Hoffpauir Is Cubs' Crash Davis

I hope Micah Hoffpauir doesn’t read this post.

The poor guy just set the career record for most RBI with Triple-A Iowa–a dubious achievement for any minor leaguer–and here I am making light of it.

In six seasons with Iowa Hoffpauir has played 371 games, made 1,478 plate appearances and knocked in the record setting 282 RBI, which surpasses the mark previously held by Joe Hicks.

Had the Cubs not signed Derrek Lee in 2004, there’s a good chance Hoffpauir’s path to the majors would have gone differently.

Instead, Micah, limited by his defensive inabilities to play other positions than first base, has taken a back seat to Lee’s Gold Glove caliber defense and prolific bat.

Now, at the ripe age of 29-years-old, Hoffpauir is playing the real life version of Crash Davis: an unlucky player when it comes to catching a big league break.

Of course, as much as I would enjoy seeing Hoffpauir remain with the Cubs organization, the guy just needs a chance to play everyday at the major league level–somewhere other than Chicago.

For certain, Micah will be recalled to the big club in September, but there’s little chance he’ll get the opportunity to become a regular in the lineup, especially given the resurgence of Derrek Lee’s bat, which only insures Hoffapuir will continue to add to his RBI total at Iowa if he remains in Chicago beyond this season.

Surely there’s an AL team in need of a DH next season, and Hoffpauir, a free-agent at season’s end, would be the perfect fit.

The man has clearly earned a break, and I hope a major league club gives him one before its too late.