Down on the Farm: Pat Listach on Micah Hoffpauir

Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Pat Listach, manager of the Iowa Cubs, about what he expects to see from Micah Hoffpauirin Chicago. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.

What to expect when expecting Hoffpauir

Chicagoans have been expecting Hoffpauir to join the Cubs for some time now, and after a herniated disc sidelined Daryle Ward, Hoffpauir finally got his shot. The 28-year-old had a monstrous 2007 Triple-A campaign, hitting .319 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs, but a knee injury cut his season short, limiting him to only 82 games. Unfazed, the lefty followed that up by posting even better numbers in spring training. After a stint on the DL early this season, he continued to hit: In nine games for Iowa this year, Hoffpauir hit .324 with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs.

Count Pat Listach, the manager of the Iowa Cubs, as a believer that Hoffpauir will continue to mash in Chicago.

"He's going to hit." Listach said. "He's been a really good hitter the last few years, and I think he's going to hit up there as well. He is going to provide some power from the left side of the plate."

Hoffpauir's hitting skills are proven, but some still question whether he is ready to play a major-league outfield after taking up the position this year. However, Hoffpauir has shown his Triple-A manager that he is more than ready for the challenge.

"You know what, he's a good athlete," Listach said. "He gets good jumps on the ball, he's not a blazer, and he doesn't have great speed. But he gets good jumps, and he makes the plays. If he gets to the ball, he catches it. He has no problem with that. He looks like a natural out there to be honest."

Spending six years in the minors has been tough on Hoffpauir, and he is ready to make a name for himself at the major-league level. Listach and his staff have worked hard with Hoffpauir to make this next step and are glad the 2002 13th-round pick is finally getting a chance.

"He's a great kid," Listach said. "I couldn't be happier for him. He's really earned it, and he's worked hard and has battled through some injuries. He's finally there, and he's playing good. He got a couple hits [the other day]. So we are really happy for him."

Hoffpauir recorded his first major-league start (in leftfield) and base hit on May 21 in Houston. The hit, a double down the leftfield line was the first of two for the game. Since being called up on May 18, the Texas native has gone 5-for-11, and he recorded his first RBI last night, pinch-hitting in the eighth inning. Hoffpauir looks to be comfortable with his new surroundings and seems to be catching the eyes of everyone he plays around.

-- Zach Martin