Randy Wells was demoted today.
No more nightlife escapades...no more mediocre pitching. Off to Iowa...
At least for a little while until someone gets hurt of Jeff Samardzija pitches as we all expect him to (and that's poorly).
The Wells move was a bit of shock, but as I think about it, if the Cubs do think of him as a legit part to this team and a 6th starter, since he had an option left, keeping him stretched out as a starter was probably the right move.
Before spring training, Wells was probably the #3 starter on this team, but Volstad and Samardzija were just too good to not give a chance to. Wells actually pitched pretty well himself this spring, so his demotion was less about how he did and more about how the other two guys did.
After spending almost 3 seasons in Chicago, this undoubtedly is a big blow to Wells.
**********************************
A number of other moves were made today...none of which were all that surprising.
Joe Mather...aka "The Beav"...made the team, along with Blake DeWitt. Mather quickly made an announcement that he is now on the "wrong side" of the Cubs/Cardinals rivalry.
Steve Clevenger was picked over Welington "Beef Castle" Castillo...which makes me sad mainly because I wanted to use the nickname "Beef Castle" this season.
Casey Coleman was the only person who was surprised to learn that he didn't make the team...same goes for Travis "Not nearly as good as Kerry" Wood.
The Tony Campana wanna-be, Dave Sappelt, was also demoted today. Others that didn't make the team: Scott Maine, the two Blakes not named DeWitt (Lalli and Parker), Edgar Gonzalez and Matt Tolbert.
Speaking of Tony Campana, no word on him being demoted yet, but based on what I see right now, there isn't a spot for him on the 25 man roster since DeWitt and Mather both made the team. This means that Tony Campana will need to go back to AAA to learn to be something other than a pinch runner
The Cubs have all of their position players now in place and the rotation is also set, with Jed Hoyer reporting today that team will go with an order of Dempster, Garza, Samardzija, Maholm and Volstad.
The bullpen still has a little bit of shaking-out left to do. I thought Wells was going to be the long relief guy...I was wrong. There was one report that Frankie de la Cruz was released today, but I haven't seen any confirmation to that. Wood (the good one), Marmol and Russell are definitely in. Marcos Mateo will likely start the season on the DL. Lendy Castillo has probably locked up a spot. The Cubs are going to need a long relief guy...that will probably go to Rodrigo Lopez. That leaves two spots. Rafael Dolis will probably take one of them. If De La Cruz isn't on the team, then I have to scratch my head a bit about who the last guy will be. Newcomer into camp, Shawn Camp (camp/Camp...get it?) could earn that spot or Manny Corpas as well.
In the end, those last few bullpen spots don't matter very much since those slots usually are more of a mix and match throughout the season.
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And in one last note, the Theo compensation stuff is now officially over with Chris Carpenter getting injured, the Red Sox even more furious than they were, and the Cubs acquiring 19 year old 1st baseman, Jair Bogaerts. I know nothing about Bogaerts other than he is the twin brother of Red Sox top prospect, shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
All that remains from the pillaging the Cubs did to front offices around baseball this year is compensation for Jed Hoyer...which will probably happen before the middle of April when the minor leagues start playing real games.
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One week until opening day.
Showing posts with label roster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label roster. Show all posts
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Money to spend
It's time to look at the Cubs payroll now that they've pretty much settled contracts with most of the arbitration eligible players.
Let's first look at the players under contracts:
Let's first look at the players under contracts:
| Alfonso Soriano | $18,000,000 |
| Marlon Byrd | $6,500,000 |
| Reed Johnson | $1,150,000 |
| David DeJesus | $4,250,000 |
| Ian Stewart | $2,237,000 |
| Jeff Baker | $1,375,000 |
| Blake DeWitt | $1,100,000 |
| Geovany Soto | $4,300,000 |
| Ryan Dempster | $14,000,000 |
| Randy Wells | $2,705,000 |
| Paul Maholm | $4,750,000 |
| Carlos Marmol | $7,000,000 |
| Kerry Wood | $3,000,000 |
| Jeff Samardzija | $2,240,000 |
| Chris Volstad | $2,655,000 |
The numbers are also in for Matt Garza and he's asking for $10.2 million with the Cubs are offering $7.95 million. Let's just split the difference and say that Garza is getting $9.1 million.
That gives us a running total of about $84 million.
The remaining players that will be on the 25 man roster will all be earning around the league minimum. For now, my best guess on the remainder of the roster would be the following players:
Tony Campana
Starlin Castro
Darwin Barney
Bryan LaHair
Wellington Castillo
Travis Wood
James Russell
Casey Coleman
Marcos Mateo
That's another $4.5 million if they get $500k a piece.
That moves the Cubs up to around $89 million.
Remember, the Cubs owe $17 million to the Marlins for Carlos Zambrano too.
Now we are up to $106 million
Compared to last year where the Cubs had a payroll of $130 million or so, it would appear that the Cubs have about $25 million available to spend.
But don't believe that this means that they will go after Prince Fielder. Despite what some members of the press still insist on, Fielder is not in the Cubs plans for 2012.
However, that payroll disparity does mean that the Cubs could make an investment in someone like, oh, Yoenis Cespedes. I personally don't want that Cubs to go after the 26 year old Cuban, but that is to be talked about on another day.
This is what rebuilding looks like. And don't be surprised if that payroll number doesn't exceed $115 million in 2012.
However, that payroll disparity does mean that the Cubs could make an investment in someone like, oh, Yoenis Cespedes. I personally don't want that Cubs to go after the 26 year old Cuban, but that is to be talked about on another day.
This is what rebuilding looks like. And don't be surprised if that payroll number doesn't exceed $115 million in 2012.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Projecting the opening day roster
Sorry that is has been so long since I last posted...I've seen sick for most of the New Years weekend, and I'm just now starting to feel a bit better. Too bad...I wanted to do a cute little post for New Years, but that time has past. Anyway, I hope you all had a good and safe weekend.
Now on to 2011...
The Cubs are likely to make some more moves over the next 3 months as we approach opening day, but unless a major trade were to happen, the Cubs don’t have a whole lot of openings on the 25 man roster. There will be some internal battles like the one for the 5th starter position….but most of the players competing for that will already be on the 25 roster. So, who do we know is going to be at Wrigley on April 1st?
The starting 8:
Soto
Pena
DeWitt
Ramirez
Castro
Soriano
Byrd
Fukudome
Starting rotation:
Zambrano
Dempster
Wells
Silva
Bullpen:
Marmol
Wood
Grabow
Bench:
Colvin
Baker
Hill
Pitchers competing for the 5th starter:
Marshall
Samardzija
Gorzelanny
Cashner
This results in 22 of 25 roster positions already filled. There is some question about Cashner, who has options left. The Cubs seem to be pretty hell-bent on attempting to make Cashner a starter (which I believe is a mistake). If that is true and he doesn’t make the rotation out of spring training, I could see the Cubs sending him back to Iowa to continue work as a starter.
Ok, with that said, let’s examine what we have left for those three positions. It is probably a safe assumption to say that the Cubs will go with a 12 man pitching staff out of spring training. If that is so, we have 11 pitchers already named, that leaves on reliever spot available. Of the players named, there are only 4 true outfielders, so we can assume that one of the remaining spots would go to an outfielder as well. The final spot would be for an infielder.
First, let’s look at that relief pitcher. I say relief pitcher, but I suppose that it is possible that that remaining spot could be filled by someone that makes the team as the 5th starter. The names…
Justin Berg
Esmailin Caridad
Casey Coleman
Thomas Diamond
James Russell
Jeff Stevens
All of these kids spent time on the roster last season. Caridad, Russell, and Berg all started the 2010 season on the roster…now there is only room for one of them. Coleman and Diamond both pitched fairly well last year in their first season but are probably going to kept in AAA as starters. Caridad impressed everyone at the end of the 2009 season and then again in spring training last year…but was obviously hurt early in the season and then was put on the DL for the rest of the 2010. Russell, Stevens and Berg all are set as career relievers, none of whom have stood out so far in their young careers.
With the Cubs looking very hard at either acquiring another starter or using Cashner as a starter (and with Coleman and Diamond available as starters), it is likely that Marshall and Gorzelanny will be in the bullpen. With Grabow also in the pen, that gives the Cubs 3 lefty relievers already. As a result, it is likely that they will want to use that final spot for a right handed reliever. Even if Marshall or Gorzellany were to go into the starting staff, two lefties are often quite enough for a bullpen. That eliminates Russell.
I believe that the battle will ultimately come between Stevens, Caradid and Berg.
In the outfield, with Colvin already set as a backup that could play all three positions, I fully expect that the Cubs will look for a defensive specialist to fill the final spot out there. Sam Fuld, who continues to just exist on the 40 man roster for no other reason than to excite scrappy-loving fans, is the logical choice there. The Cubs could look in a different direction, though, as they have no true backup first baseman right now (not counting Tyler Colvin). Bryan LaHair had an outstanding season last year…but he could be nothing more than another Micah Hoffpauir. Other possibilities…James Adduci, Brad Snyder and Brett Jackson. Jackson has stated that he is hoping to make a “Colvinesque” type of impression on the Cubs during spring training this year. We’ll see. My guess right now is that the Cubs will either go with LaHair or Fuld.
The infield might be easiest of all the battles. Darwin Barney seems to be the most logical person for that spot. With Jeff Baker as the only real backup at 3rd, Marquez Smith, who played fairly well last year in Tennessee and Iowa, might be an option. In the end, Barney, who I believe will never be much more than a Ronny Cedeno type player for the Cubs, will get that last infield spot.
There is still a lot of time between now and opening day and the Cubs still seem to want to make a trade for a starting pitcher. We also see that once spring training comes along, you never know who might make a big impression like Tyler Colvin did last season. And there are always injuries (Grabow…please?).
*********************
We should be hearing about arbitration numbers sometime this week...I believe that could lead to the Cubs giving both Carlos Marmol and Geovany Soto contract extensions.
Now on to 2011...
The Cubs are likely to make some more moves over the next 3 months as we approach opening day, but unless a major trade were to happen, the Cubs don’t have a whole lot of openings on the 25 man roster. There will be some internal battles like the one for the 5th starter position….but most of the players competing for that will already be on the 25 roster. So, who do we know is going to be at Wrigley on April 1st?
The starting 8:
Soto
Pena
DeWitt
Ramirez
Castro
Soriano
Byrd
Fukudome
Starting rotation:
Zambrano
Dempster
Wells
Silva
Bullpen:
Marmol
Wood
Grabow
Bench:
Colvin
Baker
Hill
Pitchers competing for the 5th starter:
Marshall
Samardzija
Gorzelanny
Cashner
This results in 22 of 25 roster positions already filled. There is some question about Cashner, who has options left. The Cubs seem to be pretty hell-bent on attempting to make Cashner a starter (which I believe is a mistake). If that is true and he doesn’t make the rotation out of spring training, I could see the Cubs sending him back to Iowa to continue work as a starter.
Ok, with that said, let’s examine what we have left for those three positions. It is probably a safe assumption to say that the Cubs will go with a 12 man pitching staff out of spring training. If that is so, we have 11 pitchers already named, that leaves on reliever spot available. Of the players named, there are only 4 true outfielders, so we can assume that one of the remaining spots would go to an outfielder as well. The final spot would be for an infielder.
First, let’s look at that relief pitcher. I say relief pitcher, but I suppose that it is possible that that remaining spot could be filled by someone that makes the team as the 5th starter. The names…
Justin Berg
Esmailin Caridad
Casey Coleman
Thomas Diamond
James Russell
Jeff Stevens
All of these kids spent time on the roster last season. Caridad, Russell, and Berg all started the 2010 season on the roster…now there is only room for one of them. Coleman and Diamond both pitched fairly well last year in their first season but are probably going to kept in AAA as starters. Caridad impressed everyone at the end of the 2009 season and then again in spring training last year…but was obviously hurt early in the season and then was put on the DL for the rest of the 2010. Russell, Stevens and Berg all are set as career relievers, none of whom have stood out so far in their young careers.
With the Cubs looking very hard at either acquiring another starter or using Cashner as a starter (and with Coleman and Diamond available as starters), it is likely that Marshall and Gorzelanny will be in the bullpen. With Grabow also in the pen, that gives the Cubs 3 lefty relievers already. As a result, it is likely that they will want to use that final spot for a right handed reliever. Even if Marshall or Gorzellany were to go into the starting staff, two lefties are often quite enough for a bullpen. That eliminates Russell.
I believe that the battle will ultimately come between Stevens, Caradid and Berg.
In the outfield, with Colvin already set as a backup that could play all three positions, I fully expect that the Cubs will look for a defensive specialist to fill the final spot out there. Sam Fuld, who continues to just exist on the 40 man roster for no other reason than to excite scrappy-loving fans, is the logical choice there. The Cubs could look in a different direction, though, as they have no true backup first baseman right now (not counting Tyler Colvin). Bryan LaHair had an outstanding season last year…but he could be nothing more than another Micah Hoffpauir. Other possibilities…James Adduci, Brad Snyder and Brett Jackson. Jackson has stated that he is hoping to make a “Colvinesque” type of impression on the Cubs during spring training this year. We’ll see. My guess right now is that the Cubs will either go with LaHair or Fuld.
The infield might be easiest of all the battles. Darwin Barney seems to be the most logical person for that spot. With Jeff Baker as the only real backup at 3rd, Marquez Smith, who played fairly well last year in Tennessee and Iowa, might be an option. In the end, Barney, who I believe will never be much more than a Ronny Cedeno type player for the Cubs, will get that last infield spot.
There is still a lot of time between now and opening day and the Cubs still seem to want to make a trade for a starting pitcher. We also see that once spring training comes along, you never know who might make a big impression like Tyler Colvin did last season. And there are always injuries (Grabow…please?).
*********************
We should be hearing about arbitration numbers sometime this week...I believe that could lead to the Cubs giving both Carlos Marmol and Geovany Soto contract extensions.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tracy, Millar, Fuld, Hufflepuff...who will it be?
The Cubs are expected to announce who will win the final roster spot today or tomorrow.
After a really good first few weeks of spring training, Kevin Millar's production has plummeted over the last two weeks.
Chad Tracy has been consistently blah all of spring training...but he has been consistent about it.
Sam Fuld still can't hit.
And Hufflepuff? Eh.
Tracy has played the best of these players...(don't let Millar's early spring success fool you). He's left handed and he can play 4 different positions.
Fuld and Hoffpauir are outfielders and the Cubs already have 5 of them.
The choice should be obvious. But since this is the Cubs, I'm guessing they'll do something stupid.
If the Cubs do choose Tracy, the positive thing is that Fuld and Hoffpauir will be ready to be called up at any point when an injury occurs. The Cubs are much more prepared for this inevitability this season.
And watch to see what happens with Millar. He did sign a minor league contract...but I would find it hard to believe that, if he doesn't make that team, he would accept a minor league assignment. He'll probably be released and could retire.
If Millar does retire, the Cubs could rehire him to be a bullpen catcher/stand-up comedian. That would keep the bullpen entertained during the whole season.
************************
If you didn't see it, take a look as some of the renderings of the new PNC Club that I posted late last night...it looks quite nice.
After a really good first few weeks of spring training, Kevin Millar's production has plummeted over the last two weeks.
Chad Tracy has been consistently blah all of spring training...but he has been consistent about it.
Sam Fuld still can't hit.
And Hufflepuff? Eh.
Tracy has played the best of these players...(don't let Millar's early spring success fool you). He's left handed and he can play 4 different positions.
Fuld and Hoffpauir are outfielders and the Cubs already have 5 of them.
The choice should be obvious. But since this is the Cubs, I'm guessing they'll do something stupid.
If the Cubs do choose Tracy, the positive thing is that Fuld and Hoffpauir will be ready to be called up at any point when an injury occurs. The Cubs are much more prepared for this inevitability this season.
And watch to see what happens with Millar. He did sign a minor league contract...but I would find it hard to believe that, if he doesn't make that team, he would accept a minor league assignment. He'll probably be released and could retire.
If Millar does retire, the Cubs could rehire him to be a bullpen catcher/stand-up comedian. That would keep the bullpen entertained during the whole season.
************************
If you didn't see it, take a look as some of the renderings of the new PNC Club that I posted late last night...it looks quite nice.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Cubs don't listen to me...Colvin makes the roster.
Well, the Cubs have put Tyler Colvin on the 25 man roster.
I've said at least a couple times here the I feel this is a mistake.
Fine...don't listen to me. Jerks.
I hope he does well. I really do. I just don't see him getting enough playing time to really help him develop as an player while he is in the big leagues.
Well, that basically leaves on spot left open on the roster. Sam Fuld, Micah Hoffpauir, Chad Tracy and Kevin "Two guys walked into bar..." Millar are competing...and I fear that Millar will win out. Tracy should be the better choice. This roster has evolved a bit since the Cubs signed Tracy 3 months ago (prompting me to say that the signing was inexplicable).
In other news...Mike Parisi is going to Iowa. I'm not quite sure how that all worked...but there was some rule in the Rule 5 draft thingy where he was able to choose to stay with the Cubs. Don't ask me...I've never heard of that before.
The Orca pitched well again on Saturday, Dempster pitched well on Sunday. The world is good.
Seven more days until opening day. This week is going to be slow as hell.
I have a little thingy I wrote about the Cardinals that I will post this afternoon.
Happy Monday!
I've said at least a couple times here the I feel this is a mistake.
Fine...don't listen to me. Jerks.
I hope he does well. I really do. I just don't see him getting enough playing time to really help him develop as an player while he is in the big leagues.
Well, that basically leaves on spot left open on the roster. Sam Fuld, Micah Hoffpauir, Chad Tracy and Kevin "Two guys walked into bar..." Millar are competing...and I fear that Millar will win out. Tracy should be the better choice. This roster has evolved a bit since the Cubs signed Tracy 3 months ago (prompting me to say that the signing was inexplicable).
In other news...Mike Parisi is going to Iowa. I'm not quite sure how that all worked...but there was some rule in the Rule 5 draft thingy where he was able to choose to stay with the Cubs. Don't ask me...I've never heard of that before.
The Orca pitched well again on Saturday, Dempster pitched well on Sunday. The world is good.
Seven more days until opening day. This week is going to be slow as hell.
I have a little thingy I wrote about the Cardinals that I will post this afternoon.
Happy Monday!
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Roster: Where to we stand?
I've been out of commission much of the weekend...but I'm back.
The Cubs played to a 1-1 tie in ten innings yesterday...a game started by Carlos Silva, who gave up the only run in two innings of work. Silva was taken out after the second inning because he had a sore quad in his right leg.
Today Spellcheck gets another start as he tries to convince everyone that he is a better option than Tom Gorzelanny and Carlos Silva.
***************************
So what is the state of the roster?
25 spots...but only a few of those spots are still up for grabs.
Position players?
Starters are looking like this.
Theriot
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
Byrd
Soriano
Fontenot
Soto
Ok...looking at this, it appears like Fontenot has the spot won at second base, at least in the short term until he starts sucking again.
The bench?
If Piniella had his way, there would be 6 bench spots available...but it looks like pitching coach Larry Rothschild is insisting on 12 pitchers on the roster, so that leaves only 5 bench spots, which is what we've been projecting all year anyway.
Jeff Baker is on the team.
Koyie Hill is on the team.
Now we have a bunch of questions. Will the Cubs put Nady on the DL and let him play in the minors as he rehabs? I'm not sure the Cubs want to have him on the roster if he can't play in the field...but this is the Cubs, so I suppose we should fully expect them to put a player on the bench who can't play in the field.
Micah Hoffpauir, Sam Fuld, Chad Tracy, Kevin Millar, Andres Blanco, Darwin Barney, Bobby Scales, Jim Adduci....and unfortunately, Tyler Colvin (who has played so well that he's now been added into the conversation) are then battling for those last two spots.
Unforturnately? Yes...because the Cubs could feel inclined to put this talented kid on the bench...but he just isn't going to get much playing time there, and that would be a shame. He should play everyday...and should do that at Iowa.
If Fontenot can backup Theriot at shortstop, that would eliminate Andy White. There have been whispers about Darwin Barney (whose name just cracks me up to no end) being a backup for Theriot, but I don't see it. If Theriot would go onto the DL at some point, they may pick Barney over Blanco (assuming he clears waivers). Every indication at this point is that Castro will spend most or all of 2010 in the minor leagues. Scales? No. Hoffpauir is probably out as well. Adduci hasn't stood out either. So that leaves Fuld, Tracy and Millar for the last 2 positions. Fuld is probably a must because he is the only player that could be used as a defensive replacement in the outfield (which is important with Nady and Soriano on the team).
Millar or Tracy? It does indeed look like one of these two guys will make the team.
Tracy can play first and third base, and has played left and right fields as well. He's a left handed hitter, and has show that he can actually still hit right handers well (lefties? not so much).
Millar did play in the outfield this weekend, and didn't make a fool of himself. That helps his case a lot. He did play a few games at third base for Toronto last year, but hasn't played there this spring. And he's funny. Just how much does he have left in the tank when he bats? He has performed well this spring. Will that translate into the regular season? He is also right handed...and that hurts his case a bit.
Personally, I'd like Tracy to take that spot. I just see him as being a bit more flexible. But after last season, the Cubs just might take Millar to keep the clubhouse loose.
Pitchers!!!!
It is looking more and more like the Cubs will start Lilly on the DL but begin the season with only a 4 man rotation. So that means Wells, Zambrano, and Dempster will have only one clown to deal with. And as crazy as it sounds, I think Carlos Silva has the edge right now over Gorzelanny, Spellcheck and Marshall.
Marshall is probably out anyway. Gorzelanny will be the emergency starter, if one is needed. Samardzija...what to do with him...ugh. Today's start will say a lot.
Let's divert to the bullpen for a minute.
Marmol, Grabow, Marshall, Caridad, Berg and Gorzellany are set. That leaves 2 spots to start the season (one of those players will be sent down after Lilly comes back). If the Cubs feel forced to keep Spellcheck on the team, that leaves only one spot. In camp still are John Gaub, Jeff Gray, Mike Parisi, James Russell, and Marcos Mateo. Since Grabow, Gorzellany and Marshall are all lefties, the eliminates Gaub and Russell...four lefties in the bullpen is a bit excessive. Parisi is a Rule 5 pick and if the Cubs don't keep him on the roster, the Cardinals will likely take him back. As of right now, Parisi hasn't looked particularly good. Gray has been hurt most of the spring, but has quite an arm (and he hasn't pitched yet). Mateo had one horrendous appearance this spring which has marred his stats, but has pitched well otherwise.
Yeah...um...doesn't look too good there. I guess I would take Mateo. But the truth is, it's probably just going to be a toss-up between these three unless the Cubs feel inclined to put another lefty out there (Gaub?).
Back to the starting pitchers for a second. Having Carlos Silva in the starting rotation is nowhere close to set in stone, but one thing that is for sure is that he has played well enough to earn a spot on this team. He isn't going to be cut and the Cubs aren't going to place him on the DL with some fake injury. I really am quite stunned that he hasn't absolutely sucked donkey balls this spring. And if Silva proves to be a serviceable 5th starter for this team, I'm not sure what the future holds for Jeff Samardzija. Will the Cubs let the contract for this kid expire, (all $10 million) without letting him, even for a little while, start at the big league level every 5th day? It appears that this will likely happen. For the money they have paid him, it seems a shame that he may end up only being a middle relief pitcher at best for this team.
It would have been nice to maybe have him pitch at Iowa this year and really put up some good numbers...to the point that he might be tradeable. Oh, but wait, he has a no trade clause in that contract. (oops!)
Ok...that's enough. Two more weeks! I can hardly wait!!!!
The Cubs played to a 1-1 tie in ten innings yesterday...a game started by Carlos Silva, who gave up the only run in two innings of work. Silva was taken out after the second inning because he had a sore quad in his right leg.
Today Spellcheck gets another start as he tries to convince everyone that he is a better option than Tom Gorzelanny and Carlos Silva.
***************************
So what is the state of the roster?
25 spots...but only a few of those spots are still up for grabs.
Position players?
Starters are looking like this.
Theriot
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
Byrd
Soriano
Fontenot
Soto
Ok...looking at this, it appears like Fontenot has the spot won at second base, at least in the short term until he starts sucking again.
The bench?
If Piniella had his way, there would be 6 bench spots available...but it looks like pitching coach Larry Rothschild is insisting on 12 pitchers on the roster, so that leaves only 5 bench spots, which is what we've been projecting all year anyway.
Jeff Baker is on the team.
Koyie Hill is on the team.
Now we have a bunch of questions. Will the Cubs put Nady on the DL and let him play in the minors as he rehabs? I'm not sure the Cubs want to have him on the roster if he can't play in the field...but this is the Cubs, so I suppose we should fully expect them to put a player on the bench who can't play in the field.
Micah Hoffpauir, Sam Fuld, Chad Tracy, Kevin Millar, Andres Blanco, Darwin Barney, Bobby Scales, Jim Adduci....and unfortunately, Tyler Colvin (who has played so well that he's now been added into the conversation) are then battling for those last two spots.
Unforturnately? Yes...because the Cubs could feel inclined to put this talented kid on the bench...but he just isn't going to get much playing time there, and that would be a shame. He should play everyday...and should do that at Iowa.
If Fontenot can backup Theriot at shortstop, that would eliminate Andy White. There have been whispers about Darwin Barney (whose name just cracks me up to no end) being a backup for Theriot, but I don't see it. If Theriot would go onto the DL at some point, they may pick Barney over Blanco (assuming he clears waivers). Every indication at this point is that Castro will spend most or all of 2010 in the minor leagues. Scales? No. Hoffpauir is probably out as well. Adduci hasn't stood out either. So that leaves Fuld, Tracy and Millar for the last 2 positions. Fuld is probably a must because he is the only player that could be used as a defensive replacement in the outfield (which is important with Nady and Soriano on the team).
Millar or Tracy? It does indeed look like one of these two guys will make the team.
Tracy can play first and third base, and has played left and right fields as well. He's a left handed hitter, and has show that he can actually still hit right handers well (lefties? not so much).
Millar did play in the outfield this weekend, and didn't make a fool of himself. That helps his case a lot. He did play a few games at third base for Toronto last year, but hasn't played there this spring. And he's funny. Just how much does he have left in the tank when he bats? He has performed well this spring. Will that translate into the regular season? He is also right handed...and that hurts his case a bit.
Personally, I'd like Tracy to take that spot. I just see him as being a bit more flexible. But after last season, the Cubs just might take Millar to keep the clubhouse loose.
Pitchers!!!!
It is looking more and more like the Cubs will start Lilly on the DL but begin the season with only a 4 man rotation. So that means Wells, Zambrano, and Dempster will have only one clown to deal with. And as crazy as it sounds, I think Carlos Silva has the edge right now over Gorzelanny, Spellcheck and Marshall.
Marshall is probably out anyway. Gorzelanny will be the emergency starter, if one is needed. Samardzija...what to do with him...ugh. Today's start will say a lot.
Let's divert to the bullpen for a minute.
Marmol, Grabow, Marshall, Caridad, Berg and Gorzellany are set. That leaves 2 spots to start the season (one of those players will be sent down after Lilly comes back). If the Cubs feel forced to keep Spellcheck on the team, that leaves only one spot. In camp still are John Gaub, Jeff Gray, Mike Parisi, James Russell, and Marcos Mateo. Since Grabow, Gorzellany and Marshall are all lefties, the eliminates Gaub and Russell...four lefties in the bullpen is a bit excessive. Parisi is a Rule 5 pick and if the Cubs don't keep him on the roster, the Cardinals will likely take him back. As of right now, Parisi hasn't looked particularly good. Gray has been hurt most of the spring, but has quite an arm (and he hasn't pitched yet). Mateo had one horrendous appearance this spring which has marred his stats, but has pitched well otherwise.
Yeah...um...doesn't look too good there. I guess I would take Mateo. But the truth is, it's probably just going to be a toss-up between these three unless the Cubs feel inclined to put another lefty out there (Gaub?).
Back to the starting pitchers for a second. Having Carlos Silva in the starting rotation is nowhere close to set in stone, but one thing that is for sure is that he has played well enough to earn a spot on this team. He isn't going to be cut and the Cubs aren't going to place him on the DL with some fake injury. I really am quite stunned that he hasn't absolutely sucked donkey balls this spring. And if Silva proves to be a serviceable 5th starter for this team, I'm not sure what the future holds for Jeff Samardzija. Will the Cubs let the contract for this kid expire, (all $10 million) without letting him, even for a little while, start at the big league level every 5th day? It appears that this will likely happen. For the money they have paid him, it seems a shame that he may end up only being a middle relief pitcher at best for this team.
It would have been nice to maybe have him pitch at Iowa this year and really put up some good numbers...to the point that he might be tradeable. Oh, but wait, he has a no trade clause in that contract. (oops!)
Ok...that's enough. Two more weeks! I can hardly wait!!!!
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Cubs are trimming the fat (but not Carlos Silva)
Earlier in the week, the Cubs trimmed the roster by a handful, but more drastic cuts happened today.
Among the victims were Blake Parker and Wellington Castillo, who are on the 40 man roster. They were sent to the Iowa training camp. Other non-roster invitees to camp that were sent to minor league camp today were Andrew Cashner, Casey Coleman, Thomas Diamond J.R. Mathes and Bryan LaHair. None of these players were expected to make the team.
But one other player was also eliminated from the opening day roster today: Jeff Stevens. Stevens pitched a number of games for the Cubs last year, but did not have a very good camp this spring. He was most highly regarded player coming out of the Mard DeRosa trade. Stevens hasn't made much of an impression yet at the big league level for the Cubs. Stevens being sent down is a bit of a disappointment, as that trade continues to haunt the Cubs.
John Gaub, another pitcher from that trade, still has a chance to make the team.
This weekend I'll do a closer examination of the state of the Cubs roster as we get near the final stretch of spring training.
Among the victims were Blake Parker and Wellington Castillo, who are on the 40 man roster. They were sent to the Iowa training camp. Other non-roster invitees to camp that were sent to minor league camp today were Andrew Cashner, Casey Coleman, Thomas Diamond J.R. Mathes and Bryan LaHair. None of these players were expected to make the team.
But one other player was also eliminated from the opening day roster today: Jeff Stevens. Stevens pitched a number of games for the Cubs last year, but did not have a very good camp this spring. He was most highly regarded player coming out of the Mard DeRosa trade. Stevens hasn't made much of an impression yet at the big league level for the Cubs. Stevens being sent down is a bit of a disappointment, as that trade continues to haunt the Cubs.
John Gaub, another pitcher from that trade, still has a chance to make the team.
Stevens will get to wear this uniform again.
This weekend I'll do a closer examination of the state of the Cubs roster as we get near the final stretch of spring training.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Are there any roster spots open?
Today is the first official day of workouts for the pitchers and catchers...we have another few days until the last 2 people not in camp actually arrive for full squad workouts.
I have been hinting at this a few times over the last couple months, but examining the players in camp and everyone who has signed, I truly believe the Cubs 25 man roster is almost completely set.
Going on the assumption that the Cubs will go with a 12 man pitching staff and 13 position players, we can go ahead and make out a list of who we will see in Atlanta in early April for opening day.
First, let's get the undisputed players out of the way...
position players:
Lee
Soriano
Ramirez
Fukudome
Byrd
Theriot
Fontenot
Baker
Soto
Hill
and the pitchers:
Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster
Wells
Marmol
Grabow
Ok...so that gives us 10 position players and 6 pitchers.
Let's get the last three position players out of the way. The Cubs will likely have 2 backups for the infield. With the Fontenot/Baker platoon, that leaves only one position player remaining on the infield. This player would likely need to be a middle infielder...someone to back up Theriot at the very least. Only one player really fits that description and that is Andres Blanco. Only a handful of other players could even be considered...with Bobby Scales topping that list, but Scales has had his chance last year and didn't show much and Scales is not currently on the 40 man roster. Blanco is also out of options, so if the Cubs were to not put him on the rosters, he would have to be placed on waivers. So, Andy White is our final infielder.
Then we have 2 outfield positions. Xavier Nady signed a nice contract with the Cubs and will likely platoon with Fukudome in right field (and he might even take over every day out there if Nady returns to 2008 form!). That leaves only one more position. A number of names have been tossed about this year for that outfield position: Sam Fuld, Micah Hoffpauir, Tyler Colvin, and James Adduci. All of these players have options left...in fact, Adduci hasn't played with the big league club yet. Hoffpauir, Colvin and Adduci are all left handed hitters. Fuld and Adduci are considered good fielders and can steal bases. With the starting outfielders average to below average in the field (except Fukudome) I believe it is important for the Cubs to have an option for a defensive replacement late in the game. That would probably eliminate Hoffpauir and Colvin. Fuld has had some big league experience and has played wonderfully in the field. At the plate? Eh. Adduci played ball at AA Tennessee last year. He might not be ready for the big league club. While I think the Cubs would prefer a left handed bat, Fuld is still the best option overall for what they need. If Adduci plays well early in the year for Sandberg at Iowa, the Cubs might switch the two.
So, that pretty much fills out the roster for position players. Don't ask me where Chad Tracy and Kevin Millar fit into this...if they accept playing in the minor leagues, it gives the Cubs some veteran backups for when Ramirez pops out his shoulder again and when Lee breaks his wrist.
Ok, so off to the pitching staff. We have 6 pitchers right now, 4 starters and 2 relievers. We need a total of 12. First off we will put the pitchers on the 40 man roster who are out of options...Tom Gorzelanny and Angel Guzman. That's gets us to 8. Marshall will be back. That's nine. Samardzija is being paid too much not to be on the roster. That's 10. Jeff Gray was brought over in the Aaron Miles trade is probably a lock. That is 11.
Here is a list of the rest of the pitchers who have a chance to make the staff. Carlos Silva, Justin Burg, David Patton, Mitch Atkins and Jeff Stevens. I will also add Mike Parisi to this list since he is a Rule 5 pick and if he doesn't stay on the 25 man roster, he could go back to the Cardinals.
The first point I want to make here is that rumors have the Cubs still looking to pick up a right handed setup man in the bullpen. If this is true, then all of these guys are likely out of luck and when the Cubs sign that pitcher (Chan Ho Park???) the roster will indeed be set.
Assuming no one else is signed, let's look at the rest of these guys. I have figured that Silva is done. I believe the Cubs will make up an injury and place Silva on the DL before the season starts. Stevens, Patton, Atkins, Parisi, and Stevens are all right handers. With Marshall, Gorzelanny and Grabow all being left handers, it make sense that the last player here would be a righty. So that eliminates no one. My guess is that Parisi will not be 100% yet and that the Cubs could start him off on the DL this season. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery...he did pitch in the minors and in the AFL late last year. It remains to be seen if he is ready...so he's out.
Burg, Patton, Atkins and Stevens. For me, all of these guys are pretty much the same. I was furious with the fact the Cubs were unwilling to lose Rule 5 pick Stevens last season...so I'm eliminating him straight out due to emotional distress. The three remaining players have pitched a combined total of 26.2 innings in the big leagues. Stevens pitched the most innings, 12.2...and probably has the best fast ball...but he was also the most ineffective of the three (Atkins 2 innings probably shouldn't count).
The real battle in camp, I believe, will be with these three players.
Now, which is typically the case, the Cubs could start the season with a few of these players on the DL...including Guzman, Lilly, Gray and Nady. With the players in camp right now, the Cubs should have no problems replacing them in the short term.
A lot might be made about players competing for jobs this year, but the truth is, with the exception of that last bullpen spot, it all has really been decided already.
I have been hinting at this a few times over the last couple months, but examining the players in camp and everyone who has signed, I truly believe the Cubs 25 man roster is almost completely set.
Going on the assumption that the Cubs will go with a 12 man pitching staff and 13 position players, we can go ahead and make out a list of who we will see in Atlanta in early April for opening day.
First, let's get the undisputed players out of the way...
position players:
Lee
Soriano
Ramirez
Fukudome
Byrd
Theriot
Fontenot
Baker
Soto
Hill
and the pitchers:
Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster
Wells
Marmol
Grabow
Ok...so that gives us 10 position players and 6 pitchers.
Let's get the last three position players out of the way. The Cubs will likely have 2 backups for the infield. With the Fontenot/Baker platoon, that leaves only one position player remaining on the infield. This player would likely need to be a middle infielder...someone to back up Theriot at the very least. Only one player really fits that description and that is Andres Blanco. Only a handful of other players could even be considered...with Bobby Scales topping that list, but Scales has had his chance last year and didn't show much and Scales is not currently on the 40 man roster. Blanco is also out of options, so if the Cubs were to not put him on the rosters, he would have to be placed on waivers. So, Andy White is our final infielder.
Then we have 2 outfield positions. Xavier Nady signed a nice contract with the Cubs and will likely platoon with Fukudome in right field (and he might even take over every day out there if Nady returns to 2008 form!). That leaves only one more position. A number of names have been tossed about this year for that outfield position: Sam Fuld, Micah Hoffpauir, Tyler Colvin, and James Adduci. All of these players have options left...in fact, Adduci hasn't played with the big league club yet. Hoffpauir, Colvin and Adduci are all left handed hitters. Fuld and Adduci are considered good fielders and can steal bases. With the starting outfielders average to below average in the field (except Fukudome) I believe it is important for the Cubs to have an option for a defensive replacement late in the game. That would probably eliminate Hoffpauir and Colvin. Fuld has had some big league experience and has played wonderfully in the field. At the plate? Eh. Adduci played ball at AA Tennessee last year. He might not be ready for the big league club. While I think the Cubs would prefer a left handed bat, Fuld is still the best option overall for what they need. If Adduci plays well early in the year for Sandberg at Iowa, the Cubs might switch the two.
So, that pretty much fills out the roster for position players. Don't ask me where Chad Tracy and Kevin Millar fit into this...if they accept playing in the minor leagues, it gives the Cubs some veteran backups for when Ramirez pops out his shoulder again and when Lee breaks his wrist.
Ok, so off to the pitching staff. We have 6 pitchers right now, 4 starters and 2 relievers. We need a total of 12. First off we will put the pitchers on the 40 man roster who are out of options...Tom Gorzelanny and Angel Guzman. That's gets us to 8. Marshall will be back. That's nine. Samardzija is being paid too much not to be on the roster. That's 10. Jeff Gray was brought over in the Aaron Miles trade is probably a lock. That is 11.
Here is a list of the rest of the pitchers who have a chance to make the staff. Carlos Silva, Justin Burg, David Patton, Mitch Atkins and Jeff Stevens. I will also add Mike Parisi to this list since he is a Rule 5 pick and if he doesn't stay on the 25 man roster, he could go back to the Cardinals.
The first point I want to make here is that rumors have the Cubs still looking to pick up a right handed setup man in the bullpen. If this is true, then all of these guys are likely out of luck and when the Cubs sign that pitcher (Chan Ho Park???) the roster will indeed be set.
Assuming no one else is signed, let's look at the rest of these guys. I have figured that Silva is done. I believe the Cubs will make up an injury and place Silva on the DL before the season starts. Stevens, Patton, Atkins, Parisi, and Stevens are all right handers. With Marshall, Gorzelanny and Grabow all being left handers, it make sense that the last player here would be a righty. So that eliminates no one. My guess is that Parisi will not be 100% yet and that the Cubs could start him off on the DL this season. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery...he did pitch in the minors and in the AFL late last year. It remains to be seen if he is ready...so he's out.
Burg, Patton, Atkins and Stevens. For me, all of these guys are pretty much the same. I was furious with the fact the Cubs were unwilling to lose Rule 5 pick Stevens last season...so I'm eliminating him straight out due to emotional distress. The three remaining players have pitched a combined total of 26.2 innings in the big leagues. Stevens pitched the most innings, 12.2...and probably has the best fast ball...but he was also the most ineffective of the three (Atkins 2 innings probably shouldn't count).
The real battle in camp, I believe, will be with these three players.
Now, which is typically the case, the Cubs could start the season with a few of these players on the DL...including Guzman, Lilly, Gray and Nady. With the players in camp right now, the Cubs should have no problems replacing them in the short term.
A lot might be made about players competing for jobs this year, but the truth is, with the exception of that last bullpen spot, it all has really been decided already.
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