Derek Lee has played excellent ball all year long for the Cubs as his power stroke has returned. Lee has played in 134 games for the Cubs this season and he is 156 for 509 (.306 avg, .973 OPS) with 88 runs scored, 34 homers and 107 RBIs. Not only has Lee hit all season long but he also is an excellent defensive player saving errors for the other infielders. Lee was the MVP of the Cubs this season without a doubt.

The Cubs picked up 38-year old lefty swinging Jim Edmonds after he was released by the Padres early in the season when he looked washed up. After all, he played in 26 games for the Padres this season and he was only 16 for 90 (.178 avg, .498 OPS) with 6 runs scored, 1 homer and 6 RBIs. But, he fit right in with the Cubs showing that he still had his power stroke. Edmonds has played in 82 games for the Cubs this season and he was 62 for 241 (.257 avg, .940 OPS) with 45 runs scored, 18 homers and 48 RBIs. Edmonds is a battle tested player in the post season so getting him for nothing was a no brainer for the Cubs.

Jim Edmonds looked washed up in San Diego before the Padres cut him loose. Edmonds played in 26 games with the Padres and he was 16 for 90 (.178 avg, .498 OPS) with 6 runs scored, 1 homer, 6 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. But, he has regained his power stroke in the Windy City since coming to the Cubs. Edmonds has played in 37 games with the Cubbies this season and he is 32 for 113 (.283 avg, .945 OPS) with 15 runs scored, 8 homers and 24 RBIs. He has brought some added thump to the powerful Cubs lineup in addition to a still solid glove.

Cubs’ starting catcher Geovany Soto is off to an outstanding start to the season. He has played in 61 games this season for the Cubs and he is 63 for 219 (.288 avg, .908 OPS) with 25 runs scored, 11 homers and 42 RBIs. But, he has also whiffed 60 times this season but you won’t hear the Cubs’ complaining about that as long as he keeps hitting like he is right now. He will have a good shot to make the All Star team if he keeps playing at his current level.

Alfonso Soriano got off to a slow start this season and spent some time on the D.L. But since his return, Soriano has been absolutely on fire and it has really propelled the Cubs’ offense. Soriano has played in 25 games in May and he is 35 for 102 (.343 avg, 1.070 OPS) with 18 runs scored, 9 homers, 24 RBIs and 1 stolen base. His recent hot bat has made his season numbers look pretty good and the Cubs hope he keeps swinging a hot stick. Soriano has now played in 38 games for the Cubs this season and he is 45 for 159 (.283 avg, .876 OPS) with 25 runs scored, 11 homers, 29 RBIs and 3 stolen bases.