Jeff Baker

Jeff Baker is a jack of all trades-aka utility man for the Chicago Cubs bench. He has played 1B, 2B, 3B, LF and RF. It gave Lou Piniella the flexibility and options that he enjoys. He fills a role the Cubs need. Baker is a great back up and bench player that all teams need. He can give a rest to a player that needs a day off or filling in at the end of the games or extra innings as situations arise. Looks to me as a good addition to the club.

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Jeff Baker started out with the Colorado Rockies organization. The Rockies originally drafted him in June 2002 and played in their minor league system. He got his break up to the big leagues to start the 2005 season as their second baseman for 12 games while their regular came back from an injury. It didn't last long and back to AAA. He played AAA for most of 2006 until being called up in September when the rosters expanded.

He spent 2007 and 2008 playing for the Rockies platooning at second base. He demonstrated he has a good glove by committing only 3 errors in 2007 and 5 in 2008 even though he played different positions.

Baker didn't have a lot of playing time with the Rockies in 2009 and was on a rehab assignment with their AAA club when he was traded to the Cubs. He has filled in well so far as the Cubs have had a revolving door for a utility man this year.

To my surprise, as the season progressed Baker has done more than just fill in. He took over the starting position at second base and hit with consistency. Don't know if this is just a splash in the pan or not but his spot on the roster is lot more secure than it was when he arrived. It will give notice during the off season as what to do with second base.

Baker's role changed during 2010 as the Cubs infield seemed to be in constant change. His bat did not come around and as the season progressed Baker played only against left handed pitching which he excelled at. His batting average was almost non existant against right handed pitching.

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