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Friday, May 02, 2008

Rosenthal: Where to hit Soriano is becoming Chicago’s debate

Missing some motor-unipolar steps? Robothal is here to help.

The Cubs, ninth in the NL with a .333 on-base percentage last season, currently rank first at .375, with six regulars above .400. Their walk rate ranks third in the NL; last season it was next-to-last. The speed of Fukudome and Johnson also produces intangible benefits, forcing pitchers to use slide steps and throw more fastballs.

Theriot, in particular, welcomes the change. The Cubs’ hitters last season were so undisciplined, Theriot says he often made it a point to extend his at-bats; that way, at least one player would be trying to wear down the opposing starter. “I would take the one good pitch I got to hit trying to work the count,” Theriot says. “Now, I don’t have to do that. I can focus on hitting strikes.”

The overall effect on the Cubs’ offense is nothing short of stunning. Soriano, a symbol of the team’s old ways, will become a target of discontent if he becomes a drag in the leadoff spot. His career-high .351 OBP in ‘06 was adequate for a leadoff man, but in no other season has he been above .338. He needs to show more patience, hit for power, flash his speed.

It’s a brave new Cubs world.

Repoz Posted: May 02, 2008 at 02:47 PM | 12 comment(s)
Related News: General, Chi Cubs

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1. Master of the small sample size Posted: May 02, 2008 at 03:27 PM (#2766692)

“I would take the one good pitch I got to hit trying to work the count,” Theriot says. “Now, I don’t have to do that. I can focus on hitting strikes.”

I think that's the excuse Neifi used... minus the last part.

2. KyleJRM Posted: May 02, 2008 at 03:58 PM (#2766735)

Someone should tell The Riot he was last among regulars in pitchers/plate appearance last season.

3. Colin Wyers Posted: May 02, 2008 at 04:14 PM (#2766746)

“I would take the one good pitch I got to hit trying to work the count,” Theriot says. “Now, I don’t have to do that. I can focus on grounding out weakly to the second baseman.”

Fixed.

Someone should tell The Riot he was last among regulars in pitchers/plate appearance last season.

Yeah, I'm pretty convinced that Theriot is either entirely lacking in self awareness or basically lying.

4. Bob "Jugement" Dernier Posted: May 02, 2008 at 04:21 PM (#2766752)

Where to hit Soriano is becoming Chicago's debate

Stick it in his ear.

5. Bicycle RepairMan Posted: May 02, 2008 at 04:22 PM (#2766755)

Stick it in his ear.

Kinky!

6. Unleash the Moses Taylor Posted: May 02, 2008 at 04:37 PM (#2766775)

Someone should tell The Riot he was last among regulars in pitchers/plate appearance last season.

Considering they played the Cardinals 17 times, I would have figured he'd have faced more than one pitcher per plate appearance last year.

7. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: May 02, 2008 at 05:02 PM (#2766808)

Who becomes the Cubs' lead-off hitter if Soriano is moved? I'm not saying I wouldn't welcome a change; it's absurd to have one of your three power guys hitting in the lead-off spot. That he doesn't feel as comfortable hitting elsewhere should be irrelevant. He's being paid an ungodly sum of money. LEARN to be comfortable elsewhere. This is a game of adjustments.

8. North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan Posted: May 02, 2008 at 05:09 PM (#2766818)

Tell Soriano he's batting sixth or sitting on the bench. He'll figure it out.

9. Tuque Snider is the new Gagne_55 Posted: May 02, 2008 at 05:40 PM (#2766850)

He needs to show more patience, hit for power, flash his speed.

Wouldn't that essentially make him Barry Bonds?

10. Colin Wyers Posted: May 02, 2008 at 06:38 PM (#2766893)

Who becomes the Cubs' lead-off hitter if Soriano is moved? I'm not saying I wouldn't welcome a change; it's absurd to have one of your three power guys hitting in the lead-off spot. That he doesn't feel as comfortable hitting elsewhere should be irrelevant. He's being paid an ungodly sum of money. LEARN to be comfortable elsewhere. This is a game of adjustments.

I really want somebody to explain to me what Soriano's done wrong here. I mean, it's not his fault that Cubs management doesn't fully understand sampling issues.

11. Carl Spongberg Posted: May 02, 2008 at 08:30 PM (#2766967)

This looks like a regime willing and able to teach someone like Korey plate discipline. All articles about Alfonso make him look like he is not part of the team. Lou et al have improved they plate discipline of most of the roster. Why wouldn’t the same thing work for Soriano? He has shown an impressive willingness to adjust. Remember, he used to be a second baseman before he went to Washington. He will be fine as a lead-off hitter.

12. Darren Posted: May 02, 2008 at 09:52 PM (#2767182)

I've long thought Torre was wise to bat him 1st. Soriano needs people to throw him strikes. When he bats 5th, they don't. When he bats first, they seem to do so far more often. I think it's been drilled into pitchers heads that you can't walk the leadoff guy + they fear Soriano's speed. This makes them come after him far more than they should.

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Friday, May 02, 2008

Rosenthal: Where to hit Soriano is becoming Chicago’s debate

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