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The Toronto Blue Jays hope Mark Derosa can bounce back from a down year and help claim the AL East. Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Former Chicago Cub Mark DeRosa has signed a one-year deal to play in Toronto.
DeRosa arguably had his best seasons as a professional in 2007 and 2008. He played in 149 games during both seasons and notched career highs during his time with the Cubs. DeRosa’s 2008 stats are the more impressive between the two seasons as he batted .285, hit 21 home runs and posted career-highs in on-base percentage (.376), slugging percentage (.481), and OPS (.857).
DeRosa signed a $12 million, two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants in 2010 after stints with the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals. The two sides had shown prior interest in each other before DeRosa chose to sign with the Cubs.
The 37-year-old joined the Washington Nationals this past season but suffered through injuries and the death of his father.
Javier Baez could be making his way to the Smokies sooner than expected. Photo Courtesy: Mike Janes/Four Seam Images/ AP Images
The Cubs are looking to place top-rated prospect Javier Baez on a fast track.
Baez, the 20-year-old shortstop, was drafted 9th overall in the 2011 draft and is the youngest of 12 invitees to the Chicago for the Cubs rookie development program. Cubs manager Dale Sveum has raved about Baez’s bat speed and potential to be a great hitter. It also seems that Baez will be able to play any position once he is ready for the big leagues. The Cubs should be formidable in the future once Baez is combined with Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro.
Theo Epstein says the 2013 season is “postseason or bust” for the Cubs.
What are Theo Epstein’s real expectations for the 2013 season? Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
“If we have another year as productive as this one was in terms of adding young players and having young players step up into the core then I’ll feel great about the schedule that we’re on,” Epstein told ESPN Chicago.
Cubs fans have to like the confidence they hear from Epstein. But with the Cubs ranking near the bottom of the National League it is likely that the Cubs will endure long seasons until their young talent is ready to produce.
Nick Roark is a Broadcast & Media Associate. Follow him on Twitter @NickRoark4
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