Ian Stewart is confident that he will be the Cubs opening day third baseman. Stewart is not worried that he injured his quad at the beginning of camp. He is not worried that he has not shown he has recovered from his wrist injury. He is not at all concerned that he has not played a single exhibition inning so far this spring. Stewart believes third base is his job. Period.
The hubris arrogance of Stewart is formed by the fact that the Cubs are devoid of any talent at third base. Luis Valbuena has been taking the most action at third. At best, he is a journeyman utility infield bench player. Josh Vitters tanked on his major league debut last season. He is set to start the season in AAA Iowa.
So Stewart can make his boast because there is no competition for his position. The lack of competition for roster spots is a bad thing, especially on a bad team.
One could argue that Stewart also has a hole card that Epstein Hoyer traded two good players for him. As a result, most general managers do not like to admit to their mistakes. So Stewart gets a free pass on the bust 2012 season in order for the GM to get some positive points if Stewart can play well in 2013. However, Hoyer has not been slow to cut players picked up on waivers. And the owner, Ricketts, may be wanting to contract salaries. Stewart would be paid a modest $2 million for 2013; but if he is cut, the Cubs are only on the hook for 20%, or the equivalent of three promoted minor league prospects (which may in the form of pitcher call-ups as the starting rotation continues to struggle.)
The only bright spot in spring has been Junior Lake. The AA shortstop has been playing third base in split squad games. In 10 games, he is batting .304 with 1 HR and 3 RBI. But the Cubs will not rush Lake to the majors this year. With Vitters at AAA, Lake will remain at AA to get extended playing time. Besides, management has its new rule that all prospects need 500 AB at AAA first to conclude their development. Which means Lake will not reach that goal until 2014.
Cubs' third base position will be a sink hole for the next several years.
