Cubs Notes

-Geovany Soto, catcher of the Cubs, has been doing a phenomenal job in his first full year. He's hitting .328 with 8 homers and 30 RBI's & it's only mid-May. I haven't seen a catcher as explosive as him since Mike Piazza's Dodger days in the 90's. The only problem with catchers is how long they last; their career lasts for about 15 years, but they only do well for about 10 years. Over the past 20 years (especially during the Steroids Era), I haven't seen that many productive catchers. Some come to mind; Mike Lieberthal had a few good years with the Phillies, Todd Hundley had some good years in the 90's before his injury (last time I checked he's living in Glenview and has been arrested for a DWI), and PUdge Rodriquez had some excellent years (but he's linked to roids). The point is even though catchers had access to roids in the late 80's, and the 90's, the catchers shelf live remains the same as it was in the past. Yogi Berra and Johnny Bench both struggled toward the latter parts of their career, and the same should be true of Soto in the future. If Soto continues to hit the way he does, he should be converted to a first baseman once D. Lee retires (assuming Soto remains with the Cubbies).

- Dempster has been pitching great as of late. There is one concern for me. This guy was a reliever last year, and he's now a starter. Last two games he has thrown 118 pitches and 115 pitches. That seems a little high. For a guy who has had Tommy JOhn surgery, and for a guy who hasn't been a starting pitcher (on a full time basis) for five years. Dempster's pitch count must be lower in order to avoid any arm problems in the future. I remember Prior and Wood used to have ridiculous pitch counts in '03, which led to their subsequent arm ailments (I remember one game Woodie threw 140+ pitches!). However, Piniella isn't as crazy as Dusty Baker, and everything should be fine (as long as Dempster doesn't constantly have a high pitch count).