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

If They Do It

With two weeks left in the 2007 MLB season, the Cubs lead the Brewers by one game. The Cubs also trail the Padres by four games in the Wild Card standings, in case that becomes an issue later. If a one-game tie-breaker is required, it would be played on Monday 10/1. It would count as a "regular season" game, so the "regular season" roster (up to 40 players) would be available, and the stats from that game would apply to the regular season. If the Cubs play the Brewers in a 10/1 tie-breaker game (and MIL is the most-likely opponent for the Cubs if they finish in a tie after 162 games), the game would be played at Wrigley Field. But if the 2007 season ended today, the Cubs would open the NLDS (best three-out-of five) at AZ (Wednesday 10/3 and Thursday 10/4), with games at Wrigley Field on Saturday 10/6 and (if necessary) Sunday 10/7, and (if necessary) a fifth and final game at Arizona on Tuesday 10/9. SD would play NYM (opening two games and--if necessary--final game at New York), to determine who plays in the NLCS (best four-out-of seven, starting on Thursday 10/11). Although there is no way of knowing how things will turn out, here is a guess at the Cubs 2007 post-season roster, should they be fortunate enough to run the gauntlet and make it that far: ROSTER RULES: 1. Players who were on the Cubs 25-man roster and 15-day DL and 60-day DL as of midnight on 8/31 are eligible to play in the post-season. 2. Players who were on the on the 15-day or 60-day DL as of 8/31 (and for the Cubs, that would be Angel Guzman, Roberto Novoa, Angel Pagan, and Mark Prior), as well as any player who was on the 25-man roster as of 8/31 who is placed on the 15-day or 60-day DL during September, can be replaced on the post-season 25-man active roster by any player (regardless of position), as long as the replacement player was in the Cubs organization as of midnight 8/31. (If the replacement player is not already on the 40-man roster, the player must be added to the Cubs 40-man roster before he can be activated for the post-season). 3. A player who is injured DURING a post-season series can (with the approval of the MLB Commisioner) be replaced during that series, as long as the replacement player plays the same position as the injured player. (And if an injured player is replaced during a post-season series, the injured player cannot be reactivated for the duration of the post-season). 4. Post-seson rosters can be changed prior to each post-season series (NLDS, NLCS, and WS). PROJECTED CUBS POST-SEASON ROSTER LIKELY ACTIVE 25-MAN ROSTER FOR NLDS * bats or throws left # bats both PITCHERS (11): Ryan Dempster * Scott Eyre Kevin Hart (DL replacement #1) * Rich Hill Bob Howry * Ted Lilly Carlos Marmol Jason Marquis Kerry Wood Michael Wuertz Carlos Zambrano CATCHERS (2): Jason Kendall Geovany Soto (DL replacement #2) INFIELDERS (6): Mark DeRosa * Mike Fontenot Derrek Lee Aramis Ramirez Ryan Theriot * Daryle Ward OUTFIELDERS (6): * Cliff Floyd * Jacque Jones Craig Monroe Matt Murton * Felix Pie Alfonso Soriano READY-RESERVE REPLACEMENT CADRE (INACTIVE) PITCHERS (5): Sean Gallagher * Sean Marshall * Will Ohman * Carmen Pignatiello Steve Trachsel CATCHERS (1): Henry Blanco INFIELDERS (1): Ronny Cedeno OUTFIELDERS (2): * Sam Fuld # Angel Pagan (on 15-day DL) NOTE: It is important to have at least one player in the "Replacement Cadre" available for each position in case an injured player has to be replaced during a post-season series, because an injured player can only be replaced during the NLDS, NLCS, or WS by a player who plays the same position as the injured player. If the situation arises and the Cubs choose to replace a player who is injured in the midst of the NLDS, NLCS, or WS, any player who was in the Cubs organization as of midnight 8/31 could be used as the replacement for the injured player, but it's very unlikely that a player who has been inactive for several weeks would be selected over a player who has been with the Cubs all the way through to the end of the regular season. =========================== With the Mets leading the N. L. East, the Cubs leading the N. L. Central, the Diamondbacks leading the N. L. West, and the Padres leading the N. L. Wild Card, and with FLA, WAS, and SF having already been officially eliminated from contention, here are the "Magic Numbers" for the remaining N. L. clubs not in 1st place in a division or the Wild Card: "MAGIC NUMBER" TO BE ELIMINATED FROM N. L. CENTRAL (CUBS lead N. L. Central by 1.0 game - tied with MIL in "loss column"): MIL - 13 STL - 7 CIN - 4 PIT - 2 HOU - 1 "MAGIC NUMBER" TO BE ELIMINATED FROM N. L. EAST (Mets lead N. L. East by 3.5 games): PHI - 11 ATL - 7 "MAGIC NUMBER" TO BE ELIMINATED FROM N. L. WEST (AZ leads N. L. West by 2.0 games): SD - 12 LAD - 9 COL - 7 "MAGIC NUMBER" TO BE ELIMINATED FROM WILD CARD (SD leads Wild Card by 1.5 games): PHI - 13 LAD - 12 COL - 10 CUBS - 10 MIL - 10 ATL - 9 STL - 4 CIN - 1 ============================== REMAINING SCHEDULE FOR N. L. CLUBS STILL IN CONTENTION: CUBS (12): CIN (3): Hill vs Bronson Arroyo, Zambrano vs Aaron Harang, Lilly vs Tom Shearn OFF PIT (3): Marquis vs Paul Maholm, Hill vs Bryan Bullington, Zambrano vs Tom Gorzelanny OFF @ FLA (3): Lilly vs Dontrelle Willis, Marquis vs Sergio Mitre, Hill vs Scott Olsen @ CIN (3): Zambrano vs Arroyo, TBD vs Harang, Lilly (or TBD if clinched) vs Shearn TIE-BREAKER GAME #163: Marquis vs TBD MIL (14): @ HOU (3) @ ATL (4) STL (3) SD (4) STL (14): PHI (3) HOU (4) @ MIL (3) @ NYM (1) @ PIT (3) CIN (13): @ CUBS (3) @ SF (4) OFF HOU (3) CUBS (3) PIT (13): @ SD (4) @ CUBS (3) OFF AZ (3) STL (3) NYM (14): @ WAS (3) @ FLA (4) WAS (3) STL (1) FLA (3) PHI (13): @ STL (3) @ WAS (4) OFF ATL (3) WAS (3) ATL (13): FLA (3) MIL (4) OFF @PHI (3) @ HOU (3) AZ (12): SF (3) OFF LAD (3) OFF @ PIT (3) @ COL (3) SD (14): PIT (4) COL (3) @ SF (3) @ MIL (4) LAD (13): OFF @ COL (4 - includes DAY/NIGHT DH 9/18) @ AZ (3) OFF COL (3) SF (3) COL (13): OFF LAD (4 - includes DAY/NIGHT DH 9/18) @ SD (3) OFF @ LAD (3) AZ (3)

Comments

How about some speculation on who's pitching for the Cubs on Friday? CBS has it Maholm vs Marquis ESPN has it Maholm vs Marshall MLB.COM has it Maholm vs. TBA Maholm, after skipping three? starts because of a stiff back, got rocked in his first one back. Gotta win this one Friday.

How nice it is to be talking about a post season roster. Any chance they take Marshall over Eyre for the lefty spot in pen? Or maybe over one of the righties to give Lou a few more options late in games?

someguy — September 17, 2007 @ 11:09 am Any chance they take Marshall over Eyre for the lefty spot in pen? Or maybe over one of the righties to give Lou a few more options late in games? ======================= SOMEGUY: I based my guess on the projected Cubs post-season 25-man roster on how Lou Piniella is using his roster right now. I can think of reasons why Ronny Cedeno might be selected over Mike Fontenot (because Cedeno is the only other legitimate shortstop on the 40-man roster) or maybe Will Ohman over Kevin Hart (although I think Uncle Lou will take Hart because he has pitched well in September AND it gives the Cubs a "long reliever" in case of an extended extra inning game or an early exit by the starter due to an injury), but I can't see Sean Marshall selected over Scott Eyre, because Marshall has no experience as an MLB reliever. Plus, Eyre has pitched a lot better lately. I would expect Marshall and Trachsel to be kept inactive (but in "ready-reserve"), possibly throwing weekly simulated games on off-days to stay stretched-out in case one the "Big Four" starters go down during the post-season. Ohman and Pignatiello would be option #1 and option #2 as injury "back-up" for the relief corps, and Gallagher would be kept around in case of mulitiple catastrophic injuries to the pitching staff.

On Friday it should be Marquis - it would be his normal turn, since he just pitched Sunday. I hope it is, anyway, especially rather than Marshall, since I've got ducats for the game.

At first blush the schedule finally favors us over Milwaukee. But look again. The next three games are crucial. The Brewers are on the road where they stink. EXCEPT when they play Houston. Well, ....they're playing Houston. Milwaukee is 11-4 vs the 'stros and 4-2 at Houston. If they keep that up, they win 2 out of the next three. Meanwhile we draw the lowly Reds. EXCEPT that they have a 7-5 record against us and since July 1 Cincinnati has a better record than we do. They are not the patsies they were when they started the season 30-50. And we've played 17? games in a row at this point. It figures to be a tough series. And then we play Pittsburgh who took 2 out of 3 from us when last we met. After that we hit the road and finish with 3 against Florida and we need all 3 to even the series because they swept us at home earlier this year. And finally it's Cincy again....in Cincy....and that's no picnic.

The real starting question is who starts the last Saturday. Hill - tonight Z - 9/18 (3 days) Lilly - 9/19 (3 days) Marquis - 9/21 Hill - 9/22 Z - 9/23 Lilly - 9/25 Marquis - 9/26 Hill - 9/27 Z - 9/28 ? - 9/29 Lilly - 9/30 They could bring Lilly and Marquis back on short rest for the weekend, or give Hart a shot, or Marshall or Trachsel. It all depends on the standings at that point, I presume.

I haven't looked at the numbers... OK now I have looked at the numbers and Eyre has a 0.96 ERA after the All-Star game, a bit lucky but no HR's. I would probably put him on the roster.

I thought Soto was called up in September, and wasn't on the roster as of the 8/31 deadline? I wouldn't think they'd have two offensive catchers anyway, as Blanco is the only one that has a chance to throw runners out. Fontenot gives Lou a lefty bat for the infield. That's pretty invaluable. Cedeno is still a liability throwing in the field, regardless of if he can play short.

I thought Soto was called up in September, and wasn’t on the roster as of the 8/31 deadline? DC... read AZ Phil's post - he explains why Soto can be on the playoff roster. I wouldn’t think they’d have two offensive catchers anyway, as Blanco is the only one that has a chance to throw runners out. Well... Soto is probably above average defensively, and Blanco hasn't even seen the field since 9/3. It doesn't look like LouPa is very interested in using Blanco. And just because Soto can hit does not mean that he cannot play defense. Soto is better offensively and defensively than Kendall, so while he may not start every day, or even most days, I don't see how he doesn't get more starts from here on out and a spot on the playoff roster if he continues to be hot at the plate.

Yeah, you gotta tip your cap to Eyre. He looked like he was headed out of baseball, a la Rusch, at the AS Break, but has come back and looked outstanding. Now, he really hasn't pitched that much since the AS Break (only 18.2 IP) and hasn't been in many high leverage situations (only 4 hold/save situations), but still it is nice to see him back on track. Good for him...

"They could bring Lilly and Marquis back on short rest for the weekend, or give Hart a shot, or Marshall or Trachsel. It all depends on the standings at that point, I presume." Give Hart a shot? Are you nuts??!?!?!?!?! Unless we are up three games on Saturday, there is no way that guy should be starting. Everyone but Z will be available to pitch that game. Lilly, my guess, would start. Rich Hill would be available for a couple of innings. This is a pennant chase and a game of that magnitude, everyone is available.

dave: "I don’t see how he (Soto) doesn’t get more starts from here on out and a spot on the playoff roster if he continues to be hot at the plate." I agree, but Lou has said he likes to go with experienced guys down the stretch. But with Kendall playing to pre-trade levels the past few weeks (.190/.292/.262/.554 since Aug 31st), it would be nice to see Soto get some more shots.

Today's St.Louis Post Dispatch quotes Larry Rothschild saying Jason Marquis experience last year has made him "more coachable." And more, Marquis didn't stop throwing when he was left out of the playoffs... Marquis kept throwing through October, even tossing bullpen sessions in the World Series and after it. He said he didn't want to stop throwing last season "until I had positive thoughts." His search for what went wrong in his last year as a Cardinal also took him to Rothschild. The Cubs pitching coach stressed the simple and helped Marquis identify and fix mechanical flaws, he said. He feels he's quicker to recover when "things start to stray."

I've got to say that what Larry has done with Marquis needs to be commended as a very successful find on top of the scrap heap. Even for the "Fire Larry" crowd. Whatever he saw, he was right about it. I didn't think there was any way Marquis would be hanging around a 4.00 in September.

Eyre's improvement is another reason the Cubs seem to be poised to do something. Pie, Cedeno, Monroe and Trachsel have scuffled, but everybody else is looking good.

I think you nailed it, AZ Phil. The only difference I had penciled on my playoff roster was whether Lou will take Wood and I still think that depends on if he pitches as well the last 12 games as he looked in STL. I had Hart over Marshall because he looks more comfortable in relief and could go long if needed. I'm sure Lou would go DeRosa at SS if something happened in a game to Theriot.

Wew: "I didn’t think there was any way Marquis would be hanging around a 4.00 in September." I agree. There are many a legit things to blast Rothschild on, but getting Marquis to a 4.00 ERA in September is amazing. Good job by Hendry to listen to Larry and get him. I definitely was expecting more along the lines of a 5.00 ERA.

The playoff roster is pretty easy to put together right now. Only Cedeno and Marshall can really make arguments of being there instead of other guys. Cedeno because he can play short and Marshall to have another lefty/ long relief option. Trachsel may have a shot over Hart if Lou goes with a veteran. There won't be any major talent left off the NLDS roster though.

Two things: 1) Soto looks really locked in at the plate. He is hitting at least 2 or 3 balls really hard each game he plays. I have no idea why the Cubs didn't bring him up sooner. 2) The Brewers have a serious home/road split in their record, and I have been trying to figure out which way that cuts for the remainder of the season. Of Milwaukee's final 14 games against Houston, Atlanta, St Louis and San Diego, Houston is out of it, Atlanta is still in it, but just barely, St Louis is dead and San Diego is in the thick of it. They play Houston and Atlanta on the road (where they are 16 games below .500 on the aseason) and St Louis and San Diego at home (where they are 20 games above .500). Atlanta won't be out of it by the time they play the Brewers. Odds are, San Diego won't be eliminated or have clinched by the time they play the Brewers either. The Brewers have the advantage of playing San Diego, probably the best team left on their schedule, in Milwaukee, where they have a significant advantage.

Uh Oh... C.Z. does it? Cut may affect Cubs pitcher's start:
Lately, opposing hitters can't seem to hurt Carlos Zambrano. But a deadly, vicious kitchen chair? That's another matter. Zambrano was walking with a noticeable limp Sunday, two days after the Cubs pitcher beat St. Louis 5-3 at Busch Stadium. He had a small, round cut on his left heel. ... Will it hurt his chances of pitching Tuesday -- on three days' rest -- at Wrigley Field against Cincinnati? Publicly, everyone is saying it shouldn't be a problem. Privately, there are some concerns among the Cubs about Zambrano making the start.

1) Soto looks really locked in at the plate. He is hitting at least 2 or 3 balls really hard each game he plays. I have no idea why the Cubs didn’t bring him up sooner. Well, we traded Barrett away for Bowen and had to give him a look or heads would have been scratching. Then we had Koyie Hill getting old at Iowa with major league experience (LAD, AZ) and a line of .322 .364 .470 . Then we had Jason Kendall, for whom Hendry has had a longtime hardon, suddenly become available. And finally, our overpaid #2 catcher came off the DL. The fact that Geo Soto took his career into his own hands by ignoring the hitting advice he had been getting didn't help either.

Perhaps pitching Friday night in STL prolonged the healing (heeling) process and so maybe now it's infected? "Swollen and sore" after throwing a side session on Sunday (several days after the injury occurred) sure doesn't sound too good. Maybe it would be better just to have Trachsel pitch on Tuesday, and if Z can pitch on Wednsday night on his normal four days rest, that's great, or otherwise go with Lilly on three days rest if necesaary. Actually, if Piniella/Rothschild want to maximize the number of starts for Zambrano and Lilly by having them pitch on three-days rest, they could just as easily have deferred the "three-days rest" thing until the end of next week instead of this week, and it won't even be necessary to do it at all if the Cubs can clinch a playoff spot before Saturday 10/29. Like this: MON 10/17 - Hill TUE 10/18 - Trachsel WED 10/19 - Zambrano THU 10/20 - OFF FRI 10/21 - Lilly SAT 10/22 - Marquis SUN 10/23 - Hill MON 10/24 - OFF TUE 10/25 - Zambrano WED 10/26 Lilly THU 10/27 - Marquis FRI 10/28 - Hill SAT 10/29 - Trachsel (or Zambrano on three-days rest, but only if necessary) SUN 10/30 - Marshall (or Lilly on three-days rest, if only if necessary) Why was it so crucial to have Zambrano and Lilly throw on three days rest this week when it could just as easily be deferred to the last two games of the regular season (when it might not even be necessary)? And if it turns out that it isn't necessary for Zambrano and/or Lilly to throw on three-days rest the last two games of the regular season, one or both will be well-rested for the first two games of the NLDS on Wednesday 10/3 and Thursday 10/4.

Chad, I am quite comfortable in my insanity. Before I'm bringing Lilly back early, I want to see how he does this week. Hill on one day rest - maybe. LouPi actually mentioned the idea of starting Hart last week, but stuck with Marshall and Trachsel, for all the good it did him. And if you pitch Lilly on short rest, who pitches Sunday if needed? Marquis on short rest? They need another starter for one day, maybe. As I said, it depends on what the standings are.

Why was it so crucial to have Zambrano and Lilly throw on three days rest this week Harang vs. Trachsel what are our chances?

The last line in the article dave posted: "I'm a streak pitcher," Zambrano said. "When I get a streak going, I can get four or five wins in a row. It's all about streaks. You try to win as many games as possible." Ughhh.

cubswinthepennant — September 17, 2007 @ 1:25 pm Why was it so crucial to have Zambrano and Lilly throw on three days rest this week Harang vs. Trachsel what are our chances? =========================== CWtP: Even if it means a Harang-Trachsel match-up on Tuesday night, I'd still rather have Zambrano and Lilly at their very best this week (throwing on "normal" rest), at least until it becomes clear that it is absolutely necessary for them to throw on three days rest. And that wouldn't be the case until the end of NEXT week. And as I said, it might not even be necessary for them to do it then. Having Zambrano and Lilly throw on three days rest this week could mean half-assed ineffective performances by the Cubs' two best starters, and that's how you get swept by CIN and maybe lose four or five games in a row. I saw Jake Peavy pitch on three days rest against the D-backs a couple of weeks ago, and Peavy looked like shit in that game (eight runs allowed in three-plus innings). It wasn't necessary for Peavy to pitch on three days rest, and so it basically wasted one of his starts. I would prefer Lilly and Zambrano pitch under optimum conditions ("normal" rest) whenever possible, at least until the situation becomes desperate, which it isn't right now.

dcf: "Atlanta won’t be out of it by the time they play the Brewers." While they would not be mathematically out of it, ATL is all but out of it. They are 8 games back in the loss column for the division and 6 games back in the loss column for the Wild Card. And that doesn't even take into account there are 5 teams ahead of the in the Wild Card. ATL would realistically almost have to win out to get the WC. We need to hope those SD games mean something to them so they don't mess with their starting rotation too much in that last series vs. MIL.

Is the "If they do it" title supposed to be a play on the OJ book? Because that's how I read it, and it made me laugh. And also, for how long have I had my head up.... well.... somewhere and not known that the divisional series is only 5 games?

There is no way in hell that Hart starts a game on the second to last day of the season with the post season still in the balance. NO WAY.

Chad: "There is no way in hell that Hart starts a game on the second to last day of the season with the post season still in the balance. NO WAY." Unless one day this week, Z comes into the clubhouse and goes postal on all the pitchers and Hart (lowly rookie) happens to be out getting Starbucks for the team at that time. Then maybe he would start...:)

I agree with you Manny that Atlanta's chances are pretty slim. They may be mathematically eliminated at some point during the Milwaukee series. More likely during the following series. But I agree that it's just a matter of time. I hope that when they play the Brewers they still have something to play for. The BP playoff odds for the Braves are currently less than 1%.

Trans, They have Divisional Series's now? For which divisions? AZ Phil, Do you project only one lefty (Eyre) out of the pen for the entire playoffs? Or is that only for a series against the Diamondbacks? The Diamondbacks are not balanced--without switch hitting Hudson and Chad Tracy not playing, Stephen Drew is their only lefty hitter. So there is not much of a need for two LOOGIES against them.

oh, and AZ Phil, many, many thanks for the comprehensive post which answered the many, many questions I thought of last night while laying in bed, calculating magic numbers, etc. Question for Anyone: Do I start Gallardo and Sheets the next two days in Houston for my fantasy team? I've had my cake and eaten it too the last month, but now my conscience is eating at me. One thing about starting them is that it is guaranteed that a good thing will happen for either the Cubs or my fantasy team if I do start them. But not both.

DC Tom — September 17, 2007 @ 2:26 pm AZ Phil, Do you project only one lefty (Eyre) out of the pen for the entire playoffs? Or is that only for a series against the Diamondbacks? The Diamondbacks are not balanced–without switch hitting Hudson and Chad Tracy not playing, Stephen Drew is their only lefty hitter. So there is not much of a need for two LOOGIES against them. ========================== DC TOM: I am projecting only one lefty mainly because I don't think Piniella really uses a LOOGY the way other managers do. He sometimes will bring in a lefty to pitch to a left-handed hitter, but not as often as other managers do. Piniella seems to like to have Marmol-Howry-Dempster throw 7-8-9 whenever the Cubs are ahead, regardless of whether the hitters hit lefty or righty. And in games where the Cubs are behind or where a reliever is needed in the 5th inning or earlier, Lou usually uses either Eyre, Wood, or Wuertz, but which pitcher is selected doesn't seem to necessarily relate to the opposing hitters being left-handed or right-handed. Woody seems to perform best when he starts an inning, while Wuertz is at his best when he comes into a game with runners on base. So I doubt that Lou really cares if he has only one lefty in the pen (Scott Eyre), or that Eyre isn't really a LOOGY. Ohman is more of a true "LOOGY," but I don't think he will be on the post-season roster, mainly because Piniella doesn't use his bullpen that way.

Ok, yes, I am losing my mind. Completely forgot that, among other things, the Braves/Cubs series was a 5 gamer. put me out to pasture. go cubs and hooray internets.

bob — September 17, 2007 @ 2:52 pm Oswalt misses Mil. on Wed to be at the birth of his child—– ==================== BOB: Oswalt is a slacker. What's more rare? The Cubs getting into the post-season or the birth of a child? We need all teams who play the Brewers to do their utmost to win. Now, if it was a matter of Oswalt leaving the Astros and missing a start against the Cubs to be with his wife and newborn child, well, that's fine. But Oswalt needs to take his turn versus Milwaukee. No excuses.

Question for Anyone: Do I start Gallardo and Sheets the next two days in Houston for my fantasy team? I’ve had my cake and eaten it too the last month, but now my conscience is eating at me. One thing about starting them is that it is guaranteed that a good thing will happen for either the Cubs or my fantasy team if I do start them. But not both. Unless you really want the risk, start them. It's not so much about locking into one good and one bad outcome as it is about avoiding two bad outcomes.

"They have Divisional Series’s now? For which divisions?" That's what they call the first round of the baseball playoffs. Is it a fitting moniker? Not really. But it is what it is. NLDS NLCS

YMMV

[...] If They Do ItBaseball - With two weeks left in the 2007 MLB season, the Cubs lead the Brewers by one game. The Cubs also trail the Padres by four games in the Wild Card standings, in case that becomes an issue later. If a one-game tie-breaker is required, it would be played [...]

#46 Huh? Anyway, considering the Brewers play so well at home against just about anybody, this week takes on added importance. If the Brewers can hang within a game or even two this week, they will have extreme confidence heading home. Damn it would be nice to deliver a knockout punch this weekend while the Brewers face Hudson and Smoltz.

bob: "Oswalt misses Mil. on Wed to be at the birth of his child—–" Good planning there Roy, good thing it is not your team in the playoff hunt. Next time stay away from the rhythm method.

December 6, 2006: Andy Pettitte leaves Astros to sign with Yankees Nine months and one week later: Due date for Roy and Nicole Oswalt's second child. Seems like perfect timing, manny!

DC Tom- So maybe Mrs. Oswalt was the deciding factor as to why Pettitte left town. She finally put her foot down and said him or me. HA HA

"Good planning there Roy, good thing it is not your team in the playoff hunt. Next time stay away from the rhythm method." eh, if they were in the playoff hunt, they'd do what every other disgusting sports couple does and induce birth on an offday.

This is freaking weird...a pattern emerges... November 2003: Billy Wagner traded by Astros to Mets Ten months later (September 6, 2004): Arlee Faith Oswalt born to Nicole and Roy Oswalt

Chad, I am quite comfortable in my insanity. sure, but just remember when He speaks in caps, we must all listen to the gospal.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    18-year old SS Jefferson Rojas almost made the AA Tennessee Opening Day roster, and he is a legit shortstop, so I would expect him to be an MLB Top 100 prospect by mid-season. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Among the relievers in the system, I expect RHRP Hunter Bigge at AAA Iowa and RHRP Ty Johnson at South Bend to have breakout seasons on 2024, and among the starters I see LHP Drew Gray and RHP Will Sanders at South Bend and RHP Naz Mule at ACL Cubs as the guys who will make the biggest splash. Also, Jaxon Wiggins is throwing bullpen sides, so once he is ready for game action he could be making an impact at Myrtle Beach by June.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I expect OF Christian Franklin to have a breakout season at AA Tennessee in 2024. In another organization that doesn't have PCA, Caissie, K. Alcantara, and Canario in their system, C. Franklin would be a Top 10 prospect. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The Reds trading Joe Boyle for Sam Moll at last year's MLB Trade Deadline was like the Phillies trading Ben Brown to the Cubs for David Robertson at the MLB TD in 2022. 

  • 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)

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  • 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.