After the first 10 games of the season, the Cubs have raised both concerns and optimism.
First of all, it appears that Kosuke Fukudome is the real deal, and should be an on base close to 40 percent of the time. The way that he hits to all fields and goes with whatever the pitcher is given him, makes me believe that he won't endure any long slumps. While he has made a couple of fielding blunders (possibly due to not having any experience in any of these American ball parks.), his arm is very strong and already has gunned down a runner at the plate.
Kerry Wood has three saves, but failed to hold the lead in two of his relief appearances. He will need to be more consistent in the closers role, or his job could be lost to Carlos Marmol.
Carlos Zambrano has been pitching lights out, and looks to flirt with 20 wins once again. Ryan Dempster has been surprisingly solid, but the rest of the staff has struggled at times. Ted Lilly has been rocked in two of his outings, and the Cubs will need some stability out of him.
Aramis Ramirez, and Alphonso Soriano have struggled, but its hard to worry about those two. Its just a matter of time before they will put up their typical numbers. Derrek Lee appears to have his power stroke back, and Geovany Soto is coming along just fine.
All in all, I am satisfied with the Cubs 6-4 start. The Brewers appear to be strong (just as most had expected), and will probably be in the race till the end. The surprise team of the National League has been the Cardinals. I have to believe that they will fade since I only had them figured to be a .500 team at best.
Please leave any of your thoughts!
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