Chicago Cubs Headlines for Sunday

Next up, Sean P. says it like it is. If Starlin Castro is such a big shot, then he might as well prove it next year in MLB at the age of 20. Because we know of no other prospects that have been rushed and subsequently faltered.

If Starlin Castro is doing so well, why not have Ryan Theriot move to second and promote Castro next year? [Cubs general manager Jim] Hendry could trade Fontenot and keep Baker because of his versatility. This potentially solves one of the Cubs' needs with players they already have. If it doesn't work out and Castro can't handle starting every day, Theriot can move back to short and Baker to second and Castro becomes the backup.
-- Sean P., Des Moines

Yeah! Make him the backup! That'll learn him for being so uppity and tearing through the minor leagues to this point. Because we need a potentially spectacular backup shortstop who has no confidence.

Castro, 19, is riding the bullet train through the Cubs' farm system. He was playing in the Rookie League in 2008, and this year went from high Class A Daytona to Double-A Tennessee and competed in the Southern League playoffs. Now, he's playing in the Arizona Fall League, which is a huge test as he's competing with some of the top prospects in the game. Castro did start at second base on Monday for the Mesa Solar Sox, the first time he's played there all year. I know Theriot won't like hearing this, but I'd move him to second and leave Castro at shortstop. One thing I would disagree with you on is having Castro be a backup on the big league team. He needs to play, and most likely will start the 2010 season in the Minors.

Oh Care Bear... are we advocating more time in the minors for Starlin Castro? I can't imagine why, as every Cub prospect of the last 20 years has turned into a perennial All Star. Especially position players.  And should Castro at short and Theriot at second not prove to be the answer, what do we do then? Where do we go from here? Luckily for us, Nick S. from Itasca, IL has all the answers:

I know you've gotten a lot of questions like this but since Mark DeRosa is a free agent, is there any chance the Cubs will bring him back? It seems that since he was traded, we have a big hole at second base and he was probably the most liked player on the Cubs in '08, and fans were pretty upset after he was traded.
-- Nick S., Itasca, Ill.

Dear Nick from Itasca, you're an idiot. Even Carrie Muskat realizes and chooses to acknowledge this.

If they signed players because they were popular, Mark Grace would still be starting at first. Never say never, but keep in mind, DeRosa will be 35, he'll be coming off wrist surgery and a .250 season in which he posted a .319 on-base percentage and struck out 121 times. DeRosa would love the chance to work again with new Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo again.

OOOOOOOOOH, snap! She done told you! But enough of this bullshit from the hinterlands, we need someone from Chicago to ask a decent question. Bruce H., we're relying on you:

Why doesn't this site keep us updated on the Arizona Fall League and all the Cubs prospects? Right now, is there anything more important?
-- Bruce H., Chicago

Yeah! Carrie, why haven't you told us the first bit about JOSH VITTERS, STARLIN CASTRO OR ANDREW CASHMAN. I don't know where to find any of this information, and google has blacklisted me. Help us Carrie Muskat, you're our only hope:

Actually, I have been posting daily updates on my blog. You can also check out MiLB.com for more info and stats.

Damn you Carrie, and your facts and logic. I will not stand for this! We demand results! And as for results, Dan from Iowa has something for each of us to mull over:

Why won't Piniella let Soriano bat leadoff next year if he's not battling injury. He might be as good as he was. We did go to the playoffs two years in a row with him there so why not give it a shot and see if he can break the record for most leadoff home runs in a career.
-- Dan H., Vinton, Ia.

Yeah! Soriano is plainly the second best leadoff hitter of all time! Why won't you let him fulfill his destiny?   We did go to the playoffs two years in a row with him as leadoff hitter, after all. I don't think there's any defense for this, is there? And while we're at it, why don't we go with my idea of opening day 2008, when I though Soriano should move to second base?

Soriano has 54 career leadoff blasts, while Rickey Henderson finished his Hall of Fame career with 81. I don't think that is Soriano's -- or the Cubs' -- goal. In 41 games in the sixth spot in the order this season, Soriano hit .268. He batted .228 when he led off. The main reason to drop Soriano in the order is to protect his legs. If he's leading off, he would be expected to run more, and batting sixth, the emphasis is more on driving on runners (that is, if there are runners on base ahead of him).

A note to emailers who suggest Soriano should move back to second base: The answer is no. Just look at the number of errors he made in the infield.