Cubs sign DeRosa to play 2B

[lwclancers]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2661869

Not sure how to feel about this. I really thought this was Theriot's job. If DeRosa leads off something is seriously wrong. I would have felt better if this was for a super-sub job it would be wonderful.

I also fear this means Murton is trade bait to get a LF who can lead off possibly.

[scuba]

Had similar thoughts. Looks like we posted at the same time! ;)

Theriot would seem like a good leadoff guy, so it will be interesting to see what happens now.

[lwclancers]

Had similar thoughts. Looks like we posted at the same time! ;)

Theriot would seem like a good leadoff guy, so it will be interesting to see what happens now.LOL, I think I beat ya by a minute :)

I posted in the other thread how I feel...please feel free to merge these Scuba

[Waveland007]

Derosa will probably hit 2nd or 7-8, he is a good hitter. He's the typicle late bloomer type, but I think this was a good signing. People in love with Theriot let's not forget he only had about 130 at-bats that's nothing. If we were a small market team or out of contention then play him but we need sure things. If Theriot don't work out we would be in deep crap, this gives up depth if Derosa struggles right back to THeriot.

[Waveland007]

last year Derosa 296 avg 360 OBP 13 HR's and 74 RBI. He didn't start playing full-time till around late May and he was hitting in the 7 hole usually. Those are outstanding numbers for a 2b. Our offense just got deeper either in the 2 hole or 7-8. Doing this move can drop Barrett down a spot earlier in the line-up.

[timhoth]

u have to look at his previous stats too tho...last year he did have a good year hitting .297 with an OBP of .357...but look at the last two years. last year he hit .243 with an OBP of .325...and the year before that is was .239 and .293...not great numbers for a guy who has been in the majors for 9 years now. I would have rather seen theroit start and save the 13 million of cap room for another player that needs more money

[John]

Im still 50/50 on this signing. If we get another big bat then this will be a good signing for the simple fact that we wont need anymore power. We will need a guy like him that can play small ball and he had a good obp. Let's get that big bat and then get our pitching.

[NextyearisHERE]

i definetly agree.

[Waveland007]

you have to remember though last year he got 250 more at bats then he had ever got in his career and when he finally got the at-bats he produced. I'm aware of his full career, but he finally got a chance and he flourished. Look at Derrek, 270 hitter then we finally put him in a rbi spot in the line-up and he exploded. Derosa being able to play 2b, 3b, RF, and LF with good defense not average is a thing not to forget also. He can play in favor of Jones when a lefty is pitching and the NL Central has more lefty starters then most divisions. Plus having Theriot as a back-up gives you a plan B just in case. It's not 13 million it's 4.3 million which isn't that bad it's 13 over 3 years. Theriot wasn't exactly great in the minors and he only has 130 at-bats in the bigs, we are using him perfectly he compliments Derosa and can play if somebody struggles. We can't put all our eggs in one basket especially when we want to win this move covers our butts lol.

[Drockvb]

last year Derosa 296 avg 360 OBP 13 HR's and 74 RBI. He didn't start playing full-time till around late May and he was hitting in the 7 hole usually. Those are outstanding numbers for a 2b.


Was that his peak though? I am taking a wait and see attitude for all new players. Wishing him the best though.
His versatilty is nice.

[Waveland007]

Almost forgot, another reason I like this move is because Derosa will now hold down 2B for a year or 2 till Eric Patterson is ready. Derosa being able to play all these positions means when Eric does take over 2b he will still be able to be utilized and contribute because of his versatility.

[Webgem]

I am famaliar with his offensive numbers but how is he defensively?

I've never seen him play much.

[Waveland007]

he was drafted as a SS played mostly 3B last year for Texas. He can play any position on the infield with above average defense and he also plays RF and LF. Basically as long as it isn't Catcher or CF he is an asset with the glove.

[Waveland007]

we probably have one of the best defensive infields in baseball now

[lwclancers]

we probably have one of the best defensive infields in baseball nowWhile I agree...I still think Theriot is a better defensive player than DeRosa. If that is true we'd be better defensively with Theriot in there.

I still think Theriot will play. Because of DeRosa's versatility, he will play some other spots from time to time, but will get his wish to play mostly 2B. Personally I feel he'd be great to start in RF vs lefties and start Theriot at 2B. Jacque can not be counted on to hit lefties.

I do agree that this is great insurance and a better plan than going into camp with Theriot and nothing else at 2B.

[HOLYCOW!25]

Heres some of his stats, and on the side there it's got some nice plays he's made defensivly. Most of them are at 3rd, but one's in right field, and he makes a nice play there too. This guy is obviously a very good defensive player.

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player.jsp?player_id=136660

[Waveland007]

yeah Theriot wasn't known as a good defender in the minors, but he got better with the big league team, but I would have to say Derosa is a better defender.