Leadoff spot still an issue for Cubs

Finding a leadoff hitter with a good on-base percentage seems to be an annual problem for the Cubs.

During the weekend series against the Pirates, they gave a shot to Arismendy Alcantara, who went 2-for-15 over the three games. He has led off 15 times this year.

Alcantara has speed, and he has flashed some pop at the plate, but his on-base percentage is just .265. Part of that is understandable, as he has played in just 54 major-league games.

"It doesn't hurt us to see him as much as we can to see how he continues to handle his at-bats," manager Rick Renteria said. "We know he has the speed to be a top-of-the-order-type guy. He has a history in the minor leagues of being able to get on base, too. So there's nothing that says he can't do it here."

The Cubs also have used Chris Coghlan in the top spot, and he has an OBP of .348. Coghlan, who signed a minor-league deal last off-season, could be a guy the Cubs keep around next year.

The Cubs are likely to shop for a leadoff-hitting outfielder in the off-season. Even so, they'll take a good look at Alcantara in spring training.

"We were looking at numbers," Renteria said. "The league average on-base percentage is .315. Starlin (shortstop Castro) is like .329, .330. We're actually above league average with certain guys.

"Do I think he (Alcantara) should be better? Sure, in a prototypical world. But I think that comes with experience and time. Hopefully he's got the skill set that might allow him to do that."

Olt makes progress:

Mike Olt, fresh up from the minor leagues, had 3 singles and a walk in Sunday's 10-4 loss to the Pirates. Olt opened the season with the Cubs, but hitting woes put him in Class AAA Iowa by late July.

He's hitting .154 with 12 homers and 31 RBI. He has 30 hits overall this season in 195 at-bats. A third baseman by trade, he has been playing first base because Anthony Rizzo is out indefinitely with back problems.

"Mikey did very nice," Rick Renteria said. "Nice at-bat against (Pirates reliever John) Axford there at the end (a walk in the eighth inning). He had some good at-bats. He took some tough breaking balls and made contact. He's keeping his head down on the ball, and he looks comfortable. It's good to see."

The 3 hits represented a career high for Olt.