Theriot to Play Everywhere

[BigbadB]

will only be the 2nd time in his career that he has done so for a season.

 

Yeah, I'm not counting on that.

[CuseCubFan69]

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.

 

Yeah...I thought as much.

[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.

 

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

 

That's why I thought he would be getting a lot of innings if he's hitting around there plus if his defense is going well. I really hope Lou doesn't bat him second.

[BigbadB]

Even more frustrating is that there doesn't appear to be any Brandon Wood type shortstops in the June amateur draft.

[tkenm356]

Ryan Theriot is a marketing goldmine. Off topic? Yeah, it is.

[Ivy Walls]

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.

 

I think maybe it is because of this overarching fantasy-stat-head stuff...

 

First thing; Lou is on record seeking to structure his team with 11 pitchers...this is why I think Miller is a key component in this strategy hopefully being able to hold down the LR/Spot until June when he could be traded if there is no breakdowns where then Marshall or Cotts is moved into that spot. Here you can ping-pong Marshall-Cotts-Marmol-Guzman as the 6th pitcher through the summer.

 

That said Lou is about versatility and platooning even regulars and working the entire roster.

 

Floyd I can see occassionally playing 1B (maybe once a week) where Lee gets a day. The same for DeRosa (Theriot and possibly B Hill), Izturis will also be platooned with Cedeno or Theriot which brings up A Ram, how does he get rest?

 

As for the OF: Until Jones is traded, it is Jones-Soriano-Murton/Floyd. But against LHP's could Theriot play RF?

 

Without a trade here is what I see.

 

Starters: Barrett, Lee, DeRosa, Izturis, Ramirez, Murton, Soriano, Jones (8)

Bench: Blanco, Floyd, Ward. Theriot, Cedeno, Hill---unless Cubs feel they need a CF'er (Pagan)

 

DeRosa will be used in the OF, but more so Theriot and B. Hill on an occassion.

 

This will allow the Cubs to have 3 LHB's off the bench with 3 RHB's

 

platooning will be against LHP Theriot at 2B, DeRosa in RF, Murton LF, Cedeno SS

 

platooning against RHP: Hill (when resting DeRosa), Izturis at SS, Floyd in LF

[goonys evil twin]

I think maybe it is because of this overarching fantasy-stat-head stuff...

 

What's this?

[Backtobanks]

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 Cedeno can regain some confidence that he lost last year. Also, I've heard that major league coaches aren't the best at teaching, whereas the minor league coaches might be better teachers. Finally, Cedeno is not the kind of player that can come off the bench (or at least didn't look like it last year). I think Cedeno will be better served at AAA until the Cubs decide to bring him up as an everyday replacement at SS.

[BigbadB]

Getting back to Theriot, he makes for a perfect poor man's Ryan Freel if he can play some outfield as well as the infield.

 

I really like this kid, although he really isn't all that young.

[goonys evil twin]

Floyd I can see occassionally playing 1B (maybe once a week) where Lee gets a day.

 

I hope like heck that Floyd never plays 1B, let alone once a week. That would be terrible. Lee better not get 26 days off either. He needs to play 155+ games, and play very well.

[BigbadB]

Daryle Ward has played twice as much 1b as Cliff Floyd. Ward is actually pretty decent defensively at 1b. If or when Lee gets a day off, that would be the ideal time to let Ward get a little PT.

[Jehrico]

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.

He had a good '04, was blistering in '05, and started out '06 on fire. Then he slumped after being overexposed to Dusty. I really think he can turn it back around with a little patience, and I think he's young enough to get it with the right coaching. If the choice is Izturdis or Cedeno, I'd rather see what Perry can do with Cedeno over the course of the year. At least with Ronny, there's a sliver of hope. Izturdis is going to hit like, well, like a turd. That's already known.

[CubColtPacer]

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.

He had a good '04, was blistering in '05, and started out '06 on fire. Then he slumped after being overexposed to Dusty. I really think he can turn it back around with a little patience, and I think he's young enough to get it with the right coaching. If the choice is Izturdis or Cedeno, I'd rather see what Perry can do with Cedeno over the course of the year. At least with Ronny, there's a sliver of hope. Izturdis is going to hit like, well, like a turd. That's already known.

 

I would argue that Izturis has shown just as much possibility for hope as Ronny has, but that's an old argument, so I'll probably stop there :D

[CuseCubFan69]

The more Theriot learns the better. If he can play CF and LF and 2B/SS/3B he'll be a 5 tool player!

 

IMO He just seems like a player Lou would like too....I hope.

[Amazing_Grace]

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.

He had a good '04, was blistering in '05, and started out '06 on fire. Then he slumped after being overexposed to Dusty. I really think he can turn it back around with a little patience, and I think he's young enough to get it with the right coaching. If the choice is Izturdis or Cedeno, I'd rather see what Perry can do with Cedeno over the course of the year. At least with Ronny, there's a sliver of hope. Izturdis is going to hit like, well, like a turd. That's already known.

 

This is the best reason to give Cedeno some more time in AAA. We should also remember the Cubs are going to need some inexpensive starters somewhere. There isn't going to be a ton of money to sign a FA SS next year or the year after. It's likely that the Cubs are going to be starting Theriot or Cedeno at SS next season.

[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.

He had a good '04, was blistering in '05, and started out '06 on fire. Then he slumped after being overexposed to Dusty. I really think he can turn it back around with a little patience, and I think he's young enough to get it with the right coaching. If the choice is Izturdis or Cedeno, I'd rather see what Perry can do with Cedeno over the course of the year. At least with Ronny, there's a sliver of hope. Izturdis is going to hit like, well, like a turd. That's already known.

 

He could learn a bit in the majors under Perry. I just don't see him gaining much from playing in AAA. He's well past the point when playing time is the major concern. He's either going to learn to hit ML pitching or not.

[Laura]

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.

 

Last season Theriot was interviewed by Santo on a radio pregame show. I think there were some posts here about it, because Theriot mentioned mid-interview that the coaches were working with him to be more aggressive at the plate 'because the first pitch you see might be the best pitch to hit.'

 

In that same interview, I could have sworn that Theriot said he'd played all 3 OF positions in the past, though he didn't specify when. Does anyone else recall something like that?

 

 

Getting back to Theriot, he makes for a perfect poor man's Ryan Freel if he can play some outfield as well as the infield.

 

Sing it! I'd love for that to happen.

[wvcbxl]

The more Theriot learns the better. If he can play CF and LF and 2B/SS/3B he'll be a 5 tool player!

 

You mean a 5 position player. :jocolor:

[Amazing_Grace]

Theriot gives the team the same kind of flexibility that Neifi Perez did, but at a fraction of the cost and without being a completely worthless hitter.

[Laura]

Not surprising, but it sounds like Theriot has solidified his 25-man roster spot.

 

Carrie Muskat / MLB.com[/url]"]

Ryan Theriot was feeling better after being sidelined one day with the stomach flu. Expect to see Theriot play shortstop, third base and maybe even some outfield this spring. "He's basically going to be our primary extra infielder," Piniella said. Theriot hit a double on Monday.

[Abe Frohman]

At LSU, I'm pretty sure Theriot played SS all the time. He might have played 2B a few times - and I can't say I ever remember him playing in the OF. Not sure about in the Minors, though.

[A New Era]

Use your millions on difference makers, use your farm for role players.

 

Powerful truth statement #1.

[Laura]

Per Bruce, Theriot is in the lineup again playing SS today.

[CuseCubFan69]

Per Bruce, Theriot is in the lineup again playing SS today.

 

I'm liking Lou quite a bit right now!

[badger1679666666]

I like how Len calls him The Riot.