Micah Hoffpauir is Ready to Replace Derek Lee as the Cubs First Baseman

It's time. Micah Hoffpauir, the power-hitting first baseman prospect of the Chicago Cubs should take over for Derek Lee this year. I heard this same argument last spring from some Cubs fans and thought people were crazy, but after seeing Micah Hoffpauir's minor league season last year, it's clear here's ready for the challenge.

As the Cubs attempt to take the next step, beyond regular season studs, and into playoff contenders, Micah Hoffpauir could prove to be a necessary step. As much as I've loved Derek Lee, sentiment can't get in the way. Like Ryan Howard's ascension during Jim Thome's injury with Philadelphia, the Hoff's time is now. Here's why:

Derek Lee isn't providing the power any more, Micah Hoffpauir will
Let's face it, Derek Lee doesn't have the power he had before his wrist injury. He's always been a reliable double's hitter, but when he left the Marlins to come to the Cubs that extra power developed playing in Wrigley Field. Over the last few years he hasn't had it, and he'll probably never get it back. Micah Hoffpauir has shown that he can crush the ball. According to Mlb.com, Micah Hoffpauir hit 25 home runs last year in only 290 at bats with the Iowa Cubs. Remember, he was injured for a good chunk of the season too, which is why he didn't get more at bats.

The Cubs need more leftie pop: Micah Hoffpauir's the answer
The Cubs have failed in the playoffs the last few years because they haven't been able to hit off quality right hand hitters. They've addressed part of this problem with the addition of Milton Bradley and the ascension of Mike Fontenot to the starting lineup, but adding Micah Hoffpauir as a power hitting first baseman would dramatically help the situation. The Cubs have Soriano, Soto, and Ramirez providing pop from the right-side. They need someone like Micah Hoffpauir providing it from the left.

Micah Hoffpauir is no spring chicken
Micah Hoffpauir is 29 years old. It's now or never time for him, and he has shown the ability to adapt. Earlier in his career scout complained his swing was too long for the majors, so he's shorted it. When Micah Hoffpauir came up with the Cubs last year, he batted .342 in 33 games, according to Mlb.com. This showed he could rock it among the big boys. Will major league pitchers adapt to him? Yes, but Micah Hoffpauir has shown that he can adapt right back. If you saw him play last year, you saw the baseball absolutely fly off his bat. Would I push Derek Lee out if Micah Hoffpauir was a 22 year old prospect? No, but Micah Hoffpauir is a man now, not a boy. He'll be better able to do what he needs to do to be successful in the majors.

In baseball, you have to make changes before they're necessary. The Cubs have failed to make it to the World Series the last few years because they have been too right handed. Think about what you could get in return for trading Derek Lee? Micah Hoffpauir is ready to take on the challenge, and the Cubs would be a better team with power from the left-side and whoever the Cubs got in return for Lee. Micah Hoffpauir, your time is now.