The Daytona Beach News-Journal gives us the explanation for why the Cubs demoted corner infielder Matt Craig, who spent the past two seasons at double-A West Tenn, to high-A Daytona this season: The Cubs are teaching him to play catcher.

Craig was a significant player for West Tenn as a 23-year-old third baseman in 2004, hitting .275/.363/.509. But then in the spring of 2005, Craig was one of 38 minor leaguers (and 7 Cubs) suspended for 15 games under baseball's new steriods policy. When he did return to West Tenn, he hit .275/.340/.459. Those are decent numbers, but obviously not quite as good as his 2004 season, and less than promising for a 24-year-old corner infielder in double-A.

With the Cubs set at first base and third base for the foreseeable future, it makes sense to see what Craig can do behind the plate. Craig will still play some first base this year, according to the News-Journal.

On another note, the News-Journal article also mentions a familiar name that will be playing in Daytona this season: former prospect and very injury prone Nic Jackson. Jackson made a name for himself by hitting .296/.355/.493 for Daytona in 2001.

Related and previous post:
2004 Will Be an Important Year for Nic Jackson