The Last Spot

Since the Cubs are determined to carry twelve pitchers, five outfield spots are taken, as are five infielders with the presumed retention of Jeff Baker, so with the addition of the two catchers, we are left with only one roster spot to be contested by four players: Sam Fuld, Chad Tracy, Kevin Millar, and Micah Hoffpauir. None of these guys has exactly been knocking the cover off the ball in spring training.

As I noted yesterday, the addition of Colvin pretty much knocks Fuld out. He is not an offensive force off the bench, Colvin is a solid defensive replacement if they need one, and they have five outfielders, four of whom can actually catch the ball and four of whom can actually throw the ball, although unfortunately they are not the same four guys. Fuld has options left, so my best guess is that he is out of the running.

So, I think, is Hoffpauir. I've always thought he had some potential, but it is clear that he had a couple of dreadful months last year when he was very streaky and inconsistent. He can only play first base or the corner outfield positions, which essentially means he is only useful at 1B if Lee needs a day off. Plus he has an option year remaining, so sending him down doesn't mean he is a lost cause for the team.

That leaves Millar or Tracy. You have got to think it is Tracy, not from anything he has shown in camp, but he is a left-handed bat and he can play 1B or 3B reasonably well. Plus he is young enough that he might be able to regain his earlier form as a hitter, in which case he would be a formidable addition to the team even in a bench role. Millar, on the other hand, struggled badly last year and has the look of an old-timer whose bat has slowed up significantly. He may be a great guy in the clubhouse, but he looks over-matched against major league pitchers. He can play 1B adequately and 3B and LF badly. Finally, the last thing the Cubs need is another right-handed bat.

So, for what it is worth, my money is on Tracy. Whichever of the two loses out will probably end up with the Rangers, especially if that guy is Millar.