Moving on to Position Players;
Position Players - Starters:
David DeJesus RF - Not the big bounce back that the organization may have hoped for, but he's doing allright in the lead off role with a .360 OBP. GRADE: B
Tony Campana CF - If you converted his Stolen Bases to doubles, this guy would probably lead the team in slugging. Torn between getting this guy into the leadoff role to get into scoring position quickly or making double play balls almost impossible in the two spot. GRADE: A
Starlin Castro SS - Picking up from last year with good contact, and hot cold defense. Get those feet set and do us proud! GRADE: B
Bryan LaHair 1B - First Base has to be one of the hardest positions to crack the big leagues in. B and I watched Hoffpauier at Iowa for years have great success and never given a clean shot to make it in the majors. So, I am super excited that Bryan is getting that chance and running with it. GRADE: A+
Alfonso Soriano LF - What can be added here that hasn't been said on every Cubs Blog in the universe. I guess his defense is off to a "better" start then last year. GRADE: C-
Ian Stewart 3B - I think we are a better defensive team with him in the hot corner. (Note: better is not good, just better) The bat needs to come alive to make me not start chanting 'Vitters' by year end though. GRADE: C-
Geovany Soto C - Flashes of his rookie self from time to time, and he still calls a good game, but we needed an offensive anchor in the back of the lineup and my eyes where on Soto. No major harm has come from our low Caught Stealing percentage, but if your catcher isn't offensive, and so-so defensively... well... GRADE: D+
Darwin Barney 2B - Not skipping a beat in the offseason, our solid dependable Second Baseman is back along with about half the team I'd like to see some improvement offensively, but he shouldn't have the burden of hitting 20+ HR's. GRADE: B-
Position Players - Bench
Reed Johnson OF - Look at his playing time to be anemic until either Campana gets hurt, or Soriano gets traded. But he has shown in the past he can be a potent pinch hitter. GRADE: C-
Joe Mather IF/OF - Wasn't sure what we where doing with this guy having Baker, DeWitt, Johnson, and Campana ready to go, but I'll admit, this may be the best off season add on. GRADE: B
Jeff Baker IF/OF - Once LaHair was healthy I didn't really see a reason to put Jeff in at first, and when Campana got called up I didn't see why he needed to be put in right field. Just switching a right handed bat when he's batting sub .200 at the time makes little sense to me. GRADE: D-
Steve Clevenger C - Another pleasant surprise. Makes up for some defensive shortcomings with good at bats. GRADE: B
Wellington Castillo C - When I've been seeing Soto's numbers slip the last couple years, I've checked in on how Wellington was doing at Iowa. His time has been limited but 5 K's in 11 AB's for what most would consider an offensive Catcher leaves you witched a cocked brow and bitten lip. GRADE: Incomplete
Blake DeWitt - IF - Obviously Joe stole his job, hopefully we can get a decent bullpen pitcher or something for him. GRADE: Transfer
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