The Cubs thought that they were getting a good left handed power bat when they signed Fukudome but he has not performed like advertised. In fact, the Cubs have dropped him way down in the batting order because of his lack of pop. Fukudome has played in 98 games for the Cubs this season and he is 98 for 353 (.278 avg, .786 OPS) with 62 runs scored, 7 homers, 36 RBIs and 8 stolen bases. The Cubs’ envisioned him being a player similar to Hideki Matsui but he’s nowhere near that league in regard to talent. The Cubs need more punch from Fukudome if they are going to hold on and win the National League Central.

The Cubs have placed closer Kerry Wood on the 15-day disabled list due to a blister on his right index finger. Wood has not pitched since July 11th because of the injury and his D.L. stay is retroactive to that date making him elgible to return to action on July 26th if he’s able. Wood has pitched in 44 games for the Cubs this season and he is 4-2 with 24 saves, a 3.02 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. He has only allowed 32 hits in 44.2 innings this season while whiffing 55 batters. The Cubs have finally found a role that suits Wood and has kept him healthy for the most part.

The Cubs have placed righty swingman Jon Lieber on the 15-day disabled list with a right foot sprain. Lieber has pitched in 25 games (1 start) for the Cubs this season and he is 2-3 with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. This injury will hurt the Cubs some as Lieber was a good long reliever and spot starter. They were smart to acquire Chad Gaudin last week from the A’s as he will assume Lieber’s old role going forward.

22-year old lefty swinging outfielder Tyler Colvin was the #3 prospect in the Cubs’ minor league system coming into this season according to Baseball America but he isn’t playing up to it right now. Colvin has played in 93 games in AA-Ball for the Cubs this season and he is 86 for 361 (.238 avg, .689 OPS) with 48 runs scored, 7 homers, 46 RBIs and 6 stolen bases. The Cubs like Colvin’s upside but he’ll need to start showing more to earn a promotion before this year is over.

23-year old lefty starting pitcher Donald Veal is the #6 prospect in the Cubs’ minor league system according to the Baseball America Prospect Handbook and the team was happy that the A’s didn’t ask for him in the Rich Harden trade. Veal has started 19 games in AA ball this season and he is 4-5 with a 3.33 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. But, he’s been very wild and that will need to change before he’s promoted above AA. He has walked 52 batters and hit 9 of them in only 100 innings. Veal will have a bright future with the Cubs if he can learn to tame the flame.