As things stand, Darwin Barney is slated to be the Cubs’ primary middle infield backup, other than Jeff Baker (who’s more of a 2B/3B guy). But the Cubs may not be content to stand pat, and instead may seek to add a veteran who can play shortstop to back up Starlin Castro.
In his weekly chat, Bruce Levine offered two tidbits on the shortstop back up situation:
You’ve been talking about Orlando Cabrera quite a bit in the chats lately, is this wishful thinking or do you have a lead?
Bruce Levine: Well if you read my stuff, you know I don’t make things up. Read between the blogs.
…
Look for the Cubs to look at Orlando Cabrera, Christian Guzman, or Julio Lugo. In my opinion, the first two make the most sense.
In other words, the Cubs are in discussions with Cabrera, but are probably holding out hope that they can get him on a minor league deal. Of the three, only Cabrera is worth a roster spot. Lugo is, attitudinally, an unattractive option. He was also brutally bad last year for the Orioles.
Guzman was likewise terrible last year, splitting time between Washington and Texas. He was also pretty bad in 2009, and he has a career OPS under .700. He doesn’t bring much to the table other than a decent glove, something Darwin Barney could certainly duplicate.
I’m rehashing here. Instead of trading prospects (which I have no problem with) for a starting pitcher they didn’t need, the Cubs first priority during the offseason should have been a starting caliber 2nd baseman. Then they wouldn’t have to be looking at “veteran middle infielders” now. A back-up SS is still the least of their concerns.
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The Cubs should look into a Soriano for Michael Young trade with the Cubs kicking in money to make it work. Cubs are on the hook @ 4/19m per while the Rangers owe Young 3/16m.
Soriano provides the Rangers a better DH option who can LF and allow the Rangers to still keep Hamiltons bat in the lineup on days he needs a break.
Young fills the Cubs 2B hole and can backup SS. Moving Soriano allows them to move Colvin to left and keep Kosuke in right for this year. If Jackson is ready, Cubs can then move Byrd via a trade.
I agree, and if the Jays could made the trade of Rios and Wells, the Cubs can make that trade too
Good idea.
I lived in Dallas for a year when Soriano was down there. No way they take him back. They hated him down there just like in Chicago.
Too bad. Too bad, too, that Hendry doesn’t seem to fully check out some of these FAs he’s signed. If other teams don’t want them, maybe there’s a reason?
I don’t completely disagree, but there have been plenty of good signings in late January and February over the years. As long as the Cubs don’t give a guaranteed deal to any of these guys, I have no beef with it.
Personally, I was referring to the Soriano and Bradley signings. If their former teams didn’t want these guys, maybe Hendry should have wondered why. As for FAs still available, I agree with you, Ace, if Hendry can sign someone he thinks might help to a low contract, I’m all for it.
One of the reasons Hendry signed Bradley was the glowing reports given to him by the Rangers.
I really believe Cabrera would be a great mentor to Castro and Barney. I would sign him
i think the Cubs should sign orlando Cabrera! spell aramis at 3rd with blake dewitt and move cabrera to 2nd base with castro at ss