April 19, 2016

Fair for Fowler

Dexter Fowler certainly appears to be on a mission this season. He doubled and homered as the Cubs beat the Cardinals handily Monday night in a 5-0 shutout. Fowler is now hitting an impressive .378/.500/.711. He’s getting on base when no one is on, and hitting for power when runners are on base.

This mission was noticed after just two games this season:

Maddon said he thinks Fowler is playing with a chip on his shoulder this season, partly because of the way the qualifying offer/draft-pick compensation system left him — and others — twisting in the wind all winter.

Maybe because of the way the game suddenly seemed to undervalue him after seven productive years (.363 on-base percentage) and a major contribution last season to one of the most intriguing, exciting Cubs teams in memory.

Whatever it is, Fowler has a new appreciation for the business side of the game (and deep hostility toward the qualifying-offer system). And recognizes the small window of opportunity he intends to seize with this team of friends.

With the power, he scored ten runs and drove in ten runs in 13 games. Cubs #9 hitters have a .349 OBP, which gives Fowler plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.

I also hope Fowler in on the MLBPA’s case about ending free agent compensation.

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