Brent Lillibridge (Photo Credit: Getty Images, By: Jonathan Daniel)
Reporting David Schuster
By David Schuster-
MESA, Ariz. (CBS) Brent Lillibridge only signed a minor league deal with the Cubs, but he has a very good chance of making the Major League roster.
The reason is very simple: Lillibridge is versatile and his talents just so happen to fill a lot of openings on the Cubs’ roster.
Initially when Lillibridge came up with the White Sox, he was basically just a middle infielder. He played some shortstop and second base, but eventually Ozzie Guillen gave him a shot at third base too.
Since Lillibridge started hitting more and more, Guillen them expanded his duties to playing some first base and even time in the outfield. That gamble paid off as Lillibridge made some incredible highlight catches in left and center field.
Fast forward to this past offseason and Lillibridge and the Cubs became a likely combination. The Cubs happen to need a reserve infielder, a fifth outfielder and a back up first baseman. Lillibridge can fill all those spots.
He hasn’t been guaranteed anything beyond a chance to compete, but unless he falls on his face out here in Arizona, it’s logical to assume that he has a good chance of going north with the big league team.
Lillibridge was a fan favorite during his time with the Sox and if he performs anything like he did on the South Side, then Cub fans will love him too.
For more Cubs spring training coverage from Mesa, Ariz, click here. Find all of David Schuster’s spring training blogs here and follow him on Twitter (@schumouse).
