Dale Sveum said that the "window is shutting" on Ian Stewart's chances of remaining a Cub. Stewart had another MRI on his strained quad. The time is long past to move on - - - he was a bust last season and a bust in spring training.
The window is now open for the Cubs to draft third baseman Kris Bryant with the #2 pick. Bryant is considered the the best power college bat in the draft. Some publications question whether he can stick at third for the long-term. He’s got a plus arm, but some feel he might have to move to right field or first base in the future. Bryant is currently ranted by Baseball America as #12 prospect; Jonathan Mayo, #7and Perfect Game: #8. The Cubs have a desperate need for power and third base. Bryant continues to fill most those needs.
The window is also shutting on available roster spots.
Lefty hitter Brian Bogusevic and right handed hitting Dave Sappelt and Darnell McDonald have been battling all spring for the last outfield spot. Sappelt has the advantage of being right handed hitter, is currently on the 40 man roster and was with the club last season.
In regard to the infield situation, Luis Valbuena has won third by default. With Stewart's roster cut now almost a certainty, most observers believe Brent Lillibridge is going to be the back up infielder/third baseman this year. Alberto Gonzalez or Edwin Maysonet have a chance at breaking camp with the team as the final back up infielder, but one more 40 man roster spot would have to be created to add one of them.
Sveum has cued up his starting lineup:
DeJesus cf
Castro ss
Rizzo 1b
Soriano lf
Schierholtz rf
Castillo c
Valbuena 3b
Barney 2b
Samardzija sp
DeJesus is not a very good lead off man. Castro will be more comfortable hitting in the #2 slot, as he will see more fastballs as Rizzo is protecting him in the order. Rizzo will need to learn how to handle the variety of off-speed pitches this season. Soriano is moving up to bat clean up, which is probably the best of a bad situation. The 5 through 7 hitters are going from part time roles to full time status. And Barney bats 8th which is about right considering his offense deficiencies.
UPDATE: The Cubs will put Stewart and Baker on the DL to start the season. It makes no sense to put Stewart on the DL and have to pay him his $2 million contract with no guarantee that he will not repeat the 2012 debacle.
