CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG – EX-CARDINAL JIM EDMONDS JOINS THE CHICAGO CUBS

CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG – EX-CARDINAL JIM EDMONDS JOINS THE CHICAGO CUBS

I never thought I’d see the day when Jim Edmonds would be wearing Cubbie Blue. It’s hard to be levelheaded about him since he may have been the most hated Cardinal whenever the Cardinals would face the Cubs. From a business perspective it’s easy to see why the Cubs made this move. They risk very little and add a savvy veteran to the mix of a team that certainly looks headed to be in the division race the rest of the year.

From a couple of different perspectives it’s easy to see further why the Cubs made this decision. First Chicago Cubs Manager Lou Piniella is a big believer in playing the percentages of lefty vs. righty. Piniella can now platoon Reed Johnson and Edmonds for the remainder of the season to take advantage of the pitching match-ups. Further Felix Pie just never seemed ready to embrace the role the club needed from him. He was struggling at the plate hitting a paltry .222 with just two stolen bases. Now Piniella adds a veteran to the mix with a long resume of playoff experience and a proven track record for both offense and defense. Edmonds has won eight gold gloves and is a career .286 hitter with 363 career home-runs.

I was a bit concerned that this move would disrupt the chemistry but I think with Lou’s leadership and the great mix of young and veteran players on this team adding Edmonds will prove beneficial in the long run.

JEFF ARDITO & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO