be in Chicago if he’s not going to play much. Unless Nady isn’t completely ready to platoon with Fukudome, I see no reason to have Colvin up. Fuld can give what the club needs as a 5th outfielder (a pinch runner, defensive replacement, etc). Colvin would lose timing a rhythm if we only can get him a couple at-bats a week.

But, when the Cubs signed Byrd, I was especially irritated because that signing meant they were now blocking all 3 outfield spots from the farm system. Then, they added Nady, which spelled doom for youth on the bench.

And, it was guys like Colvin, and perhaps sooner than later Brett Jackson, who I was thinking of. The Cubs really have to do a better job of scouting their own system and recognizing when the farm talent may be ready, and keeping the major league roster flexible enough for the farm to make an impact.

I understand their window is tight, and with Lou running the squad… it’ll likely be a veteran team. But, come on… give the kids an opportunity. They invested a high pick Colvin to begin with. If it’s not working, you’ll have a chance to improve the position at the trading deadline.

Ugh. C’mon Lou. I assume this would mean Kosuke in the 2 hole and Fontenot in the 6 hole.

I don’t know why everyone wants to change things all the time. “We need more lefties”, that’s all I ever here, especially last year, and where does that get us…last year we missed a playoff spot because that’s all we ever worried about. 2 and 3 years ago Theriot was leading off and we were doing very well. We try changing things up, moving guys here and there, and we do too much and screw ourselves. Fukudome is lucky he’s even getting a chance to put on the uniform. Nady, when he gets healthier should be in RF, or better yet should be in LF for Soriano. I don’t know, now that I think about it, I should be in LF for Soriano…I play golf, I’m a good golfer, I probably have a golf swing like Soriano does, well maybe not as good.

Look, I’m well aware that Millar is nearing the end of his career and isn’t a very good hitter any more. But there is value to having that sort of camaraderie. I’m not saying Millar will make the difference in winning or losing this year, and I’m not even saying he should make the team. But you can clearly see the difference already between last year’s draggy bunch and the atmosphere surrounding the Cubs in spring training.

I’ve said it before, but if his value is real but does not come from hitting or fielding, make him a coach. I think that especially with an old school, hands off manager like Lou in the clubhouse, it would make sense to have a newly retired player on the coaching staff who can relate to players in a more collegial way. Sounds like that where Millar’s value is — in “relating to the players”. An analogous situation might have been Girardi’s first bench coach stint in NY, or Ozzie Guillen’s third base coach position on the 2003 Marlins.

Make Millar the third base coach. (They just appointed a new 1B coach.) He gets to be on the field everyday and involved in the game, and the players get the benefit of his hijinks and intangibles. Meanwhile, a better player can take his roster spot.

some of us want Colvin to potentially play everyday this year and yet Castro “needs” more time when he’s produced better than Colvin has in the minors. Yet Colvin could be ready.

Going by that assumption, could that have any bearing on why they wouldn’t have him batting first? Also assuming Theriot will be playing almost every single day of the season. Just a thought.

since the start of ST games. Like most of us, I assumed Baker was a lock to break ST as the starting 2B, but Baker is sucking eggs do date and Fontenot is tearing it up.

I like Fontenot the guy and wanted to see him penciled in every day at second and given an opportunity. However, that was for the 2009 season.

Fonte showed up in 2007 and tore it up in June to fall back to mediocre/bad. In 2008 he came alive in July/August/September. He played almost everyday during the Ramirez injury in 2009 and was brutal at the plate. BR linky thingy

I ask and am not telling, but what has changed for 2010 so I should be comfortable with him the everyday second baseman? (other than the LH)

I’ve never thought the following made any sense:

Thank you, driver, for getting me here (Too much, Magic Bus)
You’ll be an inspector, have no fear (Too much, Magic Bus)
I don’t want to cause no fuss (Too much, Magic Bus)
But can I buy your Magic Bus? (Too much, Magic Bus)

“You’ll be an inspector”? Huh? I always heard that as “There’ll be an inspector, have no fear”, as in “If you won’t sell me this thing, I’ll try to get it condemned so I can buy it at government auction” or “I’ll get you kicked off this route and replaced by someone who will give me what I want.”

I think this is a fine move. Lou obviously based it on Spring Training performance and its not like it can’t be changed later on. Lou knows what he’s doing and I don’t mind this move. If The Riot does well in lead-off then its a big plus. If he struggles a little bit then we will just go ahead and move him out it’s not a big deal at this point in time. I say heck give him a shot.