Blake DeWitt adjusting to new role with the Chicago Cubs
In-fielder Blake DeWitt is adjusting to his new role with the Chicago Cubs as the team is working hard towards becoming major contenders in the upcoming 2011 Major League Baseball season. The club is currently in Mesa, Arizona, practicing hard in the field
for the coming challenge. DeWitt has been involved in the National League West division for most of his career and now finds himself in the Central region.
The player is getting into the momentum of the workout duties slowly as he kicks of mornings with crossword puzzles. That has been a habit that has lingered for a long time.
The player made his way to the Cubs when he was traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers for Ryan Theriot and Ted Lilly. At first, DeWitt was surprised but as he made his way to the Cubs, he’s able to take the change in ambiance with an open mind. The in-fielder
will be playing with Jeff Baker in a spread formation. His role will majorly focus on facing left-hand pitchers.
"It's just different. Hard to explain," DeWitt said. "I'd been with one team forever, not that it was that long, but that's the only team I knew."
DeWitt was the 28th pick in the 2004 First Year Draft. After spending time between Triple-A and the Major Leagues, he became the Dodgers’ second baseman. The player picked up a batting average of .270 in 82 games for the Dodgers, while .250 with
the Cubs in 53 games. There are a lot of expectations behind the player and that will only raise the question on what his role will bring in the near future.
"I'd love to see him working the middle of the field," manager Mike Quade said of DeWitt. "He looked to me when we first got him a little pull-happy in his approach, which more times than not, may allow him to drive the ball out of the ballpark, but his
average will suffer. I'd like to see him use the whole field."
It will be interesting to see how DeWitt manages to adapt his playing style to fit his new role with the Cubs. Only time will tell if his performance meets expectations.
Tags: