Ryan Theriot has been a hot topic of discussion on Goat Riders as of late, mostly because our newest writer Colin has voiced disdain for our talented shortstop.  (Well, talented might be an exaggeration.  I meant to say that he's scrappy.  And white.) 

First of all, I think we will all agree that Colin brings to the table something that this blog was lacking.  Thanks for that, Colin, we're thrilled that you're here and a good disagreement is always good for readership.

Secondly, I think you may be a little bit harsh on Theriot.  I will acknowledge that he was a pretty crappy player last year, and that stolen bases are overrated, and that his defensive abilities are not enough to outweigh his offensive mediocrity.  I fully support an upgrade at that position, much as I support the acquisition of another ace pitcher - something else that won't be happening any time soon.

But here's the deal.  While Theriot was offensively Meh-ish last year*, he was actually pretty close to being productive.  How close?  About one extra single a week close. 

I'm sure everybody who has seen the kickass movie Bull Durham remembers the scene where Crash Davis laments the difference between making The Show and being just not quite good enough, and it often boils down to getting one extra hit a week.   In Theriot's case last year, had he gotten 25 more hits, which is one more single every week of the season - something far from unreasonable - rather than bat .266 with a .326 OBP, he would have batted .313 with an OBP of .370.  

Now, maybe Theriot isn't capable of being that good, and sure, his slugging still may have been pretty mediocre.  But I will submit to you this fact: at his age, which is traditionally the age in which players put up their best numbers, Theriot is more than capable of being better than a .266 hitter, and, at the moment, he is wielding a hot bat.

I will submit to you, however, that he is capable of batting .280 over a season.  I will submit to you that he can draw an OBP of .340 or better. 

And even if Theriot can't, I do not have faith in Cedeno's offensive or defensive abilities.  I fully support an upgrade at that position, but even should it happen, Theriot belongs on the bench.  He has proven himself versatile and valuable.  

Lastly, while I will also agree that shortstop is the offensive position in which the Cubs should try to improve, it is very difficult to find a good shortstop.  For the value that Theriot has, and for the lack of expense, I think the Cubs best bet is to focus on finding another top pitcher as Ted Lilly just isn't cutting it in that role. 

Therefore, Theriot needs to stay.  If he does come back to earth - something we may see sooner rather than later - then the Cubs can always try to fill that position internally with the equally Meh-ish Ronny Cedeno, and I'd rather see them do that and upgrade in the rotation.

*I know, some of you are wondering what the scientific definition of Meh-ish is, much as I once got crap because I described Jim Hendry's spending behavior as "he threw a whack of money at players."  What's whack?  Similar to Meh, either you get it or you don't.