Class Is Now In Session!

by Al on Mar 9, 2008 5:50 PM CDT in Recaps

What have we learned from today's laugher of a win, 13-1 over the Royals?

If Daryle Ward could play defense, there'd have been no need to sign Kosuke Fukudome (or Fukudome would have had to play CF). Ward can absolutely rake. After going 4-for-4 with another double, Ward is now hitting .692/.692/1.385 (he's neither walked nor struck out so far this spring). He also has 7 RBI in 13 AB.
Kerry Wood. Closer. 98 MPH. Filthy looking stuff, resembling what he had in his rookie season ten years ago (I can hardly believe that it was that long ago, but it was). Looks terrific, both physically and in the way he carries himself on the field. And this despite the fact that Carlos Marmol also threw an efficient ninth inning (with a 12-run lead).
Ryan Dempster might, just might, be OK in the starting rotation. He allowed only one hit, but two walks, then managed to settle down enough to give the Royals only one run out of all that in his four innings of work today. Besides the one hit Dempster allowed (a double to John Buck), the Royals got only one other hit, an Alex Gordon double off Michael Wuertz.
Felix Pie singled twice, doubled and walked and is now hitting .321/.448/.607 this spring. Can we stop the Coco Crisp talk now?
The twenty-one hit barrage included five doubles (one by Micah Hoffpauir) and a triple (by Hoffpauir). Jim Hendry is a players' GM. When someone like this is blocked (Scott Moore, for example), Hendry does try to find a major league situation for him. You can bet there are plenty of scouts, particularly for AL teams, looking at Hoffpauir.
Last year, I started a minor feud with the SBN Royals site Royals Review by saying, after attending a 13-10 mess of a Cub win over the Royals (on, of all things, a three-run walkoff HR by Ronny Cedeno), that Kansas City was "a really bad team". Wound up making a bet with them, incidentally, which they have yet to pay off (short recap: whichever team had the worse record, that blogger would have to wear and be photographed in a T-shirt of the other team's site. Nothing yet from Mr. Royals Review.) The bottom line is: the Royals ARE a really bad team.
Two words: Carmen Pignatiello. OK, more than two words: "Piggy" has yet to allow a run this spring in 4.1 innings and also hasn't walked anyone. He might just be pitching his way into the major league bullpen.
Eric Patterson had a terrific game, with three hits (including his second HR of the spring) and a walk, and also looked decent in the field. Like Hoffpauir, he doesn't really have a position either (and I don't think he's suited to a utility role) -- so NOW is the time to trade him.

I'm guessing Lou Piniella is going to have a nice, relaxing Sunday evening. Let's all do the same. Till tomorrow (also televised, via CSN).

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Just because you can't see it enough...

Cubs win!

There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Mar 9, 2008 5:49 PM CDT 0 recs

Always good to see W flag fly high

regardless of what kind of game it is.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Mar 9, 2008 5:51 PM CDT 0 recs

Pie

Nice game today Felix!

by dwm on Mar 9, 2008 5:51 PM CDT 0 recs

Agree with everything Al.

I just wouldn't trade Eric Patterson yet. If DeRosa goes down -- I would perfer Patterson over Fontenot at second. Hell, I would even platoon EP and DeRosa at second.

"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Mar 9, 2008 5:58 PM CDT 0 recs

Unless we get he who will not be named...

...someone's going to fill in for DeRosa at second at least once a week on this team, as DeRosa fills in for others. Why not E-Patt?

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 9, 2008 6:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

Exactly.

I agree.

"Losing is my only fear"

by Unique on Mar 9, 2008 6:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

Mike Fontenot

by PrincetonCubs on Mar 9, 2008 11:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

Slight correction on Pie's stats...

I think Pie's OBP is .406, not .448. He's had 32 plate appearances so far, with 9 hits and 4 walks. That's a .406 OBP (13/32).

Regardless, he's having a very solid spring.

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 5:59 PM CDT 0 recs

Second correction...

I think Pie's slugging is actually higher:

He has 2 HR, 3 2B, and 4 singles, meaning 18 total bases. In 28 AB, that's a SLG of 18/28 or .643.

Again, though, REALLY good spring (this one actually shows it to be even better!).

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 6:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

Correction to my second correction :)

I misread Pie's line as 2 doubles today, not just his second double and two singles. So his statline is .321/.406/.607.

Okay, I'm done arguing with myself now. :)

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 6:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

Thanks.

I knew I made a calculation error somewhere, just couldn't figure out where...

Still, the point remains. Pie's line is excellent after 12 games. Yes, ST numbers can be deceiving. But he is drawing walks and not striking out as much.

We do NOT need Coco Crisp. Or Marlon Byrd. Just let Pie play.

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

by Al on Mar 9, 2008 7:46 PM CDT up 0 recs

Well

I honestly think that they are going to let Pie play and I dont think he will be spectacular but I defenitely dont think he will play himself out of a position this season AT ALL

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 9, 2008 7:55 PM CDT up 0 recs

Loud, sustained applause.

n/t

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

by Al on Mar 9, 2008 8:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

although I wouldn't mind if we had a RH option as insurance. While Pie has certainly shown he can handle minor league RHP, he struggled mightily against LHP in AAA last year. It is very possible that he'll need a platoon partner in that regard.

That said, I wouldn't want to overpay for Crisp (who would likely be unhappy in the short end of a CF platoon) and Byrd (who may be overrated based on a good season in Texas).

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 8:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

Pie..

Let's not get carried away with the Pie stats. Recall in 2005 ST, Nomar was on fire. Remember how he did after the season started before he went down?

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Mar 9, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

yep...

...because every single great Spring Training leads to a horrible April.

Every single time.

Thank you for reminding us of that.

The similarities between Nomar's 2005 Spring Training and Felix Pie's 2008 are so vast it's scary.

In fact, just cut Felix now.

He's done.

by schadenfreude on Mar 10, 2008 3:06 AM CDT up 0 recs

Agreed

but it was only a few days ago that several people were complaining because he was only hitting .222 or something like that. The ledge jumpers just need to relax. He's young and will still have his struggles. However, this is his year to show whether he belongs. He needs several months before people start talking about replacements. I think a RH CF'er would be ok for the tougher lefties (i.e. Santana) but otherwise CF is Pie's.

by rlpete on Mar 10, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up 0 recs

Sorry

should have posted to RonSanto10's response.

by rlpete on Mar 10, 2008 8:40 AM CDT up 0 recs

Uh oh, I sense another bet coming

for the Royal's SB person to welch on again.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Mar 9, 2008 6:00 PM CDT 0 recs

you know what I like about this game?

Lots of great contact -- not a SINGLE home run.

No one was really swinging for the fences (well, except maybe Fox, and he can be forgiven, with the bases loaded). Lots of good contact ball.

I'm gonna stake out the position -- as of right now, I don't think we need to make ANY trades. I think we ride this team (all 'ifs' taken into consideration) to the playoffs.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 9, 2008 6:08 PM CDT 0 recs

Except for the Patterson HR...

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 6:10 PM CDT up 0 recs

you're right

it came so late in the game, it had no effect, tho. :D

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 9, 2008 6:16 PM CDT up 0 recs

Patterson hit a home run.

And, again... would someone please tell me what's so bad about home runs!?!?

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 9, 2008 6:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

nothing's wrong with home-runs

an entire team constantly trying to HIT them, however, is. Swing the bat, get on base, and you'll win games. Guys who are always swinging for the fences strike out.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 9, 2008 6:17 PM CDT up 0 recs

Isn't it possible...

that this "swinging for the fences" is your interpretation of what people do when they just swing the bat and miss the damned ball?

by Maddog on Mar 9, 2008 7:00 PM CDT up 0 recs

I suppose it's possible

but when someone swings so hard they take themselves off balance -- and that happened a lot last year, it seemed -- I think to myself "stop trying to hit it out". I didn't play past high-school, but I still remember the coaches telling us to try to hit it on the ground as much as possible.

Worst to First in 2007, brought to you by Lou, Sori, A-Ram and D-Lee.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 9, 2008 9:26 PM CDT up 0 recs

I want the hitters to do what they can do.

I think the whole "swinging for the fence" thing is just something we say when someone loses their balance at the plate and that could happen for a number of reasons. Most hitters will tell you they rarely swing for the fence.

by Maddog on Mar 9, 2008 10:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

Perfect example:

Tony Pena today was totally off balance when Wood destroyed him with a high fastball. He wasn't swing for the fences--he was swinging for survival

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 9, 2008 10:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

Major league fielders...

...are much better, as a population, than high school fielders. A ground ball will become a base hit or an error much more often against high school fielders.

The best approach to have as a major league ballplayer is to go to the plate looking to hit line drives. Line drives are a lot harder to field than ground balls, and are more likely to give you extra bases.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 10, 2008 1:37 AM CDT up 0 recs

I agree...

HR are a good thing. The best thing you can do at the plate in an AB. We shouldn't dislike them.

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 6:17 PM CDT up 0 recs

Agreed

home runs do unclog the bases.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Mar 9, 2008 6:18 PM CDT up 0 recs

They're just not grindy enough.

You gotta "manufacture" runs. Homeruns just knock 'em all in with one fell swoop. That's not baseball, it's just showing off. You gotta grind out runs, man. Runs should cost blood, sweat, and tears...and that's just one run. The second one costs a limb. Homreuns are for weenies who don't want to get their uniforms dirty bunting and sliding their way around the bases.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 9, 2008 7:19 PM CDT up 0 recs

I completely agree...

...home runs are for the birds.

Can't stand them.

I'll take good contact over great contact anyday of the week.

by schadenfreude on Mar 10, 2008 3:08 AM CDT up 0 recs

Wood looked strong...

The only things between him and the closer's role are whether Piniella realizes that Marmol is most important to the team in the 6th/7th "fireman" role and (more importantly) whether he can handle pitching in back to back games.

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 6:28 PM CDT 0 recs

Hoffpauir should go to the Royals

Hoffpauir would be the Opening Day starter at 1B for the Royals. Gload? Sheehy?? Please... As much as I'd like Micha, given that both Ward and Soto can play 1B he's just too blocked to stay in this organization. Trade him to an AL team with an aging 1B (Yankees, Mariners) or no 1B (Royals, A's) and give him his shot before he becomes Mike Easler.

Even though they were essentially playing a AAA team, I was pleased to see the hitting performance. Especially Pie.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Mar 9, 2008 6:28 PM CDT 0 recs

You read my mind.

I was thinking the exact same thing after the game. - TL

"Why shouldn't we believe that we're going to win the World Series?" - Ted Lilly, 1/19/2008, Daily Herald interview w/Barry Rozner

by timlacy on Mar 9, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up 0 recs

Can someone explain to me the need to trade

Hoffpauir? Al keeps talking about it like it's a necessity. Hoffpaiur has no trade value at all and besides, who would fill in for Derrek Lee if he ended up on the DL for a month? Hoffpauir is a great guy to have in the minor leagues. He could step in for Lee and give you some production at 1st and you'd be OK for 3-5 weeks. If Hoffpauir had any value I might see the reasoning behind it, but he doesn't.

by Maddog on Mar 9, 2008 7:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

Can Jake Fox play 1B?

I don't know if Hoffpauir has any trade value, but if he does, I would think that the Cubs could fill a 1b void with Derosa, with Patterson and/or Fontenot moving to second, or perhaps Fox.

by davidalanu on Mar 9, 2008 7:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

Exactly.

Random Cub Fan:

"Our farm system sucks. It hasn't produced any good prospects."

/Cub prospect performs admirably

"Oh, look, this guy's good. Let's trade him for someone older and more expensive."

If we've got prospects, I say unless absolutely necessary, we hoard them.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 9, 2008 7:22 PM CDT up 0 recs

Why doesn't Hoffpauir have value?

Besides, Daryle Ward could play first base temporarily if Lee got hurt.

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

by Al on Mar 9, 2008 7:44 PM CDT up 0 recs

BTW Al,

Hoffpauir is a very good fielding 1st baseman. He has value to both AL and NL teams. He's a patient hitter with power. If Lee gets hurt you need a 1st baseman who is good defensively also. Ask the infielders and pitchers how important that is.

by cubswin on Mar 9, 2008 8:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

Power? Patience?

16 home runs the most in his career in any season (age 27 season, which is the most common age for a player's best season). .339 career OBP. 44 walks the most he had in any season and that was 5 years ago.

He may be good defensively. i don't know. But he doesn't have much power and he's not much better than league average at getting on base.

by Maddog on Mar 9, 2008 8:32 PM CDT up 0 recs

He's 28 years old, Al.

.790 minor league OPS. Would you give up anything for a 28-year old who has yet to reach the major leagues? A 28-year old 1st baseman without much power? He'd be a throw-in in any deal you have and you could probably get the deal done without throwing him in to begin with.

He provides depth for the Cubs. He has no future in the big leagues (none at all), but might be able to fill in capably for a 3 or 5 week stretch, which is something that Daryle Ward shouldn't be asked to do. Also something that Mark DeRosa shouldn't be asked to do (remember Todd Walker, 2006?). Jake Fox is a possible fill-in at first, but why not get a guy with more experience playing the position? Micah hoffpauir may not be who gets the job if Lee goes down, but he should be the guy.

I just don't see any reason to trade away a guy who has such little value when he provides depth to the system.

Same thing with Fox. I think you said he should be traded as well. I disagree. The guy can play 3 of the 4 corners and catch. in all honesty, I'd trade Murton and let Fox take over his role on the team because he can play more positions and the offensive drop off won't be that huge.

by Maddog on Mar 9, 2008 8:26 PM CDT up 0 recs

You may be right...

... about Murton/Fox.

I hadn't realized that Hoffpauir is now 28. That definitely lowers his value. However, he still might be worth throwing in to a larger deal.

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

by Al on Mar 9, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up 0 recs

I wouldn't hold up any deal

if the other team wanted him, but I'm pretty sure his inclusion won't hold up any deal anyway.

i guess my issue with the whole thing is that he doesn't need to be traded. he does offer this organization something...more than he offers another organization in all likelihood.

As for Fox, I might be overly optimistic about him, but one of the things that has bothered me about the Cubs use of Murton is that they haven't moved him around the diamond. why not 1st? the cubs must believe he's incapable of it for some reason (I don't agree), but Fox can play it, both corner outfield spots and behind the plate as well. I like what he offers the team over Murton.

by Maddog on Mar 9, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

If he has no value...

then explain why Ross Gload is probably going to start 90-110 games at 1B for the KC Royals? What value could Ross Gload possibly have over Hoffpauir? Power? No. Speed? No. Defense? No. Age/"Potential"? No.

Hoffpauir doesn't have a lot of value. But he has far less value in this organization than he would in several others. If Lee goes on the DL, Soto and Ward will split 1B.

Eventually, he's going to run out of options or become a six-year minor league free agent, and the Cubs will get nothing for him. Trade him now, get a high A pitcher, and give the guy a shot to be the next Ross Gload.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Mar 10, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up 0 recs

Well, at a glance...

Daryle Ward
Henry Blanco
Jake Fox
Mark DeRosa

It's really the Murton problem all over again. Trade these guys while the hype and value is high. He's looked great and is blocked here, so if you can move him as part of a deal, great.

But no, I wouldn't call it essential.

by Damen Jackson on Mar 9, 2008 7:48 PM CDT up 0 recs

What hype? What value?

the only people hyping Hoffpauir are a few around here. he is what he is...a 28-year old 1st baseman without the power to play the position and without age on his side. His only value is to the cubs and the depth that he provides. No team will give the Cubs anything at all for a 28-year old with no MLB experience, a .790 career MLB OPS (.450 SLG).

by Maddog on Mar 9, 2008 8:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

How old is Hoffpauir?

I really like his swing.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Mar 9, 2008 7:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

28.

He turned 28 a week or so ago.

by Maddog on Mar 9, 2008 8:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

Let's Not Get Too High

Tomko was horrible for the Royals today and the Cubs bats were hot. I know that the Cubbies added on, as Santo likes encourage, so the performance against Tomko deserves only part of the praise. But before today Tomko had actually looked like a starting pitcher for KC (despite his past history). Still, a nice TV win for us back here in the Chicago cold. - TL

"Why shouldn't we believe that we're going to win the World Series?" - Ted Lilly, 1/19/2008, Daily Herald interview w/Barry Rozner

by timlacy on Mar 9, 2008 7:13 PM CDT 0 recs

Good points...

...folks tend to get overly optomistic/pessimistic after only a couple good/bad games.

It is a long long season and you can't get caught up in short term success or failure.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Mar 9, 2008 7:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

Any pitcher will look bad

when he's asked to get 6 outs in an inning. Tomko will never be confused with Glavine, Smoltz, or Maddux, but he is a legitimate ML pitcher.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Mar 9, 2008 7:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

The Royals

I was at this game, and I can honestly say that the Royals looked flat-out awful. I mean, really, really bad. Really, really, really awfully bad. They're a good player or two away from being a Double A team bad. (Ok, not that bad, but Lord knows they aren't good.)

by megagreg on Mar 9, 2008 7:26 PM CDT 0 recs

AL

This is the reason I read this site, your post states just about everything I was thinking today.

About Kerry Wood, as the sentimental favorite, if Wood makes the closer and produces and is successfull this could be special. YES its been a hundred years but when I think about a season where the Cubs would win it all I always hope for it to be special and and Woody success story would be a large part.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 9, 2008 7:40 PM CDT 0 recs

I still don't think Woody ....

Is quite ready for a closing role. It's that back to back stuff that may--may--give him trouble. But even as short man, he is great. And gosh, he looks good and healthy.

For now, it's Marmol until he fails, I believe. Great to see Cubbie baseball today with a well-deserved W.

21 hits! 21 hits!

-LRRF

GEAUX THERIOT!

by Littlerock Rynofan on Mar 9, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up 0 recs

You're right that...

... he needs to show he can pitch on back-to-back days. I assume that will be done sometime soon.

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

by Al on Mar 9, 2008 8:32 PM CDT up 0 recs

Lou said

yesterday on tv that this sort of thing would happen this coming week, so we should see if Kerry can pass the test very soon. I hope he can because he was filthy today. He undressed Pena in that last AB.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 9, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

E-Patt vs. Roberts?

You can bet if Orioles scouts watching they'll want E-Patt in any deal...I wonder if Patterson couldn't produce similarly to Roberts if given a chance...that would mean playing the majority of games since most starters are RH...I wouldn't mind keeping him.

It sounded from Bob and Len that Cintron is gonna make the team, too...think this sorta aces out Cedeno whom I still think has potential to produce more at SS than Theriot.

Crisp deal sounds/looks good but it might block Pie which doesn't make a lot of sense the way he's swinging.

by writerinwrigley on Mar 9, 2008 7:56 PM CDT 0 recs

Well

Your argument fails to acknowledge that the Cubs no longer view Eric Patterson an option at 2nd base defensively. Eric Patterson is screwed by the fact that he doesn't have a position on the field right now.

by MDBNIU on Mar 9, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

Patterson

has looked pretty good at 2B so far; definitely better than Fontenot to this point. Maybe he's corrected somethings and tightened his defense up. Surely he should then supplant Fontenot as the backup to Derosa.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 9, 2008 8:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

Well...

Neither Eric Patterson or Mike Fontenot are going to make this ballclub in my estimation. They simply lack the defensive chops and versatility to be useful coming off the bench. Fontenot is a career minor leaguer who had a lightning in a bottle big league moment in 2007. Patterson is at a crossroads. I think he needs to learn several postions and pin his major league fortunes on becoming a versatile multi-tasker. Willie Harris is a good comparison player for him.

by MDBNIU on Mar 9, 2008 8:41 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think if that were true...

...we would've seen an end to his playing second already. Since he first played second, I think he's played exclusively there. If the Cubs have completely soured on him as a second baseman, I don't think that happens.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 9, 2008 8:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

He played some RF one game, but

you're right. Obviously the fact that he keeps playing 2nd means the Cubs (probably Lou) have changed their minds and his play from what I've seen has been pretty solid defensively.

by Maddog on Mar 9, 2008 8:55 PM CDT up 0 recs

Agreed

MDBNIU has given up on Patterson's ability to play 2B, but the Cubs have not completely given up on the idea. The fact that he has played 2B multiple times this spring illustrates that fact.

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 8:58 PM CDT up 0 recs

My response would be...

Assuming you are correct and the Cubs do have re-instilled faith in Eric Patterson to play 2nd base?? Well then he still is ticketed for Triple A because you're not going to carry a utility infielder who can only help you at one position (and not altogether well).

It's the Matt Murton dilemma all over again.

by MDBNIU on Mar 9, 2008 9:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

He's played all the outfield positions...

...in the minors for just that reason. He's never going to be a shortstop or third baseman, though. You want he should learn to catch? Pitch?

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 9, 2008 9:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

beat me to the punch...

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

Whatever

Check back when the 25 man roster is set.

by MDBNIU on Mar 9, 2008 9:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

But he's not limited to 2B...

he has played the OF as well. Patterson MAY wind up back in AAA this year. But if he does, it will probably be because he couldn't outhit Fontenot. He has something Lou cherishes (speed) and another thing Lou cherishes (the ability to play a few positions).

I wouldn't be completely shocked if Patterson and Cedeno make the MLB roster. Cedeno has played some 3B, SS, and CF, and Patterson has played 2B and LF. With Ward a backup at 1B and RF (though that's scary) and DeRosa capable of playing a bunch of places if subs are necessary, that's the kind of versatility Piniella likes.

I'm not saying this is what I expect to happen. I'm just saying that it's a possibility that shouldn't be completely discarded.

by SouthernCub on Mar 9, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up 0 recs