Rave review for Ryan
CUBS | Hot Theriot has proved to be team's shiniest diamond in rough
But Ryan Theriot? That's another subject entirely -- and one that Piniella loves.
''I find ways to get Theriot in the lineup because he deserves to be in there,'' Piniella said without hesitation. ''He's done a really good job, and because of that, I move things around a little bit.''
Theriot, 27, is the best example of Piniella's commitment to rewarding accomplishment. The Baton Rouge, La., native -- whose unassuming demeanor hides a fiery competitor -- has been one of the Cubs' most consistent performers in any role Piniella has assigned.
He has played in 28 of the team's 29 games, committing only two errors while playing second base, third base, shortstop and once in right field. He is batting .312 with 16 runs scored and 11 RBI, has stolen a team-best five bases in seven attempts and owns a .382 on-base percentage that's second only to Derrek Lee (major-league-leading .496) among the regulars.
After going hitless against the Washington Nationals on Friday and Saturday, it was Theriot who delivered the clutch ninth-inning single Sunday that tied the score at 3-3 -- and he did it after fouling off a half-dozen of pitcher Chad Cordero's two-strike deliveries.
''I can't tell you how pleased and happy I was about the at-bat that Ryan Theriot had,'' catcher Michael Barrett said. ''I can't tell you how important that was. And the job he's done of getting on base consistently for our big hitters -- he's done a phenomenal job, and he's making it look easy.''
For an unheralded prospect who made his way up the farm system after being drafted out of LSU in the third round in 2001, Theriot may be the Cubs' shiniest diamond in the rough. The glint began to show last season during his first extended tour in the majors.
Theriot was called up three times: a two-week stretch in May, a one-week stretch in July and again in late July through the end of the season. In the last tour, he hit .347 (42-for-121) in 44 games, went 3-for-3 in bases-loaded situations and hit .545 (12-for-22) with 13 RBI with runners in scoring position.
''Last year toward the end of the season, I got over that hump of 'Hey, you can play here, and you can play well here,''' Theriot said. ''It was probably with about two months to go in the season, and after that, it wasn't even a thought. Just go out there and do what you do and make it happen.''
Still, the Cubs committed a three-year, $13 million contract to free agent Mark DeRosa to play primarily second base. DeRosa's versatility as a third baseman and outfielder also was part of his appeal, but it was Theriot who was considered the likely utility player.
Theriot's solid spring and strong early play forced Piniella to reconsider.
''Lou's going to play guys he feels will help him win games,'' Theriot said. ''It could be me this week. Next week, it might not be me. If I have a couple bad games, I might not be that guy. But to have that vote of confidence feels pretty good, and it gives you a little more of that confidence you need to perform, knowing that he believes in you.''
Theriot's ''low-maintenance'' personality and understanding of his role also has influenced Piniella's decision-making.
''Wherever I am in the lineup, my job is going to be the same -- it's to see some pitches and get on base,'' Theriot said. ''I'm not going to be hitting third, fourth, fifth or sixth. Anything other than those, your job is to do one thing -- get on base.''
And, like his manager, Theriot believes he will get that job done.
''That confidence and believing-in-yourself stuff? That's more important than anything,'' Theriot said. ''You have to go up there and be able to say, 'OK, I'm 0-2, it doesn't matter. We're down four or five runs? It doesn't matter.'
''That's the stuff that takes a little while to get, but once you get it, you definitely have an edge on your opponent.''