Voters may prefer young guns, but not Lou

NEWS & NOTES – Cubs

A new poll on Chicago Tribune’s Web site asks fans who would they rather see playing the corner outfield positions everyday for the Cubs, a rookie or a veteran. Here are the results as of 12:50 today.

That’s a pretty overwhelming majority in favor of the rookies. The play of both Fox and Fuld has been laudable. The spark and energy provided by Fuld in the outfield and as a much needed speedy bat is excitable, as is Fox’s power. Both demonstrated there abilities this weekend, which is no wonder fans felt compelled to vote in that direction. Be that as it may, though Lou has credited the pair of rookies for their contributions, he’s still loyal to his veterans.

“I said that I was going to have to play my veteran players,” Piniella said. “They’re going to have to get it done. I’ll get [the kids] in as much as I can, but I’m going to lean as much as I can on our veteran players here and see what they can do and how far we can go.”

Personally, I wouldn’t mind shutting Soriano down for the rest of the season and letting Fox and Fuld fight for a roster spot in 2010. But before a recent 2-for-23 swoon, Bradley was one of the most productive Cubs hitters of the second half. He’s done especially well in his trial as a two-hitter (.275/.383/.412 in 13 games) and his ability to get on base and force a lot of pitches sets a tone for the lineup. I’d keep him in the lineup.

Lou hasn’t thrown in the towel on 2009, which is why it’s understandable he wants to believe his veteran players can find past success and at least prove something down the stretch. So even though Cubs fans might hope to see more of Fuld and Fox, don’t count on it.