From 2001-2008, the Cubs pitching staff lead the league in strikeouts every season. With a couple top 5 finishes in the years after that. And that may have been a good thing, as the Cubs had quite a few defensive liabilities over the years. Well I personally believe that the most noticeable improvement this year with the new coaching staff and front office is improvement fielding the ball (last Friday's game notwithstanding). Soriano has greatly improved, Castro has greatly improved, Barney has greatly improved (not that he was bad before, he's just taken it to another level). Now the front office wants to generate their waves, and have consistent fundamentals taught; so I'd have to imagine that quality defense is going to be a staple going forward.

This being said, would it be in the Cubs best interests to put extra value in pitchers who don't rely as much on the strikeout as others? In my mind it would be smart, specifically in targeting groundballers. Castro, Barney and Rizzo represent a quality core of defensive infielders who aren't going to be slowing down due to age anytime soon. And we'll see about 3rd. Obviously I'd rather the Cubs draft/sign/trade for good strikeouts guys over bad groundball guys; but I'd like to see the organization value guys who generate ground balls more all other things equal. Plus the grounds crew could grow out the infield grass to the level that got Wrigley a reputation for an added home-field advantage.

Am I crazy for thinking this way?