It's been tough to fit the Inbox in lately, but it will be a regular feature this offseason. Send your questions to cubsinbox@gmail.com, and please include your name and hometown.
What are the chances the Cubs could sign a top-tier leadoff man like Chone Figgins this offseason? It seems as though that's the thing the Cubs have been missing these past years. Even though the controversy started surrounding Alfonso Soriano as the leadoff man, I've always thought that, being a dead fastball hitter, he'd do much better in the No. 2 spot with a speedster like Figgins on the bases in front of him. That would make the opposing pitcher throw more fastballs. I like the fact that Ryan Theriot has increased his patience at the plate, but his stolen-base percentage doesn't seem to make him a particularly effective baserunner in the No. 1 spot.– Todd W., Bloomington, Ind.
Lou Piniella has a wish list, and a leadoff man is No. 3. He'd like more speed, and the openings are at second base and center field. I liked Kosuke Fukudome in the No. 1 spot, but he'd have to cut down on the strikeouts. Theriot is an option, but I think he fits better in the No. 2 spot.
Even though Soriano's critics want him out of the top spot, he's definitely not a No. 2 hitter because he strikes out so often. The Cubs did get to the postseason two straight years with him as the leadoff man, and batting first was a plus because he is a fastball hitter. To protect his legs and keep him healthy, Soriano will start next season further down in the lineup.
I read an article saying Mark DeRosa would be interested in coming back to the Cubs if they were interested in signing him. Do you think there is a chance we could see DeRo in Cubbie blue again next season?– Joe E., Chicago
As much as I'd like to have DeRosa back, his asking price may end up being too high for the Cubs. Other teams have realized how valuable he is. The Cardinals were expected to pursue him, too. DeRosa will have surgery on his left wrist this offseason, so teams have to consider how much they want to gamble on that.
Has the impending sale of the Cubs this year hampered Jim Hendry in putting a winning team together for the season?– Sig B., Annapolis, Md.
It's hampered the Cubs as far as in-season moves.
"The fact that the club has been up for sale, there are things we could do and not do," Piniella said.
Do you think the Cubs will call up pitcher J.R. Mathes from Triple-A Iowa? He pitched well in the Minors.– Joshua O., Puerto Rico
No, the Cubs have enough pitchers for the final stretch. Plus, calling up Minor Leaguers affects their service time down the road, which is one of the reasons the Cubs were hesitant to add Tyler Colvin to the big league roster.
I know this is a stupid question, but what is the meaning of "TB" in the box score?– Barbara L., Melbourne, Fla.
It stands for "Total Bases." And, Barbara, there are no stupid questions.