Cedeno out to start at short for Cubs

MESA, Ariz. -- Pitcher Mark Prior was asked about ways to improve the Chicago Cubs defense after last year, and the first player he mentioned who could help is shortstop Ronny Cedeno.

"I think Ronny is going to be a big asset for us," Prior said of the infielder, who turned 23 on Feb. 2. "He will be our shortstop. He's a great infielder. They put him down in the six, seven, eight hole [in the lineup] and let him hit and let him learn to hit at this level, I think you'll get a lot of good things out of him. I think he's a great player in the short time I've seen him."

And that's after seeing Cedeno in 41 big-league games.

The slender Venezuelan arrived at Cubs camp on Friday, three days before position players have to report. He's eager to begin what could be an exciting season for him.

"That's what I'm trying to do is be the regular shortstop for the Cubs," Cedeno said Friday. "I have to do the same thing I did over there [in winter ball], but concentrate more because this is big time for me. I'm getting an opportunity and I want to try to get better every day. If they give me the position, I'll try to do my best over there."

This winter, Cedeno shined. He had shuttled between Triple-A Iowa and the Cubs in 2005, hitting .355 in 65 games at Iowa and .300 for the Cubs. His season ended early on Sept. 10, after he was hit on the hand by a pitch.

He played for the Aragua Tigres in winter ball and batted .355 with nine doubles, four triples and 28 RBIs in 45 games. He was named Rookie of the Year in the Venezuelan league.

Cedeno did take ground balls at second base during batting practice in Venezuela, but did not play there during games. Shortstop is his natural position and that's where the Cubs want him.

"At second base, everything is reversed," Cedeno said. "At shortstop, you have to be quick and quick on your feet and throw the ball. I'm just trying to concentrate every day and work hard and focus."

It wasn't a perfect winter. Cedeno was charged with 12 errors for Aragua, although the Venezuelan playing fields can be a little rough.

"We had three good fields down there," Cedeno said. "It's not bad. If you want to play, you have to play everywhere."

And Cedeno wants to play.

"I feel kind of relieved because [Cubs manager Dusty Baker] is giving me an opportunity," Cedeno said. "He talked to me and said, 'Are you ready?' and I said, 'Yeah, I'm ready.' I showed him last year I can play here. I'm going to do the same as I did last year. I'll try to do everything good and try to be perfect -- not perfect, but try to be professional, on the field, off the field.

"I'm young and I have to learn a lot," he said. "I think I'll learn with Neifi [Perez]. I feel happy."

Perez, a Gold Glove shortstop in 2000 with Colorado, will be a beneficial tutor for Cedeno. When Cedeno takes the field on Opening Day, he'll be the youngest starting shortstop for the Cubs since Shawon Dunston in 1986. Dunston was 23 years, 1 month at that time; Cedeno will be 23 years, 2 months.

The other reason Cedeno is happy is because his family got to watch him play in Venezuela. His daughter, Barbara, is 16 months old and is part of his motivation.

"I have to work hard," Cedeno said. "I have to do everything for her."