Tyler Colvin Silences Skeptics, Cubs Get First Win

Must I say I told you so?

Thursday, Tyler Colvin, 24, made his first start of the 2010 season at Turner Field for the Cubs after slow starts from Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome, and the entire Chicago offense for that matter.

Colvin faced numerous skeptics after demolishing opponents in spring training—the outfielder hit .468 while slugging .753 and driving in 18 RBI’s in 77 plate appearances—but few of those doubters still remain.

In his first at bat, Colvin belted a deep home run to right field off Atlanta right-hander Tommy Hanson in the top of the second inning.

Colvin finished the game 1-3, with one run scored and an RBI.

Thursday was a night of firsts. Chicago received their first win of the season against the Braves with a 2-0 victory, and finally topped the team they may battle with for the wild card playoff position.

After an exceptional performance, Colvin will obviously be incorporated into the Cubs lineup more regularly to shake things up in the middle of the order, along with Xavier Nady.

Colvin also showed a strong arm once again from his left field position, nearly throwing out Omar Infante at first base after a fly ball. 

Though I don’t mean to get too excited over one start, Colvin can possibly be a very reliable pinch hitter and defensive replacement in the future.

His game statistics may seem low to some, but Colvin accounted for one of only four hits by Chicago in the win.

With the recent offensive deficiency plaguing the Chicago dugout, Colvin’s early success can only be looked at as a bright spot in the young season, after a relatively absent offense.

Overall, Cubs fans will be able to continually look to Colvin as a producer this season and for seasons to come.