» base

Here is the second installment of Cubs In Focus, Second Base. Although this position is not definite yet, here are my projections:

Fontenot Starts At 2nd

Mike Fontenot

Mike Fontenot will start at 2nd for the Cubs this season, thats my projection, Lou has not said as much, but i thought he had the edge over Miles coming into the Spring and his performance up to now has only strengthened that it my opinion. Mike ‘Mini Babe Ruth’ Fontenot is known for his small stature but his ability to generate power using every aspect of his frame to do so. Last season Mike hit 9 home runs in just 243 AB’s, quite impressive for a part time player in the system.

Mike Fontenot and Ryan Theriot both played in the 2000 World Series for the LSU Tigers, a story that is often told, but what is often left out of the story is the fact that Mike Fontenot was the LSU Tigers leading hitter in the NCAA tournament hitting .432 with four doubles, two home runs and nine RBI’s. He has plenty of experience playing with Ryan, so they should form quite the partnership in the middle of the Cubs infield.

When given the oppurtunity to start, which he will be this season, he could have his break out year, expect good things from Fontenot, he is a hard worker, and a bright personality, he is also a left handed hitter that Lou and Jim Hendry were craving before the season.

Back-Up’s: Aaron Miles & Esteban German

With a six-year extension under his belt, Pedroia will be looking to show he is worth every single penny.

He’s a little guy but he really packs a punch. Dustin Pedroia will be entering his third season in the Majors, coming off a spectacular MVP season from a year ago and a Rookie of the Year one the year before.

Pedroia is the complete package as a ballplayer-he’s a great hitter, he can hit for power on occasion, he is a Gold Glover, and he is fast. He is definitely going to make another huge impact this year.

The Sox do have a void behind Pedroia though, as Alex Cora signed with the Mets this offseason. This probably gives Julio Lugo the edge when it comes to the shortstop positional battle, as Lugo can’t play second, while Jed Lowrie can. The Sox may address this void later in the year if Lugo struggles early, but Lugo may finally contribute and postpone this until as late as the trade deadline.