Pitchers and catchers report to spring training tomorrow. Spring training was supposed to allow for competition for roster spots; veterans had to prove they still had their skills, and prospects had to prove that they had the skills to be major leaguers.
In many recent franchises, and a cross all sports, the notion of camp competition has been downgraded or eliminated by the managers or coaches who do not want to be distracted by a "position controversy," whether it is at quarterback or center field. Managers and coaches want a quiet camp with no media frenzy or criticism. The greatest criticism for this trend is that the lack of competition creates no depth on the bench. A veteran with diminishing skills may hang on longer because the coach has a relationship with the player and thinks the player can rebound or still contribute. As one retired manager once said, playing rookies shortened his career by at least a season.
So as the Cubs report to camp, what, if anything, is up for grabs?
OUTFIELD:
There will be no competition for the starting lineup. Soriano will be in LF, Byrd will be in CF and DeJesus in RF. Soriano and Byrd have been trade bait since July, 2011. Both had declining stats last season. Byrd was viewed as a replacement for Derek Lee in the third or fourth hole in the lineup, but he had neither the power or RBI production to even bat 8th. Soriano is clearly only interested in hitting homers, and his defensive continues to be bad. DeJesus comes to Wrigley to play RF, which will take some adjustment from the spaciousness of Oakland.
Soriano will be backed up by Reed Johnson. Byrd and DeJesus will probably be backed up by Sappelt (in order to appease critics of the Marshall deal). It is doubtful the Cubs will carry another pure OF like Brett Jackson. Jackson on the major league squad will create an immediate fan debate that he should be playing every day. That is why the Cubs will most likely keep Jackson with Rizzo in Iowa for at least half the season.
INFIELD:
If there is one position in play, it would be second base. Barney had a good rookie first half in 2011, but then his production fell off the planet. As an average fielder with range issues, this is a place the Cubs need to improve either defensively and/or with power. However, no one on the current roster is suitable to take over that role. So new signees such as Cardenas, E. Gonzalez or Amezaga could get a shot at taking out Barney.
Stewart is locked to start at third, LaHair at first, and Castro at shortstop. Stewart and LaHair's back up projects to be Baker at this point. Some one like Tolbert could be the 25th man, a utility infielder. The overall infield play is going to be weaker than last season as the candidates to replace Ramirez and Pena do not appear to exist.
CATCHER:
Soto is the starter, but teams have enquired about trades. If Soto stays, he is the starter. But here is where real competition can improve the position. Wellington Castillo is ready for prime time. He has the power and catching skills to start. Jaramillo has more major league experience, and is generally thought of as a Koy Hill back-up replacement at best. In the wings is Clevenger, who also has upside potential. If Soto stays, it is likely to avoid "catcher controversy," both Castillo and Clevenger will be sent to Iowa and Jaramillo will be the light hitting back up. If Soto is traded, then this would be the primary position battle of spring.
