Cubs'offensive numbers tell an interesting story

The 2006 version of the Cubs offense couldn't have been much more painful to watch.

Under the tutelage of former manager Dusty Baker, Cubs hitters swung early, swung often and seemed to believe Baker when he said that walks "clog the bases."

Things figured to improve in 2007 under manager Lou Piniella, who sent out positive signals early by saying such things as, "Your batting average can't be your on-base percentage."

Things have been better overall, despite mystifying drops in home runs from players such as Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, Jacque Jones and Aramis Ramirez. But Piniella was moved to lament his team's lack of run-scoring ability after a Tuesday night loss to the Dodgers.

Just how are the Cubs doing in key offensive categories compared with last year? The numbers tell the story.

Let's have a look:

-- On-base percentage: Last year's team finished dead last in the National League in the all-important category of OBP. Not surprisingly, they were 15th in runs scored.

This organization has taken a long time to come around to the notion that if you get on base, no matter how, you score runs.

The 2007 club entered Thursday 10th on OBP and eighth in runs scored.

-- Walks: These "base cloggers" are a key component to on-base percentage. Teams that take a lot of walks also make opposing pitchers work hard and get into their bullpens more quickly.

The 2006 Cubs were, ta da, last in drawing walks. This year's Cubs aren't doing a whole lot better. They were 15th entering Thursday.

-- Home runs: With Lee out with an injury most of last year, the Cubs fell to ninth in home runs, a far cry from the Sammy Sosa-led power days.

This year, only the Dodgers and Nationals, both of whom play in pitcher-friendly ballparks, have hit fewer homers than the Cubs.

When the Cubs aren't walking and aren't hitting home runs, it's difficult to score because they can't manufacture runs, either.

Lee hit 46 homers in 2005. He entered Thursday with 17. Jones has dropped from 27 (close to his career norm) last year to just 5 entering Thursday. Ramirez had a career-best 38 last year. His 2-run job Wednesday was his 20th.

The Cubs liked Soriano's 46 homers last year with Washington so much they signed him to an eight-year, $136 million deal. Partly due to injuries, he will hit about half that many this year.

--Slugging percentage: No difference here. They were 10th last year, and they've been the same this season. That slugging percentage is largely fueled by doubles.

-- Strikeouts: Strikeouts are bad, right? Not necessarily. When Sosa and Moises Alou were blasting homers, they also were striking out, and nobody complained.

Last year's Cubs struck out the third-fewest times in the NL and won only 66 games. This year's club had the fifth-most strikeouts entering Thursday. And a strikeout isn't the worst that can happen - a double-play grounder is far more devastating.

Methinks the Cubs and their fans would take a few more strikeouts this year in exchange for more power.

Bottom line, Wrigley Field is still a power-hitter's park, whether the wind is blowing out or in. A few more homers will help the offense and have everybody breathing easier come Sept. 30.