Derrek Lee has taken a lot of criticism this season for not hitting in the clutch, and often that has been justifiable, but the Cubs' captain came through today.
Lee's single in the 12th was the game-winner as the Cubs cut their magic number to two.
Nice baserunning by Jason Marquis, tagging from second on Ryan Theriot's fly-out.
Geovany Soto as team MVP? Maybe. Lots of candidates. That's why this team doesn't look vulnerable heading into the playoffs.
And Kerry Wood did a nice job escaping a second-and-third/no-out situation. Lou Piniella said he went to talk to Wood, who said; three strikeouts. Piniella told him three groundouts, and that's what he got.
Roman, I'd argue that the reason for fans' criticism of Lee stems for his extreme tendency to ground into double plays. To me, he earned the nickname of "DP D.Lee", because of it. When a guy grounds into more double plays (25) than home runs (19), the fans can get mad. It's not only Lee that has run into this problem, but also Ryan Theriot, who's grounded into 17 double plays this season.
Regardless of this fact, Lee has a strong bat and his defensive play is superior to every player at his position. I feel he is a lock to win the NL Gold Glove at first base. In fact, they should give Derrek Lee a Platinum Glove because his play at 1st is so much better than the next best 1B, that the other 1B needs some glove love.
When it comes to MVP, there isn't just one. And, that's what a World Series-winning team has to have...more than one MVP to get the job done. Each marquee player brings their own qualities to the table, and together they make for a formidable team come October.
DLee has had an up and down season but on balance he is one of the most important Cubs. As mentioned, his D is fantastic saving runs all season long. Not mentioned is his calm leadership. He is looked up to by his teammates. When our Cubs were in the middle of the only losing streak they had all season a few weeks ago, it was Lee was put the matter in perspective and helped take the heat off his teammates. Lee also has stuck up for Dempster last year when he was playing bad and the same for Wood. This lockroom stuff helps the other guys from feeling under pressure. As for Lee's numbers, they are pretty good, he is the second leading batting average on the team but the numbers are under his usual high standard. My guess is Lee has been playing with nagging injuries. Every time he gets a few days off, he plays much better.
All in all, a great team player and don't forget, Lee is one of the only Cubs with a World Series ring. He will help us get one
Roman I'll be the first to admit my level of confidence in Lee when he came to the plate in the 12th was something less than optimistic enthusiasm and I was almost holding my breath, and when Jason Marquis crossed the plate I blurted out "bout time Dereck!".
Maybe between the home-run he hit the other day and driving in the winning run yesterday is a sign of things to come throughout the play-offs.
My vote is for Soto for team MVP. And Dempster as MVP Pitcher. (I take back all the bad things I ever wrote about him). Yesterday's game made me think that there's magic in the air for our Cubbies. Braun should have caught that ball. ('Angels In The Outfield' anyone?) Wood amazingly got out of big trouble in extras. I hate to admit it but I disgustedly turned off the TV after the second out in the bottom of the ninth and told my wife the Cubs lost and called my son in college to tell him the same. 2 hours later he called me to tell me the Cubs won in 12 and yelled at me for being a lousy fan! I have to start thinking more positively. This may very well be their year! I'm becoming a believer!
Perfect time for Lee to get hot. Roman, this is all starting to come together perfectly.
Go Cubs!
How come Ramirez is not in the conversation for League MVP?
He has had more clutch hits than anyone...
Poulos is a joke, especially if they dont even make the playoffs!!!
HAPPY B DAY DUDE!
doing anything cool to celebrate?
That was a fabulous game and a great win. The Cubs have not come back from behind very much lately, but yesterday's ninth inning makes up for a lot. You are right about the M.V.P. choices. There are too many of them to single out just one. If I had to pick, I'd lean toward Marmol or Dempster. Those two have really come through in tough situations. D. Lee could bat .200 and still be the most valuable guy on the infield. He has saved the others so many errors that the Cubs would probably have the worst defense in the league without him. Okay, maybe that's a bit too strong an observation, but he really is a fantastic defensive force.
Ok here's how I see Cubbie awards......Ramirez - MVP....Soto - Rookie of the year.... Dempster - Cy Young....DLee - Gold Glove...DaRosa - Utility player of the year....Harden and Edmonds - deal steals of the year....Big Z - mental intensity award.....Kerry Wood comeback player of the year....Marmol - most improved second half....Soriano - most likely to make your heart SKIP a beat....Reed Johnson - Superman award, able to dive head first into the wall and hang onto the ball....
Hmmmm...
12-2 in the top of the 8th.
Well, I guess Zambrano made up for his no-no.
Cheers.
A Cardinal Fan.
Congratulations to my Cub-crazy blogging friends - they just clinched the division!
Congratulations to the Cubs, and my heartfelt condolences to their fans.
Prepare yourselves for the inevitable by taking a few post-season precautions.
#1 : Avoid high places, and window ledges.
#2 : Wear beltless pants, and loafers or sandals instead of shoes that have laces.
#3 : Use an electric shaver, and put away the razor blades. I'd also suggest switching to plastic cutlery or chop sticks for the next few weeks. Remember; finger food is your friend.
#4 : Enlist the help of a close personal friend or co-worker. You'll need a "minder" during these difficult times. Someone who can preview the games for you, and make critical decisions as to whether or not you're to be allowed to actually view the carnage yourself. Crisis intervention counselors will be in great demand.
#5 : Above all else; remember that it's never too early to begin chanting that most comforting of Cubbie mantras:
"Wait 'till next year!"