In the fourth inning, Chicago Cubs’ fans got to see, yet again, why Jim Edmonds may go down as one of the top five defensive center fielders in MLB history.
Cubs’ fans are familiar with those catches by Edmonds, but this time was happy to benefit from one.
Eight gold gloves in his display case and catches like these still seem surprising. In particular, this catch saved at least a run, maybe two.
I am one of the many writers that have been saying signing Jim Edmonds was a dumb move by Cubs’ management, but like my many articles criticizing Soriano as of late, I am eating my words now.
Edmonds is up there in age, but as he proved tonight versus the Houston Astros, his glove has not diminished in value. And his bat can't be any worse than Felix Pie.
I still think I would play Pie and work on grooming him into a starting role. If Edmonds keeps playing like he did tonight, my opinion will change.
Let’s hope that Edmonds keeps playing solid defense, can hit at least .250 in the bottom spots in the lineup, and that the Cubs keep getting contributions from lesser known players while Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez are struggling.
If this continues, Chicago may just have the biggest party in the country in October.
Go Cubs!
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4 months ago
And all of you guys thought I was crazy for supporting the idea! I'm not saying it will work out just because of one great catch, but it was worth a try. And Pie needed to go someplace where he'll place everyday and that wasn't going to be at the major league level.
from 4 months ago
i would still rather not see edmonds in a cubs jersey. but what the hell. if it wins us a world series, i'll be ok with it.
4 months ago
I don't brag either, and I bet he will also have bad days where pfans are calling for his head, but the second Edmonds made that catch I yelled down to my friend "That catch was worth the signing alone!"
I mentioned a few days ago in a comment that this signing is no risk, high reward, and so far the reward is paying off. Lets all remember this guy IS old, and his legs were bothering him throughout the game last night
4 months ago
He is on my team but I still can't claim he is a cub. Yet.
4 months ago
Let's hold off on crowning this the next great steal...
The Cubs had a two run lead with a runner on first and two outs...why was Edmonds playing so shallow? And if you watch the video, he overplayed the ball to his right. Not saying it wasn't an adequate recovery, only that he was out of position at the start of the at-bat, overplayed the ball and was almost to slow to make up for it.
In an alternate universe, Pie makes the catch and it doesn't make the 10 o'clock news. And probably goes 1-5...just like Edmonds.
from 4 months ago
If you've been watching baseball over the last decade you would know that Edmonds ALWAYS plays shallow. He is far more comfortable that way and i've yet to hear any broadcaster say "why was he so shallow, he could have gotten that ball." He takes away the inner third of the outfield and can still get back and catch warning track balls. So, i'd say he did his usual form.
4 months ago
Unlike most Cubs fans, I like having Edmonds on the Club. Pie is good defensively, but hes not contributing much at all. What good does it do to play at end of game. His offense is no good and we need production. Id rather platoon Reed and Edmonds. Hopefully Edmonds just needs to get healthy and get more AB. Unlike Pie, Edmonds has done it in the past, we dont know if Pie will ever do it.
4 months ago
I liked the signing of Edmonds for a few reasons. I think his glove will be a good asset to the Cubs. The only thing I worry about is the fact that he plays shallow, he does not have the ability to cut off as many balls lined to the gaps. While this probably won't hurt the Cubs as much in Wrigley, on the road it might. With Soriano still not looking 100% it might cause for some concern. It was nice to see him shake off the injury last night and make the catch. Nice article!
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