Another Middle Infielder: Who is he?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

According to the Rocky Mountain News, Barmes has lost the starting shortstop job to Tulowitzski.

 

He is being shopped and the interest from the Cubs and Rangers is mentioned. The report seems to indicate that the Rockies would like more for him than teams normally get for utility infielders so that Barmes could be sent to AAA instead.

 

Troy Tulowitzki, the 2005 first-round draft choice out of Long Beach State, has won the battle, unseating incumbent Clint Barmes. Tulowitzki has continued to show impressive defensive skills and a run-producing bat, while Barmes has been unable to shake the offensive inconsistency that haunted him last year. The versatility of Jamey Carroll and Jeff Baker - and the need to get them regular at-bats - means Barmes could be the starting shortstop for Triple-A Colorado Springs or could be traded. The Rangers and Cubs have interest in him as a super sub, but the Rockies want more in return than what a utility player would bring.

 

[98navigator]

FWIW, reports in today's papers are mixed about the likelihood of the Cubs acquiring a middle infielder via trade. The Barmes trade rumor is well known, and Bruce Miles says Cubs sources confirm that the Marlins are interested in Angel Pagan (Short stop Robert Andino could be the Cubs target if that trade is consummated). However, both Bruce and the Suntimes also report that the Cubs are continuing to consider Ronny Cedeno and Tomas Perez for the 25th man.

[biittner77]

Reminds me of one of my favorite lines from Platoon

 

"Barmes been shot 7 times! And he ain't dead! Barmes ain't meant to die"

[Backtobanks]

I saw some suggestions that looked pretty good on another site:

 

Mark Bellhorn - non-roster invitee for the Reds

 

Eric Bruntlett - not listed on the Astros depth chart

 

Joe Inglett - reserve IF for the Indians

 

What do you think?

[cheapseats]

I saw some suggestions that looked pretty good on another site:

 

Mark Bellhorn - non-roster invitee for the Reds

 

Eric Bruntlett - not listed on the Astros depth chart

 

Joe Inglett - reserve IF for the Indians

 

What do you think?

 

If the Cubs must have another infielder for whatever reason, Inglett would be the best choice by far.

[rawaction]

FWIW, reports in today's papers are mixed about the likelihood of the Cubs acquiring a middle infielder via trade. The Barmes trade rumor is well known, and Bruce Miles says Cubs sources confirm that the Marlins are interested in Angel Pagan (Short stop Robert Andino could be the Cubs target if that trade is consummated). However, both Bruce and the Suntimes also report that the Cubs are continuing to consider Ronny Cedeno and Tomas Perez for the 25th man.

 

Barmes is the best option of those 4 names. I wouldn't trade a whole bunch for him though.

[Backtobanks]

FWIW, reports in today's papers are mixed about the likelihood of the Cubs acquiring a middle infielder via trade. The Barmes trade rumor is well known, and Bruce Miles says Cubs sources confirm that the Marlins are interested in Angel Pagan (Short stop Robert Andino could be the Cubs target if that trade is consummated). However, both Bruce and the Suntimes also report that the Cubs are continuing to consider Ronny Cedeno and Tomas Perez for the 25th man.

 

Barmes is the best option of those 4 names. I wouldn't trade a whole bunch for him though.

 

I suppose it would be nice to have a defensive 25th man, but personally I'd like to see a guy who might get a base hit on occasion.

[98navigator]

Maybe there isn't going to be a trade for a middle infielder:

 

But after working with former shortstop Alan Trammell, Cedeno's fielding has improved this spring and he's considered a cinch to make the final roster next week.

 

"I've been very comfortable with seeing the progress Cedeno has made in camp," manager Lou Piniella said. "We've asked him to do a few things both defensively and offensively, and he has responded.

 

"I told [general manager Jim Hendry] this morning, I don't think we need to go out and do anything, unless he really thinks we're going to improve our team. I'm comfortable with all the pieces we have here. We can make it work with what we have here."

 

Barring a letdown in the final week, Cedeno will be the backup shortstop...

 

 

Paul Sullivan/Tribune

[goonys evil twin]

Maybe there isn't going to be a trade for a middle infielder:

 

But after working with former shortstop Alan Trammell, Cedeno's fielding has improved this spring and he's considered a cinch to make the final roster next week.

 

"I've been very comfortable with seeing the progress Cedeno has made in camp," manager Lou Piniella said. "We've asked him to do a few things both defensively and offensively, and he has responded.

 

"I told [general manager Jim Hendry] this morning, I don't think we need to go out and do anything, unless he really thinks we're going to improve our team. I'm comfortable with all the pieces we have here. We can make it work with what we have here."

 

Barring a letdown in the final week, Cedeno will be the backup shortstop...

 

 

Paul Sullivan/Tribune

 

Good.

 

I didn't see any benefit to him at AAA. And there is no justification to go out looking for another 25th man at the end of March. Give the job to Ronny, and see if this new staff can help him learn to hit in the majors.

[Wheelimus]

It just speaks volumes about the new staffs approach. Leave this up to Dusty Baker and he'd be talking about Tomas Perez...

[biittner77]

This move is also cost effective which is a nice change from the days of paying $2 million for the same production from a veteran.

[brinoch]

Looks like Todd Walker might be available.

 

San Diego could release infielder Todd Walker after losing to him in a salary arbitration hearing last month. If the Padres cut Walker by Friday, they would only have to pay one-fourth of his $3.9 million salary in severance pay, which works out to $975,000...

 

Not that I necessarily think that he'd be the best option, but I'd think about signing him for the bench and releasing Ward.

[Post Count Padder]

From Rotoworld:

 

Todd Walker-2B-Padres Mar. 26 - 6:06 pm et

 

 

The Padres announced that infielder Todd Walker will be released on Wednesday.

 

Walker will only be owed a quarter of the $3.95 million he had been due to make this season. The Padres wanted to trade Walker, but his salary made that too difficult. The 33-year-old should quickly land a bench job elsewhere. There aren't any teams looking for starting second basemen, but his left-handed bat still makes him pretty useful.