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.

The Cubs have traded outfielder Angel Pagan to the Mets for outfielder Corey Coles and righty pitcher Ryan Meyers. The 22-year old Meyers was the key to the trade for the Cubs. He pitched in 41 games in A-Ball last season and he was 1-4 with 13 saves, a 2.79 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. 25-year old lefty swinging Corey Coles played in A, AA and AAA ball last season. He played in 98 games in the minors last season and he was 111 for 388 (.286 avg, .688 OPS) with 47 runs scored, 1 homer, 31 RBIs and 11 stolen bases.

The Cubs are still in first place in the National League Central with a 83-76 record, 2 games ahead of the Brewers.  The Cubs have three games left this season against the Reds in Cincy while the Brewers have three home games against the Padres.  The big three hitters on the Cubs (Soriano, Lee and Ramirez) are all hitting the ball well right now.  Ramirez is 8 for his last 27 (.296 avg) with 6 runs scored, 3 homers and 9 RBIs.  Derek Lee is 12 for his last 26 (.462 avg) with 8 runs scored, 3 homers and 6 RBIs.  And Alfonso Soriano has been outstanding at the top of the lineup as he is 9 for his last 27 (.333 avg) with 5 runs scored, 3 homers and 7 RBIs.  Look for the Cubs to hold on and win the Central.

The Cubs almost gave up on Jacque Jones as they had a trade in place with the Florida Marlins but they backed out of it.  It seems like that woke up Jones who had a horrid first half of the season with a bat in his hands.  In 34 games since the All-Star Break, Jones is 41 for 126 (.325 avg, .869 OPS) with 14 runs scored, 3 homers and 26 RBIs.  Jones will likely be a starting player the rest of the season as long as he continues to hit the baseball.  Jones has now played in 103 games this season for the Cubs and he is 91 for 341 (.267 avg, .717 OPS) with 38 runs scored, 5 homers and 46 RBIs.