Question about 1B

by DR33 on Jan 12, 2009 1:01 PM CST Comment 53 comments

This is my first fanpost, so I apologize if this has been discussed in previous posts.

Now that D-Ro and Ward are gone, who backs up Lee at first? I know that the logical answer is Hoffpauir, but I don't think it's quite that simple.

Assuming the Cubs go with 12 pitchers, I would think that the remaining 5 bench spots would look like this:

Johnson/Fukudome (Platoon)-OF
Gathright-OF
Miles-IF/OF
Fontenot/Cedeno/Theriot-IF
Back-up Catcher

Where does Hoffpauir fit? I suppose that this could work itself out with injuries and what not, but with talk of Lee getting more rest this season, who plays first base when Lee doesn't start?

I'm sure there is a logical answer that I'm overlooking. Thanks!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Cedeno might be gone

Theres no need to keep two backup SS, if Miles can indeed play SS and none of the bench players in your scenario is much of a power threat, so Micah would be our best option for that

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 12, 2009 1:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That's My Vote

My 2008 Christmas wish list includes this jersey. In Hendry We Trust!

by initram on Jan 12, 2009 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

cedeno

is needed to back up 3B as well.

-clarknaddison

by clarknaddison on Jan 12, 2009 5:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe Miles does that as well

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 12, 2009 5:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hopefully

someone not named Micah Hoffpauir, the amazing AAAA player.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 12, 2009 1:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Gathright's a given for the ML club....

…and Cedeno will be traded in spring training.

I think Hoff is given the job of backup 1B, emergency OF, and LH PH out of spring training, then if he doesn’t do the job, we’ll see a trading deadline deal.

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on Jan 12, 2009 2:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

This is how I see it as well. For all Hoffpauir’s faults, he is a decent defensive first baseman (from what I’ve read). So, who knows, maybe keeping him around to rest DLee regularly may pay off.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 12, 2009 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They gave gaithright a decent contract tho

I don’t think they would have signed him to play AAA…

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Jan 12, 2009 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe Gathright is out of options.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Jan 12, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Me thinks hes just an option

Does anyone have the details to his contract? I think he’s just an invite to spring training. I would be surprised if he cracks the opening day team. Unless of course somebody like Fukudome or johnson is traded. I doubt Johnson has much marketability.

"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher

by Musicdude10 on Jan 12, 2009 9:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

cots has it

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/chicago-cubs_112114177768677294.html

It’s definitely more than “just an invite to ST”. 800 grand.

by toonsterwu on Jan 12, 2009 10:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Johnson probably has more marketabilty than Dome.

And it really appears that Gathright is here to, sadly, replace Felix Pie. So I’ll be surprised if he’s NOT on the opening day roster.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 13, 2009 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My guess at the bench is

on a 12 man stuff, i think our positional depth is

A catcher (Bako, Hill, Johnson, doesn’t matter)
Fontenot/Miles (whoever isn’t starting)
Reed Johnson
Joey Gathright
Micah Hoffpauir

Micah is, as of now, the only bench bat we have with pop, and considering our limited finances, it seems highly unlikely that he doesn’t make it if the rosters don’t change. I don’t expect us to essentially carry 4 MI’s and expect Cedeno to be moved at some point, with Aaron Miles being signed to backup at short and split 2nd with Fontenot, IMO (and Fontenot may get some reps at short, as has been rumored). Not exactly an ideal shortstop combination, but I think that’s the way it goes.

by toonsterwu on Jan 12, 2009 2:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

who backs up 3B?

This is why cedeno is needed, plus Miles isnt a true SS….we need cedeno.

-clarknaddison

by clarknaddison on Jan 12, 2009 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've been worried about this, too.

I guess the answer right now is Aaron Miles, but I heard the man himself say his strongest position is second base. And that doesn’t exactly bode well for his defensive prowess at third.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 12, 2009 5:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

maybe Aurillia?

ive seen his name mentioned by a few people on here

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 12, 2009 5:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The bigger problem isn't that Miles isn't a true backup

It’s that Theriot is a below average defensive shortstop. Teams can live with a Miles type as a backup.

I just don’t see us keeping four middle infielders, and unless we add a big bat, we need to keep Micah. The other possibility is to have Miles and Cedeno each start shagging some flyballs and to send Gathright to AAA.

by toonsterwu on Jan 12, 2009 6:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

why not?

Theriot played a few times in OF before he took over for Izturis

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jan 12, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, Lou did flirt with the idea of trying Cedeno in centerfield last season.

IIRC, Ronny was out there at least once during spring training. Lou seemed to abandon the idea pretty quickly, though. It’s hard to imagine Cedeno being given that chance over a known quantity like Gathright but, hey, stranger things have happened I suppose.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 13, 2009 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hoffpauir

All he can be with the Cubs organization is a backup first baseman until Derrek Lee leaves the team. For Hoff’s sake, I hope the Cubs trade him to a team that needs a starting first baseman or designated hitter. He deserves a shot to be an everyday major league player with what he’s done in the minors. That’s not going to happen for him with the Cubs.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jan 12, 2009 2:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

not many teams would likely utilize him as a starter

i mean, that’s the reality of it. the position is one that can be found. Add in his age, and few teams are going to trade for someone like Micah when, say, a guy like Kyle Blanks (amongst others) can probably be had and he can be projected as more of a long term answer.

by toonsterwu on Jan 12, 2009 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s not going to happen for him with the Cubs.

Let us all give thanks.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 12, 2009 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't Disagree with Sentiment

The Cubs are too good with Derrek Lee at first base for Hoff to start. I’d like to see Hoff go to a lesser team and be a starting first baseman or designated hitter.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jan 12, 2009 2:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

who

would give him a solid chance to be a starter. I’m not sure I see many teams out there. And if there was a team, they probably wouldn’t make the deal unless the price was right (meaning low, and Micah’s value to us as a bench bat with pop is higher). I mean, there are first base options out there, in the bigs and the minors. A lot of teams have a Micah-esque talent in their system, an older guy that is performing.

The only teams I can come up with that might have some modicum of interest in Micah and perhaps ponder starting him

Seattle – They are rebuilding, and Micah, in all likelihood, isn’t that much better than LaHair, and Clement may have to go to first.

Baltimore – eh … I mean Baltimore could go with Luke Scott at first, but it isn’t a stretch to think that maybe they stick with Scott as a DH/LF/1st option, and perhaps ponder it.

San Francisco – But I doubt they’d give up much.

Nationals – They seem to be getting tired of Nick Johnson’s health.

Maybe I’m missing someone, but it’s not that many teams. Even then, there’s a lot of options out there that said teams could go for, and moving him means finding a bench bat for us, which could be money we don’t have.

by toonsterwu on Jan 12, 2009 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hes 28 yrs old

hes not a starter for ANY team.

-clarknaddison

by clarknaddison on Jan 12, 2009 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hoffpauir will not make this team

Hoffpauir lacks the proven capability to pinch hit and that is the biggest prerequisite for the roster spot in question. The next biggest prerequisite is the ability to play multiple positions, and he fails on that one too.

Rich Aurilia is the guy that makes a lot of sense.

by BLou on Jan 12, 2009 9:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Aurilia fits as well as you suggest

I’m okay with that option if they choose that route, but I think Micah fits better. Furthermore, sure doesn’t seem likely that there’s that much payroll space to make anotehr signing, and I don’t see Hendry asking to expand the budget for Aurilia. If there is space, we should go after a LOOGY first.

I don’t buy the idea that a bench guy has to have the proven capability to pinch hit. Essentially, what you are saying is that he has to have the proven capability to be a poor regular. After all, that is essentially what a pinch hitter is, a guy who isn’t ideal for a regular role. I’m more than fine with Micah for 2 factors:

a) Defensively. Yes, I just said that. Aurilia is an average to below average first baseman. He’s below average at third. You don’t want him in the MI unless it’s an emergency, and at that point, anyone’s viable. Hoffpauir is, by most accounts, an above average glove at first, and with enough MI and OF options, we don’t need him there.

b) Power. We need a bench power threat. Aurilia will not provide that consistently

Factor those two aspects and the cost/payroll issue, and I’d rather roll the dice on Micah personally despite not being a huge fan, and I expect him to make the roster. I don’t think he’s this 25th/26th guy that some people are suggesting. I think he’s safely on at this moment in time.

by toonsterwu on Jan 12, 2009 9:48 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

I don't care for Hoffpauir much either.

But he hits lefthanded. Aurilia doesn’t. And, he’s cheaper. That probably seals it.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jan 13, 2009 4:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Totally agree, rec'd.

I’m not a huge believer in Hoffpauir, but I think he could fit well as a backup first baseman and PH with pop. Micah probably won’t be anywhere near as good as ’07 Daryle Ward, but he could perhaps match the ’08 DWaryle.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 13, 2009 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Where has Hoffpauir shown any evidence he can be a successful PH?

Ward, in ‘08, didn’t hit much, but drew a ton of pinch walks.

Hoffpauir struck out in 7 of his 14 PH at-bats with zero walks.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jan 13, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There you go again Al, confusing us with the facts. We all know Hoffpauir will

be a great pinch hitter beacause he’s LH and hits the ball real hard. That strikeout thing doesn’t mean crap. A pinch hitter should be swinging the bat, even if he misses by a foot. It’s pinch hitter, not pinch walker.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 13, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yabbut...

… what’s the point if he NEVER gets a pinch-hit?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jan 13, 2009 8:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying he'd be a great pinch hitter.

In fact, I agree that the evidence points to that being unlikely. I’m just saying he’d be an inexpensive LH option off the bench that could surprise us. More importantly, he could allow Lou to rest DLee more, which might help Derrek’s numbers.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 13, 2009 10:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

how many games

are we willing to lose with Hoff’s “glove” at first?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 13, 2009 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, toonsterwu has him pegged as a decent defensive first baseman.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 13, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that's what most places have indicated

that Hoff’s glove is above average. I read about in a reputable source, it was either ArizonaPhil or some other place. I’ll try to dig it up at some point.

From the little I’ve seen, he looks fine, but I wouldn’t claim to know how to judge it on a scouting scale.

by toonsterwu on Jan 13, 2009 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just can't see it

if he was “decent”, why hasn’t he been picked up?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 13, 2009 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, he has been picked up - by the Cubs.

They could’ve just released him or left him in the minor leagues. He probably hasn’t been brought up to the major leagues earlier or traded away because it took him so long to figure out minor league pitching. And I don’t think anyone is claiming he’s a defensive wizard or anything – just decent.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 14, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Precisely

The biggest priority for the roster spot being debated is the ability to pinch hit. Sorry, but I don’t see a 28 year old journeyman with a big swing coming off the bench cold and being effective as a pinch hitter. You want somebody who has a track record on a team that believes that it is a playoff contender.

by BLou on Jan 13, 2009 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

where has he journeyed from?

don’t you have to journey from team to team- he has been a Cub his entire career

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Jan 13, 2009 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Journeyed up and down the minor league ladder.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jan 13, 2009 8:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

to be fair

He only got sent down once, for 40 games in 2006…

Like I said, I’ll be saving seats on the bandwagon

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Jan 15, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't we normally heap

high expectations and completely unrealistic ceilings for our rookies?

Just because this guy is a couple years older than your atypical superstar rookie everyone assumes he can’t play in the ML.
He hit .362 in the minors last year along with hitting like 25 HR in 290 ABs….
Plus in the majors he hit above .300…. I know he has made defensive mistakes, but his minor league stats don’t show his defense as being that bad overall…. give the Hoff a chance!

Cubs Karma: Don't take anything for granted.....

by Andre Fonseca on Jan 13, 2009 12:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's not major league material

Triple A is overwhelmed with aging players like Micah Hoffpauir. Just because he can whop up on Triple A pitching doesn’t make him a legtimate contender to serve as pinch hitter and backup 1st baseman on the Cubs.

by BLou on Jan 13, 2009 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In this case, you may be right.

However, the stats he put up in AAA means the Cubs should take a chance on him as a cost effective LH pinch hitter rather than go spend a couple of million more on some goof to hit .240 coming off the bench. Chances are good Hoff can deliver at least that.

We are not discussing Hoffpauir as the annointed starting first baseman.

by N Oakley on Jan 13, 2009 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But we are talking about the need for a quality pinch hitter

Cubs have need for somebody who is adept at pinch hitting. To me that is the first and foremost criteria for the role that is available. It was the first and foremost way Daryl Ward was judged. Appropriately so.

The other thing is that ideally you would like somebody who can help out at multiple positions. Hoffpauir is strictly limited to 1st base, and lets face it he isn’t exactly gold glover material at the position.

by BLou on Jan 13, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All true, but finding a role player who can fill the pinch hitting role isn't as difficult.

Hell, even some of the Cubs targeted options to fill that role in the past have backfired. See Lenny Harris.

I’m just saying that giving Hoff time to see if he can fill that role is a decent use of funds. If he winds up sucking, replace him.

by N Oakley on Jan 13, 2009 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactamundo.

This is all I’m saying, too. He’s a suitable backup first baseman and at least worth a shot as a LH pinch hitter now that DWaryle is apparently out of the picture. I’m just being practical, really.

RIP Ron Asheton (1948-2009)

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 14, 2009 10:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

discussed a week or so ago

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/1/4/708710/who-is-our-backup-first-ba

by elgato on Jan 12, 2009 2:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

What about Mientkiewicz?

If we were going to bring in someone from the outside, that is. He’d be cheap, and he’s still pretty good at first, and played some third last year and could ostensibly back up there as well. That he doesn’t play outfield really doesn’t affect this Cub team. He’s got a reputation as a good team guy, too.

All that being said, I haven’t done roster math to see if there’s even room (he’d Hoffpauir’s spot is what I am assuming.)

by JodyDavis on Jan 12, 2009 8:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It'd never work.

Between him and Spellcheck, half the press office would quit due to “inhumane spelling requirements.”

Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.

by znohitter on Jan 13, 2009 9:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ronny would be tying his tonge in knots just trying to say his name.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 13, 2009 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rich Aurilia makes lots of sense for the Cubs

Aurilia is a proven quality pinch-hitter who can come off the bench cold and get a big hit. And he still has the chops to play all four infield positions, to include solving the need for a backup 1st baseman.

by BLou on Jan 12, 2009 9:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs