Is Campana the answer at leadoff?

Last year, 25-year old speed demon Tony Campana broke onto the big-league scene in a big way. The Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor redefined speed for the Cubs, swiping 24 bases and being caught only twice. In addition to this, many fans noted his endless hustle and his knack for running out what are normally considered routine ground balls. However, he hit only .259 in limited action, and his on-base percentage of .303 was lackluster, especially as a leadoff hitter. As the Cubs break camp, the question is raised: “Is Tony Campana the answer at leadoff?”

Following his rookie campaign, the second-year Major Leaguer set to work, improving his strength in the offseason, working out in Arizona with Cubs’ second baseman Darwin Barney. Barney, himself, has added nearly 20 pounds of muscle this winter, according to sources. Campana had only one home run last season, an inside-the-park homer against Cincinatti that ricocheted off the angled wall down the left field line, and before the ball could be recovered, Campana had wheeled around the bases for his first and only career homer. With his speed, Campana can turn singles into doubles, doubles into triples – and with more strength, he will have these opportunities.

Regardless of how strong he is, Campana still needs work at the plate. His inability to get on base kept him out of an everyday role last season, and has him slotted in as the backup to Marlon Byrd starting 2012. He drew only eight walks last season, something that has and will keep him out of the leadoff slot this year. Looking forward, the question remains – “Is Tony Campana the answer at leadoff?”

Personally, I believe that Campana is the answer at leadoff. Under the leadership of Marlon Byrd and Reed Johnson, Campana will continue to blossom into a successful outfielder, and if he can work pitchers deeper into the count, there should be no reason why he doesn’t lead off for the Cubs in 2012. At last season’s pace, he would swipe over forty bases in a full season. Not only did he steal a lot of bases, but he didn’t get caught hardly ever – which one could easily argue is more important than total stolen bases.

As a matter of opinion, if Campana shows this Spring he can effectively get on base, I believe he should be the Cubs’ Opening Day leadoff man. In fact, I would bat him leadoff before this Spring, for the sole reason that he runs out ground balls, doesn’t give up on plays, and works hard – It’s been too long since the Cubs had a player who did that. Followed by Castro in the number two slot, the Cubs will have a duo of young hitters at the top of the lineup, setting the table for the middle of the order.

Tags: Darwin Barney, feature, Marlon Byrd, reed johnson, Starlin Castro, Tony Campana