Too many hitters?

Add comment April 30th, 2008

Alfonso Soriano’s return gives the Cubs a pleasant — but perplexing — dilemma. Namely, who do you sit? Reed Johnson (.303, great defense) and Kosuke Fukudome (great everything) have to play in the outfield. And normally weak-hitting infielders Rony Cedeno (.364) and Ryan Theriot (.319) are currently red-hot. That makes it an ideal time to slowly ease Soriano back into the lineup and make sure he’s 100 percent healthy. And if he is, then you probably have to sit do-everything Mark DeRosa (.284). Cedeno may never get this hot again; the Cubs should ride it and play him at second as long as he keeps hitting to make the most of his hot streak.

Ronny, where have you been?

Add comment April 22nd, 2008

 

It appears Ronny Cedeno has no intention of slowing down his RBI onslaught. Today, the shortstop/second baseman added 5 more RBI to the 5 he tallied in the three previous games.  And they haven’t been petty.

His two RBI in the eighth inning on Monday gave the Cubs a breathing room lead of 4-1. His first RBI today gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning and his final four on a grand slam in the eighth iced the 8-1 victory.

If Cedeno continues his clutch hitting, Lou Piniella is going to have some tough lineup decisions to make when Alfonso Soriano returns May 1. The Cubs will have Ryan Theriot, Mark DeRosa, Mike Fontenot and Cedeno all capable of holding down the middle infield.