Ian

Stewart

Stewart put on a jaw-dropping display of power in batting practice at Coors Field yesterday. He’ll head to short-season Single-A Casper.

Stewart missed more than a week with a wrist injury.

Stewart is hitting .245/.331/.445 in 155 at-bats in the Texas League.

Stewart’s performance this spring seemed to indicate that he was in for a big season in Double-A, but he’s plodding along at .247/.335/.440 in 150 at-bats. While it’s not all that discouraging, the chances of him being ready for the start of 2007 have diminished.

Tulsa managed to avoid a three-game sweep in the playoff series. Stewart, who finished the Texas League season at .268/.351/.452 with 10 homers in 462 at-bats, might make the switch to the outfield next season. The Rockies are pleased with Garrett Atkins at third base and have no plans to move him.

“The Rockies are where I want to be,” said Stewart. “Honestly, I don’t need a chance of scenery. It had nothing to do with this place. ... There’s definitely no part of me that thinks I need a change of scenery to get going.” Stewart, earning $2,287,500 this season, is a candidate to be non-tendered. The 26-year-old batted .156 with with no home runs and six RBIs in 122 at-bats with Colorado this year. He was optioned to Triple-A in mid-August. Stewart will report to the instructional league on September 27 and is also planning on playing winter ball in Mexico in order to make up for lost time after an injury-shortened, disappointing season. Stewart hit 43 homers between 2009-10.

The Cubs are calling him “day-to-day.” Stewart was acquired in a four-player trade this winter from the Rockies and will start at third base this season for Chicago.

Stewart has been out since Thursday due to quad soreness. An MRI taken this weekend came back clean, and the Cubs aren’t concerned about it being a lingering issue. Stewart will start at third base this year in Chicago.

Sveum love Stewart’s defense at third base, stating that “There ain’t too many third baseman that play third base like he does.” From a fantasy perspective, he’s been a large disappointment to this point only hitting .175 with one homer and six RBI. It appears for the time being however, that he’ll continue to see everyday at-bats and be given every opportunity to work out of his current funk.

Stewart missed some time last season with what was described as a left wrist contusion. And while he’s feeling better, the 26-year-old often wears a large wrap around the wrist in an effort to manage the condition. “It’s a thing that’s probably not going to heal during the season, but it’s not like it’s broke or anything,” said Stewart. “It’s more like inflammation, just some general soreness. The best chance is in the offseason and even then (we) start working out right when the season’s over.” Stewart, who was acquired from the Rockies over the winter, is expected to serve as the Cubs’ starting third baseman in 2012.