The Cubs traded 3B Luis Valbuena and SP Dan Straily to Houston for CF Dexter Fowler.
Fowler, 28, is in his last arb contract year (he is asking $10.5 million compared to an $8.5 million Houston counter). Valbuena hit .249, 15 HR, 51 RBI for the Cubs in 2014. Fowler hit .276 BA, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 11 SB, .375 OBP. The WAR numbers are about the same: Fowler 1.8, Valbuena 1.6.
Fowler is a bad outfielder. He had a negative 1.8 dWAR last season. He had a .983 fielding percentage. His career dWAR is negative 3.2.
The trade makes little sense. Fowler displaces Alcantara in CF (who has shown some power despite his small frame) and displaces Valbuena's power at third (until Bryant is called up). Yes, the Cubs have new potential power sources in Baez, Soler and Bryant to make up that difference (approx. 30 HR deficit).
Since Bryant is not going to be on the opening day roster, the Cubs will weaken their defense by playing someone else at third. Candidates including moving Baez to third (opening the second slot for LaStella and/or Alcantara) or giving the job back to Olt. Rumors have it that Alcantara is going to be the super-sub like Bonifacio was early last year.
Whether new manager Maddon can figure out a consistent line up card is doubtful. It looks like another mash-up of platoon type bench players.
Projected starters:
1. Fowler CF
2. Castro SS
3. Rizzo 1B
4. Soler RF
5. Baez/Olt 3B
6. Coghlan/Denorfia LF
7. Montero C
8. LaStella/Alcantara 2B
Showing posts with label Valbuena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valbuena. Show all posts
January 20, 2015
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.
September 11, 2013
PRODUCTION AT THIRD
There was a comment that the Cubs have gotten good production out of their third base platoon this season (Valbuena, Ransom, Murphy).
As of today, this is how the platoon fared:
Valbuena: 301 AB, 69 H, 11 HR, 1 SB, .229 BA, 1.7 WAR
Ransom: 158 AB, 32 H, 9 HR, 20 RBI, 0 SB, .203 BA, 0.9 WAR
Murphy: 110 AB, 31 H, 10 HR, 20 RBI, 1 SB, .282 BA, 1.4 WAR
Total: 569 AB, 132 H, 30 HR, 75 RBI, 2 SB, .232 BA, 4.0 WAR
Individually, none of the Cub third sackers are in the Top 20 MLB Third Basemen.
Collectively, the platoon would rank amongst in those Top 20 players:
#1 in AB
#11 in Hits
#3 in HR
#5 in RBI
#18 in BA
#10 in SB
#8 in WAR
22.7 percent of the hits were home runs. It is an all or nothing approach.
By comparison to the last full time starter at third, Aramis Ramirez, who had an injury shortened season, played in 78 games, 265 AB, 73 H, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 2.85 BA, 0 SB, 0.2 WAR. Most executives would still say A-Ram is a better third baseman than the Cubs platoon.
Ramirez HR percentage of hits is 13.6 percent.
If one gives Ramirez stat line a 144 game projection as a current full season, Ramirez would have 15 HR, 58 RBI, .285 BA. That would put him around #11 or #12 best MLB third baseman this year.
As of today, this is how the platoon fared:
Valbuena: 301 AB, 69 H, 11 HR, 1 SB, .229 BA, 1.7 WAR
Ransom: 158 AB, 32 H, 9 HR, 20 RBI, 0 SB, .203 BA, 0.9 WAR
Murphy: 110 AB, 31 H, 10 HR, 20 RBI, 1 SB, .282 BA, 1.4 WAR
Total: 569 AB, 132 H, 30 HR, 75 RBI, 2 SB, .232 BA, 4.0 WAR
Individually, none of the Cub third sackers are in the Top 20 MLB Third Basemen.
Collectively, the platoon would rank amongst in those Top 20 players:
#1 in AB
#11 in Hits
#3 in HR
#5 in RBI
#18 in BA
#10 in SB
#8 in WAR
22.7 percent of the hits were home runs. It is an all or nothing approach.
By comparison to the last full time starter at third, Aramis Ramirez, who had an injury shortened season, played in 78 games, 265 AB, 73 H, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 2.85 BA, 0 SB, 0.2 WAR. Most executives would still say A-Ram is a better third baseman than the Cubs platoon.
Ramirez HR percentage of hits is 13.6 percent.
If one gives Ramirez stat line a 144 game projection as a current full season, Ramirez would have 15 HR, 58 RBI, .285 BA. That would put him around #11 or #12 best MLB third baseman this year.
July 17, 2013
MOST VALUABLE ASSETS
While the Cubs are pushing hard Matt Garza in trade talks, is he really the most valuable asset the Cubs have to trade? No, he is not. He will be a free agent at the end of the year. He is a rental player to a trade partner. He wants a significant raise next season from his current $10.5 million contract. As in previous posts, Garza will not generate the number or quality of prospects in a trade.
Who are more valuable trade chips?
1. Travis Wood. The Cubs lone All-Star has the added advantages of being a left handed starter, and team control to 2017. He is arbitration eligible after this season. So he is a quality and affordable starting pitcher. He would bring back the most talent in a trade. However, is he more valuable to the Cubs to build a long term starting rotation?
2. Jeff Samardzija. The Cubs consider him "ace" material. He is a free agent in 2016. Like Wood, he is arbitration eligible but affordable to most teams. He would bring back more talent than Garza in a trade, but the front office is signalling that they want to keep Samardzija long term.
3. Dioner Navarro. Most contenders look to add a missing component to their bench (back up fielders or quality pinch hitters). Navarro has excelled at the latter. He signed a one year $1.75 deal with the Cubs so he is a free agent after this season. But being a catcher plus a switch hitter makes him a valuable commodity to the right team.
4. Kevin Gregg. Most contenders also look to bolster their bullpens for the final drive in September. Gregg has experience in set up and closer roles (even though his last five outings have been less than stellar.) He is also a free agent at the end of the season so he is a good choice for a contender who just wants insurance for this season.
5. Luis Valbuena. He may be the most versatile Cub to reach the market this year. He can play three infield positions. He bats left handed. He is a free agent in 2017 and arbitration eligible next year. He could be a valuable bench player on a contending team who has possible injury issues with its starters.
6. Carlos Villanueva. He is also versatile in that he can start and throw long relief. As staffs wear down this summer, a team may seek more live arms to get through the dog days of August. Villaneuva fits that role. He is signed for next season at a reasonable $5 million salary for a 5th starter so that should bring in an extra prospect in a trade.
7. Jeff Russell. He would have been more valuable, but during recent "show case" games he struggled. The amount of work may be catching up to him. However, he is a lefty reliever with experience that some teams need in order to compete in the latter stages of a pennant race.
It would not be surprising that at least half of these 8 players are traded by the Cubs before the deadline.
Who are more valuable trade chips?
1. Travis Wood. The Cubs lone All-Star has the added advantages of being a left handed starter, and team control to 2017. He is arbitration eligible after this season. So he is a quality and affordable starting pitcher. He would bring back the most talent in a trade. However, is he more valuable to the Cubs to build a long term starting rotation?
2. Jeff Samardzija. The Cubs consider him "ace" material. He is a free agent in 2016. Like Wood, he is arbitration eligible but affordable to most teams. He would bring back more talent than Garza in a trade, but the front office is signalling that they want to keep Samardzija long term.
3. Dioner Navarro. Most contenders look to add a missing component to their bench (back up fielders or quality pinch hitters). Navarro has excelled at the latter. He signed a one year $1.75 deal with the Cubs so he is a free agent after this season. But being a catcher plus a switch hitter makes him a valuable commodity to the right team.
4. Kevin Gregg. Most contenders also look to bolster their bullpens for the final drive in September. Gregg has experience in set up and closer roles (even though his last five outings have been less than stellar.) He is also a free agent at the end of the season so he is a good choice for a contender who just wants insurance for this season.
5. Luis Valbuena. He may be the most versatile Cub to reach the market this year. He can play three infield positions. He bats left handed. He is a free agent in 2017 and arbitration eligible next year. He could be a valuable bench player on a contending team who has possible injury issues with its starters.
6. Carlos Villanueva. He is also versatile in that he can start and throw long relief. As staffs wear down this summer, a team may seek more live arms to get through the dog days of August. Villaneuva fits that role. He is signed for next season at a reasonable $5 million salary for a 5th starter so that should bring in an extra prospect in a trade.
7. Jeff Russell. He would have been more valuable, but during recent "show case" games he struggled. The amount of work may be catching up to him. However, he is a lefty reliever with experience that some teams need in order to compete in the latter stages of a pennant race.
It would not be surprising that at least half of these 8 players are traded by the Cubs before the deadline.
July 8, 2013
HAIRSTON TODAY, GONE TOMORROW
Scott Hairston is no longer a Cub. The 33-year old outfielder has been traded to the Nationals for a Class A player. The Cubs also sent some salary relief ($500,000) to offset the remaining balance of the two-year, $5 million contract.
In 52 games, Hairston had 99 AB, and hit 8 HR, 19 RBI but batted .172. His season WAR is negative 0.5, which is worse than a AAA replacement player.
Why would the Nationals want a veteran like this? The Nats have had injury problems in their outfield and may wish to solidify a home run bat off the bench.
It also seems that the Cubs are not getting very much in return for their "assets" on the 25 man roster.
How many Class A level prospects can the Cubs absorb in one year (draft and international signings plus trades)?
One must also consider the possibility that the Cubs need to move payroll in order to balance overspending on prospects. The Hairston trade will cut $2 million off the 2014 payroll.
Even though the Cubs are playing poker with Matt Garza by holding on to him to the last minute to try to get a bidding war for that trade, the risk that Garza has one or two bad outings (or gets hurt again) is growing which each start.
The two most valuable trade pieces right now are Luis Valbuena and Dioner Navarro. Valbuena because he is a utility infielder who has flashed some glove skills recently. And Navarro who has excellent pinch hitting numbers, plus he is a switch hitting catcher (a rare commodity). I would not be surprised if these two players get traded before Garza.
In 52 games, Hairston had 99 AB, and hit 8 HR, 19 RBI but batted .172. His season WAR is negative 0.5, which is worse than a AAA replacement player.
Why would the Nationals want a veteran like this? The Nats have had injury problems in their outfield and may wish to solidify a home run bat off the bench.
It also seems that the Cubs are not getting very much in return for their "assets" on the 25 man roster.
How many Class A level prospects can the Cubs absorb in one year (draft and international signings plus trades)?
One must also consider the possibility that the Cubs need to move payroll in order to balance overspending on prospects. The Hairston trade will cut $2 million off the 2014 payroll.
Even though the Cubs are playing poker with Matt Garza by holding on to him to the last minute to try to get a bidding war for that trade, the risk that Garza has one or two bad outings (or gets hurt again) is growing which each start.
The two most valuable trade pieces right now are Luis Valbuena and Dioner Navarro. Valbuena because he is a utility infielder who has flashed some glove skills recently. And Navarro who has excellent pinch hitting numbers, plus he is a switch hitting catcher (a rare commodity). I would not be surprised if these two players get traded before Garza.
March 11, 2013
BAD SIGN
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.
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.
December 1, 2012
TENDER LOINS
As expected, the Cubs non-tendered Ian Stewart on Friday but management stated that they hoped to
re-sign the third baseman. Stewart who missed most of last two seasons is rehabbing from needing
wrist surgery.
The Cubs tendered contracts to right-handed pitchers Matt Garza and Jeff Samardzija, left-handed pitcher James Russell, and infielder Luis Valbuena. Garza, Samardzija, Russell, Valbuena and Stewart were arbitration-eligible.
This means that Valbuena is penciled in as the Cubs 2013 starting third baseman. It is clear that given the choice, Valbuena was taken over Stewart.
In addition, 14 players from the Cubs' 40-man roster were tendered 2013 contracts on Friday. Besides Stewart, the Cubs also non-tendered right-handed pitchers Zach Putnam and Jaye Chapman. Putnam and Chapman were not eligible for arbitration.
Two 25 year old pitchers were non-tendered: Putnam and Chapman. Putnam was an off-season waiver pick up from the Rockies. Putnam was basically a AA pitcher last season with 12 saves in 33 game finishes, with a 3-4 record and 4.15 ERA. Putnam could have been a potential replacement if the Marmol trade to the Angels had gone through. Since Marmol appears to be a Cub in 2013 (his salary is now higher than the current closer market), Putnam was not a critical piece. Chapman was part of the Maholm trade with the Braves. In 14 relief appearances, he pitched 12 IP, 3.75 ERA and 1.500 WHIP. One would have thought Chapman could have been a piece in the rebuilding bullpen.
The Cubs also announced pitcher Casey Coleman, who was designated for assignment earlier this week to make room on the 40-man roster for pitcher Scott Feldman, has cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Iowa.
With the moves, the Cubs' 40-man roster now stands at 37.
In other team non-tenders, the most interesting for the Cubs could be former Pirate starter, Jeff Karstens. He pitched through a few nagging injuries last season. In 19 games, he went 5-4, 3.97 ERA and 1.147 WHIP. He made $3.1 million last season. He has been a consistent control pitcher at a reasonable value. He could be the Maholm free-agent type signing for some team, and a possible flip candidate at the trade deadline.
In addition, left handed pitcher John Lannan of the Nationals is now a free agent. He spent most of 2012 in the minors because he was blocked by a slew of quality starters acquired in trades. Lannan, 28, has been on our radar for a while. A left handed starter, he came back around the time Strasberg was shut down. In 6 starts, he went 4-1, 4.13 ERA and 1.439 WHIP. He made $5 million last season, and one could expect that he would make more than Scott Baker in the open market.
The Braves parted ways with former starter Jair Jurrjens. Jurrjens, 26, has had injuries that have accumulated over the last three seasons. In 10 starts in 2012, he went 3-4, 6.89 ERA in 48.1 IP, 1.862 WHIP. Before the season started, Jurrijens was a hot topic of trade speculation. A team willing to wait for an extended rehab (which fits the current Cub profile) could take a flyer on Jurrjens.
The Cubs are not a true destination landing spot for free agents. The Cubs are really an "extended paid career rehab" facility for players, especially pitchers, who need to prove they are back from some major injury, like Tommy John surgery. Free agents are aware that the Cubs are not going to win, but if they can show they have returned to form, the Cubs will trade them to a contender in July. It is the "rent a player" mode in reverse.
In other release news, the Rangers non-tendered former Cubs Geo Soto and Jacob Bingham. It was no surprise that Soto was not offered a new deal after two years of declining performance. Bingham was just traded back from the Cubs, which shows that the second deal was an injury make-up compensation since Bingham was hurt after the trade.
The Orioles released third baseman Mark Reynolds. Some believe he could be a stop-gap for the Cubs. Reynolds, 29, hit only .221 in 2012, with 23 HR, 69 RBI, .335 OBP and 159 strike outs. For the first time in five years, he did not lead the league in strike outs. Also, he is a woeful defender at third base. The Cubs will probably pass on his services since the team needs more contact hitters and better fielders.
The Cubs tendered contracts to right-handed pitchers Matt Garza and Jeff Samardzija, left-handed pitcher James Russell, and infielder Luis Valbuena. Garza, Samardzija, Russell, Valbuena and Stewart were arbitration-eligible.
This means that Valbuena is penciled in as the Cubs 2013 starting third baseman. It is clear that given the choice, Valbuena was taken over Stewart.
In addition, 14 players from the Cubs' 40-man roster were tendered 2013 contracts on Friday. Besides Stewart, the Cubs also non-tendered right-handed pitchers Zach Putnam and Jaye Chapman. Putnam and Chapman were not eligible for arbitration.
Two 25 year old pitchers were non-tendered: Putnam and Chapman. Putnam was an off-season waiver pick up from the Rockies. Putnam was basically a AA pitcher last season with 12 saves in 33 game finishes, with a 3-4 record and 4.15 ERA. Putnam could have been a potential replacement if the Marmol trade to the Angels had gone through. Since Marmol appears to be a Cub in 2013 (his salary is now higher than the current closer market), Putnam was not a critical piece. Chapman was part of the Maholm trade with the Braves. In 14 relief appearances, he pitched 12 IP, 3.75 ERA and 1.500 WHIP. One would have thought Chapman could have been a piece in the rebuilding bullpen.
The Cubs also announced pitcher Casey Coleman, who was designated for assignment earlier this week to make room on the 40-man roster for pitcher Scott Feldman, has cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Iowa.
With the moves, the Cubs' 40-man roster now stands at 37.
In other team non-tenders, the most interesting for the Cubs could be former Pirate starter, Jeff Karstens. He pitched through a few nagging injuries last season. In 19 games, he went 5-4, 3.97 ERA and 1.147 WHIP. He made $3.1 million last season. He has been a consistent control pitcher at a reasonable value. He could be the Maholm free-agent type signing for some team, and a possible flip candidate at the trade deadline.
In addition, left handed pitcher John Lannan of the Nationals is now a free agent. He spent most of 2012 in the minors because he was blocked by a slew of quality starters acquired in trades. Lannan, 28, has been on our radar for a while. A left handed starter, he came back around the time Strasberg was shut down. In 6 starts, he went 4-1, 4.13 ERA and 1.439 WHIP. He made $5 million last season, and one could expect that he would make more than Scott Baker in the open market.
The Braves parted ways with former starter Jair Jurrjens. Jurrjens, 26, has had injuries that have accumulated over the last three seasons. In 10 starts in 2012, he went 3-4, 6.89 ERA in 48.1 IP, 1.862 WHIP. Before the season started, Jurrijens was a hot topic of trade speculation. A team willing to wait for an extended rehab (which fits the current Cub profile) could take a flyer on Jurrjens.
The Cubs are not a true destination landing spot for free agents. The Cubs are really an "extended paid career rehab" facility for players, especially pitchers, who need to prove they are back from some major injury, like Tommy John surgery. Free agents are aware that the Cubs are not going to win, but if they can show they have returned to form, the Cubs will trade them to a contender in July. It is the "rent a player" mode in reverse.
In other release news, the Rangers non-tendered former Cubs Geo Soto and Jacob Bingham. It was no surprise that Soto was not offered a new deal after two years of declining performance. Bingham was just traded back from the Cubs, which shows that the second deal was an injury make-up compensation since Bingham was hurt after the trade.
The Orioles released third baseman Mark Reynolds. Some believe he could be a stop-gap for the Cubs. Reynolds, 29, hit only .221 in 2012, with 23 HR, 69 RBI, .335 OBP and 159 strike outs. For the first time in five years, he did not lead the league in strike outs. Also, he is a woeful defender at third base. The Cubs will probably pass on his services since the team needs more contact hitters and better fielders.
September 20, 2012
BRAIN FARTS HAPPEN - - - TO MANAGERS
Sveum downplays Valbuena's bonehead play. “That’s one of these things,” Sveum said. “We have one of these things every three or four days that are not even explainable. You obviously don’t practice staying on a base when a pitcher isn’t on the mound. (These are) things that just boggle your mind, for major league players who have played a lot of baseball to just be looking off into left field when the pitcher is on the mound. These things get unacceptable. And (asking) why are these things happening drives you crazy as a manager because there’s no rhyme or reason for things like that to happen.”
So Valbuena's mental error in the field, which directly killed a rally, is "unacceptable" behavior. Except, Valbuena is not benched for the next game. Why?
"(He) feels as bad as anybody,” Sveum said. “It’s not one of those things where you’re dogging it or anything like that. Why these brain farts happen ... it’s not (cause to) bench anybody over it. It’s hard to fathom when something like that happens, especially in a key moment of the ballgame. We had (Leake) on the ropes right there.”
So Valbuena in the line-up in a game that does not change the fortunes of the Cubs in the standings is more important than sending a clear message that such mental "brain farts" are unacceptable behavior. This is the problem with Cubs coaches: there is almost zero accountability on the players for their bad play. As a result bad play is tolerated, in some cases, now even expected during the season. So, why during a perfect "learning situation," does Valbuena continue to be rewarded with playing time at third base, at the expense of prospect Josh Vitters?
“We don’t have people who are here that are guaranteed jobs,” Sveum said. “That alone is a motivating factor for stuff like that to not happen. You’ve got to learn how to focus 300 pitches a game, nine or 10 innings, to never let your guard down. Those are the things we’re evaluating for people we want in this organization when we get ready to win.”
Except, it looks like Sveum has given up evaluating Vitters for next season by playing Valbuena today. It is another example of the inconsistency of the manager to assess and address these baseball issues with players. Favoritism of veterans and harshness towards young players is not a winning formula on the North Side. In fact, it is a poor reflection on management.
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