DeRosa Open to Being a Utility Player

[rawaction]

Cesar Izturis has missed 150 games combined in the last 2 seasons. I think it will be big to see who can better handle SS long-term between DeRosa and Theriot. If one of those guys can get some valuable time there this spring and can play it at least adequately, it will be interesting to see what happens if Izturis gets hurt or continues to not hit.

[A New Era]

While Piniella may not have been my first choice as manager (nor my second or third for that matter), it does appear that he's no dummy. For that, I'm thankful. It also appears that he just doesn't promise jobs and is willing to look at combinations that will help the team win. I'm thankful for that as well.

 

I have been pleasantly surprised.

 

I haven't been pleasantly suprised. That's because I don't always assume the worst. ::pats self on the back::. 8-)

[Transmogrified Tiger]

While Piniella may not have been my first choice as manager (nor my second or third for that matter), it does appear that he's no dummy. For that, I'm thankful. It also appears that he just doesn't promise jobs and is willing to look at combinations that will help the team win. I'm thankful for that as well.

 

I have been pleasantly surprised.

 

I haven't been pleasantly suprised. That's because I don't always assume the worst. ::pats self on the back::. 8-)

 

You're so awesome.

[A New Era]

While Piniella may not have been my first choice as manager (nor my second or third for that matter), it does appear that he's no dummy. For that, I'm thankful. It also appears that he just doesn't promise jobs and is willing to look at combinations that will help the team win. I'm thankful for that as well.

 

I have been pleasantly surprised.

 

I haven't been pleasantly suprised. That's because I don't always assume the worst. ::pats self on the back::. 8-)

 

You're so awesome.

 

:P

[hardcorecubfan]

DeRosa>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Macias

 

I object to that insinuation, If you have forgotten Macias lead the league in......ummmmmmmmmm something and I am sure derosa will too.

[soccer10k]

Who could the Cubs possibly have been thinking of bringing in to play 2b next season other than DeRosa? Who do the Cubs have that would also have a "shot" at starting 2b. Are they really that high on Cedeno still? That seems really odd as I never heard of the Cubs pursuing any other 2b options via trade or free agency.

 

This may be more that The Powers That Be see DeRosa as a better RF backup or platoon option since he has experience there. I've heard that he has a good outfield arm. It would make more sense to have him play RF and Theriot 2B than the reverse if you want them both in the lineup.

 

Eric Patterson will hopefully earn a look later this season. I'm all for positional flexibility when it makes sense.

 

That's true, and I could see Piniella putting DeRosa in RF over Jones with Theriot coming in to play 2b against lefties. Man this team really needs another infielder.

 

Theriot's sample size isn't really all that small. He's definitely earned an opportunity to show what he can do. Theriot just turned 27 in December, so it's not really fair to say he didn't make it until age 27.

 

Brian Giles was 25 when he got his first decent sample size at the major league level. Paul LoDuca? 27. I'm sure there are many others.

 

Will Theriot have an OBP over .400? Absolutely not. But, the guy gets on base at a very respectable level. 53 games is not a full season, but it's not just a total fluke either. DeRosa in RF while Theriot plays 2b against LHP is, IMO, a whole lot better than DeRosa at 2b, Jones in RF and Theriot on the bench.

 

Ryan Howard was 24 when he saw his first time but didn't get full playing time until 25. And he didn't play his first full season until last year at 26.

 

Not that Theriot is going to be Ryan Howard part II or anything.

[Guest]

DeRosa and Jones would be nice bench players. Maybe by mid-season.

[Laura]

Freel had 22 ABs his Age 25 season, stayed in the minors his Age 26 season, and returned with 137 ABs his Age 27 season.

 

Cesar Izturis has missed 150 games combined in the last 2 seasons. I think it will be big to see who can better handle SS long-term between DeRosa and Theriot. If one of those guys can get some valuable time there this spring and can play it at least adequately, it will be interesting to see what happens if Izturis gets hurt or continues to not hit.

 

I certainly hope there will be a good backup plan in case Izturis is injured.