7/31 Fontenot starts, but how long?

Mike Fontenot’s best friend and college teammate, Ryan Theriot, was traded on Saturday to the Dodgers. It was a weird day in the Cubs clubhouse as Theriot said goodbye.

“We’ve been together for a long time and I’ve known him for a long time,” Fontenot said. “I’ve been there where I’ve been traded before. It’s something different. Hopefully it’ll bring out the best in both of us.”

However, the Cubs acquired Blake DeWitt in the deal. Fontenot lost playing time when Theriot moved from second to short to make room for rookie Starlin Castro. Now, there will be someone new on the Cubs for him to compete with as far as playing time.
 
“Blake’s a good ballplayer,” Fontenot said. “We’ll be glad to have him.”

Saturday was Fontenot’s first start since July 9.

“I’m glad to get a chance to get in there,” he said. “I just come to the ballpark every day and try to do some stuff.”

Cubs GM Jim Hendry has said they now are evaluating players for next season.

“I feel I’ve done a good job every time I’ve been in there,” Fontenot said. “Some things you can’t control but I try to play hard every time I’m in there.”

– Carrie Muskat