Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

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

28 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, and twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 

Last updated 3-26-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 15
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Cody Bellinger 
Alexander Canario
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, P 
Alexander Canario, OF 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

 



 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

The Jason Kendall File

For your amusement, everything you need to know about the newest Cubbie, Jason Kendall.... - Son of former major leaguer Fred Kendall - Swings one of the lightest bats in the majors, 30 oz. sometimes 29.7 oz. - 3 Time All-Star, 3rd in Rookie of the Year voting in 1996 - Career 279/378/402 hitter at Wrigley Field - Inside Edge scouting report grades: Overall Effectiveness: D- Location Performance: C Fastball Performance: B- Offspead Performance: C- Plate Discpline: A Clutch Tendency: D+ 2 Strike Tendency: B+ Overall Grade: C- - TSN Scouting Report:
Assets Very much a hitter's hitter, he swings for average, has occasional power, and produces runs. Kendall is the very rare catcher who can run. He's incredibly durable, has great hustle, and his mental toughness is unmatched. Flaws He's rather average behind the plate, though he does work on his defense. At the plate, he's lost most of his power due to injury. Career potential A rare leadoff-hitting catcher.
- Seems to have a reputation for handling a pitching staff quite well. - Athletic's fans feel the same about Kendall as most Cubs fans feel about Cesar Izturis and Jacque Jones. That can't be good. - Charged the mound after John Lackey missed him with a curveball last year because he didn't like what Lackey said to him. Hot-headed catcher? This sounds familiar. - By BP's Rate2 defensive stat, he's literally an average catcher with a career mark of 100. (similar to OPS+ or ERA+ where 100 is average, go below and you're considered below average and so on). The last three years in Oakland he's come in at 97, 103, 96. - He's caught over 140 games at catcher in 8 different seasons. Durable to say the least. - Played two games in left field for the A's this year. - Career .308/.384/.410 second half hitter; .306/.377/.365 the last three years in the second half (2004-2006).

Comments

Kendall stinks. We did the old "your turd for my turd" switcheroo. As such, I'm ambivalent about the whole thing. Soto should get the starts so as to assess if he sucks or not. There's nothing about Kendall we need to assess. We already know that he sucks.

Horatio, As you know. The cubs could care less if Soto sucks or not. Rest assured that we will bring in a 3rd tier free agent catcher this offseason and go about our merry way. Soto won't get a look unless said unnamed/unremarkable catcher gets hurt.

Last five years second half BA=.308, I just heard. HORATIO only comes out when he can make a neg post (no hear from him during hot-streaks). We all have to ask one question objectively: Is this an upgrade at the catcher position? - Soto has not demonstrated he can hit MLB pitching. - Hill has done slightly better. Of course, last night is an anomoly - but I'll take it! - Hank White may, or may not recover for a while... So saying "he sucks", well yeah, he has this year. But this year is pretty much an anomoly for him with the horrendous start. And, as demonstrated, he has much better 2nd halves. Rob Bowen did nothing here. The Jury will be out for another couple of months on Jason Kendall in pins. But certainly this is not the 2002 version.

I really don't understand the pessimism on the site regarding this trade or regarding the Cubs in general. We are in the middle of the best run we've had in years and people continue to blast the team and the management. We gave up NOTHING to get this guy...trust me...NOTHING. This guy hit .295 last year and even though he is struggling this year, anything we get from him is a plus. This is a win-win trade for Jim Hendry. Why would Soto not get a look unless a third tier free agent gets hurt? 'Cause Lou hasn't been playing young players or anything....what a dumbass. I'm not saying this is some huge trade that's going to put us over the top, but it's a no lose situation. So what if he sucks? He's a FA at the end of the season anyways. Please go watch and be a "fan" of some other team. I grow tired of being grouped in with miserable, self pitying fans. I actually ENJOY watching the Cubs winning. I hope some of you may join me in the future.

I'll be honest that I haven't watched Kendall enough to know his temperment, but saying he's a hothead because he charged the mound last year seems like its a bit much. If thats the standard for being a hothead, what do we have to call DLee after he both charged the mound and took a swing at a pitcher who said something he didn't like?

I bet Blanco's neck injury is more serious (career ending) than the Cubs are letting on.

Jacos, Maybe not THAT serious, but I agree....they obviously aren't confident how well he can come back and contribute this season. Of course, this isn't Kerry Wood or Mark Prior we are talking about so Cubs management would have no reason to lie to us.....would they? Ugh.

The more I read about Kendall the more I want to laugh. Does Hendry have a Delorean somewhere that no one knows about? I wonder if Hendry asked Beane if he could have the Pittsburgh Kendall instead of the Oakland Kendall. Beane: "OK then it's settled. Kendall for Bowen. Hendry: "Actually, I was thinking...can we have the Pittsburgh Kendall?" Beane: (stunned - then collecting himself) "Well, OK. But it's going to cost you extra. How about throwing in that sweet prospect Blevin?" Hendry: "That's a little steep" Beane: "You obviously haven't seen Kendall's 1999 OPS+" Hendry: "You're sure that's the Kendall we'll be getting?" Beane: "C'mon, would I lie to you?"

I�ll be honest that I haven�t watched Kendall enough to know his temperment, but saying he�s a hothead because he charged the mound last year seems like its a bit much. I recall the fight last year pretty well, to say the least it was weird. He missed him with a curveball, Lackey screamed something about being too close too the plate and Kendall went ape-s***. But the comment I recall (and I'm not going to look it up and I'm going to paraphrase), was from an A's players about him being really intense and something about you don't mess with Kendall and say s*** like that. So if I recall that incorrectly my apologies, but that's kind of where that came from...

Kendall is a veteran, of course he's good! While he has certainly done generally better in the second half, 34 is getting up there for a catcher. It's not unheard of for players like him to just go suddenly off a cliff. He's certainly a better choice then Bowen or Hill, though I think a Barrett for Kendall swap is a bad one for us (and Zambrano did just say he wanted Barrett back) but I also have a higher opinion of Barrett then many. I'd probably actually DFA Hill and keep Soto behind Kendall. As an aging catcher, Kendall will need a decent amount of off days, and Soto can then learn to hit major league pitching for next year.

Nice summary, Rob. That .306/.377/.365 line (higher OBP than slugging) paints quite a picture. If he's batting down in the order, which I believe Piniella already said he would, should mean some nice RBI opportunities for Zambrano. Otherwise, I sure hope he brings A LOT! of character to the clubhouse.

Joe Guzman Jose Guzman says: July 17th, 2007 at 12:06 pm I really don�t understand the pessimism on the site regarding this trade or regarding the Cubs in general. We are in the middle of the best run we�ve had in years and people continue to blast the team and the management. We gave up NOTHING to get this guy�trust me�NOTHING. This guy hit .295 last year and even though he is struggling this year, anything we get from him is a plus. This is a win-win trade for Jim Hendry. Why would Soto not get a look unless a third tier free agent gets hurt? �Cause Lou hasn�t been playing young players or anything�.what a dumbass. I�m not saying this is some huge trade that�s going to put us over the top, but it�s a no lose situation. So what if he sucks? He�s a FA at the end of the season anyways. Please go watch and be a �fan� of some other team. I grow tired of being grouped in with miserable, self pitying fans. I actually ENJOY watching the Cubs winning. I hope some of you may join me in the future. ...................................................................................... Where is the vitrol coming from here Jerky? I didn't slam the trade. All I said was that weather Kendall works out or not. The cubs would bring in a 3rd tier free agent rather than give the job to Soto. If you think that isnt going to happen. Well then sir, you obviously do not pay attention. I didnt call a psychic hotline. I do not own a crystal ball. I just base it on the moves the cubs make each and every year. If Soto is handed the job next year. I will eat my words. But any rational thinking. Non blindly drinking kool aid fan knows that I am right.

E-man, OK. Not only does he suck this year, but he sucked hard in 4 out of the previous 6 years too. This year he's just putting a bow on it. The dude is 33 years old, completely done and currently spiraling down the toilet bowl Charybdis of scrubitude. And Juan/Jose? I like watching the Cubs win very much. I smile and cheer and have lots of fun when they do. That's why I don't like it when they purposely hire horrible players.

My ambivalence: I lament an end to the Bowen scraper jokes. I rejoice at the opportunity for Ken Doll jokes. If this trade gets your pulse up at all you might think about lowering your tension a little before it's too late.

So: which ones of you were against signing DeRosa? Lilly? Soriano? Marquis? For 2007? Daryl Ward? How have they worked out? I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt 'til Kendall proves me wrong. I know I'm not getting "the old" Kendall, but REALLY the "OLD Kendall". Still, with the current Minor Leaguers catching in the Majors now for us, and Blanco's shaky return - if there is one, its an upgrade.

HORATIO: I know you hated the Lilly signing and DeRosa one, so we'll see if, at the end of the year who will have the better splits between Bowen and Kendall.

I'd prefer a catcher who could hit...a little, but.... A) He's gone after the year B) Intangibles up the wazzou (I'm bringing 'up the wazzou' back) C) He can't be worse than Hill/Bowen have done D) He works the count at the very least It's a marginal move with little downside and some upside. There's not a whole lot of catchers out there and the only other real option seems to be Geovany Soto. Can't say I'm sold on him.

Aaronb, Really...then why don't you go ahead and list the third tier free agent catchers the Cubs have brought in the past 5 years. They acquired Damien Miller after his all-star season and traded for Micheal Barrett when he was 26 years old so tell me where the third tier player they sign fits in with what they usally have done at catcher? The Cubs have brought in the third tier players....the Jacque Jones and Jeromy Burnitz experiments...but to say they do it all the time and pass it off as fact is just plain ignorant, especially considering how much money they spent this past offseason. Kool-aid? I'm as harsh a critic as anyone (especially with the Vitters or Weiters pick in the draft) but I don't sit there and make stupid predictions and convince people that's the way things are.

JGJG said: We gave up NOTHING to get this guy�trust me�NOTHING. Bowen was nothing. Blevins was not nothing. Easily the best lefty reliever in the organization this year, including the majors. I expected Blevins to be called up when Eyre finally shipped out. (Of course, I'm an optimist.)

I'm with you ROB G. As of today, Kendall is a slight upgrade, imo, over Soto and Hill. Hank is solid, but I think CUBSTER would agree he has a potentially career-ending (or certainly, career limiting) injury. Who knows how he will recover. Indeed, we gave up basically zip, and he's gone after this year. Or better yet, maybe he could COACH our catchers in the minors, next year.

If Barrett ABSOLUTELY had to go. Then Kendall was a good pickup right here. Overall the dropoff from Barrett to Bowen/Hill was really steep. Kendall represents an upgrade from Bowen/Hill, but is not the player Barrett is. I do have to hand it to Hendry this year. He didnt do anything magical. He just signed his normal 3rd tier guys and mixed in the 1st Top target type free agent I can remember the cubs chasing (Soriano) and rolled the dice on a change of leagues big money guy (Lilly). The moves have been gold this offseason. It was in no way a slam dunk. But for 2007 at least. The deals paid off. Soriano - For Lilly- rather had Meche Marquis - Wanted no part of DeRosa - wanted Durham Ward- Thought was a good move Floyd- Thought it was redundant, still do

meh, sorry about all the typos and mistakes in the post. I think I caught them all now.

"Zambrano did just say he wanted Barrett back" Did he say that with a straight face? I think that was more of shout out to potential suitors that he's not difficult to work with. "I�m bringing �up the wazzou� back" RobG=Justin Timberlake.

"but he sucked hard in 4 out of the previous 6 years too" False. Besides every year before this one dwarfs the numbers we have from our current catchers. Re #20: EXACTLY! Why are you all going nuts? There is no downside to this. At worse, he is status quo. At best, he'll get a few hits and hit @.300 for the rest of the season. Relax. This is a nice little move but by no means is anyone, here or on the Cubs, expecting Kendall to be the big move that makes us or breaks us.

"Easily the best lefty reliever in the organization this year," Sorry VA Phil. I do not agree. There are NO slam dunks in the minors (see Brownlee, CPat, fill-in-the-blank with Cubs #1 draft choices). I don't care how amazing they are, in the minor leagues. Among all of the things Hendry did drafting poor position players, he did PLENTY right with pitching and we have a very nice stockpile of young arms throughout the minor league system. I'm not gonna lose sleep over Blevens.

any lawyers out there familiar with Internet copyright law? Someone is jacking our posts for their own blog, looking for some advice. Thanks. Email me if you wish.

Third tier free agents in the Hendry era position players: 2002: Chris Stynes, Darren Lewis 2003: Ramon Martinez,Troy O'Leary,Tom Goodwin,Paul Bako 2004: Todd Walker,Todd Hollandsworth,Henry Blanco 2005, Jeromy Burnitz, Neifi Perez, 2006: Jack Jones, John Mabry 2007: Cliff Floyd, Mark DeRosa, Daryl Ward Premium free agents: 2005. Nomar, Althought it was the cheaper route 1 yr stopgap instead of spending real money on Renteria or Cabrera 2007. Soriano Hendry has signed TWO premium free agents in 6 years. Damian Miller was an All-Star just like Cesar Izturis and Ron Coomer were all stars. Mike Barrett was comming off a season where he hit .208. It wasnt like either guy was sought after in any way shape or form. If Jim Hendry starts to make a habit of going out and progressively seeking up and comming front line players. I will sing his praises. I'm just not going to give him credit for something he has yet to do.

Hendry on Blevins:
"He's certainly going to be a major leaguer," Hendry said of the 6-foot-6 reliever. "Billy's scouts did a good job. You're not going to fool the Oakland A's on your prospects or his."
Concerning what other lefty reliever in the org. could you say, He's certainly going to be a major leaguer?

Hendry has signed TWO premium free agents in 6 years. Not quite. A-Ram was obviously a premium free agent this past off-season, and Ted Lilly was also probably a premium free agent, or at least leading the pack of "tier 2" free agents.

Virgina Phil - that is the point of trades though. You have to trade value to get value. And while I am not convinced that Kendall is value, a big market team HAS to be willing to trade prospects. And a certain lefty major leaguer? Clay Rapada.

from Rob's link to the A's blog I learned the following: "Neifi is the absolute zero of the baseball scale" Absolute Zero, now that's cold...isn't absolute zero the temperature where even molecules stop moving?

Dave, Aramis should have never gotten to free agency. If we count him, lets count Dlee as well. My point is more along these lines. Hendry almost never makes any free agent splashes. One could argue that McFail was behind some of the 2nd place finishes. If you do not buy that. Then it took the team getting bought and going on the auction block to get him to make ANY MAJOR FREE AGENT MOVES,

any lawyers out there familiar with Internet copyright law? Someone is jacking our posts for their own blog, looking for some advice. Thanks. Email me if you wish. We could just go hijack their blog.

Absolute zero is complete cessation of movement. Purely theoretical, more like a limit, things can only asymptotical approach absolute zero, not actually get to it. Kind of like Neifi, no one could ever hope to play for as long he has while playing so awfully. Neifi is actually more of a thought experiment than a baseball player.

We could just go hijack their blog. Rather be more professional about it...

I love how Hendry only gets credit for the bad and he never gets credit for the good. So A-Ram doesn't count now? And no... Lee wouldn't count in your "analysis," as he was never a free agent.

Rob, I know a little bit about web IP, but the best weapon in those situations is usually to shine some light on it and let your community do the work for you. What's the website? I'm sure we'll all gladly go over there and register our... opinions.

Rather be more professional about it… Rob... how are they doing it? Are they copying? Or are they using your RSS feed?

Neifi is actually more of a thought experiment than a baseball player. ------- Are you referring to the Perez Uncertainty principle?

Aramis was a gift re-signing this offseason. By all accounts we should have lost him to a higher bidder. Hendry did hit on his 3rd tier free agents this year. I am thrilled that he did and that the club is good again. None the less. He aint no John Schuerholz.

aaronb, why does it matter whether the "premium" guys come through free agency vs. some other route? We've got four premium guys on this roster: Lee (trade), Soriano(FA), Ramirez (trade), and Zambrano (home grown). Some might add Lilly too (FA). And Soriano/Lilly happened before the Trib was sold.

hmmm, I'll see what the other writers think. I'd hate to drive up their traffic though in case that's what their looking for... Thanks for the advice... If anyone else has any, I'm all ears.

Dave said: And a certain lefty major leaguer? Clay Rapada. Tell that to Billy Beane. But I agree that you (usually) have to give up something to get something, and Kendall is also "not nothing." He was, after all, the leadoff hitter for a team in the ALCS last year. Still, this sort of trade worries me, since it's possible the Cubs may not win the world series this year, and may have to put together a team next year and the year after.

Tell that to Billy Beane. What are you talking about? Just because he didn't go to the A's does not mean that Beane was not interested. You have no idea who Beane asked for.

Still, this sort of trade worries me Come one... lets be honest Blevins is a pretty decent prospect, but he projects to be a middle relief guy. Trading a middle relief prospect for a starting catcher is really not something to be overly worried about. The Cubs didn't trade the next Willis or Mitre here.

As far as I can tell, they just took Transmission's game recap and posted it minus the parachat talk. No recognition or anything. Also stole from another well-known Cubs blog who emailed me to tell me about it.

It might be overly simplistic and passive, but I'd just tell them to quit it. If they don't quit then you can bark up other trees.

Rob: I have no idea what sort of business level MVN operates on, but you all have an attorney that's handled business formation or anything like that, having him/her draft a formal cease and desist order on firm letterhead is a pretty good way of getting these guys to knock it out.

Yea... I would think you talk to Evan, or whoever is really in charge of MVN, and have them write an official letter to the contact on the blog telling them to stop. If that doesn't work, you could pursue other options.

"It might be overly simplistic and passive, but I’d just tell them to quit it. If they don’t quit then you can bark up other trees." Rynox, that's childish...I think we should spam the hell out of them:)

For all the instances where I've had to deal with plagiarism in my professional life, this is the first time that I know of that anyone has bothered to plagiarize from me! When I win millions suing for damages, I'll be sure to invite everyone here to the party. Free Bar.

I think a post or two that takes up about 5 pages written in dingbats font (❅❉❘▼❋ ❋❋❅❉✔✘✓❘❒◆❐❄❍) with links to animal husbandry sites might be...oh wait, Rob wants something more professional. How about links to urologic surgery sites regarding current techniques for castration.

thanks, having some problem finding contact info for them. Already mentioned it to Evan and the powers-that-be and will contact Google/Blogger that is hosting it. Then I'll spam the hell out of them. :) Thanks for all your help.

Rest assured, I am pondering some creative responses in my next game recap... What's really annoying is, if they're going to plagiarize me, they could at least plagiarize some of my better work. Last night's game recap was very pedestrian. A C+ effort at best.

Rob - We could just spend the better part of the next few days discussing my pee-ball theory again... That will surely turn them off...

Trans: Last night’s game recap was very pedestrian. A C+ effort at best. I imagine that's how Beethoven felt about his 5th symphony.

Might I ask when this blog began stealing stuff in relation to when ST was banned? Oh wait, and for that matter, when did it begin stealing in relation to Barrett getting traded? Just a thought. Clearly one of those jokers is the culprit.

"Rob - We could just spend the better part of the next few days discussing my pee-ball.." ENOUGH.

Maybe if you just removed all Rich Hill references from TCR...after all, EVERYONE's been stealing from Rich lately.

who peed in your… ------ Moises Alou, still on the DL

It's obvious -- Hendry got Kendall just to face Zito tonight, since he caught him last year. He is playing it one game at a time.

Jace — July 17, 2007 @ 2:20 pm Jeez, E-man who peed in your… oops sorry! ........................................................................... Damn you R Kelly!!!!

LOL!

Let's leave R. Kelly alone already. Hasn't he suffered enough? Following Moises Alou's philosophy...maybe he was only trying help people to toughen up. One needs thick skin to survive this brutal brutal world.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/07/t… Paul Sullivan cranky they announced the deal on the broadcast yesterday instead of to reporters first... Cubs general manager Jim Hendry announced the Kendall trade during the Cubs telecast on WCIU-Ch. 26 last night, making the media wait until afterward to learn of the deal. The Cubs PR department had the press release already written and was simply waiting for Hendry to announce it on TV before telling the beat reporters. Maybe this is the wave of the future, but it shows how little the organization cares about the reporters who cover their team every day. I don't know of any other team that announces its trades on TV, but the Cubs apparently believe they're above it all.

"it shows how little the organization cares about the reporters who cover their team every day" Yes, because they all have SO much respect for Hendry. How dare he?

tell Paul Sullivan we had the Trade news in parachat before he had a clue about it...blogosphere vs the traditional media? that no debate, it's ovah. It's all ovah.

It was actually a smart move. Len and Bob were marinating in Kendall's knob-juice in a televised game for quite some time. Since they work for the same organization, they were required to love the deal and expound upon how great a player he is. Cub fans only had an opportunity to hear praise for the acquisition long before the reporters got a chance to complain about Kendall's actual sucktitude.

I think that this is such a low risk trade, and this is a guy I always had a lot of respect for when he played for the Pirates before falling off the radar for two years... This guy had a lot of fire in him. I can't imagine that he has lost it in two years. That can only be good to have in the clubhouse.

Here's the actual deal: Barrett, Blevins, & $X? for Kendall, Kyler Burke, & $X? Not sure exactly how much money went either way, but that's real trade that happened and the one that should be discussed. Do you all think that's a fair swap?

It's interesting reading the blog comments on Paul Sullivan's whining. Just the fact that he posted it on a blog makes his issues circular. One post had some interesting logic. Maybe Hendry used WCIU-TV to get the news scoop out before it went to the sports talk radio reporters (WSOX) and/or ESPN who showed up mostly because of Bonds. I doubt he was worried about Sullivan/Tribune's concerns about not getting the news first hand.

Proof positive that Bill James is a total idiot: "QUESTION: Where did your first thoughts about discovering what really matters in baseball originate? How was it you began asking questions about what we all "knew" to be true? ANSWER: I don't know for sure, but I know that I began thinking about these issues by the time I was in my mid-teens. There was a time in 1965 when I read in "The Sporting News" that Wes Parker of the Dodgers was such a great fielder that he probably saved the team a hit a game over another first baseman, but his bat was so weak the Dodgers didn't know whether they would be able to keep him in the lineup. I figured out if Wes Parker was an average fielder but got one more hit per game, his batting average would be .504. Figure it out. Therefore, the Dodgers apparently were trying to figure out whether it was smart to keep a .504 hitter in the lineup. I would have been 15 then, so I was trying to figure those things out by age 15." GIGANTIC FLAW IN REASONING If he saved one hit a game, it's not the same as getting an extra hit a game. No coorelation. As well, saving one hit a game would be added or subtracted to the entire opposing team and not just one player. Therefore, adding one hit a game to the other team's stats, does not get you anywhere near .500

Very good observation, Joe. It absolutely was deliberate, the decision to make the announcement in front of a captive, er, friendly, media outlet.

Yeah, Johann. That's basically it. I will ignore the money, since I don't know how the dollar amounts compare to each other... It looks to me to be roughly a wash... it is a good trade, because Barrett was not winning any popularity contests, so they needed to get him out of there. I like Kendall, and I think he adds some fire and vocal leadership to the team. Blevins is close to majors-ready reliever, and Burke is only 19 and very raw, though he does appear to be righting the ship a bit in Boise...

I make a Burke for Blevins trade if I'm Hendry. Blevins has a greater chance of reaching the bigs. However Burke is a much higher profile amature background guy with a much higher ceiling.

Jace — July 17, 2007 @ 3:07 pm Blevins is close to majors-ready reliever, and Burke is only 19 and very raw, though he does appear to be righting the ship a bit in Boise… ========================== JACE: And if it turns out he can't hit, the Cubs can always make him a pitcher. The multi-tool Burke was a highly regarded two-way player (LHP/OF) in HS, and so some clubs had him pegged as a pitcher, while others envisioned him more as an outfielder.

not to get all uppity, but I mentioned that in the post yesterday that it was essentially Barrett & Blevins for kendall & Burke. I own that thought, it's all mine, don't take it. I kid....

Rob G. — July 17, 2007 @ 12:58 pm http://blogs.chicagosports.chi.....me-na.html Conor Jackson of the Dbacks apparently showcased in LF yesterday for a possible deal to the Wsox. ===================== ROB G: The D'backs are more than willing to trade RF Carlos Quentin, too. (They sent him back to AAA after he struggled the first half of the season). They are said to want a big-time run producer for the middle of order, and supposedly will package two or three of their young position players to get one.

You stole that from me! I should contact my lawyer and sue! Seriously though, can you or someone lay out the finances of the deal? Meaning, how much money we sent with Barrett to how much we got from the As and how much we're paying for the rest of Kendall's contract? That'll go a long way towards figuring out my feelings on the deal, because Barrett to me is better then Kendall at this point, and I would say Blevins is better then Burke right now, but I'm not sure if we're saving more or spending even more.

Kendall was making 13 million this year to Barrett's 4 million. I would assume the cubs took on payroll once all is said and done.

Another thing to keep in mind is this. The cubs would have likely offered Barrett arbitration. He will surely be a type A free agent. So the cubs would have gotten 2 high draft picks as compensation. I will be shocked to see the cubs offer arbitration to Kendall. Regardless of how he plays the rest of the season.

Another thing to keep in mind is this. The cubs would have likely offered Barrett arbitration. He will surely be a type A free agent. So the cubs would have gotten 2 high draft picks as compensation. I will be shocked to see the cubs offer arbitration to Kendall. Regardless of how he plays the rest of the season.

I know this is off-subject, but Culpepper just got released from the Dolphins... I personally think that he is not done, and should be pounced upon... Any thoughts on where he lands?

I posted this in a previous thread: Bruce Levine says Oakland is paying 70-80% of Kendall’s salary wrt the cash the cubs are getting Wow… if Pitt is really paying 5.5 million of this year’s deal, that means Oakland owed Kendall 7.5 million this year, with approx 3.25 million left. If the A’s are paying 70%, that would mean the Cubs are only on the hook for around $975,000. If that is true, that isn’t too bad of a deal.

"the Cubs can always make him a pitcher." AZ Phil - do the Cubs lead the league in attempting these kinds of conversions, or it just that we know more about their minor league machinations? Seems like they've been doing this quite a bit, but I'm not familiar with other club's stances on this issue.

"Kyler Burke" I have not seen him mentioned in anything I have read so far. I'll check again at Cubs.com...

Kyler Burk - see here. He came to the Cubs, along with Bowen, in the Barrett trade. He was a 1st round draft pick in 2006, but has really struggled up to this point. He seems like he has turned it around in the last couple of weeks.

This guy had a lot of fire in him. I can’t imagine that he has lost it in two years. From all accounts, he still plays with fire in him. I have seen A's fans say that despite his inability to hit, Kendall has done his best to compensate by focusing on contributing in any way possible. It hasn't made up for his offensive problems, but it sounds like Kendall won't do boneheaded things, which is something.

Dmac — July 17, 2007 @ 3:36 pm “the Cubs can always make him a pitcher.” AZ Phil - do the Cubs lead the league in attempting these kinds of conversions, or it just that we know more about their minor league machinations? Seems like they’ve been doing this quite a bit, but I’m not familiar with other club’s stances on this issue. ====================== DMAC: Other organizations do it too (the Padres just converted their former #1 draft pick SS Matt Bush to pitcher), but the Cubs seem to do it a lot more. And Carlos Marmol is the poster boy for the process.

someone's signature at Athletics Nation... The Kendall Shift: 6 infielders and 2 catchers. 'Doh

Jason Kendall is a ball player. The cubs are lucky to have him. He calls a great game, is a leader in the clubhouse, and I guarantee he will have a strong second half. There aren't to many players in this league anymore who play as hard as he does. If anything else the other cubbies will see how hard he plays and follow suite.......... i have been a pirates fan all my life and all i have to say is if you dont want him i would love to see him back in the black and gold.

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  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Javier Assad started the Lo-A game (Myrtle Beach versus Stockton) on the Cubs backfields on Wednesday as his final Spring Training tune-up. He was supposed to throw five innings / 75 pitches. However, I was at the minor league road games at Fitch so I didn't see Assad pitch. 

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    they really tried to make it happen this spring, but he put up a crazy bad slash of .081/.244/.108 in 45PA.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Seconded!!!

  • crunch (view)

    another awesome spring of pitching reports.  thanks a lot, appreciated.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Here are the Cubs pitchers reports from Tuesday afternoon's Cardinals - Cubs game art Sloan Park in Mesa:

    SHOTA IMANAGA
    FB: 90-92 
    CUT: 87-89 
    SL: 82-83 
    SPLIT: 81-84
    CV: 73-74 
    COMMENT: Worked three innings plus two batters in the fourth... allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits (six singles and two doubles) walked one, and struck out six (four swinging), with a 1/2 GO/AO... he threw 73 pitches (52 strikes - 10 swing & miss - 19 foul balls)... surrendered one run in the top of the 1st on a one-out double off Cody Bellinger's glove in deep straight-away CF followed one out later by two consecutive two-out bloop singles, allowed two runs (one earned) in the 2nd after retiring the first two hitters (first batter had a nine-pitch AB with four consecutive two-strike foul balls before being retired 3 -U) on a two-out infield single (weak throw on the run by Nico Hoerner), a hard-contact line drive RBI double down the RF line, and an E-1 (missed catch) by Imanaga on what should been an inning-ending 3-1 GO, gave up another run in the 3rd on a two-out walk on a 3-2 pitch and an RBI double to LF, and two consecutive singles leading off the top of the 4th before being relieved (runners were ultimately left stranded)... threw 18 pitches in the 1st inning (14 strikes - two swing & miss, one on FB and the other on a SL - four foul balls), 24 pitches in the 2nd inning (17 strikes - three swing & miss, one on FB, two SPLIT - six foul balls), 19 pitches in the 3rd inning (13 strikes - seven swing & miss, three on SL, two on SPLIT, one on FB - three foul balls), and 12 pitches without retiring a batter in the top of the 4th (8 strikes - no swing & miss - four foul balls)... Imanaga throws a lot of pitches per inning, but it's not because he doesn't throw strikes...  if anything, he throws too many strikes (he threw 70% strikes on Tuesday)... while he gets a ton of swing & miss (and strikeouts), he also induces a lot of foul balls because he doesn't try to make hitters chase his pitches by throwing them out of the strike zone... rather, he uses his very diverse pitch mix to get swing & miss (and lots of foul balls as well)... he also is a fly ball pitcher who will give up more than his share of HR during the course of the season...   
     
    JOE NAHAS
    FB: 90-92 
    SL: 83-85 
    CV: 80-81 
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day... relieved Imanaga with runners at first and second and no outs in the top of the 4th, and after an E-2 catcher's interference committed by Miguel Amaya loaded he bases, Nahas struck out the side (one swinging & two looking)... threw 16 pitches (11 strikes - two swinging)...   

    YENCY ALMONTE
    FB: 89-92 
    CH: 86 
    SL: 79 
    COMMENT: Threw an eight-pitch 5th (five strikes - no swing & miss), with a 5-3 GO for the first out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 DP after a one-out single... command was a bit off but he worked through it...   

    FRANKIE SCALZO JR
    FB: 94-95
    CH: 88 
    SL: 83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 6th inning... got the first outs easily (a P-5 and a 4-3 GO) on just three pitches, before allowing three consecutive two-out hard-contact hits (a double and two singles), with the third hit on pitch # 9 resulting in a runner being thrown out at the plate by RF Christian Franklin for the third out of the inning... 

    MICHAEL ARIAS
    FB: 94-96
    CH: 87-89
    SL: 82-83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and allowed a hard-contact double on the third pitch of the 7th inning (a 96 MPH FB), and the runner came around to score on a 4-3 GO and a WP... gave up two other loud contact outs (an L-7 and an F-9)... threw 18 pitches (only 10 strikes - only one swing & miss)... stuff is electric but still very raw and he continues to have difficulty commanding it, and while he has the repertoire of a SP, he throws too many pitches-per-inning to be a SP and not enough strikes to be a closer... he is most definitely still a work-in-progress...   

    ZAC LEIGH: 
    FB: 93-94 
    CH: 89 
    SL: 81-83 
    CV: 78
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and tossed a 1-2-3 8th (4-3 GO, K-swinging on a sweeper, K-looking on another sweeper)... threw 14 pitches (11 strikes - one swing & miss - eight foul balls)... kept pumping pitches into the strike zone but had difficulty putting hitters away (ergo a ton of foul balls)... FB velo is nowhere near the 96-98 MPH it was a couple of years ago when he was a Top 30 prospect, but his secondaries are better...   

    JOSE ROMERO:  
    FB: 93-95
    SL: 82-84
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 9th (14 pitches - only six strikes- no swing & miss) and allowed a solo HR after two near-HR fly outs to the warning track, before getting a 3-1 GO to end the inning... it was like batting practice when he wasn't throwing pitches out of the strike zone...

  • crunch (view)

    pablo sandoval played 3rd and got a couple ABs (strikeout, single!) in the OAK@SF "exhibition"

    mlb officially authenticated the ball of the single he hit.  nice.

    he's in surprisingly good shape considering his poor body condition in his last playing seasons.  he's not lean, but he looks healthier.  good for him.

  • crunch (view)

    dbacks are signing j.montgomery to a 1/25m with a vesting 20m player option.

    i dunno when the ink officially dries, but i believe if he signs once the season begins he can't be offered a QO...and i'm not sure if that thing with SD/LAD in korea was the season beginning, either.

  • crunch (view)

    sut says imanaga getting the home opener at wrigley (game 4 of the season).

  • crunch (view)

    cubs rolling out the who's who of "who the hell is this guy?" in the last spring game.

  • videographer (view)

    AZ Phil, speaking of Jordan Wicks having better command when he tires a bit, I remember reading about Dennis Lamp 40 years ago and his sinker that was better after 3 or 4 innings when he would tire a bit and get more sink with a little less speed on the pitch.  The key for Lamp was getting to the 4th inning.