Cubs fans know what it's like to have fear.
The fear of a playoff sweep. The fear of a fan interfering with a ball. The fear of the $6 beer spilling in the bleachers.
Some players, more than others, strike that same fear into Cubs fans every time they take the field. As they look to break the infamous 101-year curse, the Cubs are extremely thankful there is no team like this.
Starting Pitcher—Chris Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals
Past three seasons against Cubs: 2.87 ERA, 1-2, five games
Although the Cubs have the advantage in wins against him, his ERA shows how hard of a time the Cubs have had when Carpenter is on the mound. He struck out 25 Cubs, while walking only six and giving up only two home runs in five games.
Chicago hitters only have had a .225 average against him, and Carpenter has had a .273 batting average against Cubs pitchers.
Relief Pitcher—Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee Brewers
Past three seasons against Cubs: 0.00 ERA, 7/7 saves, nine games
Not many teams have had success against Hoffman, but the Lovable Losers have been an utter failure. Not only have the Cubs never come back to win a game when Hoffman enters, but they been struck out 11 times, compared to five hits for a .161 average.
Now, "Hell's Bells" is on a division rival, so Cubs fans can only hope they are leading going into the ninth inning against the Brewers this season.
Catcher—Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers
Past three seasons against Cubs: .333 average, one HR, nine RBI, 54 AB
Martin has taken the league by storm as one of the best hitting catchers, and he has not spared the Cubs in that time. Although catchers are not usually known for their hitting prowess, Martin had a .403 OBP.
What he is known for best is calling a game behind the plate, and Cubs fans know how bad he has been to them in that area (see: 2008 playoffs).
First Baseman—Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers
Past three seasons against Cubs: .302 average, 13 HR, 33 RBI, 172 AB
Fielder represents the second Brewer on this list, and it's no coincidence. Over the past three years, the Cubs and Brewers have developed a heated rivalry, and Fielder represents the biggest reason why. He has scored 33 runs, has had a .616 SLG, and an OBP of .398.
Second Baseman—Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
Past three seasons against Cubs: .385 average, three HR, eight RBI, 65 AB
He has not faced the Cubs as much as some of the division rivals, but since he became an everyday player in Philadelphia, he has torched the Cubs.
His high batting average joins an astounding .453 OBP, .662 SLG, and seven doubles. The only thing the Cubs have been able to take solace in is his ability to strike out; Cubs pitchers have gotten Utley on strikes 17 times.
Shortstop—Edgar Renteria, San Fransisco Giants
Past three seasons against Cubs: .316 average, three HR, 10 RBI, 57 AB
The Cubs have not had too much trouble against shortstops the past few years, but Renteria has given the Cubs fits. He has amassed a .391 OBP, .526 SLG, and has drawn six walks.
Third Baseman—David Wright, New York Mets
Past three seasons against Cubs: .354 average, three HR, 15 RBI, 65 AB
Just as he has done against the rest of the league, Wright has given the Cubs nightmares. Thanks to his 16 walks, his OBP is an a very high .470, and he has scored 13 runs in the time span.
Left Field—Carlos Lee, Houston Astros
Past three seasons against Cubs: .331 average, 13 HR, 28 RBI, 148 AB
You say the words "Cubs Killers", and Lee should be the first name to pop in your mind. He has a .385 average OBP, thanks to two things—He strikes out often (17 times), and most of his hits (13/49) go over the fence.
Not mentioned on the stat sheet is his number of go-ahead or game-winning dingers ... something Cubs fans know about all too well.
Center Field—Nate McLouth, Pittsburgh Pirates
Past three seasons against Cubs: .267 average, five HR, 14 RBI, 116 AB
Not many center fielders have given the Cubs too many problems, but McLouth has been the exception. Of his 31 hits, 14 have been for extra bases, and his .393 OBP has helped him score an amazing 22 times. In simpler terms, when McLouth plays, he usually scores.
Right Field—Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox
Past three seasons against Cubs: .311 average, five HR, 14 RBI, 61 AB
The lone American League player on the squad, Dye is the AL version of Carlos Lee—terrific numbers overall, scarier times when in the clutch.
Nine of his 19 hits have gone for extra bases, accounting for a killer .623 SLG. When the two clubs meet each year, Dye usually represents the winning run for the Sox.
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