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.