Castro Promoted to Quadruple-A Team

Well, this is exciting. The Starlin Castro Era begins tonight in Cincinnati because the Cubs are in full-panic mode after being swept in Pittsburgh. The move was anticipated by a lot of people, but it does bring up some new questions as Paul Sullivan points out via Chicagobreakingsports.com

Why was the move made now?

Though it makes sense that the Cubs need an offensive infusion, the promotion of Castro primarily was made for defensive purposes. Castro has a better arm and range than shortstop Ryan Theriot, whose defense has been subpar at best during the first five weeks.

I disagree. This move was not made for defensive purposes, it was made because Hendry is panicking. I've been hard on Theriot in the past but let's be honest, the Cubs are not struggling because of the defense at the shortstop position. I'm glad Castro is here because it give me something new to watch and he will probably provide better defense. But the promotion of Castro was primarily made because of panic and desperation.

Can Theriot move to second base without any playing time there this year?

The Cubs believe Theriot has spent enough time at second in his career that moving back over will be like riding a bike. But the decision not to play him at second at all during spring training will draw some criticism.

Why criticize the decision to not play him at second during spring training when nobody is criticizing the decision to not assemble a capable bullpen during spring training? I say we continue to give Hendry and Piniella free passes and not hold either one accountable. Now, where's my Mai Tai?

Are the Cubs too right-handed?

Kosuke Fukudome and Mike Fontenot were the only two left-handed hitters in the regular lineup, and with Theriot moving to second, Fukudome is the last lefty standing. But a Cubs' source said this is not expected to be a problem. "No one complains that the Cardinals are too right-handed, do they?" he said. Fontenot will be the primary left-handed hitter off the bench, taking the spot of Chad Tracy, who was 1-for-11 pinch-hitting.

Whoever that Cubs' source is who spoke those words of wisdom should be our next manager. I love him and feel the need to give him a reach around. It's refreshing to know that someone in the organization feels that way about the whole too-right-handed-thingy. I fucking hate that.

Do the Cubs have too many second basemen?

This is a question that has been asked since the days of Neifi Perez, Todd Walker, Jerry Hairston and Freddie Bynum. They now have three in Theriot, Fontenot and Jeff Baker, who will serve as Aramis Ramirez's primary back-up at third now that Tracy is gone.

Honestly, comparing this team to past Cubs teams it seems like we don't have enough second basemen. Was I the only one who got a little nervous when Sullivan only named three? Shouldn't we have something like five more, you know, just to be safe?

Is this a harbinger of future moves?

There's not a whole lot the Cubs can do with the starting lineup, but sources said Andrew Cashner, who was promoted to Triple-A Iowa, may be headed to the Cubs' rotation soon. That would mean Randy Wells or Tom Gorzelanny is on the spot. At the very least, the Cubs hope it lights a fire under Wells, who appears too comfortable in his second season in the rotation.

Why in the world would they think Randy Wells appears too comfortable in the rotation? I mean, I could maybe see it if, hypothetically of course, the Cubs needed a starter to go to the pen and instead of moving Randy Wells they moved, let's say...their opening day starter and staff ace to the pen instead. Then and only then I might see why Wells could possibly think that his spot was safe. Luckily, no team would ever do that so this whole concept is entirely ridiculous.