Position Battles: Second Base

Next up on the week long series evaluating the position battles set to take place during spring training, is the second base position. For the most part last year, second base was filled by either Mike Fontenot or Jeff Baker. Both however seem unlikely to hold the job as an everyday starter at second base.

The Candidates

Jeff Baker

– 28 years old, bats right handed

– Career Line: .270/.326/.455 with 26 homers and 109 RBI’s

Mike Fontenot

–29 years old, bats left handed

– Career Line: .266/.339/.422 with 21 homers and 112 RBI’s

Sleeper Alert

Andres Blanco

– 25 years old, switch hitter

– Career Line: .252/.295/.324

The most realistic scenario is that Jeff Baker is the starter against lefties, and Fontenot is the starter against righties. But keep an eye out for Andres Blanco, whom Lou Piniella is a fan of. The Cubs are a fan of his great defense, and if he shows some offensive ability he could challenge for a starting spot as the teams second basemen. Nonetheless, Blanco will be on the team as if anything he will serve as the teams backup shortstop.