As the Sox and Cubs prepare for the first of back-to-back weekend series, the Tribune’s John Mullin and Paul Sullivan size up Chicago’s teams, starting with the infielders
FIRST BASEMEN
Frank Thomas, White Sox
Case for: Carrying the offense since picking up his glove for interleague play. Still a strong RH threat with one of game’s great batting eyes. No way Paul Konerko gets job back for a while.
Case against: Defense will never be a strength and can strike out too much.
Eric Karros, Cubs
Case for: Platooned until Hee Seop Choi’s injury last week. A steady hitter with a better-than-average glove. Like the Big Hurt, he’s proving there’s still some gas left in the tank.
Case against: With runners in scoring position: .148.
SECOND BASEMEN
D’Angelo Jimenez, White Sox
Case for: Slumping over last week, but a .270 hitter, solid from both sides of plate, with some right-handed power.
Case against: Not a top turn man on double plays; 0-for-14 last four games.
Mark Grudzielanek, Cubs
Case for: One of the big reasons for Cubs’ success, he’s played a steady second base. Unlike Jimenez, Grudzielanek’s work ethic is unquestioned.
Case against: Recent slump on the road (2-for-23) dropped him under .300.
SHORTSTOPS
Jose Valentin, White Sox
Case for: Clubhouse leader who can ignite the offense with power, especially from left side. Rebounding from poor May with .306 June average.
Case against: Fielding and baserunning sometimes are adventures–he has nine errors in 58 games–and he’s hitting only .160 from right side after a strong start.
Alex Gonzalez, Cubs
Case for: “Gonzo” is perhaps best Cubs hitter in clutch situations, with three game-winning extra-inning home runs. Far superior to Valentin defensively (five errors in 66 games).
Case against: Third on team with 50 strikeouts; only two HRs since May 12.
THIRD BASEMEN
Joe Crede, White Sox
Case for: Hitting .407 in last eight games after struggling earlier and showing solid range in field. Besides, who’s been better from Cubs’ third-base committee?
Case against: Hitting only .200 with runners in scoring position and has been streaky.
Lenny Harris/Ramon Martinez, Cubs
Case for: Strong reserve players forced into a platoon situation after Mark Bellhorn lost starting job. Martinez hitting .361 against left-handers.
Case against: Harris has struggled at the plate all year and dropped below the Mendoza line last week. Martinez struggles against right-handers (.222). Bobby Hill could supplant both if called up this week.
CATCHERS
Miguel Olivo, White Sox
Case for: Hitting .241 despite recent slump and getting extra duty with Sandy Alomar hurting. A good defensive catcher who is throwing out 38 percent of base stealers.
Case against: Poor in the clutch with men in scoring position–10 RBIs.
Damian Miller, Cubs
Case for: A vast improvement over Todd Hundley. Cubs pitchers have a 3.66 ERA when he’s behind the plate.
Case against: He’s hitting only .219 and is 15-for-83 over his last 29 games.
– – – – – – – – – –
MONDAY: INFIELDERS
TUESDAY: OUTFIELDERS
WEDNESDAY: PITCHERS
THURSDAY: MANAGERS
FRIDAY: PHIL ROGERS’ ALL-CITY TEAM
