Jeff Baker - Fantasy News & Updates
Jeff Baker - Fantasy News & Updates
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Before his trade to the Cubs in July, Baker had been sidelined for two months with a sprained left hand. When he was finally healthy, he immediately found a groove in Chicago, batting .305 with an .810 OPS over 69 games, most of them at second base. With Mike Fontenot and Andres Blanco also in the mix, it’s unclear how regularly Baker will play in 2010, though he clearly hit the ball the best of the trio this season, which should serve as an indicator.
Baker's stock continues to rise in the Windy City. Having already earned regular playing time at second base, he seamlessly shifted over to third base with Aramis Ramirez getting the night off. Since arriving from the Rockies earlier this season, Baker boasts a .329 average with four homers, a .476 slugging percentage and 19 RBIs with the Cubbies.
Baker has been Chicago's hottest hitter over the past month. Since Aug. 9 -- when he started to get consistent at-bats at second base -- Baker was batting a blistering .390. Considering the dearth of offensive production at that position and Baker's increasingly obvious starter status, he's worth a look in all formats. Any owners still hanging on to the displaced Mike Fontenot can feel free to give him his walking papers.
Fontenot had been receiving a steady dose of playing time at second base, but continued struggles at the plate has resulted in the hot-hitting Jeff Baker taking over as the primary starter.
The third baseman was taken to a local hospital for X-rays, the results of which haven't been released. Manager Lou Piniella penciled Baker into the starting role at third base in hopes of giving Aramis Ramirez a day off, but Ramirez ended up taking the spot with Baker out.
Baker has come virtually out of nowhere to establish himself as an intriguing middle infield option in mixed leagues. A .500 (14-for-28) batting average with six RBI in his last seven games as the Cubs second baseman should bring notice to any mixed-leaguer coveting a productive bat at the position.
Baker might be forcing his way into a job as the primary starter at second. He had been mostly serving as Mike Fontenot's platoon partner, but capitalizing on his newfound opportunity could result in a changing of the guard.
Baker has popped off for multiple hits in three consecutive games for the first time this season. The utility infielder is batting .308 with five doubles in 25 games for the Cubs since leaving Colorado.
Baker hasn't received much starting time, at second base or the hot corner. He got the starting nod at second base on Sunday but owners shouldn't view him as their own starting option. Despite the two hits Sunday, he's batting just .256 (11-for-43) as a starter.
Baker got the nod Wednesday against Astros left-hander Mike Hampton. He’s started all of the Cubs four games against southpaws since being acquired from Colorado on June 2. The logic behind the platoon is simple. The right-handed Baker has mashed lefties in his career, with a .904 OPS against them compared to .690 against right-handers. The left-handed Fontenot's splits go in the other direction – he has a .796 OPS against left-handers and a .625 mark against righties.
The two base knocks were Baker's first since joining the Cubs July 3. The utility man has been splitting time at second base with Mike Fontenot of late and won't have much value outside of deep NL-only leagues unless he plays his way into a starting role.
Baker has been limited to only 12 games this season due to a sprained left hand that sent him to the DL on April 29, but he was activated prior to the trade and will be available for Thursday's game. The 28-year-old will help fill in at both corner-infield spots, second base and in the outfield. To make room for Baker on the roster, the Cubs designated Ryan Freel for assignment. Alburquerque, 23, went 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 24 relief appearances for Class A Daytona this season.
Iannetta's injury took place while running the bases during the Rockies' 4-3 win Saturday night. Backup catcher Yorvit Torrealba took Iannetta's place in Saturday's game, and he also got he nod in Sunday's finale. To take Iannetta's roster spot, Paul Phillips was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs. Phillips played in 62 Major League games from 2004-08, hitting .255. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team moved Jeff Baker from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.
Baker, 27, was hitting .130 in 12 games, including four starts. Baker last played April 26, when he tripled with the bases loaded. The DL stint is retroactive to April 27, so he'll be eligible to return May 12 against the Astros. The Rockies recalled outfielder Matt Murton from Triple-A Colorado Springs to take Baker's spot on the roster.
The plan is to rest Helton more frequently this year, as he's 35 and coming off of back surgery. The team has an off-day on Thursday, so Helton can be fresh for the home opener April 10 against the Phillies.
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