No offense to you, nick23, but that's a widespread misperception on this board. The Cubs are first in BA in the NL, second in HRs, lead in total bases, and are 6th in runs scored. That's hardly 'no offense.' The Cubs' problem is that they allow more runs than they score. Period. That's a function of bad pitching, bad pitching, bad pitching and bad pitching, with some bad fielding thrown in. Stand pat on the hitting, improve the fielding (especially up the middle) and add one good starter, 2 good relievers and one great closer, and I guarantee you the Cubs will be a playoff team. That having been said, I agree with you about Furcal. He makes this team better with his defense alone. It was awfully brave of you to take on the groupthink here w/ stats. Rather ironic too. "No offense" and "bad offense" do not describe this Cub lineup. It's middle of the road, just like the pitching and the defense. The Cubs need to improve all 3 areas and get a new manager, and hope for some luck for a change. Oooh boy. I always love threads that bring up the "group think." Hey guys...I forgot to mention. Sandwitches and group think at my house this Friday night. Woo, party on the patio!