May 17, 2011

Transaction Analysis Blog

Cubs Demote Colvin, Mateo

by R.J. Anderson

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CHICAGO CUBS Team Audit | Player Cards | Depth Chart

Chicago Cubs
Demote OF Tyler Colvin to Triple-A Iowa. [5/15]
Demote RP Marcos Mateo to Triple-A Iowa. [5/16]
Promote RP Scott Maine from Triple-A Iowa. [5/16]
Purchase the contract of OF Tony Campana from Triple-A Iowa. [5/16]

Colvin surprised with his rookie season by hitting .254/.316/.500 (with 20 home runs in 395 plate appearances) after several middling seasons in the minor leagues. A rough start to the season (.113/.191/.258 in 68 plate appearances) and sparse playing time leads to the demotion and gives Colvin the opportunity to play in Triple-A—something he has not done before, as he jumped from Double-A to the majors.

The Cubs have the warming Carlos Pena at first base and did not have a spot for Colvin in the outfield, so he will receive consistent playing time in hopes of furthering his development. Colvin’s power and athleticism will carry him in the majors, but some additional refinement in his plate discipline and pitch recognition would help his stock.

Taking Colvin’s roster spot is Campana. Noted for speed, Campana is a safe bet to draw some Sam Fuld comparisons. He stands only 5-foot-8, bats lefty, plays the outfield, and has a career minor league line of .303/.359/.353. The Cubs tie-in milks the comparison even more. Campana is unlikely to become a starter but may provide value as a pinch runner and defensive sub.

As for Mateo, there isn’t a question as to whether his stuff can generate strikeouts in the bigs (he fanned more than one per inning pitched this season), however the walks have to go—or at least sort of go. Mateo’s most recent outing included two walks and a home run in a loss versus the Reds and Chicago decided to swap him out for Maine. Scott is the brother of John and nothing special himself, although he should be able to function as a lefty specialist and makes the fourth southpaw in the Cubs bullpen.

R.J. Anderson is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @r_j_anderson
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