13 replies to this topic

[DarthRomer]

With Stewart still hurt, anybody interested in the possibility of Vitters getting a crack in Chicago or is everyone resigned to him being a trade chip?
He is only 22 and seems to be finally finding his way.

[Rated Rookie]

The fact that he's finding his was is why we don't want to rush him. Maybe if we had a chance this season, we could give him a look. The fact is, while he may seem like he's been around for an eternity, he's one of the younger players in AAA at 22. I doubt that he'll ever live up to his original hype, but I think that he can become an above average 3B.

[Luke]

If he is not traded (and there is a good chance he won't be) I think we could see him in September. He has some more work to do before he's really ready for the majors, though. I think an ETA of first half 2013 would not be overly optimistic.

[Fishin Phil]

That's what I was thinking as well, Luke. Bring him up in September for a little taste, then look for him some time in 2013 if he continues to progress.

[Brett]

That's what I was thinking as well, Luke. Bring him up in September for a little taste, then look for him some time in 2013 if he continues to progress.

That's what I'd like to see as well. I could also be fine with him not making an appearance until next year, or being traded.

I guess I'm OK with everything, except calling him up right now.

[BlueHorizons]

Personally, I'm liking the heck out of Vilabuena... I wouldn't mind if Stewart were out for a while... (sorry Ian)

[rcleven]

Personally, I'm liking the heck out of Vilabuena... I wouldn't mind if Stewart were out for a while... (sorry Ian)

Although he is better than anything the Cubs have shown us this year I sure hope we see something better in the near future. .217 Average 250 OBP 728OPS is not exciting me out of the third base position.

[Rated Rookie]

Just out of curiosity, has anyone heard any indication that he's remotely a trade chip? Josh Vitters is the type of player that sellers buy at the deadline, not sell.

[DarthRomer]

Not sure where I read or heard it, just caught wind of it some where and was curious what other people thought of the possibility.

[Luke]

The idea is out there because Vitters seen as the kind of player Epstein and Hoyer don't like. The thinking runs that they love hitters who walk a lot, and since Vitters does not walk a lot they want to get rid of Vitters.

I'm not sure I completely buy into that. Unless they are able to find their perfect third base prospect somewhere else, I don't think the front office would dump a potential upgrade because of a few flaws. Not yet, anyway. Besides, if Vitters has success at the major league level for a season or two his trade value might even go up.

I don't think he's on any kind of 'almost untouchable' list, but I doubt he's actively being shopped either.

[Rated Rookie]

I definitely agree that he's not untouchable, just not that he should be actively shopped. Usually, teams will only actively shop a prospect if they're blocked for the foreseeable future, or if the team is about ready to give up on them, but not enough so to just cut them.

I suggested in another thread that adding Vitters could help to pry Castelannos from Detroit in a Garza trade.

[A_Mazz_Ing]

Vitters has been on fire lately. .293/.344/.500. Granted that's in the PCL so numbers are inflated... but he just keeps getting better. And he was hitting like .240/.270/.350 for the first month and a half. So that really tells you something. Seems like it takes Vitters a year or so to adjust to the new level. I love that he doesn't K a lot. The lack of walks and the craptastic defense do scare me though.

[Hector Villanueva]

His D will improve. It's gotten better each year and I think he will be starting at 3B next year opening day.

[A_Mazz_Ing]

I hope so. I want to see him improve and take over starting in September (even though Valbuena was awesome tonight).