PHOENIX — Before it's all over, Corey Koskie could change the minds of Cubs bosses about how their roster is structured.
If he continues to hit like he did Tuesday in his first real spring training game since 2006—a double and walk in three plate appearances—manager Lou Piniella might be tempted to take him as a backup third and first baseman. That would mean one outfielder would lose a roster spot.
"Can our mind be changed? Yes," Piniella said. "We're going to take a good look at him in the next couple of weeks. It would be a nice [comeback] story if it materializes."
Koskie hasn't played in a big league game since July 2006 because of post-concussion syndrome.
I feel as normal as anyone can for a Canadian playing major league baseball," he said. "I feel good out there."
Of course, he is leaving the final decision to the brass.
"I just take care of my own thing. If they like me, they like me," Koskie said. "If they don't, they don't. That stuff doesn't concern me."
Closer look: Right-handed reliever David Patton, a Rule 5 draftee from the Rockies, is opening eyes in camp with one run allowed and seven strikeouts in 62/3 innings. He's never appeared in a game above Class A and must make the final roster or be offered back to Colorado.
"He has a chance to stay here," Piniella said. "I'm seeing where other teams' Rule 5 drafts are being returned now. We haven't even discussed it. That means we've been impressed with him. He's not intimidated."
Extra innings: First baseman Derrek Lee was scratched from the lineup against the Dodgers with a sore right quad and likely will miss a few days. Milton Bradley missed a second straight day with flulike symptoms and Joey Gathright was at the dentist. … The Cubs sent nine players to the minor league camp, including pitcher Jeff Stevens, who came from the Indians in the Mark DeRosa trade.
If he continues to hit like he did Tuesday in his first real spring training game since 2006—a double and walk in three plate appearances—manager Lou Piniella might be tempted to take him as a backup third and first baseman. That would mean one outfielder would lose a roster spot.
"Can our mind be changed? Yes," Piniella said. "We're going to take a good look at him in the next couple of weeks. It would be a nice [comeback] story if it materializes."
Koskie hasn't played in a big league game since July 2006 because of post-concussion syndrome.
I feel as normal as anyone can for a Canadian playing major league baseball," he said. "I feel good out there."
Of course, he is leaving the final decision to the brass.
"I just take care of my own thing. If they like me, they like me," Koskie said. "If they don't, they don't. That stuff doesn't concern me."
Closer look: Right-handed reliever David Patton, a Rule 5 draftee from the Rockies, is opening eyes in camp with one run allowed and seven strikeouts in 62/3 innings. He's never appeared in a game above Class A and must make the final roster or be offered back to Colorado.
"He has a chance to stay here," Piniella said. "I'm seeing where other teams' Rule 5 drafts are being returned now. We haven't even discussed it. That means we've been impressed with him. He's not intimidated."
Extra innings: First baseman Derrek Lee was scratched from the lineup against the Dodgers with a sore right quad and likely will miss a few days. Milton Bradley missed a second straight day with flulike symptoms and Joey Gathright was at the dentist. … The Cubs sent nine players to the minor league camp, including pitcher Jeff Stevens, who came from the Indians in the Mark DeRosa trade.
0 comments:
Post a Comment