Did you know?

That the Cubs had a very good leadoff man this season? No it wasn't Corey Patterson or even Mark Grudz. It was the player that the Cubs refused to play when Grudz returned from injury. It was Todd Walker.

Remember when I said that if you want to lose you play Grudz and if you want to win you play Walker? So it is no surprise to me when Grudz returned that the Cubs offense went into the tank. It was because the Cubs were losing this production from the lead off spot.

.294 BA - .370 OBP - .905 OPS - 45 Runs - 12 HR - 30 RBI - 28 BB - 32 SO's - 288 AB's

The Cubs were getting OBP, Batting Average, HR's, RBI, Runs, and a hitter who walked as much as he struck out. Yet he was benched when Grudz returned and Patterson was inserted into the leadoff spot. While Patterson showed flashes of what he can do it was up and down where as Walker was consistent. Patterson's line was...

.261 BA - .317 OBP - .803 OPS - 36 Runs - 13 HR - 30 RBI - 17 BB - 77 SO's - 245 AB's

Patterson only provided power and SB's from the leadoff spot. His numbers were better suited to the lower part of the order until he can get his OBP up. And those strike outs were killer also.

I hate to beat the same point over and over. But this is nothing more than pure incompetence by our manager. Why would any sane manager replace that kind of production from the leadoff spot to insert and hand back a starting position to guys who barely could get their OBP above .320? The return of Grudz removed the Cubs only legit leadoff man, so Baker was compelled to insert Patterson in that spot. That is the only reason Patterson became the leadoff man.

I can see why so many players on this team are mouthing off and why Steve Stone quit. It is decisions like this that drive people crazy and make them ask, "WTF are you thinking Dusty?"

The question now is will Todd Walker be back? He says he wants to return but he mentioned a kiss of death in my opinion. He said the ball was in the Cubs court. I just have this strange feeling that Walker will not be back next year. Alot of people (including myself) have him automatically penciled in for next year. We could be in for a rude surprise because I can honestly see an INF of Neifi Perez and Pokey Reese/take your pick of no hit all defensive 2b. Thats my nightmare, I can't imagine much worse.