| Douglas Benton. 12th May, 2008 - 3:22 pm
 In a series which featured the two best teams in the National League through the early going between the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field, here is what I gleaned.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Right-handed pitcher Juan Cruz has good stuff with good arm action. However, he has to become more consistent to take that next step. In 2.2 innings of work, he gave up three hits, three runs, five walks, six strikeouts, and two home runs. The strikeout numbers are very good, but his control is lacking, and he needs to start pitching for weak contact. If he can develop more, he will be another good arm for Arizona late in games.
Second baseman Augie Ojeda has been filling in for the injured Orlando Hudson and done a nice job at the plate. He made two starts over the weekend with one pinch-hit appearance and went a combined 4-9 with two runs and an RBI. He also has done well in the field, giving the Diamondbacks more depth once the roster is healthy.
Centerfielder Chris Young has been moved to the No. 3 spot in the line-up but struggled against Chicago. After hitting a home run in his first at-bat against Ted Lilly, Young went 0-9 with six strikeouts. This early in his career, Young hasn?t settled into what kind of hitter he will be. I see Young as a power No. 2 hitter where he can still use his speed, but he needs to improve his plate discipline.
Chicago Cubs
Left-handed pitcher Ted Lilly was fantastic in the Friday opener as he went seven innings of one run ball with 10 strikeouts. Behind Zambrano, the Cubs need Lilly to be a consistent No. 2 starter to make a serious run for the National League. Against Arizona, he only allowed five base runners and only two of those were extra base hits.
Right-handed set-up man Carlos Marmol appeared in all three games and ended the series pitching three scoreless innings. He allowed just a hit and a walk in these outings and struck out four batters. Marmol was expected by some to be the closer this year, but right now, he forms a tough one-two punch with Kerry Wood, who picked up two saves this weekend with a two perfect innings.
Left-handed bat Daryl Ward is turning into a dangerous weapon for the Cubs off the bench. In two appearances against Arizona, he was 2-2 with a double and three RBI. Ward has been given the chance to be an everyday player with other teams but could never put it all together. However, he gives Manager Lou Piniella a bona fide power bat off the bench.
What stands out to you about Arizona and Chicago? Email your thoughts to Douglas.Benton@realgm.com |
