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Levine: Cubs Hoping To Solve On-Base Percentage Issue

By Bruce Levine-

(CBS) The Chicago Cubs would like to think that they have solved their on-base percentage issue. A lack of patient batters at the top of the lineup has killed their run production chances in recent years. Adding Miguel Montero, Chris Denorfia and Tommy La Stella gives Chicago some hope of sending top-of-the-order hitters to the plate who have good on-base percentage histories.

The Cubs ended the 2014 season with the third worst on-base percentage in the National League. A .300 OBP combined with a franchise record 1477 strikeouts ( 9 per game) gives an indication why the team averaged less than four runs per game last season. Solving the problem will take a concentrated effort from Cubs hitters to be more efficient and selective at the plate.

With the left field platoon of Denorfia and Chris Coghlan, you have players who have left- and right-handed splits that address on-base percentage needs. The right-handed hitting Denorfia has a .354 on-base percentage against left-handed pitchers during his career. Coghlan gives you a lifetime .346 OBP from the left side against right-handed pitchers. Neither player is a speed burner, but both run well enough to bat in the two hole and not clog the bases when they do get on base.

The Cubs would love to have a leadoff hitter who addresses both the on-base and speed issues they lack at the top of the order. Arismendy Alcantara was tried as the leadoff hitter for most of the last 70 games of 2014. A .337 OBP man in the minor leagues, Alcantara had a very poor .254 on-base mark with the major league team. The front office believes that with the big league experience and a solid winter ball season he can get back to his minor league levels of success.

A trade for a center fielder/leadoff man would boost the team's chances of improving their run production dearth. Catcher Welington Castillo gives the team a chip they may need to acquire a quality top-of-the-order man. The Nationals' Denard Span and Athletics center fielder Coco Crisp are the type of short-term answers to the Cubs' leadoff needs that could make sense. A free agent after next season, Span will make $9 million in 2015. He has a .352 career on-base number.

Crisp has a pricey $13 million contract in 2015 and a vesting option that could give him the same deal in 2016. Crisp is a .330 OBP man. As he's 35, Oakland may be willing to assume a large portion of the Crisp contract. Billy Beane may say yes if the right kind of player compensation is coming back to him in young talent.

The Montero move gives the Cubs much improved power and on base percentage (.342 lifetime OBP ) from the left side. This underrated, offensive-driven trade also takes the burden off of Anthony Rizzo, who had to supply all of the power and run production from the left side the prior two seasons.

La Stella is a nice option with a good glove and on-base potential (.328 in 2014 ) at second base. He can back up Javier Baez and be used as a late-game defender as well.

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