It's Mueller Time

You've got to root for Bill Mueller (above), who has been thrust into one of the least stable positions in the majors—third base for the Cubs , where 38 men have started since Opening Day 13 years ago. Through Sunday, Mueller , who was traded to Chicago last November after five seasons with the Giants, was hitting .300 with two home runs and four RBIs, and had yet to miss a game at a spot where no one has played as many as 130 games, reached 500 at bats, batted as high as .280, hit 20 home runs or driven in 70 runs in a season since 1988. Even if Mueller 's bat doesn't keep him in the lineup, his glove will—his .974 fielding percentage led National League third basemen last season. Here's how cold the Cubs' regulars at the hot corner have been.
—David Sabino

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]