It’s a Chicago Cubs prospect-y kind of day, I guess.
Third baseman Josh Vitters, the Cubs’ number 1 pick (third overall) in 2007, has been playing some first base this Fall in the AFL. With an immediate opening on the big team at first base, and a reputation for stone hands and bad footwork at third base, a move to first makes some sense for Vitters – if his bat can justify it.
But for his part, Vitters is hoping to stick at third.
Vitters, 21, said he’s been playing first base for Mesa primarily because the Solar Sox have only one first baseman on their roster, but fellow Cubs prospect Ryan Flaherty and Matt Rizzotti of the Philadelphia organization have played there as well.
“(The move) is going very well,” Vitters said Wednesday. “I feel comfortable over there. If they need me in the future, I’ll definitely be ready for it.”
The Cubs are set at third for 2011 with Aramis Ramirez, but Vitters hasn’t given up on playing there.
“Third is my No. 1 position,” Vitters said. “I love playing there. If I can stay there, I definitely want to do that. I’m just trying to get as many ABs as I can, to make up for that lost time with the broken hand that I had.” Chicago Breaking Sports.
By all accounts, Vitters has looked very good defensively at third this Fall. His hitting has left something to be desired (OPS has hovered in the low .700s), but it’s possible that his primary focus in the AFL this time around is his defense.
Does this kid remind anyone else of Jeff Samardjia of the last two years? Yes, Josh, sure. You can play wherever you like. Just do yourself a favor and stop spending the signing-bonus money for a minute to let the position and batting coaches clue you in on their 30+ years of experience playing and teaching. My prediction: Josh Vitters makes the 2014 opening day roster. Position: Left Field. Team: Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, or Oakland A’s.
I’ve hear good things about his recent play at third base.
It goes without saying that if he can handle 3rd base, he’s a LOT more valuable to the Cubs, since 1B and LF are the two easiest positions to fill. (and because they’re so easy to play, you have to swing a MIGHTY effective bat to play there.)
Towers really seemed to like Vitters when was with the Padres why not trade Vitters and others to The Dbacks for Mark Reynolds. Reynolds is only 27 so, he has a few more good years.
You’re all about Mark Reynolds lately. He makes me nervous, Kevin, I gotta say. Things I usually don’t care about: batting average and strikeouts. You have to have a TON of Ks and a REALLY low batting average for me to care.
Reynolds has led the league in Ks the last THREE years. Reynolds hit .198 last year. That’s some serious yikes.
I total agree those things are a concern, but injuries was part of the reason for the avg. And Rumor is that he is very coachable so, I am hoping Judy might be able to help Reynolds with the Ks.