Gameday
The Rise of Tyler
April 06, 2010

by McCamie Cole 

There’s been a lot of attention on the Cubs’ outfield lately; Soriano’s questionable wheels, Fukodome’s bat, and Sam Fuld’s inability to catch a routine fly ball.  But the biggest surprise to come out of camp, in my opinion, is the play of Tyler Colvin. 

Colvin, who joined the Cubs in 2009, ended the year with an BA of .176 and an OBP of .250, squeaking out 3 hits in 17at bats.  This year in Arizona, Colvin has played twice as many games than 2009 achieving 29 at bats and currently leads the team in hits (15), touched bases (23), and has the highest batting average of any player in camp to date (.517).  He’s tied for second in doubles and triples, and is in second place for RBI’s with a total of 6 behind Fontenot’s 8.  Much of the credit is given to Colvin’s off season training.

Unlike both Soto and Zambrano, who walked into training camp a bit more slender than last year shedding a combined weight of 55 pounds, Colvin went the opposite route, adding 25 pounds of muscle to his frame.  And most of that muscle is seemingly going to his bat. But with long term contracts for the outfield already in place for Soriano, Fukodome, and Marlon Byrd, it seems Colvin may not get a place on the starting roster. 

I can already see Hendry creaming his pants over Colvin’s huge improvement in the off season and no doubt Hendry is already looking to trade him for another crap reliever but Lou was quoted in the Tribune as having high hopes for this kid:

  “While answering a question Friday about Starlin Castro, Cubs manager Lou Piniella abruptly changed the subject.
‘The other kid who has done nice here is Colvin,’ he said. ‘He takes a nice pass at the ball, he's a good outfielder. I'll tell you, he's vastly, vastly improved with the bat from what we saw last September. That was at the end of the minor-league season. He was probably a little tired. He put on some weight, some muscle, and it really has shown in his bat speed.’

With major cuts expected early this week to slim down the 40 man roster, you can bet Colvin is staying put if Lou has anything to say about it.  The question is, will Pinella be able to convince Hendry not to screw the organization over yet again because Hendry is…well….Jim Hendry.  I can see the conversation clearly.

HENDRY: So Lou, how can I really mess with the team this year? *adjusts suspenders with thumbs*

LOU: Mr. Hendry, you’re standing on my testicles.

HENDRY: QUIET!  You sit still or I’ll bring Bradley back! *lights Cuban cigar with hundred dollar bill*

TOM RICKETTS: I like crackers!

HENDRY: God, I hate Chicago.

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