Dave Cameron makes the argument for the Cubs calling up Jake Fox:
No, this isn’t anything close to Fox’s true talent level. Yes, the PCL inflates offensive levels. At some point, though, a .600 wOBA is a .600 wOBA, and you have to just say “hey, he’s earned a shot to hit in the big leagues”. It would be one thing if the Cubs were getting stellar production out of Derrek Lee, but they aren’t – the incumbent first baseman is hitting just .226/.300/.396, and ZIPs projects a .361 wOBA out of Lee over the rest of the season.
Fox is old for a minor leaguer at 27. Sometimes, however, old rookies make pretty good major leaguers, as they come up in their prime. Teams get the full upside without having to wait for the player to develop at the big leauge level.
Dave has a real short memory from year to year. A fella named Micah Hoffpauir is Derrek Lee’s able backup. Micah hits a good 300. Lee who has been dealing with several injuries this year, is starting to swing better now. Four hits on Sunday, one last night. Now Michah is a lefty which is a good compliment to what the Cubs want for both a bench hitter, and backup 1st/outfielder.
Jake is going great for sure at the plate, but he is also brushing up on different positions. There is only room for so many first baseman and outfielders.
This is when stat heads show their inability to look beyond the numbers.
First, Jake Fox can’t play defense. Period. The guy can hit. He has always been able to hit. But he is a DH. At best.
Second, he has a .440 BABIP. That isn’t sustainable.
The guy is playing over his head right now, and the Cubs are (amazingly?) smart enough to know that.
he is also brushing up on different positions.
Heh… he may be brushing up on them, but he sure can’t play any of them.