Posts tagged ‘predictions’

Back in March when Spring Training was only a few weeks old, ESPN’s John Kruk (it’s weird not calling him Fried Food’s John Kruk) predicted that not only would the Chicago Cubs win the Word Series in 2008, but that Derrek Lee would be the NL MVP this season. I admit that I scoffed at the remarks. What does a guy know that only sees a handful of games and a boatload of packaged highlight clips? Something I didn’t.

Derrek Lee is all-world right now, and in a few week’s time has solidified himself as hands down the Cubs best player on both sides of the ball. He’s homered in 5 straight games at Wrigley, and in the last 10 games he’s raised his average 30 points, drove in 12 runs, scored 11 times, and has more walks than strikeouts. In those games the Cubs are 8-2, due in no small part to Lee’s prowess.

His home run stroke is back, as is his uncanny ability to come through at the most important times. It’s a shame that there’s no way to measure good momentum, because Derrek is leading every league in that category. And I haven’t even mentioned his glove.

The difference between Lee’s glove this year and last is subtle but readily apparent. And Sheps pointed out to me that D-Lee won the Gold Glove in 2007. They should give him one for both hands if he keeps up this spectacular defense. He won last Sunday’s finale in Philadelphia with his glove, making an incredible play to force extra innings by grabbing a smash by Carlos Ruiz and beating Ruiz to the bag. In Pittsburgh a few days prior Lee prevented the winning run from scoring (also in the 9th) on a surprise bunt by Jose Bautista. Brian Bixler was napping at 3rd and should have tried to score, but he had to see Derrek aggressively charging that ball, opting to stay put.

Those are two examples of game-winning defense by Lee, and his play in the 9th inning has been superb, but his play in the first 8 innings deserves praise as well. That difference between this year and last — he’s not only making the Gold Glove caliber plays…he’s making all the insane plays that even Gold Glovers have problems with. So to Derrek, a tip of the cap to you, sir, your play has reminded me why I love this game. And to Kruk…I apologize, and we’ll talk later about your other prediction.