Tyler Colvin Returns

The Chicago Cubs–more specifically general manager Jim Hendry and manager Mike Quade–were forced to alter their original plan for Tyler Colvin because of the injuries suffered on the Major League roster. With Marlon Byrd, Reed Johnson, and now Alfonso Soriano all on the disabled list the Cubs were put in position where they had to bring back Colvin to the Major Leagues. Even though Colvin should have never been optioned down in the first place.

Tyler Colvin is at Wrigley Field, though, the Cubs have yet to announce any DL move. Though, Alfonso Soriano will–for all intents and purposes–be placed on the 15 day disabledlist at some point today. The severity of the injury is not yet known. Soriano took an MRI after being pulled from yesterday’s game due to a strained left quad. While it never is encouraging for a player to get injured, the Soriano injury may turn out to benefit the Cubs more than hurt the Cubs.

The fact of matter is that the Cubs are probably not ever going to win the World Series with Alfonso Soriano in Left Field. Soriano’s defensive struggles have been well documented throughout his time with the Cubs, and eventually the time will come where the Cubs decide to absorb the remaining salary on Soriano’s contract and part ways with the Left Fielder. Before the Cubs can do so, they need to make sure they have a replacement in place.

This would be where Tyler Colvin comes into the picture. Colvin has already been treated unfairly by the Cubs organization, and now the Cubs will have a chance to prove that they want Colvin to succeed. With Soriano on the disabled list, this creates the opportunity for Colvin to receive regular playing time at the Major League level. Quade did say that Blake DeWitt would get majority of the starts in place of Soriano, but that comment was made before the Cubs manager knew Soriano would be headed to the disabled list.

Hendry and Quade would be putting themselves in a very difficult position if Colvin sits on the bench, instead of starting in Left Field in place of Soriano. Considering that Hendry said the key is for Colvin to be playing everyday so he can be successful, the opportunity now exists for Colvin to play everyday. As much as showing off DeWitt in the outfield is a good idea for potential trades, it would be inexcusable for the Cubs not to start Colvin. Not only would Colvin give added value to the 2011 team, but, he still is a part of the long term future for the Cubs. For that reason, Colvin needs to be starting in Left Field instead of DeWitt or any other player on the Cubs bench for that matter.

Now the question becomes what happens when Reed Johnson comes off the disabled list? Would the Cubs turn around and send Colvin back down? Doubtful. Once Johnson returns, Brad Snyder or Lou Montanez will likely be optioned down to make room on the 25 man roster. Once Soriano is ready to return, though, the Cubs will have a decision to make. The decision will probably be based on production, so only time will tell what outfielder will remain on the 25 man roster. Though, I do not expect Colvin to be optioned down unless he is actually struggling.

In 12 games with the Iowa Cubs, Colvin was hitting .260/.283/.500/.783 with one home run and 8 RBIs.