The Cubs made another "small market" type move to patch a hole in the roster. But the team is using a small band-aid to cover up a large hole in the roster drywall. The Cubs will sign Nate Schierholtz to play right field in 2013.
Schierholtz, 28, played for the Giants and Phillies last season. He was involved in the Hunter Pence transaction at the trade deadline. His season was cut short by a broken toe on August 13, 2012. The Phillies non-tendered him. So the Cubs will sign him to a one year, $2.25 million contract.
In 114 games last season, Schierholtz hit only .257, with 6 HR, 21 RBI, 3 SB, and .321 OBP. He had a combined 0.8 WAR. As a RF last season, he had 21 errorless chances. He is a career .988 outfielder.
He has never been a full time starter. He has never had 500 AB in any one major league season.
Schierholtz appears to be another David DeJesus Lite. DeJesus, before he signed with the Cubs, went .240, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 3 SB and .323 OBP for Oakland.
Even with Bryan LaHair's struggles last season, he hit .259, 16 HR, 40 RBI, 2 SB and .334 OBP.
Even playing most part time in Colorado, Tyler Colvin hit .290, 18 HR, 72 RBI, 7 SB, and .327 OBP.
There are a few confirmations with the Schierholtz signing:
1. The new front office has a bias against the old regime Cub prospects.
2. The Ian Stewart trade, from a pure evaluation stand point, was a complete failure by the Cubs.
3. The Cubs replaced LaHair with a lesser hitter in Schierholtz but for more money.
4. The Cubs are filling major starting holes with short-term journeymen bench players.
5. The Cubs have a habit of picking up players who are recovering from season ending injuries.
Reports from the winter meetings state that the Cubs are again actively shopping Alfonso Soriano. Why? He is the only proven offensive left on the roster. The Cubs have no ready prospects to fill any outfield roles, especially if Soriano is traded to another team.
