Cubs MLB Roster

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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
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Huevos

The Cubs ended their mild two game swoon against the soon to be former World Champions with yet another one-run victory, giving them a 14-16 record in that bit of baseball whimsy. The game was harmless enough, Zambrano picked up his NL leading thirteenth win, lowered his ERA to 3.65 and took 117 pitches to not even make it through seven innings. I think we've seen that movie before. It did mark Derrek Lee's triumphant return to the lineup and he was kind enough to plate a particularly useful insurance run in the 9th. An insurance run that was very much needed with the return of the Ryan Dempster Experience back in the closer role. Handed a two-run lead, Dempster quickly hung a meatball to Yadier Molina to leadoff the inning, immediately putting the tying run up to the plate. A couple outs later, he gets Ryan Ludwick into an 0-2 hole before meatball number two is lined into left field, scoring a run after a Soriano bobble and bringing up Mr. All-World Albert Pujols. And any strategy that involves having to pitch with Albert Pujols representing the winning run isn't a good one. Then of course the Cubs had been dancing with this devil a few times already. In the fifth, after a Skip Shumaker triple gave the Cardinals the lead, Pujols came up with one out and first base open. That would be the Pujols hitting 429/545/1602 going into the game ever since the All-Star Break. That seemed like the no-brainer of no-brainers in terms of an intentional walk. But after a pow-wow on the mound with Lou, Z went all in and Pujols popped out on the very first pitch. A Chris Duncan strikeout later and the Cubs escaped further damage. Impressive. The seventh inning proved to be even more harrowing. Z started the inning but would not finish and two relievers later his namesake of the Marmol variety had Skip Shumaker set-up to end the inning. But the re-re-re-return of Ronny Cedeno seemed vaguely similar to last five times we went through this and he booted the inning ending groundball that brought up Mr. Pujols once again with an opportunity to make life miserable for us Cubs fans. The intentional walk seemed a little less obvious this time since it would have put the winning run in scoring position. On the other hand, play enough hands of Texas Hold 'Em against Johnny Chan and you're bound to lose a few. Yet once again the Cubs chose to attack Pujols and yet once again they escaped the inning without further damage. Most impressive. By the time the ninth rolled around, Pujols was hopefully going to be a non-factor as he was due up fifth in the inning. But as described earlier, Dempster wasn't going to allow this one to be boring. Sidenote to all current and potential Cubs closer: I prefer my ninth innings to be boring once you're put in the game. With Ludwick representing the tying run, an intentional walk putting him on second wouldn't have been the best idea. On the other hand, thinking you'll get Albert Pujols three straight times in crucial situations isn't a good idea either. But Dempster prevailed as Pujols once again went meekly into the night. As Harry use to say - Cubs Win! Cubs Win! The moral of this story though is to applaud Lou and the pitchers for not backing down to Pujols (which would be the complete opposite of what I was doing in my head when he came up to bat). One of the many things that bugged me to no end during Bonds' incredible run in the early 2000's was that managers and pitchers were afraid to challenge him. And I think the managers were driving the fraidy cat train about 90% of the time. It's far easier after the game for a manager to not have to answer why he let Bonds beat him, then to challenge his pitchers and Bonds. Not to mention it seemed like a terrible message and a real confidence killer to your pitchers by telling them to walk or pitch around Bonds just about every single time. Letting your pitchers know you don't think they can get guys out, doesn't seem like a real solid long-term strategy or much of a character builder. So I'm glad Lou showed the confidence in his pitchers to go after Pujols, certainly a lot more confidence in them than I had last night. ¡¡¡Huevos grandes indeed!!!

Comments

Good win tonight. Too bad the Brewers (and Padres) kept pace. The Dodgers lost, though, always a good thing. I'd love to see the Cubs sweep STL and put the pressure on the Beernuts in a big way. Let's get into first place by the first of August!

OK, so now that we have established our man-hood by not backing down to Pujols, can we get back to the sane thing and pitch around Pujols in high-leverage situations without destroying the chi of our pitchers?

Bonds went 0-6 last night. The interesting thing is Selig is telling Giants he must play on the road so not to effect pennant races, somethings gotta give in that warped old body.

Eric Patterson is not somebody we should be thinking about trading. How often does a speedy middle infielder hit 17-20 HRs in his first full season in Triple-A? For comparison, here is Chase Utley in 2002: 2002 Scranton (AAA), age 23, 464 ab, 73 r, 122 h, 39 2b, 1 3b, 17 hr, 70 rbi, 8 sb, 3 cs, 46 bb, 89 k, 263/352/461 Patterson so far this year: 2007 Iowa (AAA), age 24, 397 ab, 77 r, 120 h, 20 2b, 6 3b, 14 hr, 58 rbi, 14 sb, 5 cs, 302/364/489 Utley returned to Scranton-Wilkes Barre in 2003 and hit 323/390/517 with 18 HR and 77 RBI in 431 AB before being called up. Two years later Utley hit 28 HR for Philly and then 32 last year.

It would take some cajones to throw strikes to Pujols in the 9th, knowing he is the go-ahead run. Sayers40: I’d love to see the Cubs sweep STL and put the pressure on the Beernuts in a big way. Let’s get into first place by the first of August! Anyone hear Corey Hart talking shit? "If they can play .800 ball the rest of the season, more power to them." -- Hart, when asked about the recent Cub's surge. Got news for you, bud, if the Cub's play .800 ball the rest of the year, you'll be many many games back.

I just figured it up for fun, if the Cub's go .800 the rest of the year, they'll have 103 wins: 103-59 The Brewers are on pace for 91-71 record. If they cool, like many people think they will, they could be well under 90 wins.

This proves LaRussa was right to keep Rowand at the plate in the 9th inning of the ASG. (Note sarcasm.)

I can't understand why all coaches don't wear batting helmets. They should be required for base runners as well.

I am opposed to the coaches wearing helmets. Next will come netting all around to protect the fans. Imagine the Congressional hearings and grandstanding as the government, once again, moves us to protect us from some invented hazard. Shit happens. Deal with it.

VA Phil, I think you can sleep at night and not worry about Hendry trading E. Pat or any other major prospects. In spite of everything he, McDonough, et al are saying, no one believes the Cubs are willing to make a major deal because it will involve salary beyond 2007, more money over the rest of 2007, or both. I personally would make a deal tomorrow for guys like Griffey, Abreu, Teixiera, Otsuka even if it meant a major prospect or two (hopefully not Patterson, Pie, or Colvin). But I agree with Steve Stone on WSCR this week - you only get close once in awhile, next year's contending team isn't promised, so you have to 'go for it' when you have this chance. I would trade anybody right now, if I thought it would get the Cubs into the WS this year.

The Brewers are on pace for 91-71 record. If they cool, like many people think they will, they could be well under 90 wins. Who are these "many people?"

dave: Who are these “many people?” I don't have names. CT_Steve: I am opposed to the coaches wearing helmets. Next will come netting all around to protect the fans... Shit happens. Deal with it. I'm not sure if this was tongue-in-cheek or not, but I agree, sort of. If a coach wants to wear a helmet, fine. If you don't want to, you know the risks. I feel the same way about seat belts and wrestling crocodiles.

Prediction time, ready? Predict the next date when the Cubs will have at least a share of 1st place. (Note, Opening Day 2008 is an acceptable answer, albeit a distasteful one)

George Altman said: you only get close once in awhile, next year’s contending team isn’t promised, so you have to ‘go for it’ when you have this chance. I respectfully disagree, George. There really is going to be a next year, and all your twenty-somethings will get better and your thirty-somethings will get worse (if that's possible). The Braves made the playoffs fourteen out of fifteen, right? And they're making a strong push again this year. They do it by stockpiling young talent and then trading young guys who have passed out of the "prospect" phase and have some major-league chops. That way, the Braves know what they're trading. Don't get me wrong, I think the Cubs are doing a good Braves imitation so far this year.

That's great, VA Phil. Really it is. But you're working on the premise that the new owner won't have a problem working with the $100M payroll. I urge you to show me where Cubs fans have been assured that will happen.

For you West Coasters just getting up - Sun Times states progress on "Z" signing: "Team president John McDonough and general manager Jim Hendry have suggested in the last two weeks the ownership roadblock to getting a deal done with Zambrano might be on the verge of lifting. And Hendry and Zambrano's agent, Barry Praver, are in St. Louis this week with the team. Nobody's saying whether they're ironing out updated details of a possible extension, pending Tribune Co. approving a deal, but they have a good relationship, have stayed in touch this season since a would-be deal was put on hold in April and are not in town to visit the Gateway Arch." http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/482510,CST-SPT-cub25.artic…

Interesting, re: Z. I guess Hendry's line about not negotiating during the season doesn't hold when it's his ace. :-)

That payroll thing seems like a made-up problem, Wes. Of course, we don't really know. But anybody with a $billion to buy the Cubs can write a few checks. I've always thought the Z signing was a done deal, because neither Z nor his agent has made one angry or threatening sound about free agency. Anyone here know why, accounting-wise, Zell might have insisted on waiting till August to ink the deal?

If Cuban buys the team, then sure. You know his heart is in it and he wants to win. He'll cut the check to get anybody and everybody to play for the Cubs. But what if some other dude buys it? What is his motivation? Adding a good money-maker to his portfolio or playing winning baseball? There's nothing made-up about that.

OT: The Tribune's Cub page ran that story Sunday about the 1977 season. It was called "1977 a slice of heaven for Chicago." It now says: "1977 a slice of heave for Chicago. Obviously somebody has a sense of humor.

"“If they can play .800 ball the rest of the season, more power to them.” — Hart, when asked about the recent Cubs surge." Corey is dying to get plunked. Is that quote implying that the Brewers are planning on playing .775 ball the rest of the season?

CUBSTER: Is the only treatment for tendonitis rest and ice and anti-inflams? I mean, like A-Ram, it is something he will need to play with for the rest of the season, correct?

With all of the candidates currently lining up to buy the Cubs. I have a really hard time believeing that a penny pincher will have both the highest bid, and league approval. If you are going to spend 1 Billion plus on the team/stadium/comcast package. Skimping 10-15 million dollars on payroll seems shortsighted at best. And suicidal at worst. There is no better way for an owner to squander his investment in the cubs, than to alienate his own fan base.

Carlos Rubi, it least Hart isn't bashing our .355 percentage, which seems like what we usually play at in June/July.

And for all the patting on the back we gave Tribune Co. for spending the last few years. In all reality, they have underspent the teams that are in the same revenue bracket by a wide margin. If the SF Giants can spend what the cubs have in each of the last 5 years. All while both, paying the mortgage on a stadium AND being in a substantially smaller market. Then there is no reason the trib couldnt have spent 120-140 annually on payroll like Boston has?

Funny that Hart is worried about the Cubs. I am still standing by my prediction that the winner of the weekend series before the ASB will be the division winner (Cubs won 2 out of 3). The fact that this guy hasn't been told by his teammates not to worry about what other teams are doing (at least pubically) doesn't speak well for their team confidence.

Tendinitis in his hamstring, according to cubs.com. I've never even heard of that injury before. Maybe the Cubs are serving too much Power Aid and it's got some undiscoverd effect of giving tendinits.

Progress report: We can surely see the improved team now. Here is a comparison with last year's version: 2006 CUBS record, 7/25/06: 39-60 5th place 18.0 Games out 2007 CUBS, 7/25/07: 52-46 2nd 3 gms behind So, so far, a 27 game improvement in record. Not too shabby!

VA Phil, I hope the Cubs become the Braves of 1990-2005 over the next 10 years.........I'm pretty sure most of us on this board do including yourself. Unfortunately, history shows we don't get this close this often (1984, 1989, 1998, 2003-04 for example). We're 2 behind the Brewers in the lost column, 1 behind in the lost column for the WC.........64 games to go. Wes, you played pro ball.........isn't this where the GM puts his cajones on the table, we bet the ranch if we have to, and GO FOR IT!

The Real Neal: Funny that Hart is worried about the Cubs. When they talk about young guys and how they handle the pressure of a pennant race, this is what they mean. =) They asked Derosa during the celebrity bowl-a-thon thing about the same thing and he said, and I'm paraphrasing, 'we just need to worry about ourselves and if we play good baseball we'll be there at the end'. I like that philosophy a lot better than Corey Hart's.

FWIW, an low-level minor league GM and a big league GM do not play the same roles. Not even close. I'm no expert here. However, my personal opinion is to agree with you. Ownership changes are funny things. You never do know exactly what roster you're going to come out of it with. Personally, I wouldn't wait around for the new owner to tell me what my budget was and how we were going to attack 2008 and beyond. I'd be making a run while I was 100% sure that I would have the ponies (Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Zambrano) in the stable. I might even think about putting a mortgage on the future for a blockbuster at the deadline.

The Real Neal: "The fact that this guy hasn’t been told by his teammates not to worry about what other teams are doing (at least pubically) doesn’t speak well for their team confidence." See, if the Brewers had Izturis on their team, he'd be more than willing to tell Hart anything pubically. Now, I don't know about *publicly*...

Rob G- Carlos Lee=New Dr. Strangeglove. OHHH Brother, gottat love that left side of Astros infield Lee and Loretta, holy crap. Oswalt's era will double, someone forgot to tell the Astros they are in the NL, Lee is a DH.

BTW Jacos: Carlos Lee in 2007: 7 assists, 2 errors Alfonso Soriano: 11 assists. 4 errors I'm just saying...he's no Dave Kingman at least...

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/482306,CST-SPT-soxnt25… Mets, Padres, Dodgers & Mariners leading the Dye charge at the moment. In that Daily Southtown link Hendry only mentioned that he'd like to add a bench bat. My guess here is that unless a true blockbuster unfolds for the Cubs, that'll be the only addition. Rob's Top 3 Trade Targets: 1. Griffey Jr. 2. Tejada 3. Rowand/Hunter/yet to be named power hitting CF'er and yeah, none of that's happening.

"Carlos Rubi — July 25, 2007 @ 10:03 am ““If they can play .800 ball the rest of the season, more power to them.” — Hart, when asked about the recent Cubs surge.” Corey is dying to get plunked. Is that quote implying that the Brewers are planning on playing .775 ball the rest of the season?" I think somebody feels the pressure! "I can’t understand why all coaches don’t wear batting helmets. They should be required for base runners as well." I believe that base-runners are required to wear helmets. My dad told me that back when helmets came into use, they would take them off when they got on base. Now they don't. As far as coaches wearing helmets, if they want to, let them. But in over 100 years of baseball this is probably the first time this has happened. We don't need any rules about this.

E-Man, Either that's a 13.5 game improvement or the Cubs are 6 games out of first. Dusty Baylor, Range factor and zone rating Soriano destroys Lee in. Add in his time in center and I think his FP is higher as well. Kingman's first year in Left for the Cubs compares quite favorably with Lee circa 2007.

"In that Daily Southtown link Hendry only mentioned that he’d like to add a bench bat." I smell a smokescreen. Did anyone think the Cubs were going to get Nomar before it happened? I don't think you tell everyone you're looking to make a blockbuster trade until you actually announce it happened. Wishful thinking? Maybe.

yeah, there was a pretty big buzz about pitchers when Clement got plunked last year by a line drive. I think Transmission even wrote a piece about it that pitchers needed some sort of protection. If they want it, that's fine, but mandating isn't really necessary. It's pretty rare albeit unfortunate occurrence.

actually thought that Nomar trade was being whispered for weeks. It was denied like 100 times and I distinctly remember Gammons saying the RSox would never trade Nomar which is how we all knew he would get traded somewhere but I vaguely recall Nomar to Cubs talk before the deadline. I also remember it getting squashed a bunch of times and by Hendry's own account I believe it really didn't materialize until the very last minute.

Yesterday, dave presented some interesting bullet points that tended to show that the best teams don't hit the most home runs:
The top four teams in home runs last year did not make the playoffs. Three of the top four teams the previous year did not make the playoffs. The Cardinals, who won the World Series, were 13th in MLB in home runs last year.
So how do the Cubs stack up, home run-wise, with the 2006 Cardinals? I'll list the top seven Cardinal power hitters last year, and then I'll extrapolate the 2007 Cub numbers based on the simple formula of current number times 1.67 (since the season is 60 percent gone). Pujols 49 Rolen 22 Duncan 22 Edmonds 19 Encarnacion 19 Spiezio 13 P. Wilson 8 152 Ramirez 27 Soriano 27 Lee 13 DeRosa 12 Pagan 7 Floyd 7 Jones 3 96 I like this team a lot, but as I say, it doesn't give me pennant fever.

From Wikipedia- "After a difficult season in 1974 when he had 12 errors in 59 chances, the Giants not only stopped playing him at third base, they sold him to the New York Mets. Thereafter, he played only 14 games at third" The move to third will be fun for Lee.

last 7 World Series Winners and their league rank in homers since comparing AL to NL home run totals makes no sense whatsoever... 2006: Cardinals (5th in the NL) 2005: White Sox (4th in the AL) 2004: Red Sox (4th in the AL) 2003: Marlins (11th in the NL) 2002: Angels (10th in the AL) 2001: DBacks (5th in the NL) 2000: Yankees (6th in the AL) there's a dozen different ways to be a good team and power and getting on-base are a tried and true way of scoring runs but let's not act like it's the only way.

Virginia Phil... if you are really concerned about the Cubs' offense, you should look at runs, not offense. Cubs, 2007- 4.65 R/G (league average: 4.52) - 2.87% above league average Cardinals, 2006 - 4.82 R/G (league average: 4.76) - 1.26% above league average The Cubs are doing just fine offensively in comparison to the last year's Cardinals team. I understand that home runs are helpful. But runs are more helpful, and more important.

"I smell a smokescreen. Did anyone think the Cubs were going to get Nomar before it happened? " Nomar to the Cubs was the worst kept secret ever. We all knew it was happening and were talking about for a while. It seemed that it may not happen due to complicated dealings, but it was no surprise. Also, VAPHIL, are you trying to say that the Cubs can't win because they don't hit enough homers? Man you will do anything to avoid falling in love with this team, won't you? I've told you time and time again, you need to go 100% every time and when they reach into your chest and pull out your heart and throw it on the floor and stomp on it, then for good measure kick you in the groin, you deal with it.

The Cubs have been pretty lucky with 2 out hits for the last 5 weeks. That's not something I want to build the offensive philosophy around. Neither, however, is bringing in sub .300 OBP guys (cough Dye, cough). Griffey would be the best of both worlds. Oh yeah, I hear he can track a fly ball too. I wonder what having Griffey on the roster would do to the team's market value and the chase for A-Rod. Jacos, I thought you were talking about Lee in Left not third. He did come up as a third basemen as I recall, and being that he's probably the worst left fielder in the majors, 3rd may be worth a shot. It would certainly help to justify his contract. I wouldn't mind picking up Endsburg as our right handed bench guy, either. He can't hit, but he'll make the pitcher throw strikes.

anyone with BP access care to summarize any Cubs news in their rumor mill article. Much appreciated...

Wes said: I might even think about putting a mortgage on the future for a blockbuster at the deadline Any team can have a bad century, Wes, but let's not shoot for two.

Well said Chad.....wow. Love 'em or hate 'em...the Cubs are my team. There's been a lot of love this year....a nice change of pace.

I�ve told you time and time again, you need to go 100% every time and when they reach into your chest and pull out your heart and throw it on the floor and stomp on it, then for good measure kick you in the groin, you deal with it. Just don't wear their cap to Comerica Park. ----> :) :) :)

/pwned

Double-hearsay trade rumor: The Will Carroll column in Baseball Prospectus today reports that "Ken Rosenthal reports" that the Brewers are interested in Dye but "Dye is more likely to move to the Cubs, who can offer the reliever/prospect package that Kenny Williams has been looking for. The question the Cubs have to answer is whether they can take on salary, even if it's just the $2.5 million that Dye has left this year." "Reliever/prospect package"? We couldn't get Kenny Williams to think about Scott Eyre, could we? Could we? Seriously, do we have a reliever not named Marmol that a team would really want?

Oh yeah, The Nomar trade. It was rumored for 10 days, a couple of weeks, but Hendry was adamant that he wasn't trading Clement which seemed to put the kybosh on the deal. When I heard it announced - I was playing Everquest in Taiwan as I recall - I thought they were just fucking with me because they knew I was a big Cubs fan. Nomah without giving up Clement? ! ? Best..Trade...Evah!!!!

We couldn�t get Kenny Williams to think about Scott Eyre, could we? No. The Sox are re-building. They have no use for someone like Eyre . And yes... the Cubs have relievers that other teams want. If Marmol is not on the list, here are others that would interest teams: Wuertz Petrick Cherry Probably others, but that is a good place to start.

Besides Eyre and Ohman, there's not a reliever on the team I would trade for Dye at this point if we're throwing in a prospect to boot.

Right now I don't have much useful to add about DeRosa's condition, yet... ...but the report from the locker room during the game (about 5th inning), which Santo/Hughes reported was hamstring tendonitis. That's probably not what is going on since DeRosa was able to start and tendonitis is more chronic. The hamstrings are on the back of the thigh and they originate from the pelvis, with several muscles in the group in the mid posterior thigh. Some go medial, to the inside of the knee (sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosis) and another goes lateral (biceps femoris). The tendons attach on respective medial and lateral locations just below the knee. From the radio booth, Dr. Ronnie Santo was saying that he expected it to be more of a cramp in the hamstring muscles since they didn't see any acute injury which he would have been called a hamstring strain and didn't use the term "pulled a hammy" if I know my Santo lingo correctly. I'd wait till tonight's pregame info before we can tell what the diagnosis/prognosis more formally is. ...by the way, I loved Jimbo's post #30 quote from the previous thread of what Santo said when Theriot was called out (but replay showed the ump blew the call) on the stolen base. �Oh no. He was SAFE! Aw jeez. He was in there. He was safe. Aw jeez. He was in there, this shot shows it.�

better be a low-level prospect and a not too special bullpen arm if that's the asking price.

NEAL: "Either that�s a 13.5 game improvement or the Cubs are 6 games out of first." Umm (turns red) yep...

I know diabetics can't drink but I wonder if Santo and Pat play games with his glucose level just to get that buzz going. 'this shot shows it', priceless. Ronnie is like a later-day Yogi Berra only without the 'yeah, that kinds of make sense' factor.

Did anyone else see the rumor on Bleed Cubbie Blue? Wasn't exactly a "rumor." More like an "I know somebody who knows somebody who knows Dunn and Dunn may be close to coming to Chicago."

The other mention of Cub news in the BP trade rumor article, Rob is a simple statement that there are only a limited number of teams interested in Griffey and that the Cubs are the only team on his approved trade list. (Despite the fact that he's a lefty, I think Griffey to Cubs is more likely than Dye, as he can play a little center and Lou will like that versatility to have both Griffey and Floyd in the lineup at the same time.) A mention that White Sox are interested in trading Iguchi and Podsednik, that they will "listen" to offers for Thome, and that Konerko is not on the block. Not much else truly interesting and new in the article. A side mention that there is one team that is "very interested" in Wily Mo Pena and that Ian Snell wants out of Pittsburgh.

Ron Santo question: If God said to Ron Santo, "Ron I will turn back the clock and will allow the 1974 White Sox to win the World Series or I will let the 2007 Cubs win the World Series, you choose." What would Ronnie say. I know what I think, but I'll wait for your answers. (for those of you who don't know, Ronnie was on the 74 White Sox)

that Adam Dunn BCB rumor is a bit much... First sign is that they would even tell Dunn that a deal is close to a specific place. Unless he has a NTC clause I'm unaware of they wouldn't even mention anything to him until only the paperwork would have to be finalized and they certainly wouldn't play him if a deal was that close.

I am pretty sure that a post just like that appeared on BCB in 2005. Almost all those same details, too.

dave (re relievers to trade), I was putting Petrick and Cherry into the category of "prospect". I agree with you, dave. My point was more directed at wondering what Kenny Williams was up to. If the Sox are selling to rebuild, so I just don't know why Kenny Williams would want a major league "reliever" for Dye. Who would build a team around Weurtz? The bullpen is the last place for a rebuilding team to work on because these guys are always available. Better to ask for one high-level prospect and one low-grade prospect than a major league reliever plus a prospect. The only consolation is that Dye to the Brewers makes even less sense.

Yeah, reading more than one blog for sources is probably not the best idea. I think Santo would take the White Sox team. Your playing career is finite, but you can be in an organization for a long time. OK, I guess that's finite too, but you get the point.

Rob G, on Dunn, According to the BP rumor site, Dunn is "willing to go anywhere" because he will be a free agent anyway. Dunn seriously belongs in the American League and probably knows it. I'd think the Angels could have the inside track on signing him for that reason.

I'm almost positive I saw that Dunn rumor elsewhere too - maybe earlier this season - right down to responses that they wouldn't tell Dunn "get ready for a move to Chicago." Feels like a hoax.

Not that I thought it was a good idea at the time, but man, if we had kept Hamilton... Maybe the Reds feel like they owe us an outfielder because of that deal?

well unless Dunn has a NTC clause of some sort, it don't matter where he's willing to go. and yeah Dunn has a $13M club option for next year but it's voided if he's dealt.

Brick, I'm sure its a total hoax but I am saying that its far more sinister. Someone is posting the exact same thing years apart just to see people squirm. Pretty funny if I'm right.

Hamilton could be done for the year fwiw, out to see a hand specialist this week, can't swing a bat, blah, blah, blah.

If the Sox are selling to rebuild, so I just don’t know why Kenny Williams would want a major league “reliever” for Dye. Who would build a team around Weurtz? I would think that the major league reliever would be someone like Wuertz (or another young arm) that is still under control for a few years. You don't build a team around someone like Wuertz (or really, most bullpen arms), but you do pick up useful tools if they are available. Kenny Williams is probably not going to be able to get a player that he can "build around" for Dye. Which is why he would be looking for role players that can contribute both now and for the next few years.

Ha - just saw your poll on BCB. In any case, respondants seem to be skeptical at most.

I just don't see what Dye does for the Cubs unless you're going to play him everyday and hope we catch lightning in a bottle. Even then, it would be Cherry or Petrick at most plus a top 30-50 prospect at the most. I'm with you, RobG, Griffey Jr. or Hunter would be at the top of my very short list if Hendry has permission to spend money. I'd be prepared to give up a lot (in prospects) for either one.

Hamilton could be done for the year fwiw, out to see a hand specialist this week, can’t swing a bat, blah, blah, blah. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is just a set-up for the bestselling Josh Hamilton book and movie deal. Hamilton was tempted by Kim Basinger over the All Star Break, but Glenn Close will soo set him straight again and even have him meet his son. Wilford Brimley will then have him pitch-hit for sure and just you'll see, The Judge will go down.

this seemed too easy but I'll post it: Cubs Trivia: Who holds the record for most career extra-base hits by a member of the Cubs?

Twins have lost 3 in a row and are getting crushed today by the Blue Jays and they play Cleveland this weekend. I generally root for them but a few more losses and maybe Hunter and Nathan go on the block.

Does Hunter have NTC? Because I would not be surprised at all if he refused to come to the Cubs. In a radio interview earlier this year, Hunter said that he was not interested in coming to the Cubs in the off season because of how Jock Jones has been treated.

So the Nomar thing was rumored in 2004, but the point I (ineffectively) was trying to make was that Hendry never said that's what he was trying to do. Sure, there were rumors floating around, but Hendry never said, "I'm trying to trade for Nomar or some other high profile player." So, I wouldn't be surprised this year if we picked up someone more impactful than a right-handed bench bat.

I'm pretty sure Hunter has a limited NTC clause I vaguely remember him having the Cubs on his list cause of the brick wall.

hmm, a dilemma then... Cot's Baseball Contracts says: limited no-trade clause allowing Hunter to block deals to Boston, Chicago Cubs, Detroit, Tampa Bay & Toronto he also said he's not fond of the brick walls in Wrigley. That being said, 2 months and a pennant race have to be mildly appealing and I do recall at one point last year he said he'd consider the Cubs. Of course he'd be replacing JJ, that would be a bit awkward...

Furthermore, if memory serves, I believe he took the Cubs off the list in case of a trade deadline move, probably in 05.

Totally off topic but... right before the all star break i had a dream about the Cubs playing the Giants. I went to http://www.itoldyouso.com to record this dream. While I was not 100% correct, it was very close to what actually happened. Here is what I dreamt: "Ted Lilly will pitch against the Giants. The Cubs will be up 4 - 0 sometime in the game. Perhaps the 6th. the Giants will score two and in that inning (after scoring 2) Barry Bonds will be on second base and another player on first with 2 outs. - 07/07/2007" Eerie.

The Cubs cited decreased pitch velocity as a problem when they released Brownlie, but he is reported to have been throwing in the high 80s (mph) with terrific movement on his breaking pitches while with Newark. too funny...

Not to be a stickler, but: cajones = drawers or boxes cojones = testicles

I know it was noted earlier that G. SOTO hit his 13th HR last night against Colorado Springs, but has it been mentioned that the guy he hit it off was none other than (our own) DAVE VERES?! It was VERES' first appearance in AAA. He's trying to make a comeback after hip replacement surgery but his outing was Rocky to say the least. 0.2 IP 4 H 1BB 2K 5ER 1HR ERA of 67.50 Soto's HR scored 3.

but isn't the word 'cajones' pronounced "CHO - nehs" or maybe that's just a slang term. Carlos? Ayudame por favor.

thanks for the Veres update cwtp...I wrote about his comeback in march and realized he hurt his arm fielding a ball, he's a stubborn one if he's still trying to get back...some dreams need to be chased, but at least he should be able to walk without pain and that's a good thing.

In a puzzling statistical split, here is what Jacque has done against Cardinal pitching this year. .563/650/750 9/16 1 2B 1 3B 7BB 2K

JJ must know that that is the quickest way into the hearts of Cubs fans. Butchering the Cardinals...

From THT:
Miguel Tejada will play in minor league games Wednesday and Thursday. He's scheduled to come off the DL for Friday's game. Tejada has been out since suffering a fractured wrist June 20. He will play six innings at short for Double-A Bowie on Tuesday.
Anyone want to venture a guess for how many teams' scouts will watching Tejada's rehab stint?

as long as one of them is from the Cubs I don't care.. XM radio this morning had some orthopedic assistant or something from rotowire, Stephanie Bell I believe. Anyway, the injury Tejada had, a non-displaced fracture probably meant the tendons and ligaments weren't really injured (compared to what happened to D-Lee) and it was really just making sure the bone healed. I suppose we'll see.

Jace: JJ must know that that is the quickest way into the hearts of Cubs fans. Butchering the Cardinals… I think it's the red bat.

Can't get that game to load, but I did get to play a game where I get to park cars!! It's as much fun as watching Eyre wet himself on the mound...

yeah, if there are no articles on TCR the next few days, blame Dave.

That game is fun, btw. Anyway, Miggy will be a Cub. The trade will involve cedno amongst others. Mark it down.

yeah, if there are no articles on TCR the next few days, blame Dave. Ha... if Dave doesn't get any work done in the next couple of days, blame.... Dave?

well unless Angelos has given up control, he's going to want a big name in return. He nixed a great offer by the Angels last year. but it would be nice..

Griffey would be the best of both worlds. Oh yeah, I hear he can track a fly ball too. The Griffey with good defense is in the past. He's still fine if he's well-rested, but after six or seven consecutive games in the field, he's like cold oatmeal out there.

well he looked good yesterday, made 2 gems. is it bad that I can't get past the 2nd round in that game? It doesn't help that I'm playing against the '85 Cardinals defense there either. Stop catching my hits...

Yeah, Rob, that's as far as I can get, too... I get about 4 pitches into it, and that's all she wrote...

is it bad that I can’t get past the 2nd round in that game? It doesn’t help that I’m playing against the ‘85 Cardinals defense there either. Stop catching my hits… I am stuck on round 7 - have been stuck there for a while. I have to score 15,000 points, which means you have to hit home runs. Unfortunately I keep hitting line drives off the wall...

I am on the second challenge... You guys are not making me feel any better about it....

got to about 8 in a row once and then Pendleton or Coleman out there snagged a screamer to left...meh

I really like the sound effects of hitting the ball. It totally makes the game for me. I could listen to that forever...

That noise is right up there with the Intellivision Ice Hockey tripping noise.... Anyone get that?

I stopped playing at level 6. Rob, i found a little secret to the 10 in a row. crowd the plate. you'll hit swinging bunts. I also couldn't help but to chuckle about that challenge cause you have to get 10 straight hits without an out. So you have to avoid outs. Its a mini-Sabretraining.

back on point... Rockies beat the San Diego Barretts 10-2. Wild card race needs a shoehorn to put teams any closer. We're now 1 GB SD, 1/2 behind Braves and tied with Snakes.

was listening to some of the SD-COL game on XM from Colorado broadcast team...apparently the Pad's had a pregame meeting with their bullpen recently falling on weaker times. No word if Barrett has a split lip or black eye though.

a little more on MB, he will appeal his suspension (from the Pads website) Barrett was ejected in the fifth inning of that game when he was called out on strikes by Guccione. After a brief argument, Guccione ejected Barrett, who then threw his helmet down to the ground. Barrett, who was in the starting lineup on Tuesday, will appeal his suspension. He said the suspension surprised him to some extent. "I was a little curious to see what the suspension will be," Barrett said. "I'm never happy with any type of suspension. I'm a little upset I got suspended."

The Griffey with good defense is in the past. He’s still fine if he’s well-rested, but after six or seven consecutive games in the field, he’s like cold oatmeal out there. Wake me up when Floyd is availabe six consecutive games. Floyd does a fine job of keeping his FP high by mistracking fly balls so badly that the official scorer awards doubles instead of errors, though.

When is the last time someone won the CY Young and didnt make the allstar team in the same season? Has it happened?

Brewers acquire Linebrink...I'll put it in the game thread as well

Recent comments

  • 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.