Again, another example of the cautionary tale of what top prospects mean in baseball.
The Rockies signed Josh Vitters to a minor league contract.
Who knew Vitters was out of the Cubs organization?
The 2007 No. 3 overall pick never amounted to anything in the Cubs
system despite placing in Baseball Prospectus' Top 50 prospects from
2008-10 (and in the Top 70 of Baseball America during that span).
Vitters is still only 25 (and won't turn 26 until August), but posted
just a .276/.322/.440 slash line in eight minor-league seasons with the
Cubs.
Vitters hit only .213 with a lowly .607 OPS in 112 games for Triple-A Iowa in 2014.
Vitters was such a prized prospect who never really got over the Triple-A talent hump. He was supposed to be a high average, good third baseman for a decade, an heir to Bill Madlock. But as is the case with most prospects, they fail. Vitters is one of the more recent Cubs casualties.
Showing posts with label Vitters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vitters. Show all posts
February 6, 2015
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.
February 25, 2013
WHO'S ON THIRD?
Both Ian Stewart and Josh Vitters have gone down with lateral strains. Both are expected to be out at least two weeks. Vitters had been slated to start the season in AAA Iowa. Stewart was signed to win the third base job.
As the Cubs website reported:
Cubs manager Dale Sveum said injured third baseman Ian Stewart should have enough time to prepare for the regular season but that the team now will get a look at the other options on the roster.
Both Stewart and third baseman Josh Vitters are sidelined 10 to 14 days with strained left quads. Luis Valbuena, Junior Lake and Christian Villanueva will get most of the playing time at third now.
"It sounds like both [Stewart] and Vitters, at the earliest, will be on the field in two weeks, but realistically three weeks," Sveum said. "It's unfortunate for them. There will still be a fair enough amount of games left after that to get enough at-bats and evaluate."
The Cubs do face some decisions regarding Stewart. His $2 million contract is non-guaranteed, which is not unusual for an arbitration-level player, but there is a March 16 deadline. If the Cubs decide at that date that Stewart isn't ready, they can release him and will be obligated to pay one-sixth of his salary ($333,333). If he's released after that date and before the regular season opener, the Cubs would owe Stewart $500,000.
"The fact of the matter is, three weeks from now puts you basically at March 14, which puts you three weeks before Opening Day," Sveum said. "If he's capable and the leg is fine, it'll be a cram session, that's for sure."
Valbuena, 27, already has secured a spot on the 25-man roster and impressed Sveum with his defensive play. On Saturday, he hit a solo home run in the second inning, his second in as many days if you count Friday's intrasquad game. He batted .306 in Venezuela this winter, taking a more aggressive approach at the plate.
What if he was the Cubs' Opening Day starter at third?
"It's not my decision," Valbuena said. "I'd be so happy if I won that job. That's what I'm trying to do."
Lake, 22, who batted .279 at Double-A Tennessee last season, would be next in the pecking order.
"In the intrasquad games, he's done fine," Sveum said of Lake. "He hasn't been tested. There's some mechanical things. He's very tall and playing tall. He's got to play the position smaller. What I mean by that, he wants to stand straight up after he fields a ground ball, so there's some things we have to tweak.
"He's such a good athlete," Sveum said. "He's going to be one of those third basemen who's not going to look like Scott Rolen but the athleticism will allow him to do a lot of things at that position."
Villanueva, 21, played at Class A Daytona last year. There are no plans to move top prospect Javier Baez from short to third, Sveum said. Right now, it's wait and see.
"We really don't have a whole lot of other third basemen," Sveum said. "They both just went down."
In the last post, we commented on the Cubs lack of depth problem, especially at third base. The problem is now a full blown crisis. Valbuena is now the default starter. He brings little offense to the power position. Vitters stock is falling more than Apple. The idea of "rushing" Lake up the depth chart is a dangerous risk. First, he has only reached AA. Second, he is a shortstop. You would be coverting him to another position on short notice.
As odd as it sounds, the final decision may come down to money. The Cubs may want to cut their losses on Stewart and pay him the $333,333 for him to leave. That would open up a roster spot for a utility player like Brent Lillibridge, who would probably sign for the league veteran minimum.
As the Cubs website reported:
Cubs manager Dale Sveum said injured third baseman Ian Stewart should have enough time to prepare for the regular season but that the team now will get a look at the other options on the roster.
Both Stewart and third baseman Josh Vitters are sidelined 10 to 14 days with strained left quads. Luis Valbuena, Junior Lake and Christian Villanueva will get most of the playing time at third now.
"It sounds like both [Stewart] and Vitters, at the earliest, will be on the field in two weeks, but realistically three weeks," Sveum said. "It's unfortunate for them. There will still be a fair enough amount of games left after that to get enough at-bats and evaluate."
The Cubs do face some decisions regarding Stewart. His $2 million contract is non-guaranteed, which is not unusual for an arbitration-level player, but there is a March 16 deadline. If the Cubs decide at that date that Stewart isn't ready, they can release him and will be obligated to pay one-sixth of his salary ($333,333). If he's released after that date and before the regular season opener, the Cubs would owe Stewart $500,000.
"The fact of the matter is, three weeks from now puts you basically at March 14, which puts you three weeks before Opening Day," Sveum said. "If he's capable and the leg is fine, it'll be a cram session, that's for sure."
Valbuena, 27, already has secured a spot on the 25-man roster and impressed Sveum with his defensive play. On Saturday, he hit a solo home run in the second inning, his second in as many days if you count Friday's intrasquad game. He batted .306 in Venezuela this winter, taking a more aggressive approach at the plate.
What if he was the Cubs' Opening Day starter at third?
"It's not my decision," Valbuena said. "I'd be so happy if I won that job. That's what I'm trying to do."
Lake, 22, who batted .279 at Double-A Tennessee last season, would be next in the pecking order.
"In the intrasquad games, he's done fine," Sveum said of Lake. "He hasn't been tested. There's some mechanical things. He's very tall and playing tall. He's got to play the position smaller. What I mean by that, he wants to stand straight up after he fields a ground ball, so there's some things we have to tweak.
"He's such a good athlete," Sveum said. "He's going to be one of those third basemen who's not going to look like Scott Rolen but the athleticism will allow him to do a lot of things at that position."
Villanueva, 21, played at Class A Daytona last year. There are no plans to move top prospect Javier Baez from short to third, Sveum said. Right now, it's wait and see.
"We really don't have a whole lot of other third basemen," Sveum said. "They both just went down."
In the last post, we commented on the Cubs lack of depth problem, especially at third base. The problem is now a full blown crisis. Valbuena is now the default starter. He brings little offense to the power position. Vitters stock is falling more than Apple. The idea of "rushing" Lake up the depth chart is a dangerous risk. First, he has only reached AA. Second, he is a shortstop. You would be coverting him to another position on short notice.
As odd as it sounds, the final decision may come down to money. The Cubs may want to cut their losses on Stewart and pay him the $333,333 for him to leave. That would open up a roster spot for a utility player like Brent Lillibridge, who would probably sign for the league veteran minimum.
February 23, 2013
DIFFERENT MOVES
There is a clear difference between how Chicago baseball teams view their spring training. One is proactive, the other is staid.
As camp opened, the Cubs third base corps was a mess. Ian Stewart and Josh Vitters both strained their lat muscles. Stewart, coming off wrist surgery and a busted 2012 season, had an MRI and may miss some time. Vitters injury appears to be less severe. However, when one looks at the entire organizational chart, only Luis Valbuena remains as a third base option for 2013.
In contrast, the White Sox opened camp with newly signed free agent utility man Jeff Keppinger slated to be at third. Injury prone Bret Morel was targeted to be the back up third baseman if he was healthy. But the White Sox front office saw their roster being right hand hitting dominant. And to further bolster roster depth, the Sox decided to go out and find a left handed bat that added depth at third base.
So the White Sox traded minor league pitcher Jeff Soptic to the Giants for minor league third baseman Conor Gillaspie.
Gillaspie, 25, is a left handed hitting infielder, who was a former fast-rising prospect and 37th overall selection in 2008. He played in the major leagues less than 100 days after he was selected. He has spent most of his time in the minor leagues since then, though, batting .287 with 37 home runs and 259 RBIs over five seasons. To make room for Gillaspie, the White Sox waived first baseman Lars Anderson, whom they recently picked up off waivers.
Over 29 major league games spanning three seasons with the Giants he hit .205 with one home run and four RBIs. As ESPN Chicago reported:
"He conceivably fits in nicely on the roster, which we’ll obviously decide more about toward the end of next month," general manager Rick Hahn said. "But we see him having a solid hit tool, above-average awareness of the strike zone, solid defensively. He gives us a little versatility in his ability to play third base as well as first. He gives (manager) Robin (Ventura) some options potentially."
Gillaspie is out of minor league options, which means that if he doesn't make the White Sox out of spring training he would have to go through the waivers process.
In certain respects, Gillaspie fits a real need for the Cubs, someone who will be able to back up third and first base this season. Currently, the Cubs have no one on the roster for that role. Non-roster invitee Brett Lillibridge is getting some play because he can also play the outfield. But the Cubs appear not to want to trade any prospects (especially their own) to fill current season needs. This is a clear signal that the Cubs do not want to tinker with their rebuilding plan by trading away young talent that they are signing or developing for a player that meets a current roster need.
As camp opened, the Cubs third base corps was a mess. Ian Stewart and Josh Vitters both strained their lat muscles. Stewart, coming off wrist surgery and a busted 2012 season, had an MRI and may miss some time. Vitters injury appears to be less severe. However, when one looks at the entire organizational chart, only Luis Valbuena remains as a third base option for 2013.
In contrast, the White Sox opened camp with newly signed free agent utility man Jeff Keppinger slated to be at third. Injury prone Bret Morel was targeted to be the back up third baseman if he was healthy. But the White Sox front office saw their roster being right hand hitting dominant. And to further bolster roster depth, the Sox decided to go out and find a left handed bat that added depth at third base.
So the White Sox traded minor league pitcher Jeff Soptic to the Giants for minor league third baseman Conor Gillaspie.
Gillaspie, 25, is a left handed hitting infielder, who was a former fast-rising prospect and 37th overall selection in 2008. He played in the major leagues less than 100 days after he was selected. He has spent most of his time in the minor leagues since then, though, batting .287 with 37 home runs and 259 RBIs over five seasons. To make room for Gillaspie, the White Sox waived first baseman Lars Anderson, whom they recently picked up off waivers.
Over 29 major league games spanning three seasons with the Giants he hit .205 with one home run and four RBIs. As ESPN Chicago reported:
"He conceivably fits in nicely on the roster, which we’ll obviously decide more about toward the end of next month," general manager Rick Hahn said. "But we see him having a solid hit tool, above-average awareness of the strike zone, solid defensively. He gives us a little versatility in his ability to play third base as well as first. He gives (manager) Robin (Ventura) some options potentially."
Gillaspie is out of minor league options, which means that if he doesn't make the White Sox out of spring training he would have to go through the waivers process.
In certain respects, Gillaspie fits a real need for the Cubs, someone who will be able to back up third and first base this season. Currently, the Cubs have no one on the roster for that role. Non-roster invitee Brett Lillibridge is getting some play because he can also play the outfield. But the Cubs appear not to want to trade any prospects (especially their own) to fill current season needs. This is a clear signal that the Cubs do not want to tinker with their rebuilding plan by trading away young talent that they are signing or developing for a player that meets a current roster need.
September 29, 2012
IT'S ALREADY NEXT YEAR
The muted slogan, "wait to next year," is already happening before the season ends, as writers and fans begin the 2012 autopsy of the Cubs.
As it stands, the Cubs will to into the winter with 10 players who have contracts or will be offered arbitration: Soriano, Marmol, Garza, DeJesus, Samardzija, Concepcion, Castro, Russell, Barney, Valbuena. The base salary for these ten players is around $53.47 million, with the arbitration eligible players of Garza, Samardzija, Russell and Valbuena will probably get moderate raises so the team will be at around $55 million with 15 positions to fill on the opening day roster.
If the remaining roster is filled with non-arbitration eligible players like Castillo, Clevenger, Dolis or Campana, those 15 prospects would add only $7.5 million to the base payroll, for a total of $62.5 million. Cot's Baseball contracts pegged the Cubs 2012 payroll at $109.4 million. So it is possible that the Cubs payroll will decrease by $46.9 million or 42.9 percent.
Even though Hoyer has told the press the Cubs will be in the free agent market, it is doubtful that the Cubs will want to spend money on premiere free agents for a club that may lose another 100 games in 2013. And what kind of free agent would be willing to join the Cubs when the team is hitting rock bottom?
The two glaring holes to fill are at third base and center field. It is doubtful that the new front office will be patient with Jim Hendry prospects Josh Vitters or Brett Jackson. But is less likely that the Cubs will go out and spend tens of millions of dollars on a veteran third baseman or center fielder when they will not be around when the blueprint of the turnaround comes in 2015.
So fans should brace themselves for another 2012 season in 2013.
As it stands, the Cubs will to into the winter with 10 players who have contracts or will be offered arbitration: Soriano, Marmol, Garza, DeJesus, Samardzija, Concepcion, Castro, Russell, Barney, Valbuena. The base salary for these ten players is around $53.47 million, with the arbitration eligible players of Garza, Samardzija, Russell and Valbuena will probably get moderate raises so the team will be at around $55 million with 15 positions to fill on the opening day roster.
If the remaining roster is filled with non-arbitration eligible players like Castillo, Clevenger, Dolis or Campana, those 15 prospects would add only $7.5 million to the base payroll, for a total of $62.5 million. Cot's Baseball contracts pegged the Cubs 2012 payroll at $109.4 million. So it is possible that the Cubs payroll will decrease by $46.9 million or 42.9 percent.
Even though Hoyer has told the press the Cubs will be in the free agent market, it is doubtful that the Cubs will want to spend money on premiere free agents for a club that may lose another 100 games in 2013. And what kind of free agent would be willing to join the Cubs when the team is hitting rock bottom?
The two glaring holes to fill are at third base and center field. It is doubtful that the new front office will be patient with Jim Hendry prospects Josh Vitters or Brett Jackson. But is less likely that the Cubs will go out and spend tens of millions of dollars on a veteran third baseman or center fielder when they will not be around when the blueprint of the turnaround comes in 2015.
So fans should brace themselves for another 2012 season in 2013.
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.
September 19, 2012
CRACKED CRYSTAL BALL
They cannot be confused as the Cubs' Three Wise Men. But if there is a crystal ball for the end of the bad season showcase of talent, three Cubs with high expectations and a potential future seem to be fading away faster than a chunk of space debris falling through the ozone layer.
All Star Bryan LaHair has fallen off Planet Cub. Ever since Rizzo was called up to be the Epstein-Hoyer cornerstone franchise pick at first base, LaHair has been riding the bench like a splinter. Since August 1st, he has only had 50 AB, 12 H, .240 BA, 1 HR and 4 RBI. It is clear that management has put LaHair out to pasture.
But just as bothersome is the two AAA rookies with high expectations for fans. They had been told for years that these two guys had major league talent, and that they would be pieces of the turnaround puzzle. But these are not Epstein-Hoyer guys. And their showcases after their early call-ups have fallen flat.
With no third baseman on the roster, one would think Josh Vitters would get an extended look in the field and at the plate. But no. Since September 1st, he has only 25 AB, 4 H,.160 BA, 1 HR and 1 RBI. There is even some talk that the Cubs should tender injured failure Ian Stewart a 2013 contract. Really? Or maybe the Cubs should just give Luis Valbuena third for 2013 until the rebuilding demolition work is complete. Those rumors clearly mean that Vitters has not won any backers in the front office.
And even more surprising is five tool outfielder Brett Jackson. He did not have the "savior" label attached to his call-up, but he was supposed to anchor the outfield for the next five years. He has some speed, and can make some difficult catches in the outfield. But his arm is less than touted. But his batting and strike out ratio is what people grimace about since his call-up. Since September 1st, Jackson has 26 AB, 2 H, .076 BA 0 HR 0 RBI. September is showcase month for rookies. This has turned into an opening night theater flop.
The writing was on the wall that LaHair would not be a starter in 2013. The question was whether he had enough to power his way to a bench position. But apparently not. The Cubs may try to deal him to Japan this off-season. Japan, home of the AAAA ball player.
Vitters is still too young to export to Japan. But he may have lost his one opportunity to make a case for a real competition this spring for the opening day third base position. His main minor league rival, Christian Villanueva, BA #100 prospect, is hitting .250 with 4 HR and 9 RBI in high A Daytona as a Cub (and for 2012 total since the Rangers trade: .279 BA, 14 AB, 68 RBI, .353 OBP). Villanueva is years away from a major league chance so Vitters has to beat out the likes of a Joe Mather, Jose Cardenas or another journeyman free agent like Stewart. Third base will not be kind to the Cubs in 2013.
Jackson may not be long in the majors, either. The Cubs brought in their two top picks, Almora and Soler, to take some batting practice at Wrigley during the last home stand. It is now believed that Almora is management's pick to be the centerfielder of the future, not Jackson. And the team may fast track Soler to the majors to play right field (which would move DeJesus to CF). And that would displace Jackson to trying to capture a 5th outfielder bench role with a Tony Campana or Dave Sappelt.
LaHair, Vitters and B Jackson are all in the same boat with the Cubs, a very small life boat for their careers.
All Star Bryan LaHair has fallen off Planet Cub. Ever since Rizzo was called up to be the Epstein-Hoyer cornerstone franchise pick at first base, LaHair has been riding the bench like a splinter. Since August 1st, he has only had 50 AB, 12 H, .240 BA, 1 HR and 4 RBI. It is clear that management has put LaHair out to pasture.
But just as bothersome is the two AAA rookies with high expectations for fans. They had been told for years that these two guys had major league talent, and that they would be pieces of the turnaround puzzle. But these are not Epstein-Hoyer guys. And their showcases after their early call-ups have fallen flat.
With no third baseman on the roster, one would think Josh Vitters would get an extended look in the field and at the plate. But no. Since September 1st, he has only 25 AB, 4 H,.160 BA, 1 HR and 1 RBI. There is even some talk that the Cubs should tender injured failure Ian Stewart a 2013 contract. Really? Or maybe the Cubs should just give Luis Valbuena third for 2013 until the rebuilding demolition work is complete. Those rumors clearly mean that Vitters has not won any backers in the front office.
And even more surprising is five tool outfielder Brett Jackson. He did not have the "savior" label attached to his call-up, but he was supposed to anchor the outfield for the next five years. He has some speed, and can make some difficult catches in the outfield. But his arm is less than touted. But his batting and strike out ratio is what people grimace about since his call-up. Since September 1st, Jackson has 26 AB, 2 H, .076 BA 0 HR 0 RBI. September is showcase month for rookies. This has turned into an opening night theater flop.
The writing was on the wall that LaHair would not be a starter in 2013. The question was whether he had enough to power his way to a bench position. But apparently not. The Cubs may try to deal him to Japan this off-season. Japan, home of the AAAA ball player.
Vitters is still too young to export to Japan. But he may have lost his one opportunity to make a case for a real competition this spring for the opening day third base position. His main minor league rival, Christian Villanueva, BA #100 prospect, is hitting .250 with 4 HR and 9 RBI in high A Daytona as a Cub (and for 2012 total since the Rangers trade: .279 BA, 14 AB, 68 RBI, .353 OBP). Villanueva is years away from a major league chance so Vitters has to beat out the likes of a Joe Mather, Jose Cardenas or another journeyman free agent like Stewart. Third base will not be kind to the Cubs in 2013.
Jackson may not be long in the majors, either. The Cubs brought in their two top picks, Almora and Soler, to take some batting practice at Wrigley during the last home stand. It is now believed that Almora is management's pick to be the centerfielder of the future, not Jackson. And the team may fast track Soler to the majors to play right field (which would move DeJesus to CF). And that would displace Jackson to trying to capture a 5th outfielder bench role with a Tony Campana or Dave Sappelt.
LaHair, Vitters and B Jackson are all in the same boat with the Cubs, a very small life boat for their careers.
June 14, 2012
PROMOTION
Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago reports that Ian Stewart is headed to the disabled list for his left wrist issues. Stewart had these same wrist problems last season when he flailed away in the Rockies minor league system. Undeterred, Epstein made the trade to acquire Stewart to replace Ramirez at third.
Stewart, who is only batting .201, has not been the stellar third baseman on defense either. Recently, he failed to move on several balls hit to the left side of the infield. It may be part of the morbid setting in on the team that is playing poorly, losing a lot, with a clubhouse filled with daily trade rumors.
Joe Mather replaced Stewart at third, and pumpkin chunked the game away with an error that lead to a Tigers comeback victory.
Padilla spoke to Cubs manager Dale Sveum, who told him that Josh Vitters is not a candidate to be called up to replace Stewart on the roster. Vitters, the starting AAA Iowa third baseman, has been in the system "forever," drafted out of high school and slowly moving up the organization depth chart. Currently, he is the only third baseman of any note in the system ready for a major league test.
Typically, a well run organization promotes its players to the next level as part of systematic development process. By the time a player gets to AAA, he should have the skill set to be promoted to the major league roster as a short term, injury replacement player. And that is the carrot for minor league players to try their best and succeed at the AAA level.
The scouting report has always been that Vitters will be a respectable hitter, but not a very good fielder. Well, in the past few decades, fielding was not a priority at third base for the Cubs. Before Ramirez, any warm body would do. So the excuse that Vitters needs to work on his defense some more is weak.
The Cubs are rebuilding a sinking ship. Now, not next spring, is the time to see if anyone in AAA (like Vitters) has the skills to play at the major league level. Playing Vitters at third for three series now could pay huge dividends in the future. You get know what type of player you have (especially since the new management triad has not seen much of Vitters in the past).
Unless Epstein fears that Vitters will outperform his limitations (and make the Stewart deal look even worse), there is no reason not to call up Vitters to replace Stewart in the line up.
Instead, Sveum indicated that the Cubs could call up infielder Luis Valbuena. Valbuena is a 26 year old AL journeyman infielder that the Cubs picked up on waivers from Toronto. In 58 games at Iowa, he is batting .303, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .378 OBP. However, he has mainly played short stop (44 games), with small stints at second (9 games) and third (5 games).
We criticized Jim Hendry for collecting a roster filled with second baseman during his tenure as general manager. Epstein appears headed for a moniker of collecting utility bench players.
The only reason the Cubs could justify calling up Valbuena is to rest Castro at short stop. But that does not help solve the issue at third base (journeyman Mather is not the long term answer). Now, some have speculated that the Cubs could move Castro to third base - - - but now is not the time to learn a new position mid-season and on the fly.
If the Cubs want to send the right message to the minor league players in your system, promotion to the major league roster of your talent is important. That is why promoting Vitters when Stewart goes on the DL makes the most sense.
Stewart, who is only batting .201, has not been the stellar third baseman on defense either. Recently, he failed to move on several balls hit to the left side of the infield. It may be part of the morbid setting in on the team that is playing poorly, losing a lot, with a clubhouse filled with daily trade rumors.
Joe Mather replaced Stewart at third, and pumpkin chunked the game away with an error that lead to a Tigers comeback victory.
Padilla spoke to Cubs manager Dale Sveum, who told him that Josh Vitters is not a candidate to be called up to replace Stewart on the roster. Vitters, the starting AAA Iowa third baseman, has been in the system "forever," drafted out of high school and slowly moving up the organization depth chart. Currently, he is the only third baseman of any note in the system ready for a major league test.
Typically, a well run organization promotes its players to the next level as part of systematic development process. By the time a player gets to AAA, he should have the skill set to be promoted to the major league roster as a short term, injury replacement player. And that is the carrot for minor league players to try their best and succeed at the AAA level.
The scouting report has always been that Vitters will be a respectable hitter, but not a very good fielder. Well, in the past few decades, fielding was not a priority at third base for the Cubs. Before Ramirez, any warm body would do. So the excuse that Vitters needs to work on his defense some more is weak.
The Cubs are rebuilding a sinking ship. Now, not next spring, is the time to see if anyone in AAA (like Vitters) has the skills to play at the major league level. Playing Vitters at third for three series now could pay huge dividends in the future. You get know what type of player you have (especially since the new management triad has not seen much of Vitters in the past).
Unless Epstein fears that Vitters will outperform his limitations (and make the Stewart deal look even worse), there is no reason not to call up Vitters to replace Stewart in the line up.
Instead, Sveum indicated that the Cubs could call up infielder Luis Valbuena. Valbuena is a 26 year old AL journeyman infielder that the Cubs picked up on waivers from Toronto. In 58 games at Iowa, he is batting .303, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .378 OBP. However, he has mainly played short stop (44 games), with small stints at second (9 games) and third (5 games).
We criticized Jim Hendry for collecting a roster filled with second baseman during his tenure as general manager. Epstein appears headed for a moniker of collecting utility bench players.
The only reason the Cubs could justify calling up Valbuena is to rest Castro at short stop. But that does not help solve the issue at third base (journeyman Mather is not the long term answer). Now, some have speculated that the Cubs could move Castro to third base - - - but now is not the time to learn a new position mid-season and on the fly.
If the Cubs want to send the right message to the minor league players in your system, promotion to the major league roster of your talent is important. That is why promoting Vitters when Stewart goes on the DL makes the most sense.
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