Spring Training Attendance ... So Far

All the Cubs pitchers and catchers have arrived at the Cubs' spring training camp.  In fact, all of the players have arrived with the exception of Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano and Starlin Castro.  With the exception of future rookie Castro, the others are supposed to be leaderson the team.  Then why are they the only ones not at camp yet?  Shouldn't Ramirez, Soriano and Lee be leading the team by example and be at camp early? 

Soriano in particular, whose season last year was pretty poor, should already be there taking batting practice.  Others, such as Geovany Soto and Carlos Zambrano, have come back from poor seasons looking much more in shape.  So why isn't Soriano doing more?  Lets just hope he shows up with the right attitude.

Backup Firstbaseman - Micah Hoffpauir

The Cubs' backup firstbaseman looks to be Micah Hoffpauir once again. The lefty will be turning thirty this year but has apparently topped out as a bench player. 

Hoffpauir's bat was not too impressive last year, batting only .239 with 12 doubles, 1 triple, 10 homeruns and 35 RBIs.  He also had 20 walks and 46 Ks. 

Hoffpauir has shown pop in the past.  In a limited run in 2008, Hoffpauir batted .342 in 73 at bats, hitting 2 homers and driving in 8.  He also had some pretty good numbers in the minor leagues.

Hopefully, Derrek Lee will stay healthy and Hoffpauir won't be needed for any significant offensive help.

First Base - Derrek Lee

Derrek Lee will once again be the Cubs starting first baseman in 2010.  One of the premier first basemen in the league, Lee is a definite force in the Cubs lineup and a mature presence in the clubhouse. 

In 2005, Lee had the best statistical season of his career, batting .335 and slugging 46 homers.  However, in 2006, Lee suffered a broken wrist that sidelined him for most of the 2006 season.  Upon his return in 2007, his power numbers dropped significantly.  His power returned somewhat in 2008 but were still off from his pre-injury numbers.

Last year, Derrek Lee seemed to return to form.  The three time gold glove first baseman hit .306 with 36 doubles, 2 triples, 35 homeruns and 111 RBIs.  The two time All Star walked 76 times and struck out 109 times. 

Had Aramis Ramirez been healthy, and had Soto and Alfonso Soriano hit to form, the Cubs would likely have made the postseason with a season like last year's from Derrek Lee.  Hopefully, Lee will get some help this year from the rest of the offiense which should lead the Cubs much closer to their goal of winning another World Series.