As we go into this upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers, I thought I’d take a look at one of the Cubs best players this season, Nate Schierholtz.

Nate came to the Cubs from the Phillies last December for a one year 2.2 million dollar deal.

I wouldn’t have thought that Nate would have made the big impact that he has made on the club, but here he is at the end of June and batting .296 and is a candidate to represent the Cubs in the 2013 All Star Game in New York. if that’s a hint to get out and vote for Nate, I don’t know what is.

“I signed here because I knew I’d have a chance to play here more than I have in the past,” Schierholtz said. “My goal is to go out and help the team win and get on base and drive in runs. That’s something I’ll continue to work on. I’m just happy that I’ve been given this opportunity.”

Schierholtz is second on the team in home runs with 10 just behind Tony Rizzo who has 12. He is also second in batting average with .296 behind Ryan Sweeney.

What’s so interesting about Nate is he’s only played 63 games as compared to Starlin Castro who has played 73.

Even though he doesn’t lead the team in the offensive categories, he has been outstanding with the Cubs this year.

Do the Cubs trade him? I don’t think so. He’s 29 years old and when the Cubs prospects start coming up, he’ll be in the lineup on a regular basis. Let’s face it, Alfonso Soriano is having a great season but his days are numbered. Nate will become a great veteran presence on the club to prospects Brett Jackson, Jorge Solar, Albert Almora, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant.

So, I say keep Nate Schierholtz because he’ll be one of the great keys to the future Cubs and the road to the World Series.

—Mark