On the Cubs three-way at second base, the platoon of Bonifacio, Valbuena and Barney has left Mr. Fife out in the cold. He is becoming the odd man odd in this rotation. He made an error. He is hitting weakly. He is leaving runners in scoring position. He is the new Mike Fontenot.
It just shows how quickly a hustling, likeable player can fall from grace. It is no clearer than when you compare the situation to the Tigers, who are desperate for middle infield help due to injuries.
MLBTR tells the tale of the Tigers search for a short term shortstop. The Tigers' search for a replacement at shortstop led them to ask 46-year-old Omar Vizquel if he was interested in making a comeback, reported Paul Hoynes in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "They asked me if I'd like to come and take some grounders," said Vizquel. "I said, 'No, I've been retired for two years.'" This bodes
badly for Barney and the Cubs. If the Tigers believe a 46-year retired
shortstop is a better option than Barney, Barney has no trade value this
year for the Cubs.
Showing posts with label Barney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barney. Show all posts
April 24, 2014
March 19, 2014
A TIGER IN THE HOUSE
MLBTR reports that Tigers executive Scott Reid is scouting Cubs outfielder Nate Schierholtz and infielder Darwin Barney. Bruce Levine reports that the Cubs would be looking for pitching in return. The Tigers have lost outfielder Andy Dirks and shortstop Jose Igleias for the year due to serious injuries.
Barney has played shortstop, and he recently said he would be comfortable to return to that position. He played one game at short when Castro was hurt this spring. He currently is the second shortstop on the team's depth chart.
In return, the Cubs would be looking for at least one major league ready player, like LHP Ian Krol and pitching prospects.
Tigers Top Ten prospects include Jonathan Crawford (#5), Jake Thompson (#4) and Robbie Ray (#2) but it is doubtful the Tigers front office will part with any of them for a short term fix in the outfield and shortstop.
Barney has played shortstop, and he recently said he would be comfortable to return to that position. He played one game at short when Castro was hurt this spring. He currently is the second shortstop on the team's depth chart.
In return, the Cubs would be looking for at least one major league ready player, like LHP Ian Krol and pitching prospects.
Tigers Top Ten prospects include Jonathan Crawford (#5), Jake Thompson (#4) and Robbie Ray (#2) but it is doubtful the Tigers front office will part with any of them for a short term fix in the outfield and shortstop.
March 5, 2014
MOVING AROUND
With Starlin Castro sidelined for 10 days with a tweaked hamstring, all eyes went to Javier Baez to play a lot of first team shortstop this spring. With good reason: he is the most exciting player in camp.
But the Cubs brain trust have different thoughts. Starting second baseman Darwin Barney will make several starts at short while Castro recovers . . . which should be taken as a sign that Barney is going to be shifted to a utility role.
Barney had played some shortstop in college. He has been the depth chart second shortstop on the roster ever since Castro assumed the position. However, most scouts don't think Barney has the range or arm to be a regular, full time shortstop.
Baez has grown up playing shortstop. If the Cubs plan is to keep Castro, Baez would have to shift to another position in a year. He said his preference would be second base. Barney then would be out of a job, unless he can prove he is a better middle infielder bench player than a Valbuena, Murphy or Watkins.
Baez and Castro are similar players. They both play a street shortstop - - - flashy but sloppy, and tend to make a lot of errors (physical and mental). But they have range and arm strength to make the hard plays, too. It is said that it is harder for a shortstop to adapt to play second because of the pivot skills to turn a double play. You really don't want to mess with the best hitter (Baez) in the system by making him learn a new position in spring training.
Since the 2014 season will be another lost one, there is no reason to rush Baez into playing second base at all. It is more a comeback litmus test for Castro to retain his position at shortstop than Baez proving he can't play in the majors in 2015. And you don't want to move Castro to third base now, because the front office has log jammed several prospects (Olt, Villaneuva and Bryant) at that position.
Professional players are creatures of habit. Starters like to settle into one position. Players like to know where they will be placed in the line up card. It is that consistent repetition that makes a player go instinctive in the field or at the plate. It is one less mental aspect of the game.
But moving around players on the field and up and down the line up card breeds uncertainty. You don't want players to question why he was dropped from second in the order to eighth for no apparent reason.
But front office personnel and coaches now view players more like interchangeable chess pieces than specialized workmen on an assembly line. We will know very soon whether new manager Rick Renteria will fall into this moving trap.
But the Cubs brain trust have different thoughts. Starting second baseman Darwin Barney will make several starts at short while Castro recovers . . . which should be taken as a sign that Barney is going to be shifted to a utility role.
Barney had played some shortstop in college. He has been the depth chart second shortstop on the roster ever since Castro assumed the position. However, most scouts don't think Barney has the range or arm to be a regular, full time shortstop.
Baez has grown up playing shortstop. If the Cubs plan is to keep Castro, Baez would have to shift to another position in a year. He said his preference would be second base. Barney then would be out of a job, unless he can prove he is a better middle infielder bench player than a Valbuena, Murphy or Watkins.
Baez and Castro are similar players. They both play a street shortstop - - - flashy but sloppy, and tend to make a lot of errors (physical and mental). But they have range and arm strength to make the hard plays, too. It is said that it is harder for a shortstop to adapt to play second because of the pivot skills to turn a double play. You really don't want to mess with the best hitter (Baez) in the system by making him learn a new position in spring training.
Since the 2014 season will be another lost one, there is no reason to rush Baez into playing second base at all. It is more a comeback litmus test for Castro to retain his position at shortstop than Baez proving he can't play in the majors in 2015. And you don't want to move Castro to third base now, because the front office has log jammed several prospects (Olt, Villaneuva and Bryant) at that position.
Professional players are creatures of habit. Starters like to settle into one position. Players like to know where they will be placed in the line up card. It is that consistent repetition that makes a player go instinctive in the field or at the plate. It is one less mental aspect of the game.
But moving around players on the field and up and down the line up card breeds uncertainty. You don't want players to question why he was dropped from second in the order to eighth for no apparent reason.
But front office personnel and coaches now view players more like interchangeable chess pieces than specialized workmen on an assembly line. We will know very soon whether new manager Rick Renteria will fall into this moving trap.
February 16, 2014
NEW SIGNEE
You just cannot have enough .240 hitting infielders on your roster.
The Cubs signed newly released Royal Emilio Bonifacio to a minor league contract with major league incentives if he makes the squad out of spring training. His total pay package with the Cubs could reach $2.5 million.
The Royals had just signed Bonifacio to a $3.5 million contract to avoid arbitration, but released him only a week later. This raised some serious questions about why the Royals would sign a player then release him in a short time period. The move to open a roster spot was precipitated by the Royals signing LHP Bruce Chen. Chen, 36, went 9-4, 3.27 ERA and 1.7 WAR for the Royals last season.
Bonifacio, 28, hit .243 in 136 GP for the Blue Jays and Royals last season. He hit 3 HR, 31 RBI, 28 SB, .295 OBP with a 1.3 WAR. He can play second and third base and any outfield position, and he contributes good value on the bases. He also played shortstop in 2011.
CBS Sports reports that Bonifacio had other major league offers, but took the Cubs minor league deal. That means the other offers were problem at a much lower base salary. Bonifacio may have also believed he had the best chance to start with the Cubs at second base, or at least have a bench spot with the team because of his versatility.
Whether new manager Renteria is going to have an open competition for roster positions is unclear. This signing does probably put Logan Watkins back in AAA to scrap for playing time, especially if Baez is going to take reps at second base. It also puts pressure on Donnie Murphy to show the power he suddenly had with the Cubs last season if he is going to make the team as a back-up role player. The Cubs are still devoid of team power, especially off the bench.
The Cubs signed newly released Royal Emilio Bonifacio to a minor league contract with major league incentives if he makes the squad out of spring training. His total pay package with the Cubs could reach $2.5 million.
The Royals had just signed Bonifacio to a $3.5 million contract to avoid arbitration, but released him only a week later. This raised some serious questions about why the Royals would sign a player then release him in a short time period. The move to open a roster spot was precipitated by the Royals signing LHP Bruce Chen. Chen, 36, went 9-4, 3.27 ERA and 1.7 WAR for the Royals last season.
Bonifacio, 28, hit .243 in 136 GP for the Blue Jays and Royals last season. He hit 3 HR, 31 RBI, 28 SB, .295 OBP with a 1.3 WAR. He can play second and third base and any outfield position, and he contributes good value on the bases. He also played shortstop in 2011.
CBS Sports reports that Bonifacio had other major league offers, but took the Cubs minor league deal. That means the other offers were problem at a much lower base salary. Bonifacio may have also believed he had the best chance to start with the Cubs at second base, or at least have a bench spot with the team because of his versatility.
Whether new manager Renteria is going to have an open competition for roster positions is unclear. This signing does probably put Logan Watkins back in AAA to scrap for playing time, especially if Baez is going to take reps at second base. It also puts pressure on Donnie Murphy to show the power he suddenly had with the Cubs last season if he is going to make the team as a back-up role player. The Cubs are still devoid of team power, especially off the bench.
February 10, 2014
BARNEY COMES TO TERM
It is reported that the Cubs have come to terms with .208 hitting second baseman
Darwin Barney. The new deal for a horrible 2013 campaign is $2.3 million - - -
a whopping RAISE from last year's $562,000 salary.
Who in their right mind gives a player a 300 percent RAISE after posting a negative 0.5 WAR
(which is less than a AAA replacement player value)??!
This goes to show that the Boston Way Epstein was used to (overspending to overcompensate for problems) is alive and well on the North Side.
It also goes to show that there is a serious disconnect between the front office's performance and player value formulas. Or that the Cubs have gone back to "hope" that a player will suddenly turn back the clock and play like he did two or more years ago.
Barney may be a nice guy. A good clubhouse leader. A good press interview. The face of the franchise. A popular bobblehead. But he is not a quality second baseman.
In his best season, 2012, the Cubs lost 101 games. He had a career best 3.6 dWAR. Last year, that even slipped to 1.5 dWAR.
Darwin Barney. The new deal for a horrible 2013 campaign is $2.3 million - - -
a whopping RAISE from last year's $562,000 salary.
Who in their right mind gives a player a 300 percent RAISE after posting a negative 0.5 WAR
(which is less than a AAA replacement player value)??!
This goes to show that the Boston Way Epstein was used to (overspending to overcompensate for problems) is alive and well on the North Side.
It also goes to show that there is a serious disconnect between the front office's performance and player value formulas. Or that the Cubs have gone back to "hope" that a player will suddenly turn back the clock and play like he did two or more years ago.
Barney may be a nice guy. A good clubhouse leader. A good press interview. The face of the franchise. A popular bobblehead. But he is not a quality second baseman.
In his best season, 2012, the Cubs lost 101 games. He had a career best 3.6 dWAR. Last year, that even slipped to 1.5 dWAR.
December 5, 2013
THE BARNEY PROBLEM
The Cubs need to change focus on prospects and begin to look at upgrading every major league roster position.
Numerous reports state the Cubs will likely tender a contract to second baseman Darwin Barney, despite his career-worst season at the plate (.208/.266/.303 in 501 plate appearances). MLB.com believes this is true because the only realistic in-house replacement is Luis Valbuena. Valbuena played third base the last few seasons. Both Barney and Valbuena are affordable, projected to make under $2 million in arbitration. However, Valbuena is playing second base in the Venezuelan Winter League. This could signal a move by the Cubs to put Valbuena at second base, to free up time for Donnie Murphy at third base.
Murphy, 30, hit 11 HR, 23 RBI, .255 BA, 1.0 WAR and .956 Field % for the Cubs last season.
Valbuena, 28, hit 12 HR, 37 RBI, .218 BA, 1.6 WAR and .967 Field % for the Cubs last season.
Both Murphy and Valbuena fit the mold as journeymen bench players on a normal team. But the Cubs are not a normal major league team. It is filled with "placeholders" until the front office's prospects in the low minors work their way through the system, which now projects to be three years from now.
Barney is a fan favorite, so from a public relations ticket-sales standpoint, the Cubs will probably keep him. But once a team starts to make decisions that are not directed at wins on the field but for off-field reasons, the team is in trouble.
Numerous reports state the Cubs will likely tender a contract to second baseman Darwin Barney, despite his career-worst season at the plate (.208/.266/.303 in 501 plate appearances). MLB.com believes this is true because the only realistic in-house replacement is Luis Valbuena. Valbuena played third base the last few seasons. Both Barney and Valbuena are affordable, projected to make under $2 million in arbitration. However, Valbuena is playing second base in the Venezuelan Winter League. This could signal a move by the Cubs to put Valbuena at second base, to free up time for Donnie Murphy at third base.
Murphy, 30, hit 11 HR, 23 RBI, .255 BA, 1.0 WAR and .956 Field % for the Cubs last season.
Valbuena, 28, hit 12 HR, 37 RBI, .218 BA, 1.6 WAR and .967 Field % for the Cubs last season.
Both Murphy and Valbuena fit the mold as journeymen bench players on a normal team. But the Cubs are not a normal major league team. It is filled with "placeholders" until the front office's prospects in the low minors work their way through the system, which now projects to be three years from now.
Barney is a fan favorite, so from a public relations ticket-sales standpoint, the Cubs will probably keep him. But once a team starts to make decisions that are not directed at wins on the field but for off-field reasons, the team is in trouble.
January 28, 2013
SECOND BASE
Darwin Barney may have been the best player at his position. He had the best player WAR in 2012, at 4.6. However, he defensive WAR was 3.6. His offensive numbers were below average: .254 BA, 7 HR, 44 RBI, .299 OBP, 6 SB. In a dismal season, Barney's defense was the one good story of the year.
He is Ryan Theriot 2.0. Because he hustles, fans like him. He is not flashy or an off-field problem, so fans like him. And once Cub fans like a player, there is an upgrade in job security. The Cubs PR department made Barney one of the centerpieces for the Cubs convention.
That's all fine and good, but celebrating the defense of a second baseman misses the big point: every position needs to be reviewed for a season to season upgrade. And Barney's defense stats are over-rated in comparison to the consenus view in baseball.
When one organizes a team, what are the most important defensive positions?
1. Catcher. The catcher is the most important because he handles the ball the most during a game. He calls the pitches, he helps set the infield, he holds runners and really sets the tone for the game. A good catcher, like A.J. Pierzynski, could get under a competitor's skin and throw an opponent off their game. A gold glove caliber catcher makes the pitching staff better.
2. Shortstop. It is clear that the shortstop needs to be the most athletic infielder. He has to have the best range and strong, accurate arm for both throws deep in the hole and crossing over second base (against his body). All quality teams have to have a quality shortstop anchoring the infield.
3. First base. A good glove at first base will save games for a team. It was estimated that Mark Grace probably was worth five victories for getting to errant throws to stop runs scored or big innings. It makes sense because first base is the place for most put outs in a game.
4. Third base. They do not call it the "hot corner" for nothing. Quick reaction time and a strong arm are needed to cover third base area properly. A bad third baseman without reaction time or range turns an opponent into a doubles hitting machine.
5. Center field. Center fielder is the quarterback of the outfield. A speedy center fielder who anticipates the play can cover a tremendous amount of ground and can make up for corner outfield defensive short comings. A great defender can take away extra bases hit into the gaps.
6. Right field. The most important part of a right fielder is arm strength. A cannon arm is important to hold runners going from first to third, or for plays at the plate. A quality right fielder changes the strategy of a third base coach on whether to send an average runner home in a close game.
7. Second base. The second baseman has the easiest infield throws of any player. The only tough play is turning the double play at the bag.
8. Left field. A team's worst position player usually winds up in left field because it has the shortest distances to cover throws to third base. As a result, a team's best hitter but worst fielder is usually exiled to left. In a progression example, Alfonso Soriano's career path went from being a bad second baseman to a forced move by manager Frank Robinson to left field.
9. Pitcher. A pitcher is not expected to be a great fielder, even though there are stellar examples of players who fielded the mound with precision like Jim Kaat, Greg Maddux and Mark Buerhle. Commentators believe that pitchers should concentrate on pitching and not fielding. However, a horrible fielder such as Matt Garza can be exploited by opponents by merely bunting down the third base side.
So, Barney's defensive skills only rank #7 on total team defensive skills. And if Barney was the best fielder on the team, it means that every position except Soriano and the pitcher needs to be improved.
He is Ryan Theriot 2.0. Because he hustles, fans like him. He is not flashy or an off-field problem, so fans like him. And once Cub fans like a player, there is an upgrade in job security. The Cubs PR department made Barney one of the centerpieces for the Cubs convention.
That's all fine and good, but celebrating the defense of a second baseman misses the big point: every position needs to be reviewed for a season to season upgrade. And Barney's defense stats are over-rated in comparison to the consenus view in baseball.
When one organizes a team, what are the most important defensive positions?
1. Catcher. The catcher is the most important because he handles the ball the most during a game. He calls the pitches, he helps set the infield, he holds runners and really sets the tone for the game. A good catcher, like A.J. Pierzynski, could get under a competitor's skin and throw an opponent off their game. A gold glove caliber catcher makes the pitching staff better.
2. Shortstop. It is clear that the shortstop needs to be the most athletic infielder. He has to have the best range and strong, accurate arm for both throws deep in the hole and crossing over second base (against his body). All quality teams have to have a quality shortstop anchoring the infield.
3. First base. A good glove at first base will save games for a team. It was estimated that Mark Grace probably was worth five victories for getting to errant throws to stop runs scored or big innings. It makes sense because first base is the place for most put outs in a game.
4. Third base. They do not call it the "hot corner" for nothing. Quick reaction time and a strong arm are needed to cover third base area properly. A bad third baseman without reaction time or range turns an opponent into a doubles hitting machine.
5. Center field. Center fielder is the quarterback of the outfield. A speedy center fielder who anticipates the play can cover a tremendous amount of ground and can make up for corner outfield defensive short comings. A great defender can take away extra bases hit into the gaps.
6. Right field. The most important part of a right fielder is arm strength. A cannon arm is important to hold runners going from first to third, or for plays at the plate. A quality right fielder changes the strategy of a third base coach on whether to send an average runner home in a close game.
7. Second base. The second baseman has the easiest infield throws of any player. The only tough play is turning the double play at the bag.
8. Left field. A team's worst position player usually winds up in left field because it has the shortest distances to cover throws to third base. As a result, a team's best hitter but worst fielder is usually exiled to left. In a progression example, Alfonso Soriano's career path went from being a bad second baseman to a forced move by manager Frank Robinson to left field.
9. Pitcher. A pitcher is not expected to be a great fielder, even though there are stellar examples of players who fielded the mound with precision like Jim Kaat, Greg Maddux and Mark Buerhle. Commentators believe that pitchers should concentrate on pitching and not fielding. However, a horrible fielder such as Matt Garza can be exploited by opponents by merely bunting down the third base side.
So, Barney's defensive skills only rank #7 on total team defensive skills. And if Barney was the best fielder on the team, it means that every position except Soriano and the pitcher needs to be improved.
June 19, 2012
TRADE WATCH
The temperature in Chicago will remain in the mid 90s all week. That means a blast furnace of hot stove speculation is beginning for current Cub players.
The most tradable Cub, Ryan Dempster, is now on the disabled list with a lat muscle issue. It is unclear the nature or extent of the problem. Dempster said he has played through the pain before, but the team decided to rest him on the DL to preserve whatever trade value he has to the rebuilding process. A disabled player or one with an injury question will dramatically decrease the value in trade talks. Dempster will have to return from the DL and return to his excellent form in order to get any trade offers.
The complexity of trading Dempster is that he has full trade veto rights. If the Cubs want to trade Dempster, the team needs his permission. So Dempster will control where he winds up. In addition, Dempster is playing for another contract. His current deal expires at the end of this season. He is a "rent a player" for the rest of the year, or he may want an extension from his new team in order to complete a deal.
The Cubs have been showcasing Soriano to anyone with a set of eyeballs. The Cubs have made it clear that they will pick up a substantial amount of Soriano's remaining contract in order to cut a deal. Soriano is resigned to the fate of a possible trade, but wants to go to a contender. But most contenders already have a full outfield (and DH in the AL). Most contenders are looking for adding bench strength, bullpen help or temporary replacements until regulars get off the disabled list. Soriano really does not fit into those need categories. And even if the Cubs eat 95% of Soriano's contract, they may get nothing in return.
In the rumor mills, the Dodgers were interested in Dempster before his DL. It was reported that the Indians were scouting Soriano. The Indians find themselves in the hunt in the AL Central race, and need a power hitter to fill out their line up. The Dodgers are trying to make a statement under new ownership, and bringing in a front line pitcher would be a coup.
Matt Garza appears to be the new front line trade piece since Dempster is now on the DL. Several teams have indicated interest in Garza (Yankees, Tigers). Since being with the Cubs, Garza has been inconsistent in his starts. He has had good outings, followed by bad outings. But he has a track record of winning in the AL East, which is probably where he would wind up. Garza also has contract issues to deal with; he is arbitration eligible but wants to have a long term, guaranteed deal. That may turn off some teams. But some teams desperate for a starter at the trade deadline will pay the price for Garza.
Today, Ken Rosenthal writes that several teams have inquired about Darwin Barney. This is a little surprising, considering that Barney would really project as a bench player on a contender. But as we have said before, contenders are usually looking for scrappy utility players to upgrade their benches around trade time. These are not high profile, high value deals. If Barney is dealt, the Cubs will fill his position with one of Hoyer's AAA waiver claims that have been going back and forth from Iowa the last month.
When the Dodgers were scouting Dempster, the local press determined that LA was not interested in Bryan LaHair. LaHair was on the block because it is clear that the Cubs' future, Anthony Rizzo, would be called up soon to play first base. That would leave LaHair without a position. However, last night in a bold move in high winds on the South Side, manager Sveum put LaHair out in RF. The gamble paid off with a good first inning defensive play and a solid night at the plate (with a HR). So if LaHair can play RF, the need to trade him lessens. However, if he can play RF and 1B, some rival teams may consider him more valuable. The question for management is whether LaHair is a better long term solution in RF than David DeJesus (who played CF last night). It is a classic trade off of more offensive potential or less defensive tools with LaHair over DeJesus.
The most tradable Cub, Ryan Dempster, is now on the disabled list with a lat muscle issue. It is unclear the nature or extent of the problem. Dempster said he has played through the pain before, but the team decided to rest him on the DL to preserve whatever trade value he has to the rebuilding process. A disabled player or one with an injury question will dramatically decrease the value in trade talks. Dempster will have to return from the DL and return to his excellent form in order to get any trade offers.
The complexity of trading Dempster is that he has full trade veto rights. If the Cubs want to trade Dempster, the team needs his permission. So Dempster will control where he winds up. In addition, Dempster is playing for another contract. His current deal expires at the end of this season. He is a "rent a player" for the rest of the year, or he may want an extension from his new team in order to complete a deal.
The Cubs have been showcasing Soriano to anyone with a set of eyeballs. The Cubs have made it clear that they will pick up a substantial amount of Soriano's remaining contract in order to cut a deal. Soriano is resigned to the fate of a possible trade, but wants to go to a contender. But most contenders already have a full outfield (and DH in the AL). Most contenders are looking for adding bench strength, bullpen help or temporary replacements until regulars get off the disabled list. Soriano really does not fit into those need categories. And even if the Cubs eat 95% of Soriano's contract, they may get nothing in return.
In the rumor mills, the Dodgers were interested in Dempster before his DL. It was reported that the Indians were scouting Soriano. The Indians find themselves in the hunt in the AL Central race, and need a power hitter to fill out their line up. The Dodgers are trying to make a statement under new ownership, and bringing in a front line pitcher would be a coup.
Matt Garza appears to be the new front line trade piece since Dempster is now on the DL. Several teams have indicated interest in Garza (Yankees, Tigers). Since being with the Cubs, Garza has been inconsistent in his starts. He has had good outings, followed by bad outings. But he has a track record of winning in the AL East, which is probably where he would wind up. Garza also has contract issues to deal with; he is arbitration eligible but wants to have a long term, guaranteed deal. That may turn off some teams. But some teams desperate for a starter at the trade deadline will pay the price for Garza.
Today, Ken Rosenthal writes that several teams have inquired about Darwin Barney. This is a little surprising, considering that Barney would really project as a bench player on a contender. But as we have said before, contenders are usually looking for scrappy utility players to upgrade their benches around trade time. These are not high profile, high value deals. If Barney is dealt, the Cubs will fill his position with one of Hoyer's AAA waiver claims that have been going back and forth from Iowa the last month.
When the Dodgers were scouting Dempster, the local press determined that LA was not interested in Bryan LaHair. LaHair was on the block because it is clear that the Cubs' future, Anthony Rizzo, would be called up soon to play first base. That would leave LaHair without a position. However, last night in a bold move in high winds on the South Side, manager Sveum put LaHair out in RF. The gamble paid off with a good first inning defensive play and a solid night at the plate (with a HR). So if LaHair can play RF, the need to trade him lessens. However, if he can play RF and 1B, some rival teams may consider him more valuable. The question for management is whether LaHair is a better long term solution in RF than David DeJesus (who played CF last night). It is a classic trade off of more offensive potential or less defensive tools with LaHair over DeJesus.
January 31, 2012
SECOND BASE HOLE
The Cubs announced that they signed infielders Edgar Gonzalez and Matt Tolbert to minor league deals that include invitations to MLB Spring Training.
Tolbert appeared at short, second and third for the 2011 Twins, posting a .518 OPS in 226 plate appearances. Tolber, 29, played 87 games before being cut in October. His stats were not earth shattering:
0 HR -11 RBI - 2 SB .198 BA. Scouts consider him below average defense infielder.
Gonzalez, 33, picked up MLB experience with the Padres in 2008-09, but spent last year with San Francisco's top affiliate. He posted a .315/.378/.457 line in 564 Triple-A plate appearances last year. He hit 14 HR-82 RBI- 14 SB while playing second and OF in AAA.
In addition, the Cubs invited long time farm hand Bobby Scales, 34, to spring training. Last season Scales played at Iowa and in Japan.
In 2011, between Iowa and Nippon Ham Fighters, 18 HR -73 RBI- 7 SB, .280 BA.
Average fielder at second base.
In 2010, in limited duty with the Cubs, Scales batted .308, 0 HR-2 RBI-1SB in 10 games.
An invitation to spring training is really "show me what your got" try out for the major league roster. It usually means the team has a concern or weakness at certain positions. The Cubs appear to be unsettled on infield depth, and especially second base.
Darwin Barney, in his rookie season, started off fast but had a significant drop-off in the second half. HIs season line was:
143 games: 570 PA 66 R 146 H 2 HR 43 RBI 9 SB 22 BB 67 K .276 BA
The concerns with Barney's production are two fold: lack of power, and high strikeout to walk ratio. Since he does not walk very often, he is not a top of the lineup type of hitter (lead off or #2). That puts him down at the bottom of the order (#8) for which you need more power or on-base percentage to turnover the order quicker during games.
Hoyer is apparently looking to see if Scales or Gonzalez have enough home run pop left in their bats to be a regular infielder or to supply something off the bench. This is the cheap but risky solution to the second base issue. It could be easily solved if the Cubs would trade for a veteran on the market, like the Braves Martin Prado. But the Cubs decided to use the slow, uphill route in filling their roster with cast-offs and AAA players.
In any event, Barney will be on the hot seat this spring. The pressure will be on him to have an excellent spring in order to convince Hoyer that he is an everyday second baseman.
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