Getting the Cubs Back on Track: An Open Letter to Lou Piniella

By: T.R. Slyder, TRSlyder@yahoo.com



Lou,

I'm a Cubs fan, not a masochist. With that in mind, let's get right to it.

1. Don't lead off Soriano ever again. If he isn't in one of his twice-a-year hitting streaks, he kinda sucks. He says that he feels most comfortable leading off. Based on his flailing failures at the plate last night, would you use the word "comfortable" to describe him? Me neither. Since he's 0% comfortable, bat him 7th or 8th so he his discomfort can be swept under the rug a bit more, instead of ruining the top of order.

2. Bench Fukudome. You can put him in for defensive purposes later in the game to protect a lead, but let's actually try to acquire a lead first. And it's been difficult as of late to acquire a lead with him in the lineup and Soriano leading off. Put DeRosa in right, and Fontenot at second. I realize DeRo isn't 100% but he's a gamer, he'll be fine. Even if he makes a 2-base error, it can't be worse than what Fukudome does at the plate.

3. Make sure Zambrano is hydrated tonight, and doesn't get his Matt Foley on and drink coffee in the clubhouse for 4 hours (1:22 mark) before the game.


That's it. Do those and keep doing what you've been doing.


Awesome Regards,


T.R.