Ryan Dempster has been the Cubs’ second best starting pitcher so far this season. After years of relieving, Dempster has really excelled this season in the rotation. Dempster has started 6 games for the Cubs this season and he is 4-0 with a 3.16 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. Dempster needs to sharpen his control as he has walked 19 batters in 37 innings this season and that needs to change if he is to remain effective. He has only allowed 22 hits in 37 innings this season and that is why the walks haven’t hurt him yet but his stuff isn’t good enough to keep missing bats like he is right now.

Backup shortstop Ronny Cedeno was rumored to be involved in trades with the Orioles all winter long for Brian Roberts, but, he has really been a asset so far this season for the Cubs. Cedeno has played in 22 games for the Cubs this season and he is 18 for 47 (.383 avg, 1.047 OPS) with 14 runs scored, 1 homer, 16 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Mike Fontenot was given his big chance last season as many scouts didn’t think he would prosper because of how small he is. But, he proved them all wrong last season and he’s doing it all over again this year. Fontenot has played in 26 games this season for the Cubs and he is 15 for 51 (.294 avg, .869 OPS) with 9 runs scored, 2 homers and 11 RBIs. Fontenot & Cedeno have been huge contributors off the bench for the Cubs and they have been the silent assassins of the team.

The Cubs are glad that Derek Lee has re-discovered his power stroke so far this season. Lee has played in 31 games for the Cubs this season and he is 43 for 127 (.339 avg, 1.032 OPS) with 28 runs scored, 8 homers and 23 RBIs. Lee would even have better RBI numbers if the batters ahead of him were getting on base often. Lee also is still showing Gold Glove defense at first base as he has been the Cubs’ best player by far so far this season.