the first year of each decade has been a struggle. Let's check this theory out.

Cubs Record in First Year of the Decade
2010: 32-41*
2000: 65-97
1990: 77-85
1980: 64-98
1970: 84-78
1960: 60-94
1950: 64-89-1
1940: 75-79

Place in the Division
2010: 4th*
2000: 6th
1990: 4th
1980: 6th
1970: 2nd
1960: 7th
1950: 7th
1940: 5th

Games Back of First
2010: 8.5*
2000: 30
1990: 18
1980: 27
1970: 5
1960: 35
1950: 26.5
1940: 25.5

Playoffs?
2010: ???
2000: No
1990: No
1980: No
1970: No
1960: No
1950: No
1940: No

*= This season, still in progress

So in the last eight decades, the Cubs have only started off with a winning season once! They have failed to make the postseason in the first year of every decade since they made it to the World Series in 1910.

And remember, the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: The Cubs Aren't Doing the Little Things

Today's poor performance defensively led to another Cubs tough loss to swallow. The Cubs have suffered from hitting woes, but they haven't played any "small ball" or good defense to help make up for the meager hitting.

Team Fielding
Fielding Percentage: .979 (14th in the NL, only better than Florida & Washington)
Errors: 52 (4th most in the league)
Team Leader in Errors: Starlin Castro, 8

Team HBP
The Cubs do not have many guys who are willing to "take one for the team." In fact, they only have one guy who's willing to do so.
Marlon Byrd HBP: 9
Rest of the Team: 12

Team Speed
The Cubbies are also a club with very little speed.
Total Stolen Bases: 30
NL Rank: 15th in the NL, only more swiped bags than the Giants
Team Leader: Ryan Theriot, 14 (Yes, the rest of the club has only 16)

Helping Yourself
0- the total number of home runs by a Cubs pitchers this year. Usually every once and awhile a hurler will help himself with a longball, but the Cubs staff (even Z) has yet to get one this year.

Moving Guys Over
The Cubs have done a recent job in the sacrifice department, it's driving the guys in that's been the problem!
Sac Hits/Bunts: 29
League Rank: 8th
Sac Flies: 23
League Rank: 6th

Remember... the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: Cubs Starters VS Bench

Are the Cubs starting position players doing better than their potential replacements so far this season? Let's find out in today's Numbers Breakdown!

Catcher
Geovany Soto: .254 AVG, .401 OBP
Koyie Hill: .250 AVG, .291 OBP

First Base
Derrek Lee: .238 AVG, .343 OBP
Xavier Nady: .260 AVG, .333 OBP

Middle Infield
Ryan Theriot: .274 AVG, .305 OBP
Starlin Castro: .289 AVG, .337 OBP
Mike Fontenot: .310 AVG, .358 OBP

Third Base
Aramis Ramirez: .171 AVG, .233 OBP
Chad Tracy (AAA stats): .380 AVG, .417 OBP

Outfield
Alfonso Soriano: .295 AVG, .361 OBP
Marlon Byrd: .309 AVG, .347 AVG
Kosuke: .285 AVG, .383 OBP
Tyler Colvin: .300 AVG, .363 OBP

So, the Cubs have someone on the bench who plays each position with a better batting average than the current start at every position except catcher. Will we see some changes of this pattern continues through the next month?

Remember, the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: Cubs Closers

How does Carlos Marmol compare to other Cubs closers in recent year through the first two months? Let's find out!

*All stats are based on how the closers were doing at this point in the season!

ERA
2010- Carlos Marmol: 1.44
2009- Kevin Gregg: 4.85
2008- Kerry Wood: 6.00
2007- Ryan Dempster: 4.05

Saves
2010- Marmol: 11
2009- Gregg: 8
2008- Wood: 8
2007- Dempster: 11

Losses
2010- Marmol: 0
2009- Gregg: 1
2008- Wood: 2
2007- Dempster: 2

WHIP
2010- Marmol: 1.12
2009- Gregg: 1.76
2008- Wood: 1.67
2007- Dempster: 1.13

Walks/9 innings
2010- Marmol: 5.4
2009- Gregg: 5.7
2008- Wood: 5.5
2007- Dempster: 3.6

HR/9 innings
2010- Marmol: 0.4
2009- Gregg: 1.76
2008- Wood: 2.00
2007- Dempster: 0.4

K/9 innings
2010- Marmol: 18.0
2009- Gregg: 10.6
2008- Wood: 10.5
2007- Dempster: 10.1

The point is, the Cubs have a very good closer. Marmol has not gotten the attention he deserves because of the team's struggles.

Remember, the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: The Cubs Bullpen

Esmalin Caridad is on the road to recovery, which means one Cubs reliever will be sent to AAA. The Cubs have a lot of candidates who have been riddled by inconsistency, but let's take a look at the numbers and see who should be sent down.

2010 ERA
Carlos Marmol: 0.66
Sean Marshall: 2.40
Justin Berg: 3.27
James Russell: 3.86
Jeff Gray: 6.14
Carlos Zambrano: 6.29
John Grabow: 8.38
*Note: Caridad's ERA in 4 games before the injury was 18.90.

So there's no doubt that Grabow should be the one removed from the pen, but since he cannot be sent to AAA, Gray will most likely get sent down. James Russell has been nothing special, so he could be sent down as well if there is someone else to be called up.

Here are a list of candidates based on ERA in Iowa:
Blake Parker: 1.46
Thomas Diamond: 1.65
Jeff Samardzija: 2.08
Jay Jackson: 2.31
Mitch Atkins: 3.00

Either Diamond or Parker should be called up!

Remember, the number's don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: Cubs So Far

Today let's go by the numbers to find out what Cubs are contributing and which Cubbies are slacking! A few of these stats may surprise you!

First the team ranks-
Batting Average: .269, 6th in NL
Home Runs: 23, 4th in NL
Runs Scored: 93, 7th in NL
Team ERA: 3.70, 6th
Strikeouts by Pitchers: 155, 2nd
Runs Allowed: 83, 8th

Now some of the Cubs bests and worsts!
Best Batting Average: Marlon Byrd, .355
Worst Batting Average (non-pitcher): Aramis Ramiez, .145
Best OBP: Geovany Soto, .517
Worst OBP (non-pitcher): Chad Tracy, .143
Most Home Runs: Derrek Lee, 4
Position Players Still Look for first HR: Fontenot, Hill, Tracy, and Theriot
Most RBIs: Marlon Byrd, 15
Most Runs Scored: Ryan Theriot, 13
Most Errors: Soriano/Zambrano, 3
Best ERA among starters: Carlos Silva, 1.73
Worst ERA among starters: Ryan Dempster, 2.60
Best ERA among relievers: Carlos Marmol, 0.84
Worst ERA among relievers: John Grabow, 8.10
Most Innings Pitched: Ryan Dempster, 27.2

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Numbers Breakdown: Andre Dawson VS Jim Rice

Last year, Jim Rice was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Tomorrow, Cub great Andre Dawson hopes this is finally the year for him. Don't get me wrong, I think Rice belongs in the HOF, but if he's in, should the Hawk be in too? Let's find out...

First of all, Jim Rice played 16 seasons, while Dawson played a whopping 21 seasons. We will not use stats that would be affected by the amount of year played, although a do feel Andre deserves some credit for lasting five more years than Rice. All stats are career wise.

Batting Average
Rice: .298
Dawson: .279

Point Rice

OBP
Rice: .352
Dawson: .323

Point Rice

OBS
Rice: .854
Dawson: .806

Point Rice

K/BB
Rice: 1423/670
Dawson: 1509/589

Point Rice

Fielding %
Rice: .980
Dawson: .983

Point Dawson

All Star Games
Rice: 8
Dawson: 8

No Point

Silver Sluggers
Rice: 2
Dawson: 4

Point Dawson

MVPs
Rice: 1
Dawson: 1

No Point

Gold Gloves
Dawson: 8
Rice: 0

Point Dawson

Career Steals
Rice: 58
Dawson: 314

Point Dawson

So, right now are number breakdown is at 4-4. Jim Rice hit for a higher average and on base percentage, but the Hall of Fame is not all about numbers. Dawson brings so much more to a team including his speed, his stellar defense, and his heart. Both guys were very similar, both were great players, and both belong in Cooperstown.

Remember, the Numbers Don't Lie!

Numbers Breakdown: Cubs Outfield Candidates

Who will the Cubs land as their starting center fielder? Today we take a look at the numbers of Marlon Byrd, Rick Ankiel, Scott Podsednik, and Reed Johnson to see who the better hitter is (since hitting is what the Cubs need!)

Career Batting Average:
Ankiel- .251
Podsednik- .277
Byrd- .279
Reed- .282

Point Johnson

2009 Batting Average
Ankiel- .231
Podsednik- .304
Byrd- .283
Johnson- .255

Point Scotty Pods

Career OBS
Ankiel- .763
Podsednik- .720
Byrd- .762
Johnson- .755

Point Ankiel

2009 OBS
Ankiel- .672
Podsednik- .764
Byrd- .808
Johnson- .742

Point Byrd

2009 HR
Ankiel- 11
Podsednik- 7
Byrd- 20
Johnson- 4

Point Byrd

2009 RBIs
Ankiel- 38
Podsednik- 48
Byrd- 89
Johnson- 22

Point Byrd

2009 SB
Ankiel- 4
Podsednik- 30
Byrd- 8
Johnson- 2

Point Pods

So Marlon Byrd wins this numbers breakdown 3-2-1-1. However, it's hard to say who is the best of these players because they are all completely different. It's interesting that the Cubs are looking at all of them, because they are so different. Rick Ankiel has the best career hitting wise, but he had a down year in 2009. Marlon Byrd is a power guy that would go in the middle of the Cubs order, maybe hitting 5th. Podsednik could hit at the top of the order, but he's more of a speed and defense guy. Reed could be brought back in addition to signing one of the other three because the Cubs need bench depth/someone who could platoon with Kosuke in right.

Remember, the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: Cubs Second Base

Before we get to the Breakdown, a reminder:
The voting is over for our "All Decade" Cub first baseman. Thanks to all of you who voted! Our next position to vote on is second base! Please keep in mind, votes are based on performances in a Cub uniform starting in the year 2000. Our poll for second basemen in located on the right sidebar of our blog's mainpage. Please vote!

Now, let's stick with the topic of second base as we move in to this week's number breakdown. The Cubs have been involved in talks to try and bring Mets second baseman Luis Castillo to Chicago, in a trade that would dump Milton Bradley.

Would Castillo starting in the middle infield really be an improvement for the Cubs?

Career Batting Average
Mike Fontenot- .236
Luis Castillo- .292
Jeff Baker- .270

Point Castillo

Career Home Runs
Fontenot- 21 HR in 347 Games
Castillo- 28 HR in 1,634 Games
Baker- 26 HR in 300 Games

Point Baker

Career OBP
Fontenot- .301
Castillo- .369
Baker- .326

Point Castillo

2009 Batting Average
Fontenot- .236
Castillo- .302
Baker- .305

Point Baker

2009 HR & RBIs
Fontenot- 9, 43
Castillo- 1, 40
Baker- 4, 24

Point Fontenot

2009 SB
Fontenot- 4
Castillo- 20
Baker- 1

Point Castillo

Career Fielding %
Fontenot- .982
Castillo- .984
Baker- .986

Point Baker

So the final tallies of this Number Breakdown: Baker 3, Castillo 3, Fontenot 1. Luis gets on base more, steals bases, and hits for a better batting average, and those are things you want in a middle infielder. However, he has a bad contract, and lacks versatility. If the Cubs are able to dump Fontenot, Bradley, and hopefully Miles, would you like to see a Castillo/Baker platoon at second with Baker playing 3B when Ramirez needs time off?

Remember, the numbers don't lie...

Number Breakdown: Curtis Granderson VS Cubs OF

There have been a lot of rumors going around about a possible Curtis Granderson to the Cubs deal. Let's take a look at Granderson's 2009 numbers in comparison to Kosuke's, Bradley's, and Soriano's.

Batting Average
Kosuke- .259
Soriano- .241
Bradley- .257
Granderson- .249

OBP
Kosuke- .375
Soriano- .303
Bradley- .378
Granderson- .327

HR
Kosuke- 11
Soriano- 20
Bradley- 12
Granderson- 30

RBIs
Kosuke- 54
Soriano- 55
Bradly- 12
Granderson- 71

Fielding %
Kosuke-.994
Soriano- .950
Bradley- .985
Granderson- .993

SB
Kosuke- 6
Soriano- 9
Bradley- 2
Granderson- 20

So Curtis will bring speed and power, but he's not a great on base guy. He had a lower batting average and OBP then Bradley in 2009. Do you really want to give up top prospects for this guy?

Remember, the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: The Cubs In the Tribune Era

With Tom Ricketts finally taking over the Chicago Cubs, I thought it would be interesting to get some final stats from the Cubs under the Tribune Company:

• 26 years
• 6 playoff teams
• 3 NLCS appearances
• Final Record of 2,202-2,310
• .488 Winning %
• Best Season: 2008 (97 wins)
• Worst Season: 1981 (38 wins)
• First Place Finishes: 5
• Second Place Finishes: 2
• Third: 3
• 4th: 8
• 5th: 6
• Last Place: 5
• Records over .500: 10
• Records under .500: 18
• Managers: 17- Lou Piniella, Dusty Baker, Bruce Kimm, Don Baylor, Jim Giggleman, Tom Trebelhorn, Jim Lefebvre, Jim Essian, Joe Altobell, Don Zimmer, Frank Lucchesi, Gene Michael, John Vukovich, Jim Frey, Charlie Fox, Lee Alia, and Joe Amalfitano.
• World Series Rings: 0

Let's take a look at a few updates the Tribune Co. made to Wrigley Field:

• 1988: Added Lights
• 1989: Built Mezzanine Suite level and constructed new press box in upper deck
• 2003: Added Dugout and Bullpen Boxes
• 2005: Expanded bleachers by 1,800 seats
• 2006: Constructed Batter's Eye Lounge
• 2007: Reconstructed field to add modern drainage system

Remember... the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: Geo VS Hill

Should Geovany Soto be handed the starting catcher's job in 2010, or will he have to earn it? Koyie Hill did a nice job as the backup when Soto was injured or not playing well, but did Hill outplay Geovany in 2009?

Games Played-
Hill: 83
Soto: 102
^Keep that in mind.

Batting Average-
Hill: .237
Soto: .218

OBP-
Hill: .312
Soto: .321

SLG-
Hill: .324
Soto: .381

HR-
Hill: 2
Soto: 11

RBI-
Hill: 24
Soto: 47

Fielding %-
Hill: .995
Soto: .994

Koyie does have a bit better fielding %, but despite his great story, he is not the answer as the starting catcher if Soto struggles for the first half of 2010. Who is the answer? We'll try to figure that out on our next Numbers' Breakdown, sometime in the next 2 weeks.

And remember... the numbers don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: Milton Bradley

Last winter, when I started the blogging in December, the first poll I put up on the blog was What left handled hitting outfielder should the Cubs go after? The choices were Bradley, Dunn, Ibanez, or Abreu, all of whom the Cubs were interested in at the time of the poll. I can't recall which of the sluggers received the most votes in the poll, but we know which one Jim Hendry voted for. Let's take a look at the numbers comparing Bradley's 2009 season to that of the other 3 choices.

Home Runs
Bradley- 12
Dunn- 38
Ibanez- 34
Abreu- 15

Bradley's Rank: 4

Batting Average
Bradley- .257
Dunn- .267
Ibanez- .272
Abreu- .293

Bradley's Rank: 4

RBIs
Bradley- 40
Dunn- 105
Ibanez- 93
Abreu- 103

Bradley's Rank: 4

OBP
Bradley- .378
Dunn- .398
Ibanez- .347
Abreu- .390

Bradley's Rank: 3

So even without considering how negative of an impact Milton was in the clubhouse, his suspensions, and blunders, the other three candidates were clearly miles (not Aaron) ahead of him. And the Numbers don't lie.

Numbers Breakdown: Mark DeRosa VS Jeff Baker

This year, when the Cubs acquired Jeff Baker via a trade with the Rockies, Baker kind of filled the void left by the Mark DeRosa trade last December. Baker played all over the field, hit great, and played the game the right way, as did DeRo. Let's compare Jeff's 2009 season with the Cubs to Mark's with the Cardinals. Baker played 69 games with the Cubs, and Mark played in 68 games with St. Louis.

Batting Average
Baker- .228
DeRosa- .250
Point Baker

Home Runs
Baker- 4
DeRosa- 10
Point DeRosa

RBIs
Baker- 21
DeRosa- 28
Point DeRosa

OBP
Baker- .362
DeRosa- .291
Point Baker

Clubhouse- Tie
Versatility- Tie

So Jeff Baker may not be Mark DeRosa, but he's pretty close.

And the number don't lie!

Numbers Breakdown: Rich Aurilia VS Nomar Garciaparra

The Cubs need someone to back up first and 3rd. Nomar and Aurilia are both free agents who can play both corner infield spots. The Cubs have interest in both these guys. So who should they get? Let's break it down.



Career BA:
Nomar- .314
Aurilia- .277
point Nomar



2008 BA:
Nomar- .264
Aurilia- .277
point Aurilia



Career OBP:
Nomar- .363
Aurilia- .330
point Nomar

2008 OBP:
Nomar- .326
Aurilia- .332
point Aurilia

Career SLG %:
Nomar- .446
Aurilia- .413
point Nomar

2008 HR:
Nomar- 8
Aurilia- 10
point Aurilia

Final Score: Aurilia 3, Nomar 3

Most Cubs fans seem to be hoping Nomar returns, in some ways I would like to see him back as a back-up, but I think Aurilia could be a better option because of the chance that Nomar could get hurt.

We can only wait and see. I'll have another Numbers Breakdown next weekend.

Don't forget coming up in 17 days at 2:00 CT Pat Hughes will say thoses 7 magical words,
"Chicago Cubs baseball, is on the air!"

Numbers Breakdown: Joey Gathright VS Felix Pie

Well, the Cubs have signed Joey Gathright this off season and traded Felix Pie. These to guys are similar players on defense so I decited to compare the 2 to find out who is a better hitter. I look at 2008 SB, career SB, career HR, 2008 HR, career BA, 2008 BA, career OBP, and 2008 OBP.

2008 SB:
Gathright- 21
Pie- 3
point Gathright

career SB:
Gathright- 78
Pie- 11
point Gathright

career HR:
Gathright- 1
Pie- 3
point Pie

2008 HR:
Gathright- 0
Pie- 1
Should I really give Pie a point? Alright fine, pointe Pie.

career BA:
Gathright- .263
Pie- .223
point Gathright

2008 BA:
Gathrght- .254
Pie- .223
point Gathright

career OBS:
Gathright- .328
Pie- .284
point Gathright

2008 OBP:
Gathright- .311
Pie- .312
point Pie

Final Score: Pie 3, Gathright 5
Based on the numbers, the Cubs did the right thing. It's possible that Felix would finally have a break out year at the plate in 2009, but not likely.

I'll have a numbers breakdown every weekend leading up to opening day.

Take a look at my past numbers breakdowns:
Bako VS Blanco
Big Z VS Peavy
Lead off man
Miles, Fontenot, and DeRosa
Manny Ramirez

I'll have a rumors update sometime tonight.
Live Cubs chat on Wednesday right here on this site.

Numbers Breakdown: Henry Blanco VS Paul Bako

Yes, the Cubs say they want to get a guy who can hit left handed as the back up catcher. But how important is that? I'm sure they can still have 2-3 left handed bats off the bench even if they kept Blanco. Bruce Levine reported yesterday that if the Cubs sign Paul Bako it will be for the same amount or more than what Blanco signed for with the Padres (750,000). Let's compare the 2:

Clubhouse/personality/fan favorite/mentor
Blanco is a great guy in the clubhouse, he did a great job as the mentor for Soto in 2008, the fans love him, and he has a great personality. Nothing against Bako, but he isn't as great of a guy to have around as Henry.
Point Blanco.

Batting Average in 2008:
Blanco: .292
Bako: .217
point Blanco

BA for career:
Blanco: .292
Bako: .231
point Blanco

SLG % for 2008:
Blanco: .392
Bako: .328
point Blanco

SLG % for career:
Blanco: .364
Bako: .317
point Blanco

OBP for 2008:
Blanco: .325
Bako: .299
point Blanco

OBP for career:
Blanco: .289
Bako: .305
point Bako

Fielding % 2008:
Blanco: .992
Bako: .993
point Bako

Fielding % career:
Blanco: .993
Bako: .990
point Blanco

runners CS/ SB for 2008
Blanco: 10 CS, 12 SB
Bako: 22 CS, 55 SB
point Blanco (close)

Past Balls per 9 innings 2008:
Blanco: .1048
Bako: .1051
Point Blanco

The Cubs want a left handed hitter so we'll give Bako +1.
Final score: Blanco- 9, Bako- 3
I think you get my point.

Please comment with your thoughts!
Next weekend I'll compare Felix Pie and Joey Gathright.