MESA, Ariz. -- News travels slowly in Arizona, especially when you're not on the Magic Bus to Tucson.
So Mike Fontenot wasn't aware that Lou Piniella dubbed him the probable starter at second before Monday's game at Hi Corbett Field.
"I hadn't heard anything," Fontenot said Tuesday morning. "It's still early. It's always nice to hear good things about yourself. I feel like I've been playing pretty well. But my main goal Is to try and keep things going, try to adjust. I know (Jeff) Baker and I are both going to get opportunities to play."
Fontenot stayed back in Mesa on Monday and took a few dozen grounders at short. It looks apparent that Fontenot will be the back-up shortstop, and that Andres Blanco will have to get through waivers to be sent to Triple-A Iowa, or else go on the disabled list at the end of camp.
"I've been feeling fine over there," Fontenot said. "Looking forward to any time I get to play, wherever."
Fontenot hit .236 last year, after batting .305 in 2008. The Cubs need another left-handed bat in the lineup, so it's imperative for Fontenot to hit. He's batting .474 in camp with a .684 slugging percentage. Baker is hitting .111 with a .167 slugging percentage, so the decision was a no-brainer for Piniella.
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Fontenot should handle shortstop better than Theriot, as he has a better arm and range. You don't need to be tall to play middle infield, you just need good reflexes, and able hands. Actually, taller middle infielders are at a disadvantage. Fontenot reminds me of Freddie Patek with more power.
...Fontenot's biggest problem was his "stay at 3rd base...no one including Mike, said he was a 3rd baseman...he was put there to "cover "for Aramis"...if Mr. Hendry had not traded DeRosa...he would have played 3rd...leaving Fontenot on 2nd....no matter what ...the rise and fall of the Cubs doesn't rest on his shoulders...
Please stop suggesting that Fontenot can play SSA.. Hes too sort ..? I doubt it or he would have SS before.
He was terrible last year .. Why does anybody think he will be any better .. The pitcher know to give him high fastballs which he cant hit. Blanco is a far better SS . If we let him get go on waivers , we are making more mistakes ..Im sick of Fontenot Common LOU .