Ryan Theriot

Yesterday I moaned and groaned about how the Chicago Cubs had lost and dropped below the .500 mark in terms of wins and losses. Today, the team split their resources for the final time this spring and knocked out both the Milwaukee Brewers on the road and the Seattle Mariners at home in Mesa.

I also complained that the Cubs only had three base runners yesterday on two hits and a walk. On Monday the two squads scored a combined twenty-seven runs on thirty-five hits.

That is why I love baseball. You never know what the next day will bring.

I also love consistency, and one thing that has been consistent throughout the spring has been the play of utility man Ryan Theriot. Of course, if he keeps hitting like he did today, it may be second baseman Theriot. Or it may be right fielder Theriot.

Today, he gathered four hits, three RBIs and scored twice. Among the four hits were a double and a triple. Of course, the headlines will go to Derrick Lee, who had similar numbers, but had a double and three singles. Or you could boast about Michael Barrett, who had four RBIs thanks to two home runs.

Alfonzo Soriano and Aramis Ramirez each had two hits including a home run. Cliff Floyd also had a pair of singles and scored twice.

These are just the guys playing in the Seattle game. Felix Pie can boast about three hits, including a triple in the Milwaukee game. Jacque Jones clobbered a three run homer in that game as well.

Still, you have to be excited about Theriot. He has hit .391 in the cactus league and played nearly every day. He has failed to coast since hearing he made the club. Something tells me he wants to start. It just does not matter where.

He can play anywhere in the infield and either corner outfield spot. If asked he could probably catch in the bullpen, serve hot dogs in the bleachers and water down the infield between innings.

If the Cubs do have an exceptional year and make it into the playoffs, forget Soriano and Lee. Listen for Theriot to be mentioned as an MVP for this club. Unlike some of the other rookie position players to come along in recent years, this man is not expecting anything to be handed to him. He has worked hard for the roster spot. It will be fun to see he can do next.