Why the Chicago Cubs Should Keep Mike Fontenot AND Jeff Baker

I've written about this elsewhere, but I really don't think a Fontenot/Baker platoon would be the worst thing in the world.  Fontenot has hit righties well, except for last year, which Goat Riders of the Apocalypse has shown to be a fluke:

"To demonstrate, look at the league average in BABIP for the past three years, compared to Fontenot's BABIP. I'll drop his OPS in, too.

2007: League - .306, Mike - .330, Mike's OPS - .738
2008: League - .303, Mike - .355 (!), Mike's OPS - .909
2009: League - .302, Mike - .281 (...), Mike's OPS - .677

One other thing I'd look at: Font's ratio of at-bats against lefties to those against righties over the past three years. From '07 to '09: 1-to-3, 1-to-10, 1-to-6."

Basically, in 2008 Fontenot never played against a left-hander and his numbers thrived.   Last three years, these are his stats against RH pitchers:

ABS:   730
BA:     .273
OBP:   .348
SLG:    .436
OPS:    .784

Let's compare this to three guys out there that have been mentioned as 2B possibilities if the Cubs manage to unload Bradley. These are their numbers overall compared to Fontenot's numbers just against RH pitchers:

         Luis Castillo        Orlando Hudson      Felipe Lopez     Fontenot (vs. RH)
BA:    .289                    .293                       .310                 .273
OBP   .369                    .366                       .383                 .348
SLG:   .342                    .435                       .427                 .436
OPS:   .711                    .801                       .810                 .784

They all get on base better, can switch-hit and hit LH and RH equally well, but if Fontenot only plays against RH (about 400 ABs) he's an inexpensive alternative to these other guys  (especially since Hendry doesn't have a lot of wiggle room with the $$$ right now).

Combined with Jeff Baker, that would be a productive platoon.  Here are Baker's numbers only against LH in the last three years compared to the other guys:

         Luis Castillo        Orlando Hudson      Felipe Lopez     Baker (vs. LH)
BA:    .289                    .293                       .310              .275
OBP   .369                    .366                       .383               .332
SLG:   .342                    .435                       .427              .509
OPS:   .711                    .801                       .810              .841

Although Baker doesn't get on base, he absolutely would kill lefties if given about 200 ABs.  Overall, a Fontenot/Baker platoon in 2010 would average around:
       
BA:      .274
OBP:    .342
SLG:     .465
OPS:     .807

Though any of the Castillo/Hudson/Lopez trio would be a fine addition, considering the money isn't there to go get them, a Fontenot/Baker platoon wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.  And if Fontenot's 2009 wasn't a fluke and is indicative he'll never be good again, you can always go get a 2B in a trade in the middle of the season.