"I Have Something to Prove"

Since I just made up a theory two days ago, I figure I should write a little more about it. Basically this theory was created just so I could justify the Cubs keeping Sosa, and then I started thinking about it more and figured many other players could fit into a category like this, so the Javy Vazquez reference was created and the theory had new life. All I needed to do then was find a test figure where the theory could work and who better than Michael Jordan to prove me right. The only thing left is for me to find examples of this theory working in other sports (don't worry I will).

The theory is this; a player will have a great statistical season if he or she feels their respective team has given up on them, the fans who once cheered are booing and expect more of the player, and/or teammates have turned on the player and aren't defending him or her anymore. Any other reason could be included which causes the player to think, "Hey I really have something to prove to myself, the team, the fans, et al". For example if Jason Giambi plays baseball again, he is a perfect fit for the theory. He not only has something to prove to whichever team he is playing for, but to the fans, and himself after the illness and the steroids. Expect him to have a great year wherever and whenever he plays again.

Now that I have explained the theory to the best of my ability, I will tell you how great the Cubs will be in 2005 based solely on the large number of players who fall under my theory.


Corey Patterson- CF

• He needs to prove to Baker and Cubs fans he can lead off for an entire season and be a consistent top of the order batter. He also needs to prove to himself he is not thinking about the injury at all and is completely over it. He should also have a chip on his shoulder and say, "Hey, I am a good enough hitter and outfielder to make up for not pursuing Beltran harder. Don't worry fans, it's covered."

Sammy Sosa- RF

• I already explained this one two days ago and even if I didn't, you all probably know how he fits. He needs to prove to Baker, the fans, management, the media, and his teammates he is a team player and can still produce great numbers after having two off years. He doesn't need to blast 60 homers and drive in 150 runs to have a great season. More consistency at the plate about 45 home runs and 135 driven in would be huge for this team. One main area of concern with Sosa is cutting down on the strike outs and becoming more patient at the plate. If he can cut down on the strike outs (especially in clutch situations) he will get on base more and drive in more runs. He also needs to prove he can still play at a high level because essentially this is a contract year for him. Either the Cubs pick up his option and pay him $18 million in 2006 or buy his contract out and he signs a lucrative 2 or 3 year contract with another team (read Yankees). With 2005 seemingly being a contract year, Sosa falls under the rare "double theory year" blanket and should put up monster numbers.

Nomar Garciaparra- SS

• The amazing things about the Cubs is they have more than one player under the "double theory year". Garciaparra took the one year $8 million deal to specifically prove to everyone he can remain healthy for an entire year, play over 150 games, and be the Nomar of 1998-2002. Remember when he was considered the best shortstop in baseball? He isn't that far removed from this coveted status. Although I can obviously see he is not as good as he was 5 years ago, he can still be an elite player. Think about it; the former best shortstop in baseball playing in a contract year in which he has to prove to everyone he is still a valuable player, are you kidding me? Does anyone expect him not to hit at least 35 home runs, drive in 120, and hit at least .325? Think about Nomar's career like Al Pacino's. Pacino was Michael Corleone, Frank Serpico, and Tony Montana, three of the greatest characters in American movie history. Then he took roles in movies "Revolution", "The Godfather III" (which never happened), and the classic "Gigli". He needed to prove to critics and his fans that he was still the actor who gave us so many memorable roles over the years. He came back in 2003 after "Gigli" and moved the country with his stirring performance as Roy Marcus Cohn in "Angels in America". Nomar needs to give us his Roy Marcus Cohn performance this year.

Todd Walker- 2nd Base

• Walker is in this position for only one reason; he needs to prove letting Grudzielanek go was the best thing for the team as he is more than capable of being a reliable everyday defender and hitter. I see 17 home runs, a .310 average, and right around 65 rbi.

Kerry Wood and Mark Prior- Starting Pitchers

• These guys both have to prove they can make 35 starts in a season and be the pitchers we have hoped each would be for the past two years. All of the talent is there, we just need to finally see the results together. If both of these pitchers stay healthy enough to make 90% of their scheduled starts, the Cubs could have two top five Cy Young candidates (throw in Carlos Zambrano and it could be three in the top 6). For Prior, he needs to prove his ability to stay healthy more than Wood, and let us all know he is fully recovered from the achilies injury. If he plays a full year; 22-7, 2.07, 227 K's. Wood has made it through complete seasons and needs to let everyone see he no longer blames himself for the NLCS defeat of 2003. His stats in a full 2005; 21-5, 2.32, 264 K's.

With all of these players having "Something to Prove" years, as well as a few "Double Theory" years, not to mention Third baseman Aramis Ramirez is in a contract year and the Cubs are looking good. If they sign Magglio Ordonez (as they should) they will have another player in a "Something to Prove" year and possibly a contract year. When the Cubs sign him I will look into my crystal ball and tell you how he will do in 2005.

-Until next time...