Are there any better options?

[Elrhino]

Kind of surprised Lou hasn't even entertained the idea of occasionally using Ward at a corner outfield spot.

[inari]

Kind of surprised Lou hasn't even entertained the idea of occasionally using Ward at a corner outfield spot.

 

Ward's played a couple games there, hasn't he?

[dew1679666265]

Floyd's average is nice and a pleasant surprise, for sure; it's his SLG% that worries me. If you're not going to get XBHs from RF, you're going to need them from a non-traditional power position to make up for it, and we're not generating any power whatsoever from those positions to being with (SS, C, 2B). As a team, we're 8th in the NL in slugging, 9th in OPS and 11th in HRs hit. While our BA is solid (.268, 5th in the NL) I worry about any team chasing the playoffs with only two players likely bets to top 20 HRs (Sori and Ramy) and only two others likely to hit double digits (Lee and DeRo).

 

I just think our SP is going to have to continue to be awfully good to even stay in this race unless Jim finds a way to add power to this lineup. As others have noted, we've been surprisingly good with runners on base and in "clutch" situations, but we're still lacking in total bases, and it's not helping that our 2nd best run producer never hits with anyone on base.

 

I agree I'd like to see Floyd's power numbers improve, I was only taking issue with you seeming to put him in the category of weak areas.

 

I agree if this team really wants to stir up trouble in the postseason, we need to bring in a power bat. Whether it's Junior, ARod, Renteria or Jonny Gomes, we need some more pop in the middle of the lineup. If that comes from Floyd or Lee in the second half, I'll be thrilled but I would like to see a major move before the deadline to ensure a fix.

[dew1679666265]

Kind of surprised Lou hasn't even entertained the idea of occasionally using Ward at a corner outfield spot.

 

Ward's played a couple games there, hasn't he?

 

I believe he has. His defense out there is atrocious though, and I don't think his offense playing every day would make up for it.

[NCCubFan]

Kind of surprised Lou hasn't even entertained the idea of occasionally using Ward at a corner outfield spot.

He is considering it for tomorrow.

Extra bases: Ward could start in right field on Saturday for the Cubs. ...

[Drew Doughty]

While I agree we shouldn't be going hard after Gagne (I wouldn't mind him, but would prefer Jim target the other useful Texas player - Lofton), RF is not one of this team's problems. Floyd is hitting .292 with a .363 OBP. While Murton perhaps should be starting in right, Floyd's fine. His only problem is lack of power, but I think that will pick up eventually - almost every one of his hits are scorched somewhere, he just needs to start elevating now.

 

RF is definitely one of this team's problems. it might not be the biggest problem, but a 703 OPS is nothing to be happy about, either. That ranks 9th in the NL. The Cubs are getting a .352 SLG from RF; that's just awful. We should look to upgrade there if we can, and I'd be willing to bet it's easier to find a significant upgrade in right than it is at short