3/17 Roster moves to come Monday
Javier Baez, who hit four home runs in back to back games, will officially be assigned to the Cubs’ Minor League camp on Monday. The shortstop has definitely made an impression in his first big league spring camp but still has some things to learn.
“He’s still got to face a lot of right-handed pitching,” Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Sunday of Baez, the Cubs’ No. 1 Draft pick in 2011 who was batting .324 this spring. “There’s a lot to be learned and a lot to be learned at the plate when you’re going to face right-handed pitching constantly — sliders, and all that stuff — and know you’ll get quite a few of them and how you’re going to react.”
Baez, 20, isn’t the only one being sent down Monday. Jorge Soler, Christian Villanueva, Rafael Lopez and Josh Vitters will all be moving to Fitch Park. Soler, 21, will be assigned to the Cubs’ Class A Daytona team. Despite the moves, both Baez and Soler were expected to start Monday for the Cubs when they travel to Peoria to face the Padres.
The good news for the Cubs is there’s depth in the system.
“There’s a trail of guys getting ready to be a phone call away, there’s no doubt about that,” Sveum said.
– Carrie Muskat
mlblogsmuskat1
There is more depth in the system than there is talent on the ML club. Sveum’s “genius” is starting to show…Baez wouldn’t get the ab’s in the big league as he learns 3B? Right…..CAN’T “rush” a youngster (Castro). Mabybe with enough minor league at bats vs. righties Baez will become as awesome as the Two Million Dollar Man, Stewart. How you doin’ Ryno?!?!?!!!!!!!