Bruce Levine chimes in with a interesting story. He said top prospect Starlin Castro shortstop could be on his way to the show soon.
According to him, the Cubs have been keeping a daily tab on him in Double A. Randy Bush is with the Smokies right now keeping an eye on him and giving GM Jim Hendry daily reports on how he is doing. They will decide (Hendry and Bush) when to sit down with Cubs management to talk about the call-up for Starlin Castro.
If Castro does get the call, the Cubs will move Theriot to 2B and insert Castro in at SS. That leaves Jeff Baker, Mike Fontenot and Chad Tracy as one to be traded. Everybody thinks Fontenot is the odd man out. I would say he should be because of his age compare to Baker and Tracy is cheaper.
Levine also mentions Castro could stop at Triple A to get a littler more work in but won't be there for long.
I just can't wait to see this kid come up and play. The Cubs will also finally have a true leadoff man.
I guess time will only tell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Fontenot and Theriot are long-time teamates and Lou is in love with lefties. So I don't think they will get rid of Fontenot, even if he is mediocre at best.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right but I think Baker is more usefull. He can play the OF, 3B, 1B, 2B and probably SS if Fontenot can. I also like him better because he is younger.
ReplyDeleteI agree. He's a team player with a great "can do" attitude and has a better SLG. He's a power hitter with more utility options. But Fonty and Theriot are like brothers. They played together at LSU and won a national title. Theriot is playing well, a leader on the team, and has Lou's ear. So, as long as Fontenot is contributing he has the edge. Especially since Baker had a slow start. The only way Baker will win out is if he betters his pct. against rightys and increses his HR's.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't help matters that the next generation of middle-infielders Castro, Flaherty, and Thomas are waiting in the wings and getting attention.
Also Baker is not playing enough like Nady and look at his stats. I do think Baker is the odd man out but in my opinion they both will be gone soon maybe noth this year but maybe the offseason.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Nady's career stats are great. Too bad that there are four other outfielders playing really well. The Cubs have depth this year for certain. Let's hope nobody gets restless and everybody plays for the team.
ReplyDeleteThe new batting coach could help with Jeff's swing. Look what Rudy's done for Soriano and Soto. He may have helped Mike some too?!
We'll see. One thing for sure if Jeff gets the opportunity - he'll give it all he's got.
I hope he turns it around. I'd like to see him stay with the Cubs.
In my own opinion, I like Baker better than Fontenot but like you said, Baker is probably the odd man out. I guess time will only tell us the answer.
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