Cubs finally put leadoff man on front burner
November 9, 2005
BY CHRIS DE LUCA Staff Reporter

Manager Dusty Baker calls it the rarest commodity in baseball. Look at the eight teams to reach the postseason in 2005. All eight had reliable leadoff hitters.

The Cubs have been seeking one since Kenny Lofton left after a run to the National League Championship Series in 2003. Sitting atop general manager Jim Hendry's unusually long winter wish list -- in bold letters -- is leadoff hitter.

''It's pretty tough,'' Hendry said Tuesday from the general managers' meetings in Indian Wells, Calif. ''At one point, we said the toughest thing to find is the guy who will get the last three outs. But the great leadoff hitters are hard to find.''

That's why Hendry is laying the groundwork this week for a free-agent courting of Atlanta Braves shortstop and accomplished leadoff hitter Rafael Furcal.


Well atleast we got a plan, and it would help the team.