Open Mic: My Favorite Cubs of the '90s

While I've read many books on the Cubs' history in my life, I thought that when doing this Open Mic, it might be more appropriate to find the best Cubs players from the '90s rather than all-time. 

We'll just head around the diamond and take a look at some of my favorite Cubs.

Starting pitcher:  Greg Maddux

How can you argue with Maddux's numbers?  While Maddux only played for the Cubs for three years in the '90s, he won three Gold Gloves and had some great seasons.  In 1992, Maddux went 20-11 throwing four shutouts in his last season of the decade with the Cubs.

Catcher:  Joe Girardi 

While Girardi only played for the Cubs from 1989-1992, no one can argue with the way he handled a pitching staff.  In 1992, Girardi hit .270 while playing with a bad back.  Girardi, who is now managing the Yankees, was always known for his ability to call a game.

First Base:  Mark Grace 

Hands down the Cubs player of the decade.  Grace was not a high draft pick in 1985, but turned out to be a diamond in the rough.  Beginning in 1991 Grace led the league in putouts for three straight seasons.  In 1995 Grace led the league in doubles with 51.

Second Base:  Ryne Sandberg 

How can anyone argue with a Hall of Famer?  Sandberg was one of the premier second baseman of all time.  In 1990, he led the league with 40 home runs.  That season he also hit .306 and drove in 100 runs.  Sandberg also ranks among the Cubs' top five career leaders in many offensive categories.

Third Base:  Gary Gaetti 

Throughout the '90s, the Cubs struggled to find a steady third baseman, as was the trend until they acquired Aramis Ramirez from the Pirates in 2003.  However, no one can forget Gaetti's two run homer that clinched the Cubs' wild card birth into the 1998 playoffs over the Giants.  Gaetti batted .320 down the stretch that season in 37 games, including eight home runs and 27 RBI. 

Short Stop:  Shawon Dunston 

Dunston played for the Cubs from 1985-1997.  He led all NL shortstops in putouts three times.  Dunston had his best year at the plate in 1995 when he batted .296 and drove in 69 runs.  In 1988, Dunston led the Cubs with 30 stolen bases and made his only All-Star appearance.

Outfield:  Sammy Sosa 

How can you argue with this one during the '90s?  Sosa came over in 1992.  Mostly everyone's fondest memories of Sosa are from the 1998 season when he chased Mark McGwire for the home run title, falling short with 66 home runs. 

Outfield:  Andre Dawson 

Over five seasons with the Cubs, Dawson led the Cubs' offensive chage.  He had three seasons with more than 100 runs batted in, and led the team in home runs three times.

Outfield:  Glenallen Hill 

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