Reed Johnson or Felix Pie? Who Do You Pick?

This year the Chicago Cubs have the strongest lineup top to bottom that they have had in recent memory. When looking at it, there really is no glaring weakness, nor is there any reason this team should not score a boat load of runs. There is one exception, Felix Pie. The young, highly touted outfielder that has seemingly been deemed "the future of the Cubs" for what seems like forever. Even though Pie is only 23, it seems like he has been coming up in the minors for years. But nonetheless, he has been touted as the next great outfielder, not only for the Cubs, but in the league. Well, needless to say, he's had some growing pains, as well as some return trips to Triple A. But that's alright, everyone takes time to develop.

Pie, thus far in his young career, has shown explosive speed, both on the base paths as well as in the outfield, a strong, sometimes accurate, arm, and occasional signs of maturity and progress shrouded by inconsistency at almost every turn. At this point, he has a high strike out rate, is inexperienced in both the outfield and on the base paths, and most alarming, doesn't seem to be improving. So the logic was used this year to let him play pressure free baseball by sticking him in the eight spot in the order and let him play center field and get loads of experience, as well as not having to worry about being a huge contributor on offense. Well that isn't working.....yet. The million dollar question is will it ever?

To make this question even harder, in a year when your team is favored to win your division, and some say the World Series, do you wait around for your supposed top tier prospect to come around? And if so how long do you wait? Or do you go for an upgrade (even if only temporary) to make the team more efficient and let Pie either get experience in Triple A or as a back up on the major league club?

"But the Cubs don't have anyone to replace Pie!!" said the Cub fan (probably an avid believer that Pie is the next Tori Hunter, or whoever). And until the last couple games, I would have agreed. But oh boy, wasn't the signing of Reed Johnson (after the Blue Jays dropped him by the way) a great move? Well it seems like it. He plays great defense in center, makes contact at the plate, and has provided a nice little spark for the Cubs the last few games, and truly allows for a great lineup 1-8.

So in my humblest opinion, and not that I don't think Felix Pie will amount to good things (maybe great things), but this year has the potential to be something special for the Northsiders, and at the end of the day, at the present time, I think Reed Johnson gives them to better chance to win ball games. However I do reserve the right to change my opinion when Johnson becomes the everyday center fielder and is hitting .184 in mid June ok? Ok.