Quade likes DeJesus’ aggressiveness
Cubs manager Mike Quade was the team’s third-base coach before he took over as manager last August. He also coached third as a minor-league manager for two decades.
So he knows current third-base coach Ivan DeJesus has a tough job. DeJesus moved from first base to third base last year when Quade moved up.
Wednesday night, DeJesus waved Aramis Ramirez home in the second inning and Kosuke Fukudome in the fourth. Both runners were out at the plate.
“I think he’s been fine,” Quade said. “We talked a little bit about yesterday’s two decisions. The only thing with the first decision that was really tough for me was going with nobody out. In any other situation, it was a great decision. I’ve stopped guys many times with nobody out and heard all sorts of crowd stuff coming at me. But just erring on the side of caution is the final deal
“But he’s an aggressive guy and wants to be aggressive. As long as he gives himself as much time as possible in making his decision and understanding the situation, he’ll be fine.”
Top prospect Jackson hurt: Brett Jackson, the Cubs#146; top position-player prospect, was scheduled to see a hand specialist in Chicago on Thursday. Jackson injured his left pinkie diving back into a base Wednesday night during a game for the Cubs#146; Class AA Tennessee farm club. The Cubs say they believe Jackson suffered a ligament injury but that there is no bone break. Jackson, who went on Tennessee#146;s disabled list, is batting .295 with a .420 on-base percentage, 4 home runs and 17 RBI. Catching on:Catcher Welington Castillo started his first game after Wednesday#146;s call-up from Class AAA Iowa. He came up when Geovany Soto (groin injury) went on the disabled list. Castillo was 0-for-4 in Thursday#146;s 9-1 loss to he Cardinals. He played in seven games for the Cubs last year, and Mike Quade said he liked what he saw from Castillo in spring training. #147;He did a lot,#148; Quade said. #147;He impressed the heck out of me. I think he grew up a lot. I can be hard on younger kids in camp who maybe don#146;t show me the maturity and stuff I#146;m looking for. He was attentive. He listed to all the stuff that#146;s going to help him make the most of his ability, which is incredible. A really good-looking prospect.#148;Byrd streaking:Center fielder Marlon Byrd extended a hitting streak to a season-best 13 games. He#146;s 18-for-51 (. 353) in the streak. #147;Just seeing the ball, trying to be calm and put the ball in play,#148; he said. #147;Extra hitting, working hard and trusting myself up there. When you hit a slump, you want to hit, and all of a sudden, you#146;re striking out a lot. I got past all of that. Just swing the bat and trust myself.#148;