It looks like it might finally be time for Felix Pie to shine as he has taken a commanding lead in the center field derby. With Sam Fuld coming into camp with an outside shot at the starting gig, Pie had to come to play and has done so by hitting .321 so far this Spring. Pie's production, combined with a lack of production from Fuld, has Pie sitting in the drivers seat:
Pie went 3-for-4 in Sunday's 13-1 victory over Kansas City and is
hitting .321 with two home runs. Has Pie opened some space over Fuld?
"It looks like it," Piniella said. "Fuld ... he's struggled. He's been
pressing a little bit. Felix has opened up ground on Sammy. But
remember, this is Sammy's first major-league camp, and Pie has been
here — what, three or four years now? It's a big difference. There's a
big, big separation in experience, and it's showing."
This is music to my ears as I think Pie needs to have 4-5 months of consistence playing time in order for the Cubs to see what his true potential is. I can only hope that Pie continues to work on his deficiencies and goes into Opening Day on a roll.
- In other Cubs news over the weekend, Ryan Dempster threw four innings of one hit ball against the Royals and looks like a lock for the third spot in the rotation.
2008 Cubs Preview
Until they acquire Coco Crisp.
don't speak of that!