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06:18 AM ET 02.21 | This year, Javy Baez is the latest challenger for Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro's job. [Castro] knows Baez won't be the last young stud shortstop to come to big-league spring training eyeing the two-time All-Star's position. Castro doesn't know Baez well but in their few conversations has stressed humility and hard work for the kid known for his cockiness when drafted ninth overall in 2011. And, says Castro, "I tell him to keep going hard. It's a business. Try to take my job, like I did when I was [in the minors coming up]." ... Castro might be rising every bit as fast. ... "I see myself as my whole career is going to be at shortstop," Castro said. "And not just as a shortstop, but a good shortstop that can win a Gold Glove and hit, and everything."

Starlin Castro, Icon Sports

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February 21, 2013 08:44 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:10 AM ET 02.21 by Flea Biscuit

Sure wish there was someone to challenge for third base

Brent Morel will need a home soon.

.ChiSoxFan.

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February 21, 2013 08:49 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:10 AM ET 02.21 by Flea Biscuit

Sure wish there was someone to challenge for third base

If someone challenges for SS and is good enough to play the position but not good enough to take it from Castro then maybe then could play third? Or if they do displace Castro then maybe he becomes the third baseman?

4192jc (Don't give…

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February 21, 2013 08:55 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:49 AM ET 02.21 by Flea Biscuit

Nah, rather have Keppinger. Cubs were too cheap though

Good thing the Sox made it rain. The Cubs decided to allocate funds in a different, average starting pitcher type way.

.ChiSoxFan.

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February 21, 2013 09:33 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 08:55 AM ET 02.21 by .ChiSoxFan.

Good thing the Sox made it rain. The Cubs decided to allocate funds in a different, average starting pitcher type way.

Would you expect something different from the Cubs?

clemtheslowson

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February 21, 2013 09:40 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 09:05 AM ET 02.21 by Flea Biscuit

It's a shame too. Keppinger would have fit in nicely with their fine assortment of servicable stop gap players like Nate Sherierholtz, Scott Hairston, David DeJesus, Edwin Jackson, Feldman, Villanueva, Scott, Ect.

Keppinger is a good role player, but he's not a regular 3B. He murders left handed pitching for sure, but has no power, doesn't hit righties so well and isn't great defensively.

The Moose

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February 21, 2013 09:41 AM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:57 AM ET 02.21 by Flea Biscuit

Castro would whine like Hanley Ramirez if that were to happen. They could eventually slide Baez to second. Mabey

Hopefully Castro will grow up this year. He could be special, but he's got to get his head in the game.

The Moose

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February 21, 2013 09:51 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:49 AM ET 02.21 by 4192jc (Don't give up!)

If someone challenges for SS and is good enough to play the position but not good enough to take it from Castro then maybe then could play third? Or if they do displace Castro then maybe he becomes the third baseman?

At any rate, seems like Castro was encouraging Baez to be as good as he can be, because ultimately when that happens a place will be made for you in MLB someplace. Whether it's with the Cubs or somebody else. It's how you get to MLB, it's how you stay as long as possible. Be as good as you can be.

Yogi-Zen

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February 21, 2013 09:51 AM ET

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QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 09:45 AM ET 02.21 by Flea Biscuit

Yeah, but also a mighty thin crop of free agent third basemen this year, unless you're keen on Youkilis.

I hear you. Let's face it. Third basemen are hard to come by. Keppinger did a great job for the Rays last year. I'm just pointing out he has his limits.

The Moose

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February 21, 2013 09:55 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:41 AM ET 02.21 by The Moose

Hopefully Castro will grow up this year. He could be special, but he's got to get his head in the game.

Moose, remember when we talked about bench pressing a few weeks back? The area I live in is kind of a hot bed for power lifting. In today's paper I read about a local guy that can bench press 4 times his body weight. He's the lightest person to ever bench press 600 pounds. He did it at a weight of 147.6lbs. The guy is only 5 foot tall so he didn't have to move the weight all that far but still....impressive.

Yogi-Zen

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February 21, 2013 09:57 AM ET

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QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 09:55 AM ET 02.21 by Yogi-Zen

Moose, remember when we talked about bench pressing a few weeks back? The area I live in is kind of a hot bed for power lifting. In today's paper I read about a local guy that can bench press 4 times his body weight. He's the lightest person to ever bench press 600 pounds. He did it at a weight of 147.6lbs. The guy is only 5 foot tall so he didn't have to move the weight all that far but still....impressive.

Wow! That's amazing.

The Moose

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February 21, 2013 10:00 AM ET

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QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 09:57 AM ET 02.21 by The Moose

Wow! That's amazing.

The guy's name is Joe Ceklovsky. Looks like given the size of his chest and the length of his arms give him a tremendous mechanical advantage. Funny thing is he started out as a wrestler in high school and that led him to powerlifting.

Yogi-Zen

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February 21, 2013 10:12 AM ET

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QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 09:55 AM ET 02.21 by Yogi-Zen

Moose, remember when we talked about bench pressing a few weeks back? The area I live in is kind of a hot bed for power lifting. In today's paper I read about a local guy that can bench press 4 times his body weight. He's the lightest person to ever bench press 600 pounds. He did it at a weight of 147.6lbs. The guy is only 5 foot tall so he didn't have to move the weight all that far but still....impressive.

Good gracious!!! It's probably on youtube by now. Guys with alligator arms can certainy have an advantage with bench pressing. But, you're right, still impressive.

brotha68

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February 21, 2013 10:13 AM ET

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QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 09:51 AM ET 02.21 by Yogi-Zen

At any rate, seems like Castro was encouraging Baez to be as good as he can be, because ultimately when that happens a place will be made for you in MLB someplace. Whether it's with the Cubs or somebody else. It's how you get to MLB, it's how you stay as long as possible. Be as good as you can be.

or a marine.