Tom

Goodwin

He’d probably be a nifty baserunning instructor. The 36-year-old Goodwin hasn’t received much interest after hitting .200 for the Cubs last season. The Yankees discussed bringing him in before choosing Doug Glanville instead. It’s possible that they still could sign him to compete with Glanville, but it seems like they’ve made their choice.

Goodwin would be the less bad option, but it’d be a case of poor planning by the Yankees if either of these two begin the year on the 25-man roster. At least there’s little chance either would get signficant at-bats. Bubba Crosby might begin the season in the minors to make room for Goodwin/Glanville, but he’d still be the choice to inherit playing time should anyone get hurt. Any any serious injuries would lead to a trade, of course.

If Goodwin doesn’t have to go on the DL, the Cubs could instead send Trenidad Hubbard to Triple-A Iowa to make room for Kenny Lofton.

Goodwin hasn’t even started to run the bases, so he might not return until Sept. 1.

''Goody’s situation right now isn’t that good,’' said manager Dusty Baker. ''We’ve got to make a decision tonight or tomorrow.’'

It would be a big mistake for the Cubs to content themselves with Goodwin as their regular center fielder for the rest of the year, but they will use him their until they can find someone better. As long as he continues to play regularly, he’ll steal enough bases to give him plenty of value in NL-only leagues.

We don’t think a Goodwin a hot streak would be very beneficial, as it might prevent the Cubs from going out and getting the center fielder they need. Still, fantasy owners should be loving the steals.

The Cubs had 21 hits in the game, but five players had 19 of them. Mark Grudzielanek and Moises Alou had four each, and Sammy Sosa and Alex Gonzalez both had three. Goodwin scored four runs and stole his 19th base of the season.

Goodwin may not 15 days off, but since the Cubs will need to add Kenny Lofton and Aramis Ramirez to the roster on Wednesday, they could play Goodwin on the DL.