Want to know the Cubs' Opening Day lineup?

Dave19642006 · 01-20-2008, 12:53 PM

The Official Site of The Chicago Cubs: News: Chicago Cubs News

Piniella said Alfonso Soriano will lead off on March 31 when the Cubs play host to the Milwaukee Brewers, followed by Ryan Theriot, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Kosuke Fukudome, Mark DeRosa, Geovany Soto and Felix Pie. He also indicated Carlos Zambrano would start, although Zambrano hinted on Friday that he'd let lefty Ted Lilly have the honor because the right-hander is 0-3 in Opening Day starts.

Cyclone90 · 01-20-2008, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by Dave19642006

The Official Site of The Chicago Cubs: News: Chicago Cubs News

Piniella said Alfonso Soriano will lead off on March 31 when the Cubs play host to the Milwaukee Brewers, followed by Ryan Theriot, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Kosuke Fukudome, Mark DeRosa, Geovany Soto and Felix Pie. He also indicated Carlos Zambrano would start, although Zambrano hinted on Friday that he'd let lefty Ted Lilly have the honor because the right-hander is 0-3 in Opening Day starts.

I don't particularly like this lineup, but it's tough to come up with a better one. I'd rather not have Soriano leadoff and not bat Fukudome 5th. Maybe Fukudome 2nd, Soto 5th, and lower Theriot. Tough to ask someone who is essentially a rookie to bat 5th however. Dunno. Unless Soriano's wheels are completely healed, he shouldn't be leading off and even then it's debatable. Hate to waste all those solo homers. Fukudome is a good contact hitter. Like to see him higher somehow.

Wesley · 01-20-2008, 11:06 PM

Soriano leads the world in solo homers. That is when he is the most dangerous.

Ficklone02 · 01-20-2008, 11:22 PM

I can't believe they didn't sign a legitamite leadoff hitter. They left so many rbi's on the table having Soriano leadoff.....but its no skin off my back since I'm a twins fan.

flynnhicks03 · 01-20-2008, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by Ficklone02

I can't believe they didn't sign a legitamite leadoff hitter. They left so many rbi's on the table having Soriano leadoff.....but its no skin off my back since I'm a twins fan.

The Cubs have bigger holes to fill than "leadoff man", like how about shortstop, or maybe one more good starting pitcher?

Ficklone02 · 01-21-2008, 12:23 AM

Yeah I don't exactly follow the Cubs, but that was my perception. One of my buddies was telling me they were supposedly after Brian Roberts, a middle infielder and legitamite leadoff hitter.

jpete24 · 01-21-2008, 01:13 AM

Oh god, here come all the Cubs fans again....

It was really peaceful while it lasted....

travman23 · 01-21-2008, 01:14 AM

If they get Roberts which is looking less likely, he'd leadoff and they'd drop Soriano to 3rd in the lineup I bet. Problem with the Cubs is they are stuck with not batting guys where they belong. I like Derek Lee but ideally you'd bat Soriano, A-Ram, Fukodome, then Lee 3-6 with Soto batting 7th. Without Roberts I'd bat Theriot leadoff just because of his speed and the fact he just seems to find a way to get on base. Roberts would be the ideal leadoff guy but I think Soriano's power is going to waste as a leadoff guy. He can still steal bases while batting 3rd but his biggest asset is his longball.

kewl_kasey · 01-21-2008, 01:15 AM

Originally Posted by Ficklone02

I can't believe they didn't sign a legitamite leadoff hitter. They left so many rbi's on the table having Soriano leadoff.....but its no skin off my back since I'm a twins fan.

You obviously don't know many of the stats on Soriano. When he bats anything but leadoff he is no longer a .300 hitter and his power numbers slump. put him at leadoff and he'll get on base more and get more RBIs.

Ficklone02 · 01-21-2008, 01:56 AM

Originally Posted by kewl_kasey

You obviously don't know many of the stats on Soriano. When he bats anything but leadoff he is no longer a .300 hitter and his power numbers slump. put him at leadoff and he'll get on base more and get more RBIs.

Again, I am not a Cubs fan.....like I said, it is my perception as an outsider (twins fan) that Soriano's power is going to waste as the leadoff hitter. But, you will find that my idea that they'd be better off with a natural leadoff hitter and Soriano at 3-5 is not far reaching as many Cub fans feel this way. I know this, because I've talked to many of them....

gocubs2118 · 01-21-2008, 02:23 AM

Originally Posted by flynnhicks03

The Cubs have bigger holes to fill than "leadoff man", like how about shortstop, or maybe one more good starting pitcher?

They can fill the "leadoff man" and SS in one move. Trade for Brian Roberts and then move Derosa to SS. Then all of your problems are solved, as easy as that.

flynnhicks03 · 01-21-2008, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by kewl_kasey

You obviously don't know many of the stats on Soriano. When he bats anything but leadoff he is no longer a .300 hitter and his power numbers slump. put him at leadoff and he'll get on base more and get more RBIs.

How many at-bats did Soriano have outside of the 1-spot last year? Not very many, right? We don't know that he can't bat 2 or 3 or 5. He went through slumps in the leadoff spot last year, too. If the Cubs are going to be successful, Soriano SHOULD NOT be leading off.

Bobber · 01-21-2008, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by flynnhicks03

How many at-bats did Soriano have outside of the 1-spot last year? Not very many, right? We don't know that he can't bat 2 or 3 or 5. He went through slumps in the leadoff spot last year, too. If the Cubs are going to be successful, Soriano SHOULD NOT be leading off.

Pinella disagrees with you Mr. Twinky.

wonkadog · 01-21-2008, 12:41 PM

The "Soriano can't hit as well when he isn't leading off" is a bunch of crap. Like he all of a sudden is going to lose his skills if he isn't batting first, come on. We need him further down the order, even 2nd would great, behind Theriot or something.

Incyte · 01-21-2008, 12:52 PM

Optimally Felix Pie would develop into a servicable lead-off hitter this year but I don't see that happening.