Cubs Analysis: Center Field Isn't a Problem in Chicago

After doing the article on Fukudome, I had to decide where to go next. Writing about all of the super-stars of the team would have been interesting, but instead I thought I'd just cover every position going backwards (starting with right field, the ninth position spot).

So, my second article on the 2008 Chicago Cubs is on the center fielder. Or should I say fielders?

Before Spring Training began, it was speculated that Felix Pie would be starting in center field. Pie was one of those free swingers from last year's Cubs team when called up from AAA Iowa. Last year, it wasn't a problem because that's how the team took it's approach at the plate. This year, with the lineup being more patient due to Fukudome's approach, it made the free swinging Pie stick out like a sore thumb during spring training, and into the regular season.

Less than a week before the Cubs would host the Brewers to open up their regular season, the Toronto Blue Jays released Reed Johnson. The Cubs quickly picked him up knowing he could play all three outfield positions.

Johnson clicked more with the new patient approach. He certainly hasn't been afraid to get hit and take one for the team either. Twice in his career, he has been hit by a pitch three times in a game. Along with getting hit for a good cause, he also takes his walks and typically makes good contact.

Then, on May 9, after his rocky start, Jim Edmonds (former Cardinal) was released by the San Diego Padres. Edmonds was only batting .178. The day Edmonds cleared waivers, Jim Hendry made sure one of the best defensive center fielders in history would wear the white and blue stripes.

Lou Piniella then had a tough decision between Reed Johnson, who had played tremondous defense over the past few weeks splitting time with Felix Pie (who was optioned down to AAA Iowa with the addition of Edmonds), and Jim Edmonds who is an eight time gold glove winner in the last nine seasons.

Piniella's choice was to platoon them. The left-handed hitting Edmonds would start against right handed pitchers, and the righty Johnson would start against lefties.

Johnson continued to have a good tendency to get on base, while Edmonds continued to struggle like he did with the Padres.

After only getting three hits in his first 24 at bats, the Wrigley faithful were continuing to let the former Cardinal hear it when he would come up to bat. Up until May 30 that is.

In the bottom of the fourth in the Rocky Miracle at Wrigley (hey, I think it sounds catchy...) Jim Edmonds hit a single to load the bases. It set the stage for Mark DeRosa's sac fly to finally put the Cubs on the board 8-1. It was a bit of foreshadowing for a much bigger time DeRo would come to the plate with Edmonds on base.

In the bottom of the 6th inning, Jim Edmonds followed Fukudome's 2 run homer with his first blast in a Cubs uniform to deep center. You could almost feel the tide turning for the Cubbies.

Edmonds came up again in the bottom of the 7th. Fukudome and Hoffpauir were on base again, and Edmonds crushed a 2 run double. Jim Edmonds had just doubled his hits as a Chicago Cub in one game, and may have won over the hearts of some critics, myself included. Mark DeRosa capped the miracle game with a 2 run homer giving the Cubs the lead 10-9.

So yes, up until 2 days ago, I would have continued to say that we need to get an everyday center fielder. Right now, why mess with something that's working?