Whose Your Chicago Cubs' MVP?

There are too many to pick, but here are three to consider: Soto, Fukudome, and Marmol

With over a fourth of the season in the books, the Chicago Cubs find themselves at an impressive 27-17 after completing an 8-2 homestand.

There are many early season heroes for the Cubs, from the usually consistent Derrek Lee to the ever emotional Carlos Zambrano. They've both done their part, but there are three integral parts: two new and another just continues to dominate.

The two Cubs' rookies, catcher Geovany Soto and right-fielder Kosuke Fukudome have brought patience at the plate and stellar defense. Soto is batting .321 with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .429, 14 doubles, eight homers, 30 RBIs and is slugging (SLG) .607. Soto leads the Cubs in OBP, doubles, RBI's and SLG. He has also compiled 27 walks and thrown out forty percent of attempted base stealers. All this from a rookie catcher, a home-grown future All-Star.

Since opening day, Fukudome has been "the fan favorite" of Cubs' nation. Since hitting a game-tying three-run homer on opening day against the Brewers, Fukudome has become a superstar seemingly overnight. In right field, the "Fu Fighters" hang out to lend their support, while vendors outside Wrigley Field sell Japanese headbands for all those looking to join the Fukudome frenzy. The right-fielder is hitting .314 with an OBP of .416, 11 doubles, two triples, and a team-leading 28 bases on balls. It's Fukudome's patient that has the greatest effect on the former free-swinging Cubbies. He has brought a discipline at the plate that has been missing for over a decade on the North Side. Following Sunday's game, the Cubs lead the majors in team OBP at .372. They also lead the majors in runs, RBIs, and on-base percentage plus slugging (OPS). In every other major statistical category, the Cubs find themselves second in doubles and batting average, and third in slugging percentage. One thing is clear, the "Fukudome Effect" has many positive results.


Finally, there is no higher rising star on the Cubs than a flame-throwing pitcher. He resides in the bullpen, continues to dominate, and is not named Wood. Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol has become a lethal weapon in baseball. He can get starters out of jams, leave hitters scratching their heads, and get the ball to closer Kerry Wood. Marmol has an astounding 1.61 earned run average (ERA) in 28 innings while incredibly punching out 40 batters. This comes after he posted a 1.43 ERA last year going 5-1 and striking out 96 hitters in 69 1/3 innings. Marmol has electric stuff from a 96 mile-per-hour fastball to the nastiest slider in the game today. It is picturesque to watch Marmol strike out the side or simply have a hitter's knees buckle while confusion and frustration spreads over their face.

So whose the Cubs' early-season MVP? It's simply too close too call. However, looking up and down the Chicago Cubs roster there are many names that have surprised and others who just continue to shine. A few other names you can throw into the mix are starting pitcher Ryan Dempster (5-1, 2.35 ERA), utility infielder Ronny Cedeno (..324 AVG, .403 OBP, 19 RBIs, 68 at-bats), and the red-hot Alfonso Soriano (.296 AVG, 10 HRs, 26 RBIs).

Regardless, the Cubs have turned the corner at the plate, at home with a major-league best 19-8 home record, and hopefully as the "lovable losers." All I know is this 2008 Cubs' roster is stacked. If you want an MVP, you pick because at any moment one of the stars will get hot and carry the squad.

So let's forget MVP's for now and just watch a team play.