Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

42 players are at MLB Spring Training 

31 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE at MLB Spring Training, and nine players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 
11 players are MLB Spring Training NON-ROSTER INVITEES (NRI) 

Last updated 3-17-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 17
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
Daniel Palencia
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

NRI PITCHERS: 5 
Colten Brewer 
Carl Edwards Jr 
* Edwin Escobar 
* Richard Lovelady 
* Thomas Pannone 

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

NRI CATCHERS: 2  
Jorge Alfaro 
Joe Hudson 

INFIELDERS: 7
* Michael Busch 
Nico Hoerner
Nick Madrigal
* Miles Mastrobuoni
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson
Patrick Wisdom

NRI INFIELDERS: 3 
David Bote 
Garrett Cooper
* Dominic Smith

OUTFIELDERS: 5
* Cody Bellinger 
Alexander Canario
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

NRI OUTFIELDERS: 1 
* David Peralta

OPTIONED:
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, RHP 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, RHP 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

 



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Your Iowa Cubs

what a horrible lineup. Jones has a bad groin and Dusty says Walker needs a day off. Guzman's already hit a guy and walked Giles. Good start. Well I'm swamped at work. This will have to do. Cubs Lineup: *Juan Pierre, CF #Neifi Perez, SS Ronny Cedeno, SS Aramis Ramirez, 3B Michael Barret, C *John Mabry, 1B Matt Murton, LF Jerry Hairston Jr., RF Angel Guzman, P Padres *Dave Roberts, LF Mike Cameron, CF *Brian Giles, RF Mike Piazza, C Khalil Greene, SS Vinny Castilla, 3B *Adrian Gonzalez, 1B Josh Barfield, 2B Woody Williams, P

Comments

Guzman continues to pitch like a kid with a loose shoulder. It's like it pops out and he has no command and then it pops back in and he's impressive. Same guy same inning. Of course it could be his brain popping in and out.

It's just infuriating to watch Pierre hit. He gives away at least two outs a game with stupid bunts.

Did Dusty use a random lineup generator today or something? Cedeno as your #3 hitter. Says something.

Yes Aram! The more he goes to the right the more the average will go up!!

I wonder if Dusty has the radar out to see where Jose Macias is, and whether or not he can play first base.... Lucky hit by Ramirez has tied it up, but yeah, from which orifice did he pull this lineup?

Apparently, we couldn't have this lineup: 1)Matt Lawton 2)Enrique Wilson 3)Jason Dubois 4)Scott McClain 5)Jody Gerut 6)Nomar's Groin 7)Neifi Perez 8)Henry Blanco

Mixed Messages from the booth: After Pierre and Perez quickly made out, Cedeno gets a hit after going five pitches into the count. Ron Santo: That's it, when you go deeper in the count you get a pitch to hit. Later, same inning: Pat Hughes: You might as well go up swinging against Woody Williams. He's always around the plate. Ron Santo: Yeah, .....

Who's hurt? MLB.com is telling me "injury delay".

Pops in Pops out, Guzman quickly strikes out the first two on 8 pitches total to start the 2nd. Then walks the pitcher Williams on 10 -- count'em -- pitches. Roberts then belts one that sticks in the Ivy. Men on second and third two out.

Roberts Ground rule double? On yahoo sports. Ball go into ivy?

Pops back in. Strikes out Cameron on three. End of inning. Guzman has been doing this same thing since April. I think it's physical.

Anyone know what they were showing in the dugout with Murton?

Bob, aren't you due at an "Extend Dusty" rally? Lol...

That was awesome. With Murton the stepchild on 1st, Guzman tried to bunt himself on base. Beautiful.

I will admit, Macias jokes aren't nearly as funny compared to today's lineup. *Drum roll, cue Paul Shaffer laughter*

Somebody tell Guzman to grab a glove and play first base. We can use that kind of power in a lineup as crappy as this one.

Glad to see another Murton on base appearence was not waisted. GO NEIFI!!!!

I rarely put any credence into the "Dusty is trying to get himself fired" posts. It just doesn't seem like something even an insane or retarded manager would do. However... 1. Hendry calls up Restovich when D-Lee goes down and Dusty never plays him even though he had some experience. 2. Hendry calls up Theriot and he has what 1 AB so far in almost a week. 3. Today's lineup. #2 & #3 are really it for me. It does smack of the manager sticking his middle finger up at his bosses.

Guzman- 80 pithces and counting through 2 and 2/3. Let's pray for rain.

For the love of God, somebody please confirm that there's somebody warming up in the bullpen. Guzman has thrown 80+ pitches -- he will re-injure himself for sure if he's not yanked soon.

87 pitches through 3 innings -- that might have broken Big Z's record.

Who is Theriot? Trib -5/8- "He'll give us some energy, and he can play all positions," manager Dusty Baker said. "He's basically an infielder that can give us some speed. We've got to try something there."

3 innings, 5 walks, one wild pitch, a hit batsman, 87 pitches. Good thing "command" is one of Guzman's strengths -- I'd hate to see a guy without command. Wow - it's tiring just watching it on the computer.

You'd think you guys would be over Macias by now, but I guess the effect he had on the team in his overwhelming playing time has scarred you for life. I hope Guzman enjoy his trip back to Iowa. I'm not even watching/listening to the game, and it's excrutiating.

This is the last time I will say this, but... Why in the hayill isn't Wood starting this game? Because he can't go more than 5 or 6 innings?!

433-Yes Why not Wood today? If he's ready pitch him.

#27 -- fully agree. Dusty is clearly a "by the book" baseball guy, even when using the book makes no sense. The chances were much better that Wood would have pitched deeper into the game.

be careful what you wish for Eric in #22, Butterball in, 2 on already

That bunt by Roberts to start the 4th- a good bunt, granted. But just looking at the body language by Aram and Glendon on that play says it all.

Because Wood is already scheduled to pitch another rehab game, isn't he? So why bring him up a start early?

Jeezus... First Padres series, Khalil Greene was our Lex Luthor, and now Mike Piazza is our kryptonite? F*ck. Oh, and fire Glendon Rusch. Danke.

Bob -- the point is, why wasn't Wood just brought up after one rehab start, instead of scheduling another? He looked great after his first one, and Guzman has shown an inability to get past the 4th or 5th inning anyway.

well at least it wasn't a homerun. :) baby steps

Funny thing about Cedeno as #3 hitter...he's hitting .300 and has a higher slugging percentage that Murton. Not saying he should hit 3, but maybe it's not as bad as it appears at first?

Hey, here's a joke between innings: Knock knock! Who's there? Glendon Rusch! Glendon Rusch who? Glendon Rusch is really fat

Let's see- our opponent has scored 3 runs. Game is over by 4th inning. Fun.

yeah right, bring Wood up a game sooner, Wood eventually gets hurt, Cub nation cries, "Why did they rush Wood back?" they can't win.... kudos to sticking to a plan, it's tough for us to stomach, but if they feel he's needs one more start, they need to stick to it.

Billybucks -- Yes, he is definitely a "by-the-book" guy. It's a shame the book is written by Dr. Phil

Piazza is killing us at the plate, but we haven't made them pay by stealing bases on him. Wake up, Dusty. Run wild.

All I'm saying is, the plan was for him to have two rehab starts. If he was brought up after one, wouldn't there be people worried that it was rushing him? I personally would not have cared if they changed their mind, but I can see the reasoning for not.

Mabry just go plunked. Charge the mound! Maybe a good old fashion bru-ha-ha is what this team needs to shake things up. Maybe Neifi could get his throat stomped on so he'll never have to play for the Cubs again.

Kick his ass Mabry! Maybe a fight would fire this team up. Or they would all lollygag out there and get their asses kicked. Also, there is no way in hell we should have brought Kerry Wood back for this game. Why would you rush the most injury prone pitcher ever?

I don't think anyone wants Murton hitting #3 either. With this crud, it doesn't really matter, but I would have rather seen: Murton Cedeno Ramirez Barrett Mabry Hairston Pierre Theriot Ugly anyway you slice it, but Pierre has been god-awful

Why would Dusty steal on Piazza? They stole 5 bases on him last weekend and they lost, so it obviously wouldn't be a good idea to do it again. You know how superstitious baseball people are.

Hairston just stole second. Good thing Glendon is up to drive him home.

Nah. My point is that with our starting rotation so thin, the plan shouldn't have been to have him start two games of rehab in the first place. One rehab start plus another if he needs it would have been the right plan. Given who Wood will be replacing -- a 4-5 inning guy -- there's no real added strain to the bullpen if Wood only would have lasted 5 innings. And is Wood really of a lesser risk of injury pitching at Iowa? I think Wood will be going at 110% whether he is at Wrigley or Des Moines, with the same risk of injury.

Piazza got an RBI off Rusch, maybe he thought it was PIZZA, not Piazza.

"Not saying he should hit 3, but maybe it's not as bad as it appears at first?' Yet the manager who batted him there had him sacrifice bunt a runner to second in the 3rd inning.

What in god's name was Cedeno thinking on that play? WTF? I don't get it. No time out? Who throws the ball into the dugout right away- even if time might have been called. Jesus this is brutal. Fucking brutal.

I really don't disagree with you 433, but it's basically damned if you do, damned if you don't. This is what the Cubs feel is the right thing to do, then I'm glad they're not caving to the pressure. You have to think they do know a bit more about rehab and their pitchers then we do. Okay you have to hope they know....Okay you have to pray they know....

please explain for us following over gamecast. :)

Whats there to rush on Wood? His latest setback was his knee, if his arm flies off it going to happen. I say get him pitching if he hurts his arm, the Cubs are done with him and we don't have to have anymore candle light vigils waiting for Wood's most recent comeback.

Oh my god!!!!! Neifi's throw to first to get Roberts when he was already at the bag leads to another run. Barret's throw to third just now on Roberts' steal wasn't a bad throw- and he would have gotten there safely anyway- but can you at least catch the damn ball Aramis? This is entertaining in a masochistic kind of way.

And gold glover Neifi Perez with a great throwing error....

Yeah Rob, if I know more than they know about Wood's rehab or pitching generally then they are in serious trouble. I have to think that there is a good reason he will be making another rehab start (his confidence, maybe?), I just wish I knew what it was. Neifi is batting second, though, so things like Wood's return date don't really matter much.

what a pathetic, ugly, lazy display of baseball......the cubs are the worst team in baseball......we cant get anyworse

I would not hold the Cubs accountable if he came back today and got hurt. This is Kerry Wood, how many times do we have to go through this?

what a pathetic, ugly, lazy display of baseball......the cubs are the worst team in baseball......

so what did Cedeno do? I get that Neifi booted a play, but it looks like Cedeno gave them an extra base earlier.

Michael Barrett now decides to open his sloppy yapper and argue with Dave Roberts as he crosses home plate, keeps talking and now a warning for both benches.... next pitch is another RBI single up the middle. Dusty's out with his whooping stick to beat Glendon over the head, and in comes Scott Williamson. The crowd is decidedly pissed. Based on pre-season expectations vs. current fact, the Cubs are the worst team in baseball.

Need I add, this organization is in complete meltdown just when you thought it couldn't get worse.

Sure we can....release the robotic Enrique Wilson.....

When they eventually fire Baker will he at least do us the favor of taking his MVP (i.e., Neifi) with him back to California

Rusch just needs to retire. Hey- I think we found our lefthanded batting practice pitcher. Oh wait, it was supposed to be for batting practice for our team- not out opponent. Barrett is jawing with Roberts. I like to see someone pissed off at least. As for the Cedeno play: there was a hit to the outfield, putting runners on 1st and 2nd. When the throw came in to Cedeno, he tossed it into the dugout intentionally. He must have thought time was called- but it wasn't. It was weired because you could tell he did it on purpose but he did it so quickly. That allowed both runners to move up one base.

Glendon Rusch is to pitching as J. Edgar Hoover was to women's fashion.

I hope we lose another eight in a row so we can blow up this mess of a team... starting with Dusty.

Now a cubs trainer is out literally cutting off Williamson's sleeves with scissors. Hilarious. Just take the scissors and stab him in the arm- please. That would save Williamson the agony of having to pitcher for the Cubs ever again.

Knock knock! Who's there? Glendon Rusch's big fat belly! Glendon Rusch's big fat belly who? Glendon Rusch's big fat belly is really really fat, plus he is a terrible pitcher

Re: Cedeno's toss to the dugout. Cedeno thought time was called, for some reason. The ball was wet and he was tossing it to the umpire to get it out of the game.

another frickin error......this teams sucks and it starts at the top....thats who i give blame to

someone must have started the dusty death watch somewhere... I predict the end of the WSox series after we're annihilated 35-3

Now Matt Murton just booted a ball in the outfield allowing everyone to take an extra base. The crowd is now cheering loudly about the Cubs getting out of the inning finally. I've seen some bad cubs baseball over the years. But this literally might be the worst inning I've ever seen. Not because they gave up 5 runs, but because of the fielding and mental errors; horrific pitching; inability to get guys out; walks; the lack of fundamentals. Three errors in one fucking inning? Are you kidding me?

I have a fun idea. Let's see who can come up with the best Cubs promotion. I'll go first. Cubs Suicide Day. First 10,000 fans will receive a Cubs logo-ed handgun, complete with hollow point bullet to make sure your brains splatter right the first time.

Why in the world would a player throw a ball into the dugout, instead of giving it to the umpire? I think the Cubs need to start giving players the Wonderlic test. Time to find another summer hobby -- this team has 5th place written all over it.

"But this literally might be the worst inning I've ever seen" WOW, now that is saying something!! Maybe the players are rebelling against fearful leader.

honestly, isn't it about time to make a statement, Dusty. Clear the deck of as many guys as possible in tomorrow's lineup. Let them be known this isn't tolerated. Get tossed, something, Light a fire, dude!!!

First fan through the turnstile gets to bat second and play the infield.

Unless they clear from McFail on down, nothing much will change.

to go on... I know he likes to deal with this stuff internally and not call players out in public, but that method isn't working. Make a statement.

i believe the cubs problems today come from having 2 ss and no 2b.

i believe the cubs problems today come from having 122345098896 2b and no OF.

I see it's the same old same old today. Great defense, too.

How much more of this moron do we have to take? Is Hendry afraid of admitting a mistake? I frimly believe anyone else would have been fired! Am I alone on this??? It's not just the loosing it's the way we loose. Retarded baseball, luck-luster effort, they have taken on the mopey personality of this clown. I was so excited when Dusty came to town, but now I realize he had Barry Bonds in his prime all those years in SF.

I have a fun idea. Let's see who can come up with the best Cubs promotion. I suggested Suicide Bomber Day a few days ago. Guess where the suicide bombers are sitting and you get to leave the stadium. Or perhaps Cubbie Kool-Aid day. Everyone gets a commemorative Jonestown mug full of special Cubbie Kool-Aid. Or finally Poison Blow-Dart Day.

Hendry also has no sack in my opinion for letting Dusty show him up countless times, countless!!! The last being the no left handed pitching BP guy, what a bunch of shit.

How about Baseball Day? First 40000 fans through the gate get to witness a mistake-free, professional exhibition of baseball, resulting in a win.

How about Pee on the Back of the Head of the Guy Sitting in Front of You Day?

This team has some talent problems, there's no doubt about that. But what strikes me is that this same pattern keeps repeating itself: the team chugs along just fine until it has a couple bad days in a row, and then it just completely falls apart. The offense goes into uberaggressive mode and swings at just about everything; fundamental hitting goes out the window--bunts are botched, runners are never advanced, sacrifice pops aren't made; when runners do get on base they make boneheaded baseunning mistakes; and the defense completely crumbles. If it happened once I'd chalk it up to the mysteries of baseball, but when the same pattern shows up three years in a row with very different rosters, I have to believe it's a coaching problem.

let's guess tomorrow's lineup- Pierre Neifi walker Aram Barrett Cedeno jj Murton

How about Baseball Day? First 40000 fans through the gate get to witness a mistake-free, professional exhibition of baseball, resulting in a win. Come on JT, I know the suicide day ideas are a little off the wall, but lets not be totally unrealistic.

1st 5000 left-handed people get to throw batting practice pitch Batting practice nothin'. Suit 'em up!

I'd rather see that nut as Manager and Dusty singing at this point.

what happened with ernie banks? our offense actually shows a little life and it's the defense that lets us down. The true mark of a horrible team.

Holy shit. Those promotion ideas are frickin' hilarious you guys. My girlfriend just suggested this one: Slit Your Wrist Day. First 10,000 fans are given razor blades to slit your wrist after the starting pitcher fails to make it through the fourth inning.

I wouldn't be surprised if JJ sits again tomorrow if it's another rainy day. Dusty might not want to risk him pulling that groin (not that Dusty isn't already doing that for JJ).

Let see who has more errors today Des Moines or Chicago Cubs. Oh never mind they have a major league pitcher going tonite.

what happen with Ernie? ---- I have the sound off now, but I think he said the Cubs suck and he's no longer a fan... or maybe not.

Ernie Banks- Mr. Cub. I must have missed his gaffe for the 7th inning stretch. What happened? BTW, if I'm known as "Mr. Cub," is that a good thing right now? I'd love to see Ernie just start grabbing some of the players by the throat and yelling "Let's play two motherfucker! The first one is me kicking you in the ass. The second one is you whining like a little lifeless bitch about it." Go Ernie.

More promos: Andy's Red Sweatervests Freddy Bynum glove (the one with the hole in it) Kerry Wood's menisci Mark Prior's lunch recipe (from the day before his food poisoning) Glendon Rusch's brassiere collection

How about dinner with the Cubs execs? You get to put duct tape over their mouths so they shut up while you vent your rage.

boy is this team bad. Offense, Defense, Pitching, it really is the entire roster top to bottom...mental errors in the field, at the plate, on defense...just a shameful display of baseball. Sure, this team doesn't have competitive talent at the moment...but when so many facets of the game are out of whack for so long...heads need to roll.

Ernie Banks Quote earlier today: "Five runs is not a lot!" Ron Santo: "Well that's true Ernie, but it's a really cold day today."

How ridiculous are those 2003 season tix with Dustbag's pic on them??? Oh my god, let's see them do that again.

Carlos Zambrano Trainquilizer Gun & Net Day

Throw the ball for Juan Pierre Day Bitch slap Jerry Hairston Day Steal on Michael Barett Day

gene clines hitting instruction day win a multi year contract from Jim hendry day chicago cubs budweiser clydesdale day

Worst retort of the year so far by a TCR poster: Yep, its a bad team. So bad in fact that despite losing the best hitter in the NL Last Year, and not having a single pitch thrown from 2 of their all star starters, they still manage to have not only a winning record, but the 6th best record in the NL. Yep, that's a bad team alright.

Yep, that's a bad team alright. to quote phil hartman and ed mcmahon " you are correct sir!"

Ryan Dempster....Just trying to get some work. That about sums it up

Rick Sutcliffe could manage this team I bet. They are starting to look like the bad news bears anyway, Rick could be the drunk coach. We've got the fat kid(Rusch), fast black kid(Pierre), the old kid who smokes(maddux), and the girl pitcher(Prior).

Actually, a lot of Barrett's throws are on the money. They steal bases off the Cubs pitchers. How about this one: Jim Hendry Day: If everything "stays on schedule" we might see a decent baseball game "in two weeks." Of course, that day might encounter an unforeseen setback.

That is the funniest shit ever posted here Newport/Racine!!

Random ticket holder gets a chance to shove Dusty's toothpick through his heart

I'm starting to think Dusty is staying just to spite us?

Having the nickname Mr. Cub is akin to being called The Prince of Polio or Lord Leprosy.

This game should be packaged as a DVD and given to Sox fans for X-Mas insted of those World Series DVD's.

Re: #126 I don't know who posted that originally, but what's the point of bringing that up now? At the time it was posted, those were facts, right? Was anyone here calling this the worst team in baseball when they were playing well?

Newport/Racine- They have Cedeno all they need to do is bring back Adam Greenburg and they are there. Jaque Jones and Kids Running the Bases after the game.

Those were the days Bob, those were the days.

gotta agree Bob, I'm sure said poster wishes he could take it back, but I'm guessing we all have a few doozy comments that didn't turn out quite the way we wanted them.

Why is Rusch still on the Cubs? I'm pretty sure Mitre was cut after being a much better pitcher than Rusch.

I think Khalil Greene would make an ideal Bad News Bears SS.

First 10,000 fans get to stand inside the park and taunt the other 30,000 fans as they enter questioning, among other things, their masculinity/femininity, their baseball IQs and their right to draw air on this planet.

Hmm, let's see, that makes the cumulative score for the last 14 games to be: Opposition: 88 runs Cubs: 28 runs That would be 6.33 runs per game for the opposition and 2.0 runs per game for us. If it has not happened already, fans soon will start wearing paper bags over their heads to Wrigley. This team continues to be a train wreck in progress.

Rusch is still one the Cubs for the same reason Neifi and Dusty are too. Hendry told them they could come back, and he paid them too!!!

Theriot walks, he just going to piss Dusty off more. Find Ryan Theriot in the Stadium Day.

I'l say this for Dusty, no team plays harder than us down 6.

Attack of the seagulls day, Dusty is arguing with two outs? history in the making. Normally Dusty is asleep by now.

"I'l say this for Dusty, no team plays harder than us down 6." ====================================== Practice makes perfect.

Fitting way to end a pathetic day, with a pathetic swing by Aram.

I have 6 tickets for Tomarrow's game.....I don't even want to go.

#148 of 148: By Tom Hendry (May 12, 2006 04:47 PM) I'l say this for Dusty, no team plays harder than us down 6. I have to believe it has something to do with all the practice we have been getting at doing this.

No one makes eye contact with Theriot when he returns to the dugout, a whisper breaks the silence, "You're so dead, dude. What were you thinking?"

Run out pop-outs for Aramis day Fans get to vote on who comes in during Dusty's double-swithc in the 4th inning day Run out and argue a call for Dusty day

Important question: at what point does the awfulness transcend from depressing-bad to fun-bad? After reading these comments it may have already happened :)

Watching all this on internet- Two questions- How were fans? Did Dusty's arguement seem like " I need to make it look like I'm doing something."?

Clockwork Orange Day - the Cub's hitters are given the clock work orange treatment and get violently ill if they swing at a pitch outside the strike zone. Short right-center day - the Cubs get to play an extra player in right center so they can relay throws from Pierre and Jones. Illogical line-up day - the first fan that can guess dusty's illogical line-up gets to bat third.

I didn't start watching the game until the 5th inning and the game was close (Cubs down by 1 run)...Then Rusch demonstrated once again how he has mastered the art of giving away a game...The 5th inning was the turning point and Jim Hendry should be ashamed that he agreed to renew Rusch's contract -- Hendry is paying this guy several million dollars each year and look what kind of performance we are getting. It was clear that Rusch did NOT have good command and control last year. Why did Hendry think it was necessary to extend his contract...? There were better options. Hendry and McFail are some of the worst MLB management types out there. They have one of the larger payrolls in baseball and they still can't get any traction. And they can't blame it all on Dusty either. Dusty has made some mistakes BUT Hendry and McFail provide the talent (or the lack of it).

Ruin Juan Guzman Day. April 1: "He hasn't really pitched in nearly 2 years. He needs to build up arm strength, confidence and a comfort zone on the mound. He needs to experience pitching in and out of trouble." One month later: "We're in deep trouble -- Go get 'em kid!" Sheesh. Almost as bad as "Blow Out Chad Fox's Arm Day" April 1: "Given Chad's recent surgery, we won't use him in back-to-back games" One month later: Fox blows his arm out in the second of back-to-back games.

Bulls blogger- I'm already there. I'm now at the point where I actually anticipate a new blunder during the game. It's kind of like taking a horribly tragic situation that isn't funny at all- but then making fun of it because it's the only way to cope. CubNation should be there a while.

Double Jacque Jones Off Second Day Ask Dusty How OBP is Calculated Day Bobby Hill Bobblehead Day (I just like how that sounds)

when your managements philosophy is " addition by subtraction" you know your screwed. Next years motto will be " screw it, we'll fill the stadium anyway"

"Five runs is not a lot!" - Ernie Banks True Ernie, when the Cubs score the five runs.

Funny that Ernie Banks said "Five runs is not a lot", and we end up losing 10-5.

autographed toothpick day, only one per ticket (they are afraid that if they give away two per person someone will start a fire) Todd Walker day off day Neifi Perez in the lineup again day

You know your team is going bad when: Neifi Perez makes an errant throw to first on a play where the runner was already safe that costs a run and he's still named Cub Player of the Game!

you know your team is going bad when: Neifi Perez starts and bats 2nd.

Okay kids, I've reached a personal first. I'm watching Dusty Baker's post game press conference, and for the first time, I actually feel sorry for him. He just looks helpless, lost, clueless, lifeless, pitiful. I too believe Dusty needs to go- though it's not all his fault but he still deserves to be fired- but man, he just looks like he's on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I'm serious. He literally looks like a dead man walking. I think he finally sees the writing on the wall. It's been hard for him to see the writing on the wall because he appears to have written "stink" over it.

At the end of the Cubs MLB radio netcast they allowed one question to Dusty Baker to be aired. He was asked about Cubs plays today that betrayed bad fundamentals to which he replied, "Those aren't fundamentals, those are errors." got that?!

Nazey did you hear the whole question that I just referenced?

all our starters can play 2nd base day we're using steroids and we still suck day Autographed Disabled list day

Did Dusty have an excuse ready in the press conference?

2005 World Series Trophy in Wrigley day. Looking at Eyre (1.96), Howry (2.65) and Dempster (1.59) ERA's...the only thing I think: "what a friggin waste"

Okay, whoever the main chode is on the comcast cubs postgame is a total bag of douche. Dan Plesac just gave an objective analysis of what he called "the worst game the Cubs have played to date" and the other goes to break with "way to sell the product Dan." Was he praising him or being sarcastic? If it's a jab at Plesac, my guess is he's a yesman for TribCo. How dare Plesac criticize the Cubs! I guess he should have been giving a standing ovation for today's stellar performance while simultaneously massaging Hendry's pancake sized nipples.

CubsWinThePennant- Yeah, I watched the whole press conference. You're right, that was ridiculous. The only reason I say I feel sorry for him is simply because I look at him and for the first time I don't feel pure and utter hate and contempt for the man's incompetence. I really think he's retarded, thus making him oblivious to his surroundings.

Mental mistakes -- throwing a ball into the dugout or whatever happened (I didn't see the game), missing a cutoff man, getting picked off on a line drive, etc. -- those are bad fundamentals. Making an error on a ball hit to you every once in a while is NOT bad fundamentals. Physical errors are an expected part of the game. That's the distinction that Baker was *probably* trying to make. Not making excuses, not being an apologist, try attempting to interpret. Slam away.

Bob- nope. Dusty's just a frickin idiot who holds no one accountable. Plain and simple.

Mark Prior bobble-elbows day How about Ticket-Holders-pool-their-money-and-buy-the-Cubs Day?

IMO, the Cubs have waited too long to bring Wood and Prior back...The ship is sinking and today Wood should have pitched (not Guzeman)...Who cares if Wood can only go 75-80 pitches right now...Just have Rothchild check in with him between innings...Wood could have given the Cubs a real chance...Of course the Bullpen would have needed to be performing well too. Who knows where Prior is but he's taking too long to come back...I think the Cubs are too patient with these guys...Without good starting pitchers we can't be competitive.

First 10,000 fans get a scratch-off ticket -- 10 winners join Rick Sutcliffe and Bill Murray on a Rush Street pub crawl (insured against possible injury and liability compliments of Square D). Andy McPhail Bobblehead Day (no matter which angle you hold the doll, he's looking the other way, whistling). Extreme Nachos Day -- random servings of nachos served with unrefrigerated cheese from the last homestand.

We can have 5 all-star pitchers in the rotation making consistent 7-8 inning starts, giving up only 2er. Would it make a difference? When you got defense like we had today in the fifth, I don't care if Pedro, Schilling, Webb, whoever is on the mound. This team is so god awful that it finds a new weakness everyday. Bad defense one day? Better defense the next day but bad pitching. Good pitching the next day? No timely hitting. blah blah blah. Same shit, different day. Or different shit, same day.

The Cubs haven't taken more than 2 walks in a game in a LONG TIME...That's pretty pathetic. ~quote from a Chicago Tribune columnist on Comcast Sportsnet

On Comcast Sportsnet they are talking about how Hendry should take a lot of the blame for the Cubs' performance.

The White Sox AAA team recently won 18 of 19 games...Kenny Williams and his organization deal from a position of strength -- they have SO MUCH talent in their farm team systems...Hendry and McFail almost always seem to deal from a position of weakness...They clearly are in a hole right now when you consider where the team is. It seems like a perfect storm is hitting the Cubs organization and they have taking on water fast. Changes must be made. Does the Tribune Company have the courage and integrity to hold Hendry and McFail responsible for their performance...?

Bulls blogger - - I think we are already there, ie, to the point where there really is no agony in this any longer for me. With a win by the Reds tonight we will be 8.5 games back after just, what, 32 or 33 games. So we are easily at a pace to finish at least 30 games out of first place. There really is no suspense any longer. Or should I say any hope. There is no formula by which this group of guys, even with Wood back next week and Lee and Prior back one day in the distant future, has a realistic chance to contend for the playoffs. So why sweat it? In the long run, this really is the best thing for us. We are gonna finish so far out of first place this year that the team that has been put together since after the 2003 season will finally be disassembled and we can start over. Hate to say this, but for heads to roll (McPhail or Hendry or Dusty), we need to finish at least 30 games out of first this year. So all of these lop-sided losses really are the only thing that will bring us closer to a pennant one day in the future. If Lee had stayed healthy and we had finished close to .500, McPhail and Hendry and Dusty all would have been brought back. So, yes, while this might have been painful once, it really is a good thing now.

Guzman and Rusch.......Integral parts of the "deep" rotation we supposedly have. I also have some prime real estate in the swap lands i would like to sell to those same people I usually hate that so many Cubs game are on during the day, which means I miss almost all of those games because of work. I have never been so happy as I have been this year. I think today, the fans have officially lost their minds.......... and rightfully so. I think from now on, instead of the attendance game between Pat and Ron, they should have, "Guess Rusch's weight game"

I believe Darryl Rogers, former head coach of the Detroit Lions said it best in 1988: "What's a guy got to do to get fired around here?" ...closely followed by Michigan State University head football coach Bobby Williams' answer to the following reporter question (after the Spartans lost to u-m by the score of 49-3): "Have you lost this team?" His response: "I don't know." buh-bye...

Help Dusty Update His Resume Day- Helplessness in professional sports. Gotta go.

#181 by scott Scott, at this point I think it goes far beyond a single pitcher in a single game. No point in my mind to rush anyone back with a team like this, it's like plugging a 4 foot hole with a 2 inch plug. Prior doesn't appear to be close to ready..I don't think it has to do with us babying these guys...it has to do with the fact that they are babies (or something like that)

Okay, let's just stop with the fantasy that Hendry or MacPhail are gonna get canned; or that the TribCo is gonna sell the Cubs. I try to imagine what a TribCo executive would say if they were to read this blog. My guess is that they'd be laughing their ass off at how stupid we are. They are laughing at us- literally. Normally I would agree that you need to take a few steps backward before you can take any steps forward. But this is the Cubs. That's right, the Cubs. 98 years and counting. The only reason TribCo would blow up the team anytime soon is to cut payroll, yet not replace it. "Oh, we can play rookies for next to nothing and still sell close to 3 million tix the day they go on sale? Let's do it." Look, we know that everyone deserves blame. TribCo, MacPhail, Fitzsimmons, Hendry, Dusty, the players, Wrigles Field, and the fans are all fair game. Rather than calling for their heads, let's just continue to make fun of them with relentless pursuit and stop the pipedreams of it getting any better as a Cubs fan any time in our lifetimes.

The Chicago Cubs "Trying to Catch Lighting in a Bottle for 98 Years"

Remember back in 2004 when Cubs fans crapped their pants when the Cubs had back to back winning seasons in 30+ years?

Glendon Rusch is so fat when he gets on the scale it says "to be continued." Glendon Rusch is so fat I tried to drive around him and ran out of gas. Glendon Rusch is so fat he fell in love and broke it. Glendon Rusch is so fat we took him to the drive-in and didn't have to pay because we dressed him as a Chevrolet.

Fill in the blank (as someone started earlier on this thread): You know you're bad when... The tone of the game is set after the first batter. Glendon Rusch shows up to work that day. You allow your players to call time out on their own.

Have sex with a players wife day. The winners get traded. This will be revised after years of being dormant. It was originally started in St. Louis with have sex with an owners wife day, but didn't translate to the Cubs with corporate owners. Word of caution, some past winners have had problems maintaining erection. Become an instant millionare contest. Winners receive a million or more dollars and get to hang with a major league team. Occasionaly have to play bad baseball on the field. Past winners include N. Perez and G. Rusch and others to numerous to mention. May win more than one time and past futility is not a disqualifier. Not a lottery - winners are personally selected by Jim Hendry. If you can throw 95 MPH, you could win the grand prize and your appearances on the field are even less frequent (Throwing towel in lieu of baseball may be substituted).

Looking at Eyre (1.96), Howry (2.65) and Dempster (1.59) ERA's...the only thing I think: "what a friggin waste" Amen. A strong bullpen on this team is like a nice rack on a warthog.

today the cubs became fun-bad. i was thinking the same thing reading through these comments and then someone mentioned it. was it this year that hendry was re-signed? wow. dusty MUST go. i am so much more confident in hendry's abilities (as many flaws as he may have) that the only thing left to get out of this season is hoping that dusty's "i can't hold people accountable" ass gets shown the door right around the time the white sox get done sweeping all 6 from the cubs. "poor me, everyone hates me, don't blame me for anything, i can't do anything about it, neifi saved our asses". beat it. then i can enjoy the rest of a fun-bad season hoping that hendry will realize you actually need to sign a free agent that can hit, not trade 3 pitching prospects for a guy who can't hit the ball more than 300 feet, hits 80% ground balls and never walks. quite the combo.

Wood went 5 IP 5H 1R 1ER 2BB 3K 0HR allowed, threw 85 pitches, had a hit in 2ABs ... and stands to lose the game as the Iowa Cubs are losing 2-0 going into the bottom of the 8th.

Cedar Rapids has the Kernels. Iowa should change their name from the Cubs to the Cobs, they'd sell more gear, or would that be too corny?

I don't know if this has been noted yet but ESPN has listed Juan Pierre as the worst NL offseason acquisition, in it's review of MLB at the 1/4 done point of the 2006 season. OBP of .270, etc.

Wood was only throwing 88-90 most of the night and topped out at 93. Didnt ESPN list Pierre as the best acquisition about 2 months ago? Or was that just Idiotic Kruk.

My father first took me to Wrigley Field in 1959. In the years since, I've seen some awfully bad baseball played there. But without a doubt, today's performance was the worst: for incompetence combined with I-don't-give-a-rat's-ass carelessness. It was an insult to the game. Leo Durocher, Jim Leyland, Frank Robinson, Ted Williams, or any other manager with a stone between his legs would have shown these players the anger and contempt that they deserve. Dusty will give them a peck on the cheek and run 'em out again tomorrow to do it again. I've had it. Fuck this. I'm outta here. Thanks for the laughs, guys.

"Just a tough day," said Rusch, who is 1-5. "It was one of those days where my stuff wasn't good and my location wasn't good." yup Rusch, just one of those days...one of MANY MANY days.

Tom Hendry: "How much more of this moron do we have to take? Is Hendry afraid of admitting a mistake? I frimly believe anyone else would have been fired!" Who are you talking about? Rusch, Jones, Pierre or Baker. Jim Hendry's mistakes this past couple years are almost endless.

So much for the thinking that we have a deep pitching staff. Our starting staff has to be one of the worst in baseball. Besides Hendry not getting a real bat or two in the lineup, not getting any real starters has killed us. Relying on Guzman, Hill, Rusch and Williams who clearly are not big league pitchers has killed us along with not adding any real hitters. This team has just as many holes if not more than they did 12 years ago. Good job Hendry, but keep eating your doughnuts as you got your extenstion!! I don't agree with baker getting fired, but I do understand the fact that something needs to be done. Hendry might suggest to fire Rothschild and Clines first and if Baker balks he just might fire them all. How stupid does McPhail feel giving Hendry that extention now??

Well changing your batting order every single day isnt how you break out of a funk, in fact it helps to keep the offense out of sync. If you want to try a new order, go with it for longer than a single day. Try it for a week. This is what Baker's lineups have looked like recently... Baker is running out of combinations. He has used six players in the No. 2 slot, four at No. 3, five in the cleanup hole, seven each in the fifth, sixth and seventh spots and six at No. 8. Without a consistent lineup you will never find a consistent offense. This is one of my single biggest complaints about Baker. He will juggle the lineup constantly causing the offense to never get going. This is how a manager can make a situation worse.

Reading these posts have brightened up my day. The weather up here is matching the Cubs play of late (it's cold and a constant drizzle). I wasn't around at the time, but one of the myths I dispelled with this team on my now defunt blog was the lie that we had pitching depth....well it wasn't there before, and it's not there now. -Maddox is done with the Cubs after this year -Z just hasn't been himself this year -Wood is done -Prior is done (until he goes to a team out west) -Guzman won't be ready for some time -Marshall is our only guy with upside at this point -Hill is Koronka incarnate -Rusch/Williams answers to the trivia question (who are the 15 starting pitchers to start a game for the Cubs in 2006) This team is sick. I told my girlfriend and my brother's girlfriend I would take them to Wrigley this summer (they've never been), and at this point I'm so ashamed to do so.

man, Korey had a night 2 for 3, 2 runs, 4 RBI's, 1 BB, 2 SB, 1 HR

another 0fer for Bonds with a walk, down to a 231 average

Nomar Garciaparra: .352 .413 .676 Corey Patterson .288 .325 .479, 9 SB 0 CS Chicago Cubs 15-20

nomar I was all for trying to keep Corey though would have been booed so mercilessly here and never given a shot. If there ever was a player who needed a change of scenery, he's one. Let's say I'll be pretty suprised if he hits 288 all year.

At 13-22, the Cubs have the worst expected W-L record in the NL and the only team in the majors with a rose expected W-L is the Royals. This sucks. This really, really sucks.

Yeah, there are (or are not) reasons for it, but this may be the worst Cubs lineup I've seen in 25 years.

#222 is a total overstatement. 1997 1996 1994 1990

Orioles 6, Royals 5 At Baltimore, Corey Patterson homered, had four RBIs and scored the tie-breaking run in the eighth inning, leading the Orioles last night. Hendry knows how to give away talent at just the right time. I'm glad he went out and got some good clutch hitters for the Cubs this year (you wouldn't want to build your whole team around Lee and count on him being healthy the entire time). Even with a healthy D. Lee the Cubs currently DO NOT have the bats they need to compete in their division this year.

From a strictly financial standpoint, if the fans lose interest, they're sunk. They can't afford NOT to fire Dusty.

Hey, maybe Mike Lum can stage a comeback and start at 1B. Mike Lum is the answer to the trivia question: "Who was the Cubs' cleanup hitter in the game before the 1991 strike?"

"From a strictly financial standpoint, if the fans lose interest, they're sunk. They can't afford NOT to fire Dusty." Carmen, Great point the Cubs are probaly the only division of the trib making any serious profit. The bad news is the scenerio you mentioned will never happen people will still go to games to see the dump they think is a monument to baseball.

Mike Lum. One of the great Cub killers of all time. Both as an opponent and member of the Cubs.

if you think wrigley is a dump, please stay away. you don't deserve it.

I think the organization realizes that in light of the White Sox success, they're under far greater pressure to keep the fans interested. They have more to think about than just this year... We should all thank the White Sox for raising the bar... If they sit back and wait for Wood and Prior it will be too late. They need to fire Dusty for the sake of making a change. While they're at it they should bring up Pie and sit Juan Pierre.

Some of the funniest comments I have ever seen posted at TCR are in this string -- if you need to lighten up about this horrid streak, do yourself a favor and check 'em out. Jacos, Tom Hendry, Dusty Baylor, etc. -- awesome stuff. Dusty Baylor: re: comment #71 --- I thought I was going to completely lose it at work yesterday and get canned. So true it hurts. #70 of 229: By cubswinthepennant (May 12, 2006 03:23 PM) Need I add, this organization is in complete meltdown just when you thought it couldn't get worse. #71 of 229: By Dusty Baylor (May 12, 2006 03:24 PM) Sure we can....release the robotic Enrique Wilson.....

*At Baltimore, Corey Patterson homered, had four RBIs and scored the tie-breaking run in the eighth inning, leading the Orioles last night. Hendry knows how to give away talent at just the right time. * Oh, do shut up.

*nomar would be real nice at first right now. Posted by: Chad at May 13, 2006 01:24 AM * Until he goes on the DL, again.

*This team is sick. I told my girlfriend and my brother's girlfriend I would take them to Wrigley this summer (they've never been), and at this point I'm so ashamed to do so. Posted by: Mpls_Ashamed at May 13, 2006 12:11 AM* Um, then go root for the Twins.

ryu brought up, guzman sent down. cubs official website...

ryu brought up... now even the birds flying over the ballpark are in trouble

There's an article on ESPN of Matsui apologixing for breaking his wrist while diving for a sinking line drive. I wonder if Wood or Prior ever thought about apologizing for getting hurt... Wood: "Well, it's frustrating when I can't pitch, but I'm not going tochange anything. I'll keep on pitching the way I always have and fuck up my arm again and never be able to pitch except for simulated games and rehab stints. What's that? Apologize? Hell no I'm not going to apologize. Matsui did it? Well hell, I'm from Texas, not Japan! We don't apologize for things that aren't our fault. It's not my fault I hurt my elbow. Change my mechanics? Whhhhaaaaaaa?"

cubs.com is reporting Wood will be back Thursday vs. the Nats. If Ryu will only be here to till then wouldnt it have been better to keep down in Iowa instead of having him skip a turn in their rotation to pitch a 1/2 week worth of mop up duty up here.

$4,000,000.00 - Dusty's Salary $6,000,000.00 - Butterball's Salary $12,000,000.00 - Kerry's Salary Watching your Chicago Cubs - PRICELESS

Recent comments

  • crunch (view)

    SF snags b.snell...2/62m

  • Cubster (view)

    AZ Phil: THAT is an awesome report worth multiple thanks. I’m sure it will be worth reposting in an “I told you so” in about 2-3 years.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The actual deadline to select a post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agent signed to 2024 minor league contract (Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta) to the MLB 40-man roster is not MLB Opening Day, it is 12 PM (Eastern) this coming Sunday (3/24). 

    However, the Cubs could notify the player prior to the deadline that the player is not going to get added to the 40 on Sunday, which would allow the player to opt out early. Otherwise the player can opt out anytime after the Sunday deadline (if he was not added to the 40 by that time). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Today is an off day for both the Cubs MLB players and the Cubs minor league players.  

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    For those of you keeping track, so far nine players have been called up to Mesa from the Cubs Dominican Academy for Minor League Camp and they will be playing in the ACL in 2024: 

    * bats or throws left 

    Angel Cepeda, INF 
    * Miguel Cruz, P
    Yidel Diaz, C 
    * Albert Gutierrez, 1B
    Fraiman Marte, P  
    Francis Reynoso, P (ex-1B) 
    Derniche Valdez, INF 
    Edward Vargas, OF 
    Jeral Vizcaino, P 

    And once again, despite what you might read at Baseball Reference and at milb.com, Albert Gutierrez is absolutely positively a left-handed hitter (only), NOT a right-handed hitter.

    Probably not too surprisingly, D. Valdez was the Cubs #1 prospect in the DSL last season, Cepeda was the DSL Cubs best all-around SS prospect not named Derniche Valdez, Gutierrez was the DSL Cubs top power hitting prospect not named Derniche Valdez, E. Vargas was the DSL Cubs top outfield prospect (and Cepeda and E. Vargas were also the DSL Cubs top two hitting prospects), Y. Diaz was the DSL Cubs top catching prospect, and M. Cruz was the DSL Cubs top pitching prospect. 

    F. Marte (ex-STL) and J. Vizcaino (ex-MIL) are older pitchers (both are 22) who were signed by the Cubs after being released by other organizations and then had really good years working out of the bullpen for the Cubs in the DSL last season. 

    The elephant in the room is 21-year old Francis Reynoso, a big dude (6'5) who was a position player (1B) at the Cardinals Dominican Academy for a couple of years, then was released by STL in 2022, and then signed by the Cubs and converted to a RHP at the Cubs Dominican Academy (and he projects as a high-velo "high-leverage" RP in the states). He had a monster year for the DSL Cubs last season (his first year as a pitcher). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    DJL: The only players who definitely have opt outs are Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta (Opening Day, 5/1, and 6/1), and that's because they are post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agents who signed 2024 minor league contracts and (by rule) they get those opt outs automatically. 

    Otherwise, any player signed to a 2024 minor league contract - MIGHT or - MIGHT NOT - have an opt out in their contract, but it is an individual thing, and if there are contractual opt outs the opt out(s) might not necessarily be Opening Day. It could be 5/1, or 6/1, or 7/1 (TBD).

    Because of their extensive pro experience, the players who most-likely have contractual opt outs are Alfaro, Escobar, and D. Smith, but (again), not necessarily Opening Day. 

    Also, just because a player has the right to opt out doesn't mean he will. 

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    I love the idea that Madrigal heads to Iowa in case Morel can’t handle third.

    The one point that intrigues me here is Cooper over Smith. I feel like the Cubs really like Smith and don’t want to lose him. Could be wrong. He def seems like an opt out if he misses the opening day roster

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: Both Madrigal and Wisdom can be optioned without any restriction. Their consent is not required. 

    They both can be outrighted without restriction, too (presuming the player is not claimed off waivers), but if outrighted they can choose to elect free agency (immediately, or deferred until after the end of the MLB season).

    If the player is outrighted and elects free-agency immediately he forfeits what remains of his salary.

    If he accepts the assignment and defers free agency until after the conclusion of the season, he continues to get his salary, and he could be added back to the 40 anytime prior to becoming a free-agent (club option). 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Phil, 
    Madrigal and Wisdom can or cannot refuse being optioned to the Minors?
    If they can refuse it, wouldn't they elect to leave the Cubs org?

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    In my opinion, the biggest "affirmative" mistake the Cubs made in the off-season (that is, doing something they should not have done), was blowing $9M in 2024 AAV on Hector Neris. What the Cubs actually need is an alternate closer to be in the pen and available to close if Alzolay pitched the day before (David Robertson would have been perfect), because with his forearm issue last September, I would be VERY wary of over-using Alzolay. I'm not even sure I would pitch him two days in a row!  

    And of course what the Cubs REALLY need is a second TOR SP to pair with Justin Steele. That's where the Cubs are going to need to be willing to package prospects (like the Padres did to acquire Dylan Cease, the Orioles did to acquire Corbin Burnes, and the Dodgers did to acquire Tyler Glasnow). Obviously those ships have sailed, but I would say right now the Cubs need to look very hard at trying to acquire LHSP Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins (and maybe LHP A. J. Puk as well).