Jeff Baker

2013

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2012

Baker offers some defensive versatility, given his ability to play first, second, third and both corner-outfield spots, and he's capable of hitting lefties (.314/.349/.463 in 121 at-bats). That said, he doesn't play any position particularly well, can't hit righties at all, doesn't hit for power and rarely draws a walk. The Cubs offered Baker arbitration in December, so he could be back in a utility role.

2011

Baker signed a one-year deal in December, which means he'll return as a part-time second baseman and back up Carlos Pena at first and Aramis Ramirez at third. Baker's defense is merely average, and while he has modest power, his plate discipline and contact skills are below par. The younger (and left-handed) Blake DeWitt should get most of the playing time, but it's unclear exactly how the at-bats will be split up.

2010

Baker came over from the Rockies in a midseason trade and wrestled the starting second-base job from the struggling Mike Fontenot. Baker hit well for the Cubs down the stretch in a 203-at-bat sample, but his poor plate discipline and average-at-best defense make him a stopgap and not a long-term solution. Baker will likely compete with Fontenot for the job again this spring, and the two could even wind up in a lefty-righty platoon that favors Fontenot.

2009

Injuries to Troy Tulowitzki and Clint Barmes enabled Baker to get a toehold in the lineup at second base, where he showed himself to be a four-corners guy, not a middle infielder. He'd make a fine right-handed half of a platoon at third base should the Rockies find a new home for Garret Atkins. Second-base eligibility and Coors Field make him a nice middle infield play for 2009, but keep playing-time expectations down.

2008

Baker spent 2007 as a utility player seeing time in the outfield, first base and third base. Last year was somewhat of a lost season as he received only 144 at-bats and never received an opportunity for consistent playing time. He's a great athlete with 25-homer potential. The Rockies may try him at second base in spring training if they do not find a replacement for Kaz Matsui. Otherwise he'll be relegated to a utility role. If Baker is traded during the offseason and finds a starting role, he's a definite sleeper candidate.

2007

Baker had his first full injury-free season in 2006, batting .305/.369/.508 for Triple-A Colorado Springs before receiving a September call-up, where he was just as impressive. With 14 extra-base hits in just 57 at-bats for the Rockies, Baker took a huge step forward in a bid to earn a regular spot with the team in 2007. He's certainly earned at least a bench job. With Brad Hawpe being mentioned in trade rumors this winter, it's unclear how to project Baker. He should get at least 200 at-bats, but the potential is there for far more.

2006

Baker batted .303/.348/.513 with quality power at Triple-A and was in-line for a September call-up before breaking his thumb. There has been talk of Baker moving to the outfield in order to make room for blue-chip prospect Ian Stewart at third base. For now, Baker will start 2006 at Triple-A Colorado Springs and should challenge Garrett Atkins for playing time by midseason.

2005

Baker finds himself between a rock and a hard place—i.e., Garrett Atkins and Ian Stewart—in his quest to start at third base for the Rockies. He'll get the starting nod at Double-A Tulsa in 2005 after hitting a combined .318 with 15 HR in two levels of the minors in 2004, and he could get a cup of coffee in September if he impresses and can stay healthy. Best-case scenario is that Baker, who played some shortstop in college, assumes a regular starting role in 2006 if Atkins or Clint Barmes fizzle out on the left side of the infield.

2004

Baker's rookie season at low Single-A ball was cut short in '03 due to a recurring wrist injury, but he still managed to show flashes of promise, hitting 11 homers in 270 ABs. He's had three operations on the wrist already, so it's obviously a situation that warrants concern for the Rockies. Baker was regarded as one of the top five hitters in the 2002 draft, so there's no reason to believe that he cannot continue to progress - and rapidly at that - if the wrist is finally healed.

2003

Watch Baker carefully next season - he was perceived to be one of the top five hitters in the 2002 draft, but "unsignable" due to his affiliation with agent Scott Boras and slipped to the fourth round. Beyond his talent, he fills a spot where the organization has a gaping hole in terms of prospects, so he could climb the ladder quickly.