If there is one thing the Cubs have lacked in the last 3 years it is speed.  We have not had a genuine leadoff hitter on this team since Juan Pierre in 2006.  The Cubs as a team stole 56 bases in 2009, or 2 less than Pierre had in 2006.  Now, does Chicago play in a ballpark conducive to home runs?  You betcha.  Especially when the wind is blowing out in the summer at 20+ mph.  However, even an offensive powerhouse like the Boston Red Sox has 126 stolen bases this year, 70 more than the Cubs.  And Boston plays in the American League!

It looks very unlikely that Milton Bradley will be back in a Cubs uniform next spring.  So, that means Fukudome likely moves back to right field and creates an opening in center field.  Figgins could play center field or he could play second base.  He’s very versatile and would give the Cubs a lot of flexibility in the lineup.  Oh, by the way, Figgins stole 42 bases in 2009 and was only caught 17 times.