Tuesday, April 8, 2008

CHAVEZ is BACK!

Chicago - After today's PM game
Julio Chavez
Chicago
Cubs
Age: 31B/T: R/R
Born: Huatabampo, MX
Position(s): LF/1B/DH
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will be activated off of the 60 Day DL after tearing his ankle ligament. He should go right back to the #3 hole in the lineup, with Cory Sherman moving back to #5 and the switch hitting Victor Solano remaining in the cleanup for the R-S-R synergy.

With Chavez back the Cubs lineup is very dangerous 1-5. Carlton Barker leads things off and has already stolen 31 bags. Batting 2nd is Edgardo Calles, who despite a slow start is starting to really heat up and bring his #'s back to a more normal career pattern. Not your normal #2 hitter, Calles gets on so much that putting him #2 in front of the previously mentioned Chavez-Solano-Sherman should provide many RBI opportunities.

Rounding out the rest of the healthy lineup is Alfredo Rosado, who is starting to show signs of aging in the #6 spot. Harold McMurtry provides some more power in the #7 spot, but will need to start getting on base more often if he wants to keep a regular amount of playing time with Chavez back now. Batting 8th is Oscar Gryboski, who is having a career worst year at the plate as he is below the Mendoza line. Lucky for him his defense is what is really valued and its as good as ever.

The return of Chavez will certainly strengthen the bench, the question is, who gets sent down when he returns?