With their leading third-basemen combining for a batting average of .195 with 11 homers, 50 RBI and fielding percentage of .954 during the 2012 season, Cubs manager Dale Sveum said that in 2013 he might field a team without using a third-sacker.
“What’s the point?” Sveum said from the club’s spring training complex in Mesa. “The three of them [Ian Stewart, Luis Valbuena and Josh Vitters] are triple threats: Can’t hit, can’t field, can’t throw.”
“We’ll probably go with a short-center fielder, like in girls’ softball, or maybe with four outfielders spread apart about 80 feet or so,” the clearly irritated skipper indicated.
While his relationship with Cubs management appears to remain solid, Sveum hinted at his frustration with the club’s not trading for or signing a legitimate starter to play the keystone position.
“At this point, I’d take Augie Ojeda,” said Sveum of the long retired former Cubs infielder. “At least he’d hit my weight,” estimated to be about 218 pounds.
