The hits just keep on comin'

How about a little shoutout for Gerald Perry?

After 20 games, and keep in mind 14 teams use designated hitters, Cub hitters rank third in MLB (2nd NL) in walks, second in MLB (1st NL) in both on-base percentage and hits, and lead the majors in runs scored and pitches drawn per plate appearance.

Perry has track record as a hitting coach of improving teams in those categories, but it’s been awhile since we saw that in Chicago. The chance of starting eight fielders all with on-base percentages over .400 (Fukudome .477, Soto .429, DeRosa .415, Johnson .415, Lee .411, Ramirez .409, Theriot .408, Cedeno .406) might be a first in Cubs history.

That pitches-drawn category might seem like a minor statistic at face value, but there aren’t a lot of stellar bullpens out there, and the more starters you force out early on pitch counts, the more late runs you’re going to score and the more teams you’ll put away before they can chip away at your lead. If this was a playoff series against the Mets and New York had to burn four relievers for 77 pitches in three innings like they did yesterday (without even pitching the ninth), you compromise their bullpen for the next day too.

I don’t like to get this excited this early, but it just feels like there’s a different atmosphere this year. There’s an awful lot to like about these Cubs, and to twice shut down and then pile on a Mets team that’s been predicted to win the NL, even with Soriano on the shelf, is a very good sign.

Oh, and the ex-Cub of the Week is former reliever Todd Wellemeyer, who’s 2-0 in four starts for the Cardinals with 26 strikeouts in 25 innings.