Dark Horse

Chicago Tribune is talking about C.J. Retherford, an infielder who supposedly might bump Jayson Nix and/or Brent Lillibridge for the utility infielder spot. Here's what I learned from Web surfing: C.J. is no stranger to the utility role; he did it in college for Arizona State where he played five positions. He's been batting just under or just over .300 in minor league ball. He doesn't draw many walks and strikes out a bit too much. Also is not a base stealer. He wasn't a star in college and did not get drafted. But ... sometimes those dark horse candidates develop into something valuable. You have to like these ballplayers who keep on playing despite not being the pet of coaches, scouts or the media.