Spring Training Battle Watch: March 8, 2010
The Chicago Cubs beat up on the Oakland A’s yesterday, but what was far more important was the performance of the three guys vying for a spot in the rotation. Jeff Samardzija, Sean Marshall and Tom Gorzelanny all pitched.
- Samardzija threw two scoreless, but struck out none, and gave up a hit, a walk, and hit a guy.
- Marshall gave up two hits, one of which was a solo homer, struck out two and walked a guy.
- Gorzelanny had maybe the toughest outing of the three, giving up a two-run homer, hitting a guy, and striking out one. Nevertheless, all three had far superior first outings than Carlos Silva, the other “competitor” for a rotation spot.
- On the offensive side, Mike Fontenot saw some time at shortstop and had a couple hits, Tyler Colvin played a few more innings in center field (which I continue to think is telling), and Chad Tracy played some third base, and picked up another hit. Jeff Baker played second base, and went hitless.
Related posts:
- Spring Training Battle Watch: March 12, 2010 The Chicago Cubs played a couple of split squad games...
- Spring Training Battle Watch: March 14, 2010 The Chicago Cubs beat the Angels, but Randy Wells got shellacked...
- Spring Training Battle Watch: March 16, 2010 The Chicago Cubs continued being one of the better teams...
So you think Colvin may take a spot on the roster? Maybe some platoon-age in center field?
I wouldn’t go so far as platoon, but if Colvin can handle center, it makes the likelihood that Sam Fuld makes the team (until now, a presumptive favorite) less likely. Fuld is a better defender, but not by much on the corners. If Colvin can hit significantly better off the bench, it’s possible he’d make it over Fuld.
Not saying it’s going to happen, but I do think this is the thinking that’s going on behind the scenes.
maybe they are showcasing Colvin for a trade in the future? But I would rather see him start in Triple A getting ABs than on the bench with the Cubs. Ace sorry I havent sent the Picture yet. My old camera doesnt like my new computer but I will figure it out.