Leading off...

The Cubs have two major questions that they are expecting to answer in spring training this year. The first is who will close, and the second is what exactly will the starting outfield look like? Right now, we know Patterson and Burnitz have center and right locked up, but the left field issue is murky. Dusty Baker seems to favor a platoon of Todd Hollandsworth and Jason DuBois, with Hollandsworth carrying most of the load. Jim Hendry seems to be hinting in the press that he'd like to see DuBois get a lot of playing time, because he thinks he can make up some of the power lost with Sosa and Alou departing. DuBois will likely get a lot of play in spring training, but he'll have to be outstanding to unseat Hollandsworth. I'm hoping that's the case, as Todd is far more valuable as pinch hitter and substitute than as an everyday guy.

Then there's Jerry Hairston Jr., who further clouds the issue, due to the theory that he could be the Cubs best option in the leadoff position this year. Most point to Hairston's rising OBP from the last two years, topping out at .378 last year. However, most people who tout Hairston's ability to get on base seem to overlook that he did not play in even 90 games in either of the last two years. So Hairston's essentially as unknown as DuBois, which means that his chances of playing are tied tightly to Corey Patterson's success in lead off role. Patterson has already been in camp, practicing bunting and plate patience, and has stated that he wants to be the lead off hitter, and excel at the job. Corey's definitely got the raw tools, but whether he can put it all together this season is another question. I've always thought that Patterson was his own worst enemy. He's been streaky, and one thing I've noticed is that during his hot streaks, as soon as he hits a few homeruns, he nosedives, in part because he becomes overconfident and thinks he can hit any pitch. If he reigns in this tendency, he'll be good enough as a leadoff hitter to keep Hairston on the bench.