Funny, as the old saying goes, "there's always room for Jell-O." But with the Cubs, there apparently is no room for Pie.
While the Cubs still-young center fielder of the future(?) is likely to get the call sometime in September, the righty-lefty duo of Reed Johnson and Jim Edmonds leaves little to no room for Pie in CF.
In fact, with the starters performing so well, there is no great need for a lot of September help. And with the Brewers and Cardinals applying pressure, there likely is little room to allow rookies to get their feet wet during a pennant drive.
There is generally little that the call-ups can do other than gain major-league experience and fill in here and there to occasionally rest our weary troops as they head down the stretch run into the playoffs.
Another thing impacting the number of call-ups this year is that the Iowa Cubs are headed to the playoffs for the first time in years. So the front office is likely to allow players to stick around to finish what they started in many cases.
Still, other than Pie, there will be some that do get the call that invariably opens some eyes. Micah Hoffpauir continues to rake at Iowa, following up on his strong offensive showing in his earlier call-up with the parent team. At .361/.391/.740 and an OPS of 1.131, he is sure to be added when the rosters expand next month.
Others who will likely get a look will be veteran catcher Koyie Hill, who is having a strong season at Iowa with 16 home runs. He will give Lou more flexibility by having three catchers on the roster. Also, pitchers Michael Wuertz, Angel Guzman, and Kevin Hart all figure to get a chance.
Call-ups from Tennessee, the club's AA affiliate, may include big right-hander Jose Ceda. The hard throwing 21-year-old pitcher has dominated at three levels this year and overall has struck out 95 hitters in approx. 84 innings of work.
Also, infielder Jake Fox may get another look. Though he struggled mightily at Iowa, Fox has rebounded with a strong season with the Smokies.
Come to think of it, having gone through the dog days of August, the team could probably use some reinforcements.
4 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Sam Wenk 10 months ago
Good stuff Bob, and I like the unique topic. I read today from Keith Law that Ceda is a possibility to be called up. He is by far one hundred times better and more talented than Neal Cotts.
Angel Guzman is an interesting name and I wouldn't be surprised if they used him in long relief.
Poor Felix Pie, he has basically gone from #1 prospect to bust and the Cubs gave him every opportunity to show something. If they do call him up, he could spell Edmonds in a few games, but I would rather have Reed Johnson in there when Edmonds isn't. It's time to gauge Pie's trade value this off season because he is no longer a fit here.
Hoffpauir has some serious ability. Of all the call-ups, he is the most deserved. I read somewhere that Jim Hendry feels Hoffpauir will make the team next year and have a significant, maybe even starting, role. Where does he go though?
Sorry to rant, but this was a great article and you did your job of sparking conversation!
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Bob Warja 10 months ago
No need to apologize Sam, I sometimes have been known to leave long comments myself. You always make solid observations with your comments.
I think Hendry is nuts to think Hoffpauir is going to possibly start next year. Maybe replacing Daryle Ward? OK, I can see that. But all he plays is first base, really, and while DP-Lee (as he is now known) is not the Second Coming, he's got that job nailed down, and the outfield corners are covered anyway. And Hoff is going be 29 years old, it's not like he's a prospect any more. But he can hit, no question about that one, though his major league sample size is small.
Pie's trade value, I'm afraid, is probably limited at this point. Do you bring Edmonds back or use Pie as the left-handed counterpart ot the Reed Johnson platoon next year? I don't know. And that's assuming Reed comes back, he's a FA after the season, isn't he? This year is all that matters right now, but it is interesting to think about how next year might look.
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Sam Wenk 10 months ago
There's no way Edmonds comes back, this is his last productive year. I wouldn't mind re-signing Johnson, but I don't know at what price and how many years. I think both johnson and Edmonds are at their peak right now so it's up to hendry to decide their future value.
Interesting note on Hoff, I didn't know he was 29. Does he remind you a little of Jason Dubois? The power hitting AAAA outfielder who was too good for the minors but never produced in the majors? He failed miserably when hendry relied on him, so as you said, I hope Hendry doesn't make that same mistake twice. Hoff can be Ward's replacement if he has to remain on the big league roster.
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Bob Warja 10 months ago
Well, he's 28 and won't be 29 until next March, so I was off a bit. I can see the DuBois comparison, at least physically. Both are tall, though DuBois hit righthanded & he had some power (10 career homers in 210 ABs). Interesting that DuBois is only 29, though he's currently out of baseball.
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