Bobby

Scales

Scales signed a minor league deal with the Mets in April, but has been placed on the temporary inactive list. He was hitting .339 (37-for-109) with 10 doubles, two homers, and nine RBI in 32 games for Triple-A Buffalo.

Scales spent 2011 in Japan and hit pretty well, batting .280/.373/.456 with 18 homers over 600 plate appearances. He batted .248/.342/.401 over 158 plate appearances for the Cubs from 2009-2010. The 34-year-old will provide organizational depth at Triple-A Buffalo.

He’ll receive an invite to spring training. Scales spent 2011 in Japan and hit pretty well, batting .280/.373/.456 with 18 homers over 600 plate appearances. He batted .248/.342/.401 over 158 plate appearances for the Cubs from 2009-2010. The 34-year-old will provide organizational depth.

He’s hooking on with a club in Japan, where he played last year. Scales batted .339 (37-for-109) with 10 doubles, two homers, and nine RBI in 32 games for Triple-A Buffalo.

Closser is nice insurance in case Henry Blanco’s neck problems limit him again this year. However, no one here is a particularly good bet to make the team. Fox probably has the best chance, as he’ll be in the running for a bullpen spot if his elbow holds up during March. Scales could be a useful bench player, but there’s not going to be room for him initially.

“I think that’s what you’re going to see,” manager Lou Piniella said. “At the same time, we’ll continue to work [Jake] Fox at third base just in case we need a double-switch, just in case there’s an injury. We have to be prepared.” Bobby Scales started at third on Friday with Fontenot at his regular second base post. On Saturday, they switched. "[Fontenot] is basically our best third baseman, our best option over there,” Piniella said.

Scales, who hit his first major league homer Tuesday, is 8-for-18 since joining the Cubs and is in line for more playing time at second and third. He’s worth using in NL-only leagues with Aramis Ramirez sidelined.

Scales had some nice moments for the Cubs and may find himself back with the team before the season ends. He was moved to make room for the return of Rich Harden.

Scales is off to a hot start in the minors with a .303 batting average, 3 home runs and 10 RBI through 21 games. With Aaron Miles struggling at second with a .195 batting average, Scales may see some action, but his fantasy value will be strictly tied to how much playing time he actually gets.

A minor league journeyman, Scales was a nice story after hitting .257/.381/.457 in 42 at-bats. Scales has a severe flu that has kept him out for two days, and the Cubs needed the depth with Aaron Miles hitting the DL. Andres Blanco was recalled in his place.