Carlos Pena: 5 Reasons Cubs Fans Should Trust Him To Help Them Win The Division

Carlos Pena Gives Cubs Fans Optimism
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The Cubs have suffered some disappointing seasons lately. I'm not sarcastically commenting on the last 100 years; rather, I am talking about the problems they have had since 2003. They were 5 outs away from the World Series, and they have not neared that feat since. I'm not going wallow in pity, especially now that Carlos Pena is on the way. He has been a leader for the Rays, a previously horrible franchise, and helped in their run to the World Series 2 years ago. I'm not saying his arrival will deliver the Cubs to the World Series (although that would be wonderful), but I do have 5 reasons why he will be able to help the Cubs win the division.

Reason 5: He Provides Defense at First Base

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While Pena can hit the ball out of the park, he is also known for his slick glove. He has a career .994 fielding percentage, the same as Derrek Lee. Obviously, he has not played for as long as Lee, but the #s are similar. He won the AL Gold Glove in 2008, and his 6' 2'' frame provides a big target for all the infielders. He can cover a lot of ground, and he could potentially return to Gold Glove form, solidifying the Cubs' defense.

Reason 4: He Relieves Pressure Off Others in The Lineup

After Marlon Byrd's great season last year, he is bound to face tougher pitching. Ramirez, Soriano, and Soto have all performed well in the past, but every RBI Pena is able to pick up will take pressure off those players. Tyler Colvin and Starlin Castro have looked promising, and a veteran leader would do wonders for their offensive production.

The team has been inconsistent offensively since their last playoff season (2008), and consistency is key in baseball. If they are able to develop a reliable offense that can almost guarantee the pitchers 4 to 5 runs each game, the team will be able to feed of itself, allowing the Cubs to win more games.

Reason 3: He Is a Great Clubhouse Guy

Pena and, former teammate, David Price joking in the dugout.
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When he is not relieving other players with his on-field play, his demeanor off the field will be great for a team that faces a lot of pressures. Sports Illustrated did a great article on him about a year ago (I couldn't find a link to it), and they portrayed him as a laid-back, professional leader, exactly what the Cubs need! With a new manager, it will be imperative that the Cubs develop a leader. While it isn't usually a new guy who hit below .200 the previous season, I think Pena could be the Cubs' guy. His leadership, even if he struggles, will provide the younger players (along with the veterans) with a confidence that will facilitate their success.

Reason 2: He Is a LEFTY That Can Hit For Power

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The Cubs have had their fair share of power hitters in the past, but never a lefty 1st baseman. It's tough to count Fred McGriff when he clearly did not want to be in a Cubs uniform, and as great as he was, I wouldn't call Mark Grace a true power hitter. Pena, however, has the ability to hit some serious moonshots. He has hit at least 28 homers in each of the last 4 years, an incredible feat, especially for a Cubs 1st baseman.

Many people question his ability to hit home runs with his dipping batting average. Although below .200 is terrible, he is only a career .241 hitter. If he is able to hit at least .240 for the Cubs, he would be able to hit at least 30 home runs. Considering that and he now has a weaker division, a hitter-friendly park, and protection in the batting order, his numbers could drastically improve. That may be an overly optimistic view, but as Cubs fans, we have to be optimistic!

Reason 1: He Gives The Cubs New Life

After two long seasons without the playoffs, the Cubs needed a jolt. They decided to refrain from trading any marquee players (yet); instead, they opted to sign a power hitting lefty for the middle of the order. His attitude, along with his production, will help the Cubs right the ship. If he makes an immediate impact, the Cubs will jump out to an good start, which could make Wrigley a fun place all summer.

If not, well, I guess there's always next year!