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+--- Thread: Cubs acquire Jeff Baker (/thread-6804.html)
Cubs acquire Jeff Baker - Runnys - 07-03-2009
While the Baker trade certainly isn't anything special, he is a versatile guy that has played both corner OF positions in addition to being able to play 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Who knows....maybe there is a "injury" coming up for Soriano.
Cubs acquire Jeff Baker - Clapp - 07-05-2009
Wow, nobody likes this deal? Seriously? Nobody saw the game he went 4 for 4 with 4 doubles against a team called the Chicago Cubs last year at Wrigley Field?
He's been blocked by Helton, Holliday, Hawpe, Stewart, etc. on the Rockies, they've always wanted to try to get him more at bats. The dude has the Clemson record for homers in just 3 seasons there, he has 20 home run power. Basically, power wise he's what DeRosa was with the same positions, he just won't get on base nearly as much.
He can play both corner infield positions(3rd base his natural position), 2nd base, and both outfield spots. I see him potentially in a platoon with Fontenot at 2b, as Fontenot hits righties well, stinks against lefties(although he's gotten a couple hits off them the last 2 games), and Baker hits lefties well, stinks against righties:
Vs. righties: .243, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 24 BB, 110 K, .694 OPS
Vs. lefties: .278, 13 HR, 44 RBI, 22 BB, 49 K, .898 OPS
Obviously the Coors home/road splits are scary, but some guys are going to just hit much better at home regardless. For a Single-A blah prospect, I love this move. It's an upgrade over what Freel was giving us at least. Where else are you really going to improve this team besides a lefty arm in the pen or something? And if you think the team is making a major move this year if everybody stays healthy leading up to the deadline, you're probably going to be disappointed. Kenney basically said the other day if there's more moves made, it's going to be this sort of stuff. We don't have money.