In 2003, Juan Pierre stole 65 bases for the Marlins as they ran their way to a World Series championship.
The last Cubs player to steal 60 or more bases was Frank Chance in 1903.
And if you need a few more reasons why the Cubs–finally and officially–acquired Pierre from Florida on Wednesday, consider these Cubs statistics from last season:
Last in the National League in leadoff batting average (.245). Next-to-last in leadoff runs scored. Next-to-last in triples with two (Pierre had 13 by himself). Tied for third worst in stolen bases.
Last season, Pierre stole 57 bases–and had what he called an “embarrassing” season.
“He brings a different dimension to our lineup,” manager Dusty Baker said, in an understatement. “Speed does a lot for you.”
For Pierre the Cubs are giving up three young pitchers: Sergio Mitre from the major leagues and Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto from Double-A West Tenn.
Pierre, 28, will make up to $5 million this season in arbitration and then would be a free agent after 2006. He’s also universally acknowledged as one of the nicest and hardest-working players in the game.
“Chicago is going to fall in love with this guy,” said Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, who played with Pierre in Florida. “He’s the hardest-working guy I’ve ever seen.”
In 2003, when the Marlins eliminated the Cubs and won the World Series, he led the major leagues with 65 stolen bases while hitting .305 with 204 hits. In five major-league seasons, he is a .305 hitter and is the epitome of an everyday player. He played every inning of every game in 2003 and appeared in every game during his three years in Florida.
Last season, Pierre’s average fell to career-worst .276, but he finished with 19 doubles and 13 triples and was second in the league with 57 stolen bases.
“I just had an off-year,” he said. “For me, it was an embarrassing year, a very disappointing year. I know I can play. I know I’m better than that.”
Pierre’s entrance most likely means an exit for Corey Patterson, but first the Cubs have to find a taker for him after he was paid $2.8 million last year.
He is arbitration-eligible, so he won’t have to take a pay cut, but the Cubs virtually could release him Dec. 20 by not tendering him a contract.
Also Wednesday, John Mabry agreed to a one-year contract with the Cubs worth $1,075,000. The 35-year-old batted .240 with 24 extra-base hits and 32 RBIs in 112 games for St. Louis last season.
Reading the star’s stars
When contacted by phone and informed Juan Pierre was born Aug. 14, 1977, in Mobile, Ala.,noted sports astrologist Andrea Mallis consulted her astrological charts and data.
“I see him wearing down in September and October of 2006,” Mallis said. “He has the same Saturn aspect in Leo that Barry Bonds had last year. I see the same karma morass that caught up with Barry–you know, the injuries, the IRS, the mistress … this looks like a challenge for Juan Pierre. I am not going to sugarcoat things.”
Mallis, who has a degree in sociology, notes on her Web site virgoinservice.com that she has a regular astrology segment on the Oakland A’s postgame radio show and writes for MLB Magazine and espn.com, among other appearances.
According to Mallis’ charts, the 28-year-old Pierre faces physical challenges in February of 2007, March 2007 and June 2007.
“It’s problematic,” she said. “Bones, knees, joints, low physical energy.”
