Sam Fuld - Fantasy News & Updates
Sam Fuld - Fantasy News & Updates
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Fuld wasn't a reliable fantasy option at any point during the year, but his .287 career batting average in the Minors and 23 steals for Triple-A Iowa earlier this year suggest he could provide some value if given a starting role. However, with Alfonso Soriano returning to left field next year and the Cubs likely to turn to a more offensively-adept center fielder, Fuld's status for next year is very uncertain.
According to research by STATS Inc., Fuld has the most career at-bats (96) without an RBI among Major League players from 1920 to this year. Fuld is doing everything the Cubs could ask in other areas -- he's hitting .300, reaching base at a .417 clip, and has scored 16 runs. He just hasn't driven in a run yet as a big leaguer. A little more run production -- that is, any -- could make him an interesting low-end option in NL-only leagues next year if he can snag regular playing time in Chicago's outfield.
Fuld showed up at Wrigley Field wearing a protective brace after he injured his wrist making a diving catch of Frank Catalanotto's fly ball to end the Brewers' fifth inning in the Cubs' 2-0 win Monday night. Fuld underwent X-rays and an MRI and was examined by a hand specialist. Fuld thought the problem was only ligament damage and a bone bruise, but he wanted to wait for the test results. The injury does not signal the end of the season, Fuld said. "I could be ready to play in a couple days," he said. "We'll just wait to see what happens. I'm not ready to give up on the season by any means." Stay tuned.
Johnson has been sidelined since July 30 after fouling a ball off his left foot. The right-handed hitting outfielder was used in a platoon with Kosuke Fukudome in center field. Johnson was hitting .306 against left-handers, compared to Fukudome's .174 against southpaw pitchers. Skipper Lou Piniella's right-handed options now include rookies Jake Fox and Sam Fuld. A free agent after this season, Johnson was batting .252 in 59 games with four homers, seven doubles and 20 RBIs.
It looked as though Soriano would be able to cope with the discomfort he had experienced for several months when he received a cortisone shot in the knee on Aug. 30. Alas, the manager Lou Piniella felt it was in the best interest of Soriano's future health to shut him down, with the possibility that he could be finished for the season. The Cubs will let Soriano sit before reassessing his status at an undisclosed time. Sam Fuld and Jake Fox are poised to replace Soriano in left field during his absence.
Manager Lou Piniella has gone out of his way to praise Soriano's hard work as he attempts to break out of this slump, but given Piniella's predilection for the hot hand, owners have to wonder whether Soriano might lose some time in left field to Jake Fox or Sam Fuld in the near term. The speedy Fuld is hitting .307 and reaching base at a .407 clip in 46 at-bats; Fox is slugging .521 and has a .288-8-32 line in 146 at-bats.
Bradley, who has stayed healthy of late, suffered the injury after making a running catch in right field Thursday against the Phillies. No word yet on whether he'll return Saturday. Sam Fuld took his spot in the lineup, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored.
Fuld has been effective as a backup outfielder and pinch-runner for the Cubs this year, but his lack of pop probably precludes a long-term promotion to starter status. He has a .350 average (7-for-20) in limited action.
Fuld collected his third multi-hit game in as many starts -- all at the leadoff spot. The Cubs have searched for more production from the top of the lineup all year, so Fuld be an interesting choice if given more time on the field.
Soto, who is hitting .230 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs this season, suffered a left oblique strain July 8 and is expected to miss about a month. Koyie Hill will take over starting catcher duties, with Jake Fox as the backup.
Patton apparently felt a twinge on Saturday. Demoting Fuld and Hart were tough decisions. "I don't think anything was clear cut," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "We've got some outfield protection now with [Jeff] Baker and that made the Sam Fuld situation a little easier. It's not easy sending out kids -- I don't enjoy it."
A few days off certainly couldn't hurt Soriano, who is batting .230 and is hitless in his last two games. He sports a paltry .179 average in his past 35 games. Soriano has had bad stretches before, but not for this long. "It's just timing," Soriano said. "My swing is good, and it's just my timing. I'm working with [hitting coach Von Joshua] every day. I hope I come back Friday and feel better." Replacing Soriano as the left fielder and leadoff hitter was Sam Fuld, who was called up from Triple-A Iowa earlier this week.
Miles has been hurting for awhile, and went on the DL after testing out his elbow by hitting off a tee on Sunday. Fuld, who played with the Cubs in late 2007, was hitting .286 and stole 20 bases for the Pacific Coast League club. Fuld could start in the outfield as soon as Tuesday, as Manager Lou Piniella said Milton Bradley may take a couple days to work with hitting coach Von Joshua, specifically with his hitting on the left side.
Fuld had a disappointing spring, as he hit just .161 with just one extra-base hit over 31 at-bats. He was in competition with Felix Pie to be the team's starting center fielder. Patterson played some second base during the spring, as he has been mentioned in some trade rumors involving Brian Roberts and the Orioles.
Still, Piniella was quick to point out that Pie has some work to do. "We'd like to see him get on base a little more, hit the ball to left field occasionally, those sort of things that make you put the ball in play more, cut down on strikeouts," Piniella said. "He's doing a fine job. He's played well."
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