The Chicago Cubs need a new third baseman now that Aramis Ramirez appears to be departing through free agency, and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has reported that the team is speaking with the Colorado Rockies about acquiring Ian Stewart in exchange for outfielder Tyler Colvin.
Stewart struggled greatly with the Rockies in 2011, posting a .156/.243/.221 line over 136 plate appearances. It was a shocking and disappointing season for the 26-year-old after he had hit .246/.334/.454 over 1236 plate appearances in the preceding three seasons.
Armed with good power and a willingness to take pitches, some had hoped that 2011 would be a breakout season for Stewart, but instead he stumbled to arguably his worst pro season. He showed in Triple-A that hasn't totally lost it, though, batting 275/.359/.599 line with 14 homers in 45 games, although Colorado Springs is a major hitting environment. MLBTR projects Stewart's 2012 salary through arbitration at $2 million, which could be major bargain if he bounces back.
And as bad as Stewart's 2011 was, you could probably argue that Colvin's was worse. Also in his age-26 season, Colvin hit .150/.204/.306 over 222 plate appearances in Chicago. Like, Stewart, he's shown potential in the majors in the past, hitting 20 homers with a .500 slugging percentage for the Cubs in 2010, but he's also shown major issues with contact and plate discipline.
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