Earlier today Joe reported that top Cubs rookie Starlin Castro has been called up. While I agree with the move I somewhat disagree because it has been reported that Chad Tracy has been designated for assignment. I believe this sends mixed messages to both the Cubs players and fans. Tracy hit when given a chance (albeit a limited one) whereas Baker has not (an illustrious .204 in 49 at bats.) How does it benefit us to have three second basemen as opposed to two third basemen?
Furthermore Aramis Ramirez’ performance this year is nothing less than appalling; he’s hitting the interstate at .148 in 108 at bats and now he can’t carry his weight defensively at third base. I’m getting real tired of this guy and there’s no explaining the fact that he never seems to be prepared for the season in terms of conditioning or results during spring training. He always has some kind of nagging injury that prevents him from putting in a full season and his lack of consistency is consistent. This is a swing year for Rooster Man – he can opt out and go free agent after this year; I’m hopeful the Cubs will ask him to waive his no trade clause or bat him eighth or bench him so that he will walk away after this year. Vitters is a year or two away so we’d be better off with a caretaker third baseman compared to one that gives us half an effort both offensively and defensively.
Batting Ramirez fifth and Castro eighth makes no sense when Ramirez shouldn’t even be playing – Aramis should be riding the pine watching Chad Tracy and obviously that’s not going to happen.
