Hit in the Soler Plexus

So, you'll recall all the way back to yesterday how I wrote about that the beloved Chicago Cubs haven't won a World Series in 108 years, but under new management they've been rebuilding their minor league system and have what is being called the "core four" -- four highly-touted prospects they hope to bring up to the major leagues soon.

At the end of the season, most teams will promote some of their prospects for the last remaining weeks, and on Wednesday the Cubs started one of those "core four" for the first time, 22-year-old Jorge Soler -- who in his very first at bat in the major leagues hit a home run.

Last night on Friday was his third game.  And his first against the Cubs' longtime historic rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals.  And so, it's only proper that two is the number.

No, no, I don't mean he hit his second home run.  I mean -- last night, he hit two more.  He now has a total of three home runs.  (He also went 3-3.  So, he's now got 7 hits in his first 11 at bats.  That's an average of .636.)

No, it's not going to keep being "this easy."  It's not even going to be easy.  In baseball, if you get out seven times out of ten, and hit .300, you'll end up in the Hall of Fame.  You don't hit .636.  This is three games.  He's just 22 and only has a paltry 500 at bats of experience.  (Teams like a player to have at least 1,000.)  The dust bin of baseball is filled with hot prospects who started off spectacularly and them plummeted.  Eventually, major league pitchers adjust, and find the young player's weak spots.  It's what they do with all rookies.  And then it's up to the batter to fix whatever isn't working and adjust.

But this is sure a good way to start.  Especially when your team hasn't won in 108 years.

There is no truth that when God created the concept of hope, He also created the Chicago Cubs.  But research shows that He began thinking about them then...

And so, here's to hope.