I don't know for sure, of course it will take a season or more to know, but I am quite happy about what I saw happen for the Cubs yesterday in center field. Felix came in and acquitted himself quite nicely. Though it's been pointed out he batted only .167, those were an important 167 points, helping rally the Cubs to tie. Then, he made a throw from the outfield to home plate that threw out the go ahead run for the Padres and eventually got the Cubs into extra innings.
He didn't throw the Cubs on his back and carry them to victory, but he wasn't overwhelmed. Seeing this kid in uniform, in Wrigley Field, makes me feel all better, and almost able to ignore that our high-priced offensive arsenal went 14 innings without being able to score more than three runs. These are all things that Lou Piniella can and will address, and though I know he can't go over the top about Pie, the performance was not lost on someone as savvy as Lou.Soriano is out for a week to ten days, and either trying to get back quicker now or preparing to move to left field so the kid can stay. In Spring training Pie gave Soriano fielding tips, so I have to believe there is a good relationship between the two, and though Soriano had before yesterday's game refused an offer from Piniella to move him to make him feel more comfortable, this gives him the excuse he might need to comply. Pie isn't taking Soriano's job, it's going to be Jones, Floyd, or Murton who ultimately step aside for the kid.
Now is as good a time as any to clear the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment