Fontenot in lead for 2B job

[David]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-10-cubs-bits-chicagomar10,0,6520455.story

 

 

 

MESA, Ariz. — The battle for the Cubs' second base job between Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles appears to be one-sided at this point.

 

"I'll tell you what, the little kid at second base, he's after a job isn't he?" manager Lou Piniella said.

 

Both Fontenot and Miles are listed at 5 feet 8 inches, but it was obvious after Fontenot's second home run that he was the one Piniella was referring to as "the little kid."

 

"What'd he have to say that for?" Fontenot said in mock protest.

 

Fontenot is having a great spring, hitting .367 to Miles' .222.

 

 

Good news, although I have thought all along that Fontenot would get the majority of the playing time.

[kujay]

Good news, though it makes me wonder why Hendry spent so much on Miles.

[David]

Good news, though it makes me wonder why Hendry spent so much on Miles.

 

He's a passable option at 2B vs LHP, not that I want him around, and can play a bunch of positions. None of that justifies the signing, but I'm guessing that was the reasoning behind it.

[treebird]

Good news, though it makes me wonder why Hendry spent so much on Miles.

 

He's a passable option at 2B vs LHP, not that I want him around, and can play a bunch of positions. None of that justifies the signing, but I'm guessing that was the reasoning behind it.

 

he's played 7 games in the of in his whole career. 15 at third. he can play short and second and maybe get thrown into a couple other spots, but he's not an awesome guy who can play a bunch of positions.

[Keener98]

Has Lou ever called Fontenot by name? I swear everytime he talks of Fontenot, he always calls him a name regarding his height.

[cubbinalltheway]

that's hilarious that lou refers to him as "the little kid"

[Fred Hornkohl]

Didn't Lou coin the moniker "Little Babe Ruth" last year, too ??

 

I like that one better.

[David]

Good news, though it makes me wonder why Hendry spent so much on Miles.

 

He's a passable option at 2B vs LHP, not that I want him around, and can play a bunch of positions. None of that justifies the signing, but I'm guessing that was the reasoning behind it.

 

he's played 7 games in the of in his whole career. 15 at third. he can play short and second and maybe get thrown into a couple other spots, but he's not an awesome guy who can play a bunch of positions.

 

Who said he was?

 

He's a utility/back-up IFer who might be able to play OF in a pinch. I don't see where we disagree. Maybe my use of "a bunch of positions" was a bit too liberal.

[jersey cubs fan]

Didn't Lou coin the moniker "Little Babe Ruth" last year, too ??

 

I like that one better.

 

I thought it was Santo.

[SouthSideRyan]

If I can be contrarian, this is terrible news that this was ever considered a competition.

[David]

If I can be contrarian, this is terrible news that this was ever considered a competition.

 

True. I choose to be in denial about that part of it because I never really acknowledged that there was any competition. Let's just be happy it's playing out the way it should and leave it at that.

[Cynosure]

He's been ridiculous in Spring Training. Wish he was 5 inches taller and 20 more pounds and he'd be a beast... can't believe a guy smaller than myself can generate that much power.

[hardcorecubfan]

He's been ridiculous in Spring Training. Wish he was 5 inches taller and 20 more pounds and he'd be a beast... can't believe a guy smaller than myself can generate that much power.

 

I attribute it to AZ in spring

[Roast]

He's been ridiculous in Spring Training. Wish he was 5 inches taller and 20 more pounds and he'd be a beast... can't believe a guy smaller than myself can generate that much power.

 

I attribute it to AZ in spring

 

Why? He slugged .514 last year with 9 HR and 22 doubles. This power isn't a new thing.

[bukie]

Fontenot has always been able to hit at every level. Fielding is the weakness in his game.

[Soul]

Fontenot has always been able to hit at every level. Fielding is the weakness in his game.

 

Certainly would be nice if he could continue at '08 levels, only with more playing time. I've been dubious that it will happen, but hopefully I'm wrong and he tears it up.

[DiamondMind]

sneaky power

[YearofDaCubs]

I don't think he will be able to be as good as he was last year for an entire season but if by some chance he can be we won't miss DeRo much at 2B. That's not to say that DeRo didn't have more value as a super sub but offensive numbers is what I'm talking about.

[salukifudd]

Has Lou ever called Fontenot by name? I swear everytime he talks of Fontenot, he always calls him a name regarding his height.

 

He did, but Lou threw in a "lil" in front of his name. "Lil Fontenot".

[Wilson A2000]

I don't think he can hit .300 and have a .350 OBP for a whole season.

 

If he wins the job and the Cubs don't land Peavy, the DeRosa trade was terrible.

[17 Seconds]

I don't think he can hit .300 and have a .350 OBP for a whole season.

 

If he wins the job and the Cubs don't land Peavy, the DeRosa trade was terrible.

 

Well he doesn't have to hit .300, and there's no reason to think he can't put up a .350+ OBP.

[Wilson A2000]

I don't think he can hit .300 and have a .350 OBP for a whole season.

 

If he wins the job and the Cubs don't land Peavy, the DeRosa trade was terrible.

 

Well he doesn't have to hit .300, and there's no reason to think he can't put up a .350+ OBP.

 

He has only averaged 240 AB's the last two years. His OBP is right at .370 for those two years (.330 or so in 2007, .390 last year). I just don't have any reason to believe he will be consistent with more playing time right now. I hope he does, but his numbers fluctuated so far. Time will tell.

[17 Seconds]

But you have reason to believe that his OBP will drop over 20 points from where it's been so far?

 

I'd guess he puts up something like .285/.360/.435

[17 Seconds]

Also what does DeRosa have to do with Peavy? Are we still pretending those prospects were acquired for a Peavy trade?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Also what does DeRosa have to do with Peavy? Are we still pretending those prospects were acquired for a Peavy trade?

 

We're still pretending DeRosa's contract needed to be moved to acquire Peavy.