tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948721021958780715.post6740589947008578461..comments2008-09-30T16:00:25.019-05:00jumbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18392192565790745199noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948721021958780715.post-35722419854871926782008-09-30T16:00:00.000-05:002008-09-30T16:00:00.000-05:00I assumed that not many people would agree with my position. While I think that playoff baseball is similar to the regular season, I don't think it's the same, mainly because of the weather. Yes, the Cubs will play at least one game in So.Cal., but even there it is getting cooler at night. Because the weather is colder, the ball doesn't carry as far. Add to that generally better pitching, and the ability to get on base and run plays a bigger role. Thus, I think a guy like Fukudome has a bigger impact in the playoffs than he does in the regular season. I admit, he could easily continue his slide and go 1 for 14 or only come in as defensive help late in the games and not see many AB's (he did hit .429 as a pinch hitter). While DeRo has some athleticism, Fukudome has better speed and a better arm in right. <BR/><BR/>I didn't and don't mean to overstate the Cubs record with Fukudome in the starting lineup, but here's a little tidbit. The Cubs are 23-26 when 'lil Mikey starts, and only 62-57 when he plays. I will admit those numbers are a bit skewed because he was logging a lot of starts when Sori was out and because he made some starts in this past week, but it shows me that the Cubs are slightly better with Fukudome in the lineup than Fontenot at the 2-sack and DeRo in right. But, as I said, I didn't expect my opinion to be popular.Lionelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851673528652366017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948721021958780715.post-20199488645521077682008-09-30T15:14:00.000-05:002008-09-30T15:14:00.000-05:00I love the insight and discussion, but I'm simply not compelled. The cubs .588 win percentage (20 of 34) without Fuko in the lineup jumps to .618 if they win just one more game (21 of 34). If anything, the fact that the cubs win % percentage is practically the same with or without him in the lineup tells me that FUKO is a non-factor. I know that he's made some great defensive putouts/assists in the outfield, but his bat has been a monster liability since may. Unquestionably, he's on the roster. But, I'm more comfortable with DeRo and Font'no.MAVnoreply@blogger.com