Cubs surprising demotion

March 26, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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The Chicago Cubs finalized their roster today, with a surprising demotion. First, Ronny Cedeno beat out Alex Cintron for the back-up shortstop job. Second, Mike Fontenot beat out Matt Murton for the final outfield spot. Murton is a surprise to myself as he was in constant trade talk with the Texas Rangers and was just an all out solid player for last years NL Central division winners. Lets look at both of these spring battles and why each made the team.

The back-up infield battle. Ronny Cedeno and Alex Cintron both had pretty good springs. Cintron batted .316 in 38 at bats and 10 rbis. Cedeno batted .308 in 40 at bats with 1 homer and 7 rbis. Cedeno was given a try-out in center field for part of the spring but that didn’t quite work out well, hence the signing of Reed Johnson. So both had solid springs, how was the decision made? Purely on numbers and option seasons. Cintron was a non-roster invitee to camp, while Cedeno is without minor league options and would have to clear waivers to be sent to AAA. Cedeno would have easily been claimed by someone. So based on numbers and situation, Cedeno gets the nod as Ryan Theriot’s backup.

The final roster spot. Both Fontenot and Murton had good springs as well, and were both key contributors to last years team. Fontenot batted .295 with 2 homers and 6 rbis, while Murton went .344 with 4 rbis. This one once again wound up falling to a pure numbers game. The team only wants to head north with 5 outfielders, so Murton has been chosen as the odd man out.

Whats next for Murton? Murton will initially be sent to Triple A – Iowa. Will that ever happen? I doubt it. The team will most likely look to trade Murton as it would be best for both sides. Murton would only make it back to the Windy City because of injury or someone plays horrendously over the first month. Murton is to good of a talent to be in the minors and also who knows what his attitude will be like. The best option then is to find someone to take him off their hands.