The biggest problem with the Cubs over the last couple years was their inability to work counts and striking out way to much. We as fans have witnessed the hacktastic Cubs swinging on the first pitch a lot and screaming, "Work the count!" The problem isn't so much swinging on the first pitch it is what happens after they swing and miss on the first pitch.

3 year averages - Hitting on a 0-0 count.

Patterson - 254 AB's - .374 BA - 37 RBI
Burnitz - 203 AB's - .355 BA - 59 RBI
Lee - 207 AB's - .396 BA - 40 RBI
Nomar - 407 AB's - .337 BA - 81 RBI
Am-Ram - 262 AB's - .286 BA - 50 RBI
Walker - 250 AB's - .312 BA - 34 RBI
Sosa - 158 AB's - .418 BA - 41 RBI
Alou - 330 AB's - .355 BA - 70 RBI

As you notice Nomar is the ultimate first pitch hacker. The man hates taking pitches. His job is to swing and hit, and he has made a good career out of doing it. On the other end of the spectrum Sosa was one of our most patient hitters. It should be noted Burnitz and Sosa have around the same amount of plate appearances over the last 3 years. So Burnitz is a tad more impatient and not as good at hitting on the first pitch.