08MAY2012
ORIGINAL ARTICLE LINK: Cardenas ‘overwhelmed’ by first trip to Wrigley Field, by Paul Sullivan
After being called up from Triple-A Iowa on Monday to replace Blake DeWitt, infielder Adrian Cardenas said he was “overwhelmed” by his first trip to Wrigley Field.
Adrian Cardenas, Chicago Cubs
“I remember growing up in Miami and seeing the World Series,” he said, before correcting himself, realizing it was the 2003 National League Championship Series.
“The playoffs, and the whole incident with (Steve) Bartman and everything,” he said. “Just being a part of that, and playing for the Cubs now, it’s amazing.”
Cardenas, 24, was hitting .319 in 26 games at Iowa with a .376 on-base percentage, along with two home runs and 18 RBIs. He was claimed off waivers from the A’s in mid-February, and played well during spring training.
Cardenas played mostly at second at Iowa, but he can also play third, short and left field. If Darwin Barney continues to struggle offensively, Cardenas could push him for playing time against right-handers. Barney came into Monday’s game hitting .135 (5-for-37) in his previous 11 games.
“Obviously I’m not seeing what I want to see (from Barney),” manager Dale Sveum said. “Neither is he. … Right now he’s not swinging as hot as he was at the beginning of the year or in spring training. But he’ll get it figured out.”
Cardenas said he had a chance to go to Chicago after being claimed, but decided he wanted his first look at the city to be during a call-up.
“I pushed the ivy a little,” he said. “I didn’t realize it was that thick. Tried to stick a ball in there and see what happens. I’m just a little overwhelmed.”
Filed under: 2012: USA MLB Player Updates
Tagged with: 2012 MLB, Adrian Cardenas
