Chicago Cubs 1-2 punch has Harry smiling

A legend among legends, former Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray was one of the most revered sports broadcasters of all time. His quirks were more endearing than annoying. From saying names backwards to overreacting to a routine fly ball. In all the years of Caray's broadcasting career, there was one name that he could not quite get the hang of.

After being called everything from Mark Gruzelniak to Mark G., Caray finally reached a compromise and just called Mark Grudzielanek the G-man. Even as a Dodger, Grudzielanek had Caray's respect. Although some may wonder whether it was for his play or for the fact he had to write his name every day. As fate would have it, the G-man is now the starting second baseman and leadoff hitter for the Chicago Cubs.

For the past couple of years, the Chicago Cubs have thought that their leadoff hitter of the future was sitting right in front of them. But Corey Patterson continued to disappoint. His abundance of strikeouts and one-pitch at bats were the exact opposite of what a leadoff hitter is supposed to be. The G-man, however, has delivered thus far.

The remarkable job that Grudzielanek has done is one of a few reasons the Cubs faithful are once again looking forward to the rest of the season and hoping that this is next year. After starting the season 5-for-5, the G-man has neither slowed down nor looked back. He has gotten a hit and scored a run in each of the six games he has been in. Ranking third in the National League in batting average and runs scored, he has turned into the leadoff man the Cubs thought they didn't have this spring.

On top of getting on base and allowing the number two hitter to have a man on base when he bats, his patience at the plate is critical. Sure, he has managed just two walks this season. But, in just about every game, he will have at least one at bat that goes to eight or nine pitches allowing the rest of the Cubs to get a good look at the pitcher.

Along with SS Alex Gonzalez, Grudzielanek has been the main impetus in getting the Cubs off to a 4-3 start during which they lead the league in batting average and runs scored, despite hitting just five homeruns as a team.

For manager Dusty Baker, he has substantiated the decision he made that was controversial around the city of Chicago. After a spring during which prospect Bobby Hill was virtually handed the job by the local media, Baker chose to stick with the G-man. For Baylor's critics, it confirmed what they had known all along and that was that he would take a veteran over a young kid in any circumstance. Questions or Comments? E-mail me at marcosantana77@hotmail.com.