Cubs: Remembering Mark DeRosa and his astonishing years

Journeyman Chicago Cubs’ Mark DeRosa made his stop in 2007 and 2008 and gave fans two remarkable seasons that true fans will always appreciate.

Not only was Cubs’ Mark DeRosa a journeyman in his 16-year MLB career, but he was also a true utility player. In his two-year stint with the team in 2007 and 2008, it’s easier to say the only positions he did not play were pitcher, catcher and center field.

He almost made his way entirely around the field in just two seasons and managed to put up quality numbers while doing so. He was a player that would have genuinely thrived In Joe Maddon’s system; it’s just a shame he came around too early.

In his two seasons, in Chicago, DeRosa batted .289, with an on-base-percentage of .373 and ops of .824. Being able to put up these numbers while bouncing all over the field as he did is extraordinary.

This is the type of player Maddon dreams of having. His lack of staying put wasn’t just limited to what position he played, as DeRosa found himself apart of eight different teams during his career. A true yes man and someone willing to do whatever it took no matter how uncomfortable his situation always appeared to be.

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One of the best memories I have of DeRosa in a Cubs uniform is from the 2008 NLDS. The team won the division for the second straight season by winning 97 games. 2007 was a massive disappointment as the team was back in the postseason for the first time since 2003, only to be swept in the NLDS by the Diamondbacks.

In 2008, the Cubs drew the Dodgers this time in the NLDS. I remember arriving at Wrigley for Game One, unsure of how optimistic about being. However, at the top of the second, DeRosa drilled a two-run homer to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead.

The feeling in the stadium was that something special might be on the horizon, and hope was in the air for the first time in a long time. The Cubs ended up losing the game 7-2 and got swept again, but DeRosa had left his mark.

Although DeRosa only spent two seasons with the team, he made a lasting impact on the team, and positive thoughts come to mind when the name is mentioned to fans.

After the 2008 season, DeRosa was traded to the Indians for three minor pitchers, including Chris Archer. This, along with a few other moves, was made for the team to sign the infamous Milton Bradley that offseason. We don’t need to discuss how that one turned out.

Overall, DeRosa made a lasting impression during his time in Chicago, and watching him on MLB Network today is enjoyable. The versatility and consistency he provided is something this team today would greatly benefit from.