He’s a switch hitter. We have 4 outfielders (5 if you want to include Hoff) without Gathright.

I would rather have a guy that can play IF as your 25th man for the flexibility. Much like Cedeno’s role last year.

31 yr old rookie!
Small sample size!

In all seriousness, he looked competent defensively (in my eyes) and didn’t appear to be lost at the plate. Both of which speak well for his maturity level and how he’ll handle his time here. Do I think he’ll be a great player, no. But could he be a servicable piece, even if he’s sent back down now only to be called up later, absolutely, IMHO.

… Scales’ minor league page at baseball-reference.com, he has played the outfield in the minor leagues, as recently as last year. I do not recall him playing OF during spring training last year or this, however, I presume he could do it on an occasional basis.

he’s more versatile and a switch hitter. He’s hungry to stay. Might be lightning in a bottle.

and keep Scales. We have four outfielders, and Dome can play two positions and Reed can play three. We could probably put Bradley at left if we needed too.

I still worry about not having a real backup at short. I didn’t get the impression that Miles was so hot at it.

Scales and Gathright are probably going to be about equal at the plate and on the bases. Scales can play more positions so Scales gets the nod.

…it’s that the Cubs can keep Scales around and get at least some idea of what he’s capable of. He did look good yesterday, but let’s bear in mind that Eric Patterson had a game last season that made him look like a left-handed-hitting Ryne Sandberg.

The problem that remains is Scales is, essentially, a second baseman. And the Cubs don’t need another second baseman – they need someone who can capably back up third base and shortstop. He’s played 121 games at third in the minors, which is something I guess. But he’s played a grand total of three (3) at shortstop (again, in the minor leagues).

Nonetheless, if he can make a case for being able to somehow make a positive difference in the infield and, perhaps, run the bases with a little more success than Gathright has (though Joey’s sample remains really small) then, sure, give Bobby a shot. The Cubs already have four outfielders – five if Lou keeps rolling the dice on Hoffpauir out there. Plenty of warm bodies to fill those wide-open green spaces. Feel free to drop Joey like a hot rock.

The fact remains, however, that, with 2413.2 innings of major league playing time to his credit, Mr. Gathright is the best defensive centerfielder on this team. That has value. And, as mentioned, his baserunning mistakes, though ghastly, have come in very little playing time. Let’s say he goes out and steals a couple bags and scores from first base for a walkoff win. Is he forgiven then? Gee, that was quick.

In any case, I would agree that Gathright’s roster spot is just about the only one that’s vulnerable at the moment. So let’s see how Scales does and go from there.

Chad fox in the house. Awaiting word on the bullpen roster move (samardzija?).

That’s obviously Gordo’s speculation at the end, but I think it’s rather obvious.