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Ryne Sandberg, Jake Fox, Aaron Heilman and an update on the movie, "We Believe" are the topics in this week's Inbox. Send your questions to cubsinbox@gmail.com, and please include your name and hometown.
Is there a possibility Ryne Sandberg could be the Cubs' hitting coach next year? If not, could Sandberg be the manager of the Triple-A Iowa Cubs? Either position should help him ease into a Major League team as manager, hopefully with Chicago.
-- Ara W., Alpharetta, Ga.
Let's put an end to the hitting coach rumors. Sandberg is interested in managing; he will not be considered for the coaching vacancy on Lou Piniella's staff. Sandberg could find himself at Double-A Tennessee again, and that's not a knock on how he did in 2009 with the Minor League team. The Southern League is a tough, competitive league, and they play by National League rules. It's a good training ground. Cubs general manager Jim Hendry has said he'd like to have Sandberg back in the Minor League system as a manager. The Cubs typically announce their staffs in early December.
What are the Cubs' plans for Jake Fox next year? Piniella has indicated his desire for a big RBI bat, and it seems Fox could fill that role nicely, especially if there are payroll constraints. Fox added some key production and power in his limited playing time this year. Also, has anyone coined the term "Fox trot" when he hits a home run? If he gets more playing time, we could see the "Fox trot" a lot in coming years.
-- Wes K., Dallas
Fox didn't embarrass himself at third base or in the outfield, but his best position is first base. As long as Derrek Lee is on the Cubs, it'll be hard for Fox to get playing time. The openings for 2010 appear to be second base and center field, and Fox isn't a good fit at either of those positions. There was some interest in the right-handed hitter during the season, and it may be best for him if he's moved to get more playing time. And, no, I haven't heard anyone use "Fox trot." I'm sure Fox would like to hear that on a regular basis.
What is the status of Aaron Heilman? I would love to see him back next year in pinstripes.
-- Matt, Logansport, Ind.
Matt, you didn't include your last name, but judging by your e-mail address (which had an Irish reference in it), you're a Notre Dame fan, and, obviously, a fan of Heilman. He could be back, or the Cubs may not tender him a contract if they decide they have enough arms for the bullpen. Heilman is arbitration eligible. This is his last year for that; he'll be a free agent in 2011. Here's a list of other arbitration-eligible Cubs (3-6 years of big league service): Jeff Baker, Neal Cotts, Mike Fontenot, Tom Gorzelanny, Angel Guzman, Koyie Hill, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall and Ryan Theriot. The Cubs have until Dec. 12 to tender contracts to those players.
Read the entire Q&A:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... p;c_id=chc |
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