Despite Lou Piniella’s pronouncement that Micah Hoffpauir has made the team, the Chicago Cubs continue to consider backup infielder options for the bench. Corey Koskie is out, Luis Rivas is ostensibly out, and Esteban German has failed to impress (well, he’s been ok – just saying that he hasn’t dominated).
So it may take a move outside the organization. Enter Jeff Keppinger.
The Reds, to the surprise of several scouts, are considering trading infielder Jeff Keppinger, a right-handed hitter. FOX Sports.
Surely the Cubs will be looking, given that they have pieces like Angel Guzman that they essentially must deal.
Keppinger has only been an above average hitter in one partial season, and was worse than mediocre at the plate in extended playing time last year. But as my friends at Sons of Ivy pointed out, he’s excellent in the field, and can play a wider array of positions than even German.