In November 2009, Tyler Colvin moved to Arizona to train with Cubs strength coach Tim Buss.
The training program add 25 pounds of muscle and Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella was very impressed with him early this spring.
“We noticed right from the start of spring training at Fitch Park that he was taking some really good batting practice and driving the ball to left-center, right-center,” Piniella said.
Colvin had an impressive spring and made the ball club. Now he is quickly becoming the offensive leader of the Cubs. In only 69 at bats he has five home-runs, 13 RBI and is batting .319 (team high) with a .652 (also team high) slugging percentage.
On May 27 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Colvin came up with his biggest clutch hit of the season. He came to the plate in the bottom of the eighth with one out and Fontenot on third. Colvin hit a game-winning double, driving in the game’s only run.
The Cubs outfielders have played well all season. Both Soriano (.307) and Fukudome (.304) are hitting above .300, and Byrd is hitting .299.
In addition, these three have shown good power (Soriano team leading nine home-runs, Byrd has seven and Fukudome has six), but the Cubs need to find a spot for Colvin when facing right-handed pitching. He’s batting .352 against them with a .722 slugging percentage.
I do not know what the answer is, but maybe a trade for some much-needed bullpen help is in order.
GO CUBS GO
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