The Cubs have made a few minor moves this morning, calling up Jake Fox, Andres Blanco and Jason Waddell. Going down to Iowa was Bobby Scales, who had been battling the flu for a few days, and Neal Cotts, who had been battling his command.
Fox, 26, is making his long-awaited 2009 debut with the Cubs. In Iowa, he was hitting a robust .423 with a .503 on-base percentage and slugging .886 with 17 home runs.
Sure, you might be saying that the PCL inflates offense, he's 26 years old, and his "true talent" level is nowhere close to this. But it isn't as if Fox is just hitting minor league pitchers–he's absolutely killing the ball.
It's rare to find guys that rake in the minors and have long lasting careers at the major league level, but Fox has the ability to stay here.
Last year, Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers went nuts in AAA, earning a promotion this year. Now, he's hitting cleanup for a first-place club.
Jack Cust was a big power hitter that was labeled a "AAAA" player. Russell Branyan has been accused of the same thing. But these guys have made it.
Sure, they aren't stars, but I don't think anyone is expecting Jake Fox to become a star.
However, he can help this club with his stick. Unfortunately, he cannot play catcher as the picture shows. Yet, he will help out at first, third and the corner outfield.
Let's hope this minor move starts a major win streak. Go Cubs!
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