Baseball in Fort Wayne

Bobby Scales has been on the verge of making “the show” for years. He’s been a minor league player for a decade and has spent the last five years at Triple-A with no call-up. During the offseason, he chose to resign with the Cubs rather than take his chances with yet another organzation.

This spring, he battled along with two other former Wizards for a backup infielder role, presumably third base. None of the three got the job (Luis Rivas was released and Corey Koskie officially retired). He was among the late spring cuts and actually went with the Cubs to New York for the exhibition games in New Yankee Stadium.

This spring, I predicted Scales as one fo the “sure thing” former Wizards to make their MLB debuts this season. He’s started the 2009 campaign, his second as an Iowa Cub, pretty well. In 20 games, he’s seen 72 at-bats and compiled a .306 average with 22 hits, a triple, two home runs and nine runs batted in. He’s also drawn nine walks and has a .378 OBP.

You have to figure that being a third baseman at Iowa, you stand a good probability of getting a cup of coffee with the Chicago Cubs before the season is out. Given that Aramis Ramirez is oft-injured, Scales may be called upon to see some action. In fact, the injury bug is buzzing around Aramis currently as he deals with inflamation in his left calf. Entering the day, there was speculation that Ramirez might have to take a brief DL stint, so the Cubs had Scales at the park just in case.

The Cubs are also currently carrying an extra outfielder, which leaves them a player short for the infield. Today, the Cubs used Mike Fontenot and backup catcher, Koyie Hill at third in an 8-2 loss to Florida. Said Cubs’ manager Lou Pinella of the situation:

“We’ve gone as far as we can without an extra infielder,” said manager Lou Piniella. “It’s decision time. If we have to do something, we’ll bring up Scales. He’s been in the Minor Leagues a long time, and it’ll be a wonderful opportunity for him.”

It doesn’t get much closer than that! Scales’ time is coming. I’m rooting for you Bobby.