Spring Training Game #23

Just thought I'd throw my $.02 in.

One, Ian's having a monster spring (.324 AVG after an 0-fer in two Feb. games), which includes a homer off one of the game's elite closers in J.J. Putz (the type of pitcher that would have eaten him alive down the stretch.  That should give him the confidence to make his presence known in the scouting community, and within the organization.  The next time he leaves AAA, it should be as a major league third baseman.  Because of the Rockies current financial situation at the position, I'm not sure how moving Stewart around the diamond helps make an accurate decision as to how the money should be spent at third base.  You may not think that doing Stewart favors works in the best interests of the team, but considering that O'Dowd still operates with a long-term philosophy, and Stewart's dubious tenure as a late inning pinch hitter, it could be argued that moving him off third everyday could cause more harm than good.

Second, Stewart's highest value comes as either a future starter at third base, or as a trade chip for a needed player.  He's either the cost effective future, or the eye candy of a trade partner.  Using him as a sub half way through the year would not only cut into his development/evaluation time, but could potentially decrease his value on the market.  If Stewart is cruising through AAA, he will look more appealling to trade partners than him fighting for AB's here and there as a second base fill-in.  

I just don't think that Stewart has capped his development to the point that spot work should be considered an option.  He's not out of options or over-aged like Baker, or to a degree, Seth Smith.  Instead, he's a 23 year old going back to AAA, which still gives him two years to expect a breakout (ala Adrian Gonzalez).  I think it's too early to take this route, even at the half-way point.  This should simply be the year Stewart either forces his way into the lineup at third, or be sent out to acquire a big piece for another pennant run.