You may remember this from '04.
Paul Bako was a back-up on the Cubs then, and he gave all the bench guys this "Lemons" nickname.
If you read the names on the illustration, you'll understand why.
I saw alot of Cubs/Reds games last year, and one thought that stands out very clearly in my head is this: Paul Bako is just not very talented.
Maybe he's one of those good clubhouse guys or something.
But if I have one serious concern with the 2009 Cubs, it'll be Paul Bako.
Should Geovany Soto go down for whatever reason (catchers go through more physical stuff than anybody on the team by like a million percent), the Cubs will be in a rough patch.
I understand the thinking, however.
Geo will be a sophomore.
He's super young for a starting catcher, and with his youth he should be able to hang tough all year.
But I fear the play at the plate, because he doesn't shy away from anything.
I don't need to see that freaking crazy Prince Fielder with a belly full of steam make the wide turn around third heading towards Soto...
Obviously money was a concern when the Cubs didn't re-sign Henry Blanco.
So even if it means they have a weak back-up catcher, if the money saved can somehow help bring Jake Peavy, then I'm fine with it.
