Cubs Trade for Jose Macias
On Friday (12/20), the Cubs traded Triple-A starter Wilton Chavez for backup infielder/outfielder Jose Macias. The Cubs then gave Macias a $750,000 contract for next year. (The Cubs have also done some other manuvering lately to populate their bench – signing Todd Hollandsworth, and re-signing Paul Bako and Ramon Martinez – an analysis of which I may, or may not, get to at another time).
At this point, I am having a hard enough time understanding the acquisition of Macias. I admittedly know little about him, but his chief attributes appear to be that he hits (using that term liberally) from both sides of the plate and can play both infield and outfield. But he really can’t hit. The STATS, Inc. scouting report currently posted at his ESPN.com page says he “swings at almost everything, but has a knack for making contact with anything remotely near the plate.” He has a career .255/.302/.378 line. He hasn’t posted an OBP% above .300 since 2001, and last year hit an atrocious .239/.273/.353. And he will be 32 next year. In other words, he’s a bad offensive player – essentially Randall Simon without the power – and getting worse. Granted, Macias will be the 25th man on the roster, but there’s no rule that says teams must throw away their final roster spot.
UPDATE (12/21/2003 1:05am): After non-tendering Simon, perhaps the Cubs realized they just couldn’t do without one of those swings at everything, but makes contact players.
UPDATE II (12/21/2003 1:10am): Here’s Hendry’s comments on Macias:
“We’re glad to pick up Macias. We felt he’s been a quality extra player. He can play all over the field. He can still run and he gives us some insurance in center field. He’s a good bench player, can steal a base. We thought he was a good fit. . . . He’s a guy we’ve had on our radar screen.”
You just have to love those guys who can run, but can’t get on base.
UPDATE III (12/21/2003 7:50pm): The Cub Reporter on Macias: “[I]s [the] 25th man really a spot that needs to be filled in December, and for more than the league minimum?” I vote no.