Cubs Illustrated

Add comment April 8th, 2008

Illustration of Kerry Wood by Tim Souers

I came across this blog while browsing for Cubs-related sites the other day. The blog, Cubby Blue, is maintained by fellow Cubs fan and Chicago resident Tim Souers. It features Tim’s clever and unique artwork. This is one of the more imaginative Cubs blogs I’ve come across (other than C-Notes, of course) in recent weeks. Today he posted his own take on Derrek Lee’s resurgance to power.

Power forward DLee

Add comment April 8th, 2008

Derrek Lee’s distress from a 2006 broken wrist, which hindered the first baseman’s power last season, appears to be of no consequence this season (at least for now, knock on wood).

So far through 30 at bats in seven games (I know, it’s only seven games), Lee has three homers (I know, it’s only three home runs) with an .833 slugging percentage (third in MLB). Last season, it took him 81 at bats in 20 games to hit his first homer. He eventually hit 22 home runs in 567 at bats, his fewest since hitting 21 in 2001 (not including the 2006-injury year where he hit 3 HR in his first 13 at bats before the whole wrist thing).

Now, if only Soriano can figure a way out of his .147 OBP and get back to his premier lead-off form, Lee’s RBI number (4) wouldn’t look as pathetic as his fighting ability.

Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals

Add comment April 8th, 2008

The Cubs should have lost yesterday because they played poor fundamental baseball. They got lucky because the Pirates also played poorly.

The Cubs committed three errors,  wasted scoring opportunities and walked eight hitters. The Pirates committed an error, walked 11 hitters (11 Cubs walks!) and looked lost on the basepaths. If the Cubs had played a better team, they would have lost.

Fundamentals, or lack thereof, also were on display in the NCAA championship game last night. If Memphis makes its free throws, it takes home the trophy. Instead, game goes to overtime and Kansas and former Illinois coach Bill Self get to celebrate.

Lesson to young athletes, no matter what the sport: Master the basics and you’ll go a lot further in your athletic career.