Watching the Cubs play the past few days, and even the past couple of weeks, I’ve come to the realization that, with the return of Alfonso Soriano today and Kerry Wood struggling to close out what should have been a Cubs’ win this afternoon, there are lineup and rotation issues that need to be addressed, regardless of players’ salaries or tenure with the organization.  Everyone’s got his or her opinion on the subject, and I’d be happy to discuss or debate with anyone.  Here are my two cents.

First of all, the batting lineup should be something like this:

1. Reed Johnson (CF)
2. Kosuke Fukudome (RF)
3. Derrek Lee (1B)
4. Aramis Ramirez (3B)
5. Alfonso Soriano (LF)
6. Geovany Soto (C)
7. Mark DeRosa (2B)
8. pitcher
9. Ryan Theriot (SS)

First of all, Reed Johnson has earned his way into the leadoff spot these past two weeks filling in for Soriano, and the ballclub is following his lead (yes, pun intended).  He has provided a spark at the top of the order, doing exactly what a leadoff man should do: get  on base.  Soriano has shown prodigious power in the past hitting #1: last year he cranked 33 homers.  However, 23 of those were solo shots.  Imagine how many more RBIs he would have produced hitting lower in the order with men on base.  Fukudome is an on-base machine who constantly frustrates pitchers with his plate discipline.  Opposing teams would have to pitch to him because of Lee hitting behind him.  Plus, Fukudome is a professional hitter who can use the entire field.  I think he’s perfect in the 2 spot: he can move Johnson over (or drive him), and sets the table for the 3, 4, and 5 power hitters.  And that’s exactly what Soriano is: a power hitter.  The Cubs are wasting his power at the top of the order.  Plus, he’s not the runner he used to be.  Sure, he’s been saying that his legs feel fine, but he’s also said that he thinks about his injuries.  So, naturally, he’s not going to be the 40-40 man he once was.  Yes, he’s making a boatload of money.  But what’s best for the team is batting him #5.  Soto is showing the form he did last September: he’s got power to justify hitting #6.  DeRosa is the super-utility man.  Is there any position this guy can’t play?  Batting the pitcher 8th is weird, I know, but Theriot has been swinging the bat well this season, getting on base, running well, and scoring some runs.  Batting him 9th would set up the top of the order.  And having three guys in a row who can run (Theriot, Johnson, and Fukudome) puts pressure on the other team’s pitcher and defense because they are all patient at the plate and therefore get on base, which is always a good thing, no matter how the lineup’s arranged .

Now, regarding the pitching, the starting rotation is fine.  The bullpen, on the other hand, is all kinds of crazy.  I’m just going to come right out and say it: Carlos Marmol should be the closer.  Not the “closer of the future,” but the closer of the present.  Now.  The way I see it, his stuff is too nasty to be used as a setup man.  And even more important than his electric 97-mph fastball with nasty movement and stupid slider is his mentality.  He goes out knowing that his stuff is good enough to get anyone out at any time.  Period.  He’s the definition of “lights out.”  Don’t get me wrong: I like Kerry Wood, and his story is great and he has faithfully remained a Cub for his entire career.  But he’s more suited for the setup role.  He may look cool on the mound, but his pitches tell a different story.  A closer can’t hit batters on a regular basis, nor can he walk batters to start off the ninth.  With Wood, it’s a mental issue.  When he’s settled down, he’s as effective as anyone.  But coming in to save the game is too nerve-racking for him.  Howry should be the seventh inning guy, if needed, Wood the setup man, and Marmol the closer.  End of story.

Oh, and here’s a message for Brewers LF Ryan Braun: Hey buddy, that little bat flip and arm extension after your double in the ninth today was not cool.  Not cool at all.  You weren’t so cocky after Marmol struck you out and made you look dumb earlier in the game.  No need for that garbage.  You made nice contact and scored some RBIs.  Congrats.  Now do your job and run the bases, punk.