Chicago Cubs bring in Luis Valbuena at third base – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs' manager Dale Sveum on Thursday, August 30, decided to bring Luis Valbuena at third base, making the seemingly inevitable adjustment. It was previously Josh Vitters who was promoted from Triple-A Iowa so that he could cover this spot.
However, Vitters – who was to be given regular playing time at third base, did not do quite well, prompting the team manager to reconsider it. There were some big reasons involved that factored into that decision.
First and foremost, Vitters had an unimpressive .093 average in last four games, having had 19 strike-outs, remaining 5-for-54. In all those four games, he had remained hitless. The team manager apparently had no other option available except for bringing Valbuena.
Dale Sveum shed light on this matter in his talk with the reporters on Thursday, stating that the team will keep evaluating the players and performance.
"I have shifted gears a little that way, because we're not getting anything out of that position," Sveum said. "A guy who hasn't struck out much is striking out quite a bit and not making contact. We're just going to evaluate and keep plugging along to determine what do we have and moving forward and evaluating these guys in situations that hopefully they're going to succeed."
Cubs’ Number 1 Draft pick in 2007, Vitters is seen as an invaluable asset. The recent slump in his performance – the club hopes, will be transient as he has the potential to stage a comeback at any point in time.
Vitters, for his part, did not sound disappointed. Realising the extent of challenges ahead, he said he was making some readjustments to be better prepared for the next season.
"I can hit at the Major League level now," Vitters said. "There's always adjustments that need to be made. I'm working on making strides to be where I need to be next year."
When he was brought in the Majors on August 5, Vitters had a .304 batting average at Triple-A Iowa. He could not maintain that here, though. Nonetheless, it will have to be seen if he can readjust and start performing the way the club expects of him.
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