Kosuke Should NOT Be Benched

I can't believe I wrote that, but I did and here's why.

1. Chavez Ravine has a HUGE outfield, and Fukudome's strength is his defense. You need a guy who can run patrolling right.

2. DeRosa has a gimpy leg right now. The guy is dinged up right now and running down fly balls or gappers probably isn't going help his leg. Despite his error on Thursday, his bat needs to be in the line up.

3. Redemption. You need to stick DeRo back at second so he can make up for his error in the field (he certainly did his job at the plate).

4. Kuroda. The Cubs haven't been able to figure him out yet in their prior two starts against him, but Fukudome has the most experience against him. Tap into his knowledge and share it with his teammates.

5. 38 Million Dollars. I believe that is what's left on Kosuke's contract. He hasn't put in the time in the cage like he should (Man Ram is constantly hitting and he's got a bigger contract and bigger talent than anyone on the Cubs right now). You stick him in the doghouse now, you risk losing him for the next three years.

I can't believe I'm sticking up for Fukudome, but I am. Start him Lou.