CINCINNATI -- About the same time the stock market was dropping by nearly 1,000 points on Thursday afternoon, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry was in discussions with his closest advisors about the possibility of promoting Starlin Castro.
Like the market, the Cubs were in the midst of a stunning free-fall in Pittsburgh that eventually resulted in an 11-1 loss and three-game sweep by the Pirates. Hendry decided to pull the trigger, resulting in this morning's news that Castro will be in a Cubs uniform for tonight's game at Great American Ball Park.
The Castro move leads to many new questions about the immediate future of the Cubs. Hendry was unavailable for comment on Friday, so we can only speculate for now.
Photo: Starlin Castro will immediately upgrade the Cubs' defense. (Phil Velasquez/Tribune)
Why was the move made now?
Though it makes sense that the Cubs need an offensive infusion, the promotion of Castro primarily was made for defensive purposes. Castro has a better arm and range than shortstop Ryan Theriot, whose defense has been subpar at best during the first five weeks.
Can Theriot move to second base without any playing time there this year?
The Cubs believe Theriot has spent enough time at second in his career that moving back over will be like riding a bike. But the decision not to play him at second at all during spring training will draw some criticism.
Are the Cubs too right-handed?
Kosuke Fukudome and Mike Fontenot were the only two left-handed hitters in the regular lineup, and with Theriot moving to second, Fukudome is the last lefty standing. But a Cubs' source said this is not expected to be a problem. "No one complains that the Cardinals are too right-handed, do they?" he said. Fontenot will be the primary left-handed hitter off the bench, taking the spot of Chad Tracy, who was 1-for-11 pinch-hitting.
Do the Cubs have too many second basemen?
This is a question that has been asked since the days of Neifi Perez, Todd Walker, Jerry Hairston and Freddie Bynum. They now have three in Theriot, Fontenot and Jeff Baker, who will serve as Aramis Ramirez's primary back-up at third now that Tracy is gone.
Is this a harbinger of future moves?
There's not a whole lot the Cubs can do with the starting lineup, but sources said Andrew Cashner, who was promoted to Triple-A Iowa, may be headed to the Cubs' rotation soon. That would mean Randy Wells or Tom Gorzelanny is on the spot. At the very least, the Cubs hope it lights a fire under Wells, who appears too comfortable in his second season in the rotation.
Can Castro turn things around for the Cubs?
If he plays the way he did in spring training, Castro will be a huge addition to the team. But he's still only a 20-year-old rookie, so everyone will have to be a little patient. As manager Lou Piniella said Thursday, everyone in the clubhouse can "look in the mirror" after the terrible series in Pittsburgh. At the very least, Castro should bring some energy to a dead clubhouse.
Ramirez for Baker? Are you nuts?
"No one complains that the Cardinals are too right-handed, do they?"
- Cubs source
No. Not when they're winning. The problem is, the Cubs AREN'T winning and haven't been winning for a long-time.
Time to back up the truck and dump the dead weight, starting with this "source."
Darrell : Right on Lou sucks .. I hate his if we dont hit we dont win attitude.. Manufacture some runs LOU.. How many time do we leave men at third with one one .. LOTS Many of those times we lose by 1 one run.
Our record could be 3 over 500 if Lou played small ball. FIRE lOU
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Bring in Bob Brenly and the team changes its attitude and winning ways almost immediately. Lou plays guys that dont produce and it makes the bench worse and mad that their no t playing. Reward success LOU NOT failure.
Does looking in the mirror include the manager? Nothing ever seems to be his fault.
Did the reporter even think through what he wrote? Randy Wells has been spectacular this year (last outing not withstanding). He's pitched far better than his ERA, which is inflated by a very high batting average on balls in play.
On the other hand, Carlos Silva has only given up a .212 average on balls in play, well below normal. He's due for some big regression.
About time. Cubs need to trade Ramirez and play Baker at 3rd. Soriano needs to be traded for Colvin could play LF but that's far from reality.
Andy.....what ?
Ryan Castro, is the Fidel's other brother?