Theriot to Play Everywhere

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

According to the Trib (Link.), Theriot has been in ST for two weeks already getting ready to play some OF.

 

I think this could be a good move. If he makes the team, he'll be a utility player. He can already handle 2b and SS and likely 3b. If he can effectively handle CF and RF, I think he brings more value. He might even be part of a platoon with Jacque.

 

My hope is that DeRosa continues to hit like he did in Texas at 2b and Theriot is able to be the type of player DeRosa has been in being a super-sub who actually is good at those positions and not a liability with the bat. It could be a huge boost to the bench.

[Chris]

The Riot!

[Burtonbell]

Gotta love the kid with the grit and determination!

[goonys evil twin]

It would be so nice to see the Cubs actually utilize an internal cost effective option in the role of utility man. I'm so sick of them going out and wasting millions on guys who are no better than AAA players. Use your millions on difference makers, use your farm for role players.

[CubColtPacer]

According to the Trib (Link.), Theriot has been in ST for two weeks already getting ready to play some OF.

 

I think this could be a good move. If he makes the team, he'll be a utility player. He can already handle 2b and SS and likely 3b. If he can effectively handle CF and RF, I think he brings more value. He might even be part of a platoon with Jacque.

 

My hope is that DeRosa continues to hit like he did in Texas at 2b and Theriot is able to be the type of player DeRosa has been in being a super-sub who actually is good at those positions and not a liability with the bat. It could be a huge boost to the bench.

 

Also, if Theriot proves he can play CF it might spell the end for Pagan in favor of another backup middle infielder.

[abuck1220]

According to the Trib (Link.), Theriot has been in ST for two weeks already getting ready to play some OF.

 

I think this could be a good move. If he makes the team, he'll be a utility player. He can already handle 2b and SS and likely 3b. If he can effectively handle CF and RF, I think he brings more value. He might even be part of a platoon with Jacque.

 

My hope is that DeRosa continues to hit like he did in Texas at 2b and Theriot is able to be the type of player DeRosa has been in being a super-sub who actually is good at those positions and not a liability with the bat. It could be a huge boost to the bench.

 

Also, if Theriot proves he can play CF it might spell the end for Pagan in favor of another backup middle infielder.

 

let's hope so.

[goonys evil twin]

According to the Trib (Link.), Theriot has been in ST for two weeks already getting ready to play some OF.

 

I think this could be a good move. If he makes the team, he'll be a utility player. He can already handle 2b and SS and likely 3b. If he can effectively handle CF and RF, I think he brings more value. He might even be part of a platoon with Jacque.

 

My hope is that DeRosa continues to hit like he did in Texas at 2b and Theriot is able to be the type of player DeRosa has been in being a super-sub who actually is good at those positions and not a liability with the bat. It could be a huge boost to the bench.

 

Also, if Theriot proves he can play CF it might spell the end for Pagan in favor of another backup middle infielder.

 

let's hope so.

 

I could live with no more Pagan, but I don't see much use for another backup middle infielder. If Cedeno doesn't make the team, he should be the first guy called up to take somebody's place. I'd like to see an OF who can provide some offense against LHP.

[CuseCubFan69]

According to the Trib (Link.), Theriot has been in ST for two weeks already getting ready to play some OF.

 

I think this could be a good move. If he makes the team, he'll be a utility player. He can already handle 2b and SS and likely 3b. If he can effectively handle CF and RF, I think he brings more value. He might even be part of a platoon with Jacque.

 

My hope is that DeRosa continues to hit like he did in Texas at 2b and Theriot is able to be the type of player DeRosa has been in being a super-sub who actually is good at those positions and not a liability with the bat. It could be a huge boost to the bench.

 

Also, if Theriot proves he can play CF it might spell the end for Pagan in favor of another backup middle infielder.

 

let's hope so.

 

Right...and the Cubs just signed a Perez like stud recently, didn't they?

 

Who was that guy the Cubs signed that actually had a good minor league average and OBP career wise that plays the infield?

[CubColtPacer]

According to the Trib (Link.), Theriot has been in ST for two weeks already getting ready to play some OF.

 

I think this could be a good move. If he makes the team, he'll be a utility player. He can already handle 2b and SS and likely 3b. If he can effectively handle CF and RF, I think he brings more value. He might even be part of a platoon with Jacque.

 

My hope is that DeRosa continues to hit like he did in Texas at 2b and Theriot is able to be the type of player DeRosa has been in being a super-sub who actually is good at those positions and not a liability with the bat. It could be a huge boost to the bench.

 

Also, if Theriot proves he can play CF it might spell the end for Pagan in favor of another backup middle infielder.

 

let's hope so.

 

Well, the alternative might be Cedeno, so I don't know how happy I'd be-Cedeno on the bench would maybe not be the best thing for him, but it would probably give the Cubs greater flexibility than if Pagan was on the bench (since the Cubs would still have Murton/Soriano/Jones/Floyd/Ward/Theriot/DeRosa to play the 3 outfield spots if needed, while right now they only have DeRosa/Izturis/Aramis/Theriot to play the 2B, SS, and 3B-they need another body there, especially since people like DeRosa, Izturis, and Aramis will have more days off than people like Soriano). If they don't bring another infielder along with Theriot, then it becomes hard to pinch-hit Theriot, and I wouldn't be too happy about that.

[Abe Frohman]

Cedeno was a disaster as a starter. Zero plate discipline.

[goonys evil twin]

Well, the alternative might be Cedeno, so I don't know how happy I'd be-Cedeno on the bench would maybe not be the best thing for him,

 

At this point, I don't really care about what's best for Cedeno's development. I didn't think he stood a chance of being a good regular a few years ago. But I was intrigued by his brief success a couple seasons ago. Now that's he's 24, with about 3000 professional PA, I'm not worried about finding him playing time. He's a perfectly acceptable $350,000 backup middle infielder.

[BigbadB]

Cedeno needs to be playing AAA everyday. The Cubs WILL need him at some point this season. Either because Izturis is injured again, or because Izturis isn't hitting higher than his weight.

[CubColtPacer]

Well, the alternative might be Cedeno, so I don't know how happy I'd be-Cedeno on the bench would maybe not be the best thing for him,

 

At this point, I don't really care about what's best for Cedeno's development. I didn't think he stood a chance of being a good regular a few years ago. But I was intrigued by his brief success a couple seasons ago. Now that's he's 24, with about 3000 professional PA, I'm not worried about finding him playing time. He's a perfectly acceptable $350,000 backup middle infielder.

 

I would tend to agree with that-he's the backup that stays on the bench in case somebody gets hurt and should only really pinch-hit if some of the other pinch-hitters have already been used. He would probably end up playing SS on the days Izturis didn't play there.

[goonys evil twin]

Cedeno needs to be playing AAA everyday.

 

I don't see any reason why he needs that. He's not lacking playing time on his resume. I don't see him learning anything more by playing everyday in AAA as opposed to subbing at the major league level. At some point guys have to sink or swim. The time for keeping guys in the minors playing everyday is when they are 21/22 with minimal professional experience. Cedeno is 24 and has plenty of experience. Now he has to establish himself as a major leaguer, and hope to be good enough to one day start.

[CuseCubFan69]

Cedeno needs to be playing AAA everyday.

 

I don't see any reason why he needs that. He's not lacking playing time on his resume. I don't see him learning anything more by playing everyday in AAA as opposed to subbing at the major league level. At some point guys have to sink or swim. The time for keeping guys in the minors playing everyday is when they are 21/22 with minimal professional experience. Cedeno is 24 and has plenty of experience. Now he has to establish himself as a major leaguer, and hope to be good enough to one day start.

 

I think that will depend on who the Cubs have slotted for Iowa. I'd rather just have him playing everyday at Iowa as long as it's not pushing a guy that would be ready for AAA from the lower levels and it keeps Theriot active and more AB's for the Cubs.

[BigbadB]

I think Cedeno missed some valuable development time. You know Dusty was telling him to be aggressive at the plate. He needs more time with Joshua working on plate discipline.

 

He can probably hit better than Izturis right now, a little more work wouldn't hurt him. He also isn't a very good PH option. I'd much rather see Moore or McGehee, who can handle some 3b getting the last roster spot if Pagan isn't needed in CF.

[goonys evil twin]

I think that will depend on who the Cubs have slotted for Iowa. I'd rather just have him playing everyday as long as it's not pushing a guy that would be ready for AAA from the lower levels and it keeps Theriot active and more AB's.

 

I really don't understand the value in letting him play everyday in AAA. He's not going to be learning anything new there. If anything he can benefit from a different coaching staff in the bigs, and seeing major league pitching. I want what's best for the major league team. And at this point, they'd have to go outside the organization to find any better option than Cedeno for a backup MI position, and that will cost them. There's no justification to spend to find a guy that in all likelihood won't be any better than Cedeno in that role.

[BigbadB]

Another thing I neglected to mention was Cedeno needs more defensive reps in AAA. His defense was not exactly stellar last year. I think more than anything, Cedeno needs a confidence boost, which is can probably achieve much easier in AAA than as bench fodder at the major league level.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think Cedeno missed some valuable development time. You know Dusty was telling him to be aggressive at the plate. He needs more time with Joshua working on plate discipline.

 

He can probably hit better than Izturis right now, a little more work wouldn't hurt him. He also isn't a very good PH option. I'd much rather see Moore or McGehee, who can handle some 3b getting the last roster spot if Pagan isn't needed in CF.

 

As long as that doesn't hurt McGehee's development because he isn't going to get any playing time behind Rameriz and Lee.

[goonys evil twin]

I think Cedeno missed some valuable development time.

 

I doubt that. He's got 7 years pro experience, without about 3000 PA, playing just about everyday for most of the time. And he's 24. The developmental stage is over. Now he's either going to take to major league pitching or not. Hitting in AAA isn't going to help a thing, as far as his development in concerned. And if the team needs backup MI help (it does), then they might as well use him there than go out and find another roster spot for Enrique Wilson.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think that will depend on who the Cubs have slotted for Iowa. I'd rather just have him playing everyday as long as it's not pushing a guy that would be ready for AAA from the lower levels and it keeps Theriot active and more AB's.

 

I really don't understand the value in letting him play everyday in AAA. He's not going to be learning anything new there. If anything he can benefit from a different coaching staff in the bigs, and seeing major league pitching. I want what's best for the major league team. And at this point, they'd have to go outside the organization to find any better option than Cedeno for a backup MI position, and that will cost them. There's no justification to spend to find a guy that in all likelihood won't be any better than Cedeno in that role.

 

I think it depends a lot on if Theriot can play SS. I see your point about just getting someone else that is about the same and I agree but I'm thinking 2 things...what is coming up from the lower minor levels at SS and a righty with a little pop off the bench instead of Cedeno. I think Izturis is going to get a lot of innings in this year if he hits 270 or better weather we like it or not.

[BigbadB]

As long as that doesn't hurt McGehee's development because he isn't going to get any playing time behind Rameriz and Lee.

 

He doesn't project to anything more than a utility player. He's also 24 working on 25. There is a logjam at 3b in AAA with Moore, McGehee and Matt Craig.

[CuseCubFan69]

As long as that doesn't hurt McGehee's development because he isn't going to get any playing time behind Rameriz and Lee.

 

He doesn't project to anything more than a utility player. He's also 24 working on 25. There is a logjam at 3b in AAA with Moore, McGehee and Matt Craig.

 

Then he works out well then and he would also be the 3rd string catcher, correct?

[BigbadB]

I think it depends a lot on if Theriot can play SS. I see your point about just getting someone else that is about the same and I agree but I'm thinking 2 things...what is coming up from the lower minor levels at SS and a righty with a little pop off the bench instead of Cedeno. I think Izturis is going to get a lot of innings in this year if he hits 270 or better weather we like it or not.

 

To answer the question, the Cubs do not have any SS prospects that Cedeno would be blocking. Technically, you could put him in A, A+, AA and AAA and he wouldn't be blocking anyone.

 

Now you know why Brandon Wood was one of the names I'd want in return if the Cubs were to trade Zambrano.

[Amazing_Grace]

I think that will depend on who the Cubs have slotted for Iowa. I'd rather just have him playing everyday as long as it's not pushing a guy that would be ready for AAA from the lower levels and it keeps Theriot active and more AB's.

 

I really don't understand the value in letting him play everyday in AAA. He's not going to be learning anything new there. If anything he can benefit from a different coaching staff in the bigs, and seeing major league pitching. I want what's best for the major league team. And at this point, they'd have to go outside the organization to find any better option than Cedeno for a backup MI position, and that will cost them. There's no justification to spend to find a guy that in all likelihood won't be any better than Cedeno in that role.

 

I think it depends a lot on if Theriot can play SS. I see your point about just getting someone else that is about the same and I agree but I'm thinking 2 things...what is coming up from the lower minor levels at SS and a righty with a little pop off the bench instead of Cedeno. I think Izturis is going to get a lot of innings in this year if he hits 270 or better weather we like it or not.

 

If Izturis hits above .270, it will only be the 2nd time in his career that he has done so for a season.