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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Notes From Dusty Baker Press Conference

From Dusty, himself:
"I love challenges." "I know I'm not a miracle man. I don't know if it's going to take a year or two years or whatever. But we're dedicated to winning.” "I want to dispel the reputation that I can only work with older players…I'm looking forward to having a mixture of young and old. I sometimes feel I have more in common with younger players." "I want to help guys on the team have a winning attitude. I'm almost more of a teacher than a manager." "A number of players have indicated that they would possibly like to come [here] and play for me. They're dedicated to bringing in the best players that the budget will allow."
From his new boss, the General Manager:
"He brings a lot of intangibles. A lot of people want to play for him." "It's pretty obvious that he's one of the best in the business. Every player he gets, he gets the most out of him." "Putting our young players in his hands is going to be terrific. It came across very clearly…that he was looking forward to helping mold and shape their careers and he was looking forward to working with young players. He felt, through his homework, that we had a lot of good ones, not only coming up to the big leagues last year, but coming up through the system…He's a guy I feel can work with any type of player, and certainly with our young players."
Bob Castellini and Wayne Krivsky feel they have the right man. But then, so did Andy MacPhail and Jim Hendry, back in November of 2002…when Dusty and Hendry stood before the assembled Chicago media and the microphones at the press conference from which all of these quotes were taken.

Comments

Nicely done, Cubnut. Those who ignore the lessons of history are condemned to repeat it (history, that is).

I think it'll be even more fun watching Reds/Cubs games next season now. We can start laying bets on Dusty's moves; or lack thereof.

dave: "Are we going to be reading about Dusty all year?" Are you kidding me? Dusty has a 3 year deal, right? Since this is TCR, we will be reading about Dusty for at least the next 3 years, if not longer. Of course the first 3 game losing streak by CINC will make teh first 200 post thread of 2008 for TCR.

Of course the first 3 game losing streak by CINC will make teh first 200 post thread of 2008 for TCR. Brought to you by the same sort of thinking that came up with statements like "When Dusty's Gone, People on TCR won't have anything to talk about."

I'm over him. Just thought there were some interesting parallels here. And yes, E-man (#5), he did quote Darren today.

Rumor has it that Darren will be the 3rd base coach. Darren will be the 2nd shortest 3rd base coach he's hired. Are they giving waving lessons in the AFL this fall?

"I don’t know if it’s going to take a year or two years or whatever." Whatever, dude - that's our man!

Dusty's hiring was the first good Cubs-related news I've heard in a week. I have no doubt that he'll take that promising young club and wreck it thoroughly. Well, if we can't make ourselves stronger, we can make our opposition weaker. Now if only we could talk Milwaukee into hiring Jim Riggleman ...

Urbs: "Now if only we could talk Milwaukee into hiring Jim Riggleman …" Or Jim Hendry!!!

Urbs: “Now if only we could talk Milwaukee into hiring Jim Riggleman …” mannytrillo: "Or Jim Hendry!!!" Pfff. You're not thinking big enough. Ed Lynch.

Its a shame that Baltimore already took McPhail off the market. He would have looked damn fine as a replacement for Jocketty.

I think I'm really angry at the networks, particularly TBS but also FOX and MLB for putting the NLDS on at such late start times, during a week day...tonight's game 4 of the NLDS will be another one that ends after midnight...how in the flippin world are kids supposed to imprint and become lifelong baseball fans or old farts like me enjoy the playoffs when the end of playoff games are so late and I fall asleep about the 5th inning.

Since I live in Reds country, I was lucky enough to get to watch the Dusty press conference today. Very well done Cubnut. Until your last line I honestly thought I was reading quotes from today's press conference. The tax guys at the IRS aren't the only ones who know this guy is a fraud.

Totally unrelated, but I still have a soft spot for JoBo. His talent is minimal, and it is never pretty, but Sweaty Joe finds a way to gut through it and get it done much more often than not.

cubster: I think I’m really angry at the networks, particularly TBS but also FOX and MLB for putting the NLDS on at such late start times, during a week day…tonight’s game 4 of the NLDS will be another one that ends after midnight. There's still baseball on?

the only ball game i will be watching is world series game 5 in denver 32 degrees, and snow showers

you think there will be a WS game 5, rokfish? not sure if the Rockies will lose another game...

NL Champion Colorado Rockies...NL Champion Colorado Rockies...NL Champion Colorado Rockies...NL Champion Colorado Rockies... I don't think that'll ever sound right...

BTW, I noticed that someone used the screen name of "Joe Pepitone" in posting a couple of comments to AZ Phil's Oct 9 Arizona Instructional League report (#'s 76 & 77). It wasn't me. Mine is the one WITHOUT the space between the first & last name. Just stating it for the record, FWIW. Blog on.

So - LaTroy Hawkins will get a chance to pitch in the WS? Dusty gets a new gig - on the same day? What's wrong with this picture?

Very underrated what the Rockies are doing. Absolutely amazing. It's one thing to go 21-1 during the heart of the regular season against mediocre competition...and that's an incredibly rare feat. To do it in 22 games, all of critical importance, most against top teams in the league. Incredible.

pineiro 6.5m a year...wow. marquis 7m a year...m.batista 8m...j.weaver 8m...w.williams 6.5m...okay maybe its not that radical. amazing what these guys are worth these days...its not like any of these contracts were handed out with teams expecting a 3.00-3.50 ERA 15+ game winner to emerge outta any of these signings. crazy market...stabilized in the early 00's and has been slowly creeping back ever since.

oh yeah...and how can i forget jeff suppan's 4yr/42m deal...wtf? stl gave kip wells 4m for his performance this year based on nothing but potential upside...dodgers paid 8m for randy wolf coming off multiple injuries and years of suck...pitt gave tony armas 3.5m... seems if you got a shred of upside and/or you can throw 200innings you're worth 3-4m minimum...and if you got a combo of both in some degree you're worth 6-10m...crazy.

I find that, if you sprinkle those Dusty quotes with the phrase "In my pants", they become ever so much more entertaining.... Yes, I'm still doing that...

I;m looking forward to having a mixture of young and old in my pants... that is pretty much my favorite...

So you see... the Cubs will pick up Trachsel's 4M option... and trade him! At 4 Mil I bet we could even get something of value. Smart move IMO!

I think I’m really angry at the networks, particularly TBS but also FOX and MLB for putting the NLDS on at such late start times, during a week day Well... if the games started any earlier today, half (or more) of the country would have still been at work. But Saturday night's start time was ridiculous - there was no reason to start that game so late.

I wonder if VA Phil saw Stephen Drew swing at that 3-0 pitch? Ending game on a check swing, what a bummer...

i wanted the dbacks to win cuz of petty crap like i enjoy the outside shots of the desert in setup/intro/etc shots they do during the game cuz i got a thing about the desert...and cuz fox has mark f'n grace under contract and that would be fun mic-time if he got any. then again colorado has fans that actually give a damn (rockies sold a lot of tickets for many years and they've had minor league ball there for like 100 years) and know how to make some noise...and they're probably the more exciting club to watch play vs. cle/bos (imo, anyway).

"Now if only we could talk Milwaukee into hiring Jim Riggleman …" Riggleman got a raw deal here and is a better manager than Yost.

I have already sent an autographed copy of "Chadball" to Clint and Co. Good luck boys.

Jace — October 15, 2007 @ 11:08 pm I find that, if you sprinkle those Dusty quotes with the phrase “In my pants”, they become ever so much more entertaining…. Yes, I’m still doing that… --------------- Ha!

Pleasure to see another team less than 15 years old do what the Cubs haven't been able to do since the year after FDR died. Go Cubs!

Good post Cubnut. You totally had me, and I look back and realize I should have seen it coming. I think it's fine to post about this - Dusty was the most recent manager of this team. Just because he was a failure and some here do not want to bring that up, should make no difference.

#17: I agree. It IS ridiculous. If you were really trying to get the most fans to watch/listen, you'd start the games earlier so that the majority of the U.S. population - especially the ones who might watch baseball - can see it. And it does matter with kids and bedtimes. The Washington Post had a story about this over the weekend. The reason they don't do it is pretty much just greed. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/12/AR20071…

Who will be the first poster next September, if the Cubs are floundering, to point out that the 2007 Rockies were in the same boat?

ah yes, Bartman caused a variance in the timeline and the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 has just vanished, GO TEMPORAL DISTORTION GO...maybe I can revise her article so that it was Alex Gonzalez who did it. Glad to see Dusty will never suspect he's got the wrong AGon. ...did Cubnut nail this or what. These Dusty quotes have a timelessness about them: ''The [Reds] have a mixture of veterans and youth, and this is what I've always yearned for,'' he said. ''Especially with young players that you can teach how to play baseball and how to play winning baseball. ... Hopefully, we can develop some players in the minor leagues.''

”...and how to play winning baseball. Not a Chadball reference imho.

It's early, but one week into the AFL (Mesa Solar Sox) season, Sam Fuld is doing OK... 1st SLG 1st BB 2nd OPS 2nd R 2nd H 2nd SB 3rd 2B 4th HR 6th OBP 9th BA And he has made at least three outstanding catches in the outfield, too. Unless he gets traded, Fuld should be the Cubs 4th OF in 2008.

AZPhil - lets assume that the 2008 Cubs decide they need Soriano's bat in the middle of the lineup as opposed to leadoff. Stranger things have happened! Would Sam Fuld be a more valuable player for the Cubs as the leadoff man as opposed to JJ who can't leadoff or play CF that well and Felix Pie who is not a leadoff man regardless of his speed. In other words, wouldn't his chances of being a starter be exponentially higher given that scenario. I just have to believe that the Cubs are going to need to change that terrible outfield of JJ in center and the RF platoon (Floyd, Murton).

J who can’t ... play CF that well Jacque Jones can't play center well? Since when?

Rory — October 16, 2007 @ 10:36 am AZPhil - lets assume that the 2008 Cubs decide they need Soriano’s bat in the middle of the lineup as opposed to leadoff. Stranger things have happened! Would Sam Fuld be a more valuable player for the Cubs as the leadoff man as opposed to JJ who can’t leadoff or play CF that well and Felix Pie who is not a leadoff man regardless of his speed. In other words, wouldn’t his chances of being a starter be exponentially higher given that scenario. I just have to believe that the Cubs are going to need to change that terrible outfield of JJ in center and the RF platoon (Floyd, Murton). ============================ RORY: The biggest problem with Sam Fuld is that he has had trouble staying healthy (torn labrum incurred sliding into 3rd base, broken wrist, sports hernia, and strained oblique) because he plays with no fear. I just don't think he knows how to dial it down, nor would I want him to. But IF (and that's a big IF) it was possible to hit Soriano 4th or 5th (presuming he could actually hit 30-40 HR and drive-in 90-120 runs hitting there), and if Fuld could stay healthy for a full season, then Fuld-Theriot (or Theriot-Fuld) hitting 1-2 in the order wouldn't be a bad idea, because they would be able to get on base ahead of the Big Boppers AND drive opposing pitchers insane in the process. Here are Sam Fuld's career minor league numbers (mainly hitting lead-off) pro-rated per 160- games: 296/377/417 107 RUNS 40 2B 8 3B 6 HR 53 RBI 26 SB (9 CS) 70 BB 70 K 10 HBP So if Soriano could hit in the middle of the order, and if Fuld were to play CF and hit #1 or #2, then I might consider moving Felix Pie to RF and platooning him with Matt Murton in the #7 or #8 slot until Pie can improve his approach versus LHP to where he can play every day. Or if Jacque Jones isn't traded before next season, then I might consider playing Fuld in CF and Jones/Murton in RF in 2008, and send Pie to Iowa (he has one minor league option left) with instructions to play him every day and hit him 3rd in the order, with the idea that Pie would replace Jones in 2009, either to play every day in RF (if he can learn to hit LHP) or in a platoon with Murton (if Pie can't learn to handle LHP). Best Cubs OF ARMS in minors: Nelson Perez (ex-RHP, now plays RF) Ryan Harvey (plays RF, should be a pitcher) Felix Pie Sam Fuld Kyler Burke (plays RF) Leon Johnson Best Cubs OF DEFENDERS in minors (all can play CF): Sam Fuld Jonathan Wyatt Felix Pie Leon Johnson Chris Walker Cliff Andersen Tyler Colvin

Quick offensive breakdown (only looking at OPS) comparison of the Cubs at each position last year vs the NL: C - .673 (14th in NL) 1B - .884 (4th in NL) 2B - .766 (8th in NL) SS - .640 (16th in NL) 3B - .886 (4th in NL) LF - .891 (5th in NL) CF - .710 (13th in NL) RF - .794 (6th in NL) The only number there that surprises me is the RF numbers. I thought we would be farther down. But this rough look at the numbers show me pretty much what I was thinking that we need to fix SS, C and CF. Also, RF needs to be taken a look at with Floyd being a question mark and Murton not yet proving he can be an everyday player. Also, the team should be looking to add another starting pitcher. So if Soto is going to be the C, then we really only have 3 big spots to upgrade, not counting the little tinkering.

"Nelson Perez (ex-RHP, now plays RF) Ryan Harvey (plays RF, should be a pitcher)" Can't the Cubs develop one Matt Holliday in the last 30 years? Geez.

Jacque was suprisingly competent in center. He still has the worst OF arm on the team, but I actually only remember it costing us runs twice. Have to agree I am pretty much done with Dusty discussion.

Can’t the Cubs develop one Matt Holliday in the last 30 years? ======== I think Ty Colvin has that potential, lets see what Az Phil thinks. but it wasn't just the Rocks offense that beat the Dbacks, it was their pitching. Regarding their offense though, it was key to get early leads to keep the Dbacks from going into their shutdown bullpen with a lead. We only had one lead the entire series and it didn't last even a half inning. Who woulda thunk it (regarding the Rockies).

Cubster — October 16, 2007 @ 11:18 am Can’t the Cubs develop one Matt Holliday in the last 30 years? ======== I think Ty Colvin has that potential, lets see what Az Phil thinks. ============================== CUBSTER: Yes. I believe Tyler Colvin will be a 30/30 man. Right now, he's an extreme first-ball fastball hitter and projects as a middle-of-the-order guy (probably #5 or #6, depending on who else is in the lineup). He also has that "it" factor. It can't be quantified or explained, but you know it when you see it. Justin Upton has it, too. The Cubs farm system was overrated five years ago, but it's underrated now. At least that's my opinion. The philosophy of the previous Cubs scouting director (John Stockstill) was to skew the top end (top ten rounds) of the June draft heavily toward pitchers (many of whom broke down with elbow or shoulder injuries), while new scouting director Tim Wilken seems to be more-inclined to go more-heavily with position players at the upper end of the draft.

then Fuld-Theriot (or Theriot-Fuld) hitting 1-2 in the order wouldn’t be a bad idea, because they would be able to get on base ahead of the Big Boppers Except Ryan Theriot didn't really get on base this year. A .326 OBP is not getting on base.

Really shocked people didnt pick up on these Baker falsehoods... “I want to help guys on the team have a winning attitude. I’m almost more of a teacher than a manager.” Wait is this the same Dusty Baker who was quoted as saying he doesnt have time to teach in the majors? That players need to be ready to go from the minors? Yeah i seem to remember old dust bag pulling that excuse out of his hat when he always found time for Neifi and no one else. “A number of players have indicated that they would possibly like to come [here] and play for me. They’re dedicated to bringing in the best players that the budget will allow.” Wow as Cubs fans we heard that line as well. Sadly it doesnt mean good players. If you were an iffy major league baseball player who was a veteran and a good clubhouse guy...which manager would you want to play for? My ass would be begging to get on Dusty's roster. Cuz i know it doesnt really matter how poorly I play, I am still gonna get a ALOT of playing time. Never have i seen a manager as two-faced and just a plain liar as good old Dusty Baker. Welcome back to the NL Central, thank god you arent our manager anymore.

AZ Phil: "Fuld-Theriot (or Theriot-Fuld) hitting 1-2 in the order wouldn’t be a bad idea, because they would be able to get on base ahead of the Big Boppers" Theriot only had a OBP of .326 this year.

THE BOMB at the bottom of Slezak's "I went to Cincinnati because they wanted me the most" piece ---- "it appears that his only earnest suitor was the small-market Reds As for Cincinnati "wanting" Dusty, if the Cincinnati Enquirer poll can be believed 56% of the local fans (~9000 voting) think it was a bad move. Here's what Dusty said was his immediate agenda the day he was hired by the Cubs: (strike 1) Meet with FA Jim Thome ASAP ("I have players calling me wanting to come over here") (strike 2) "Sammy's the STAR. He's the MAN!" (strike 3) "Sarge will make (Corey) Patterson his pet project (as hitting coach)"

The philosophy of the previous Cubs scouting director (John Stockstill) was to skew the top end (top ten rounds) of the June draft heavily toward pitchers (many of whom broke down with elbow or shoulder injuries) I really wonder if young pitchers wouldn't be better served in the minors if they dialed down the speed on their fastballs 10% and just worked on command and finesse pitches until they reached AA.

dave — October 16, 2007 @ 11:29 am then Fuld-Theriot (or Theriot-Fuld) hitting 1-2 in the order wouldn’t be a bad idea, because they would be able to get on base ahead of the Big Boppers Except Ryan Theriot didn’t really get on base this year. A .326 OBP is not getting on base. mannytrillo — October 16, 2007 @ 11:31 am AZ Phil: “Fuld-Theriot (or Theriot-Fuld) hitting 1-2 in the order wouldn’t be a bad idea, because they would be able to get on base ahead of the Big Boppers” Theriot only had a OBP of .326 this year. ========================= DAVE & MANNY T: Fine. If you want pure OBP at the top, then hit DeRosa 2nd. I understand there is disagreement about the value of speed at the top of the order, but Theriot's career MLB OBP is .341, and he has an inside-out stroke that lends itself to a #2 hitter. Theriot also steals bases at a high percentage so that the 3-4-5 hitters are more-likely to see fastballs when he's on base, and he has the speed to go easily from 1st to 3rd or score from 2nd on a single to the outfield, and he has the speed to score from 1st on a double. I'm not going to debate the value of speed at the top of the lineup because either you agree that it's important or you don't, but to me, a fast guy with a .341 OBP can hit 2nd on my team any day.

I don't think you can lay Thome not signing on Dusty. That was MacPhail with a sprinkle of Hendry all the way.

AZ Phil, I think you have to steal around 50 or 60 bases a year to beneficially impact the guy hitting behind you, according to a study BP did (I think in one of the annuals).

most of the minors revolves around working on those finesse pitches and i dunno any instructor out there looking to turn a 95mph fastball into a 90mph fastball unless he cant control it.

Looks like Angels GM, Bill Stoneman, is stepping down. It would be kind of funny to see Stoneman replace Hendry, since it sounds like Stoneman's loosing the GM job for having the money, but not being able to actually bring in any top FAs since Vlad. Ironically up until last offseason, the big complaint by Hendry's critics was that he couldn't sign big name free agents. And even more ironically, when Hendry signed Big Name free agents (which now don't count because "anyone could have spent the money he did") he got the two guys in ARam and Soriano that were openly target by Stoneman, leaving the Angels to spend their money on Sarge Jr. So are we sure that Stoneman would be an upgrade?

cubs rule #18... no matter what the cubs got everyone has better, could have done it better, is doing it better, and the people that are here have the mental capability of a crack addicted toddler. FIRE ______ ! BRING ON ________ !

Here's what I care about: A) Getting a new owner pronto B) Getting Mazzone/ditching LR C)Improve the starting rotation D) Getting a decent hitter you do not see Dusty on the list, do you? For Gods sakes, get over him. Cubs fans look like of bunch of whining babies right now. It might not be a problem with most of the people here, but please do not expend the effort in booing him next year. Who gives a shit about him? Onward toward a better goal : 2008 World Domination.

Bledding Blue: "So are we sure that Stoneman would be an upgrade?" I think so. Hell, I know the LAA "only" won 94 games last year and have been in the playoffs "only" 4 out of the last 6 years with "only" 3 division titles and won "only" one a world series title, but I think it would be a little upgrade...:)

why would stoneman want to walk away from anaheim and its perfect weather...and his home...to come take a job that's not even open in chicago? stoneman's in his mid-60s...not exactly looking to make a name for himself in the world of executives...he's already got his career. now let's throw a monkeywrench in all that...he was born in chicago and used to pitch for the cubs. still...its not like he's pubically pined to come back to chicago.

Here’s what I care about: A) Getting a new owner pronto B) Getting Mazzone/ditching LR C)Improve the starting rotation D) Getting a decent hitter you do not see Dusty on the list, do you? Wow, that's quite a to-do list you have there. I take it you work in some very important capacity for the Cubs.

On one hand, I'm so over Dusty. No worries there. On the other hand, I'll stop picking on him when Bears fans stop picking on Wannstedt (read: never).

*I think I’m really angry at the networks, particularly TBS but also FOX and MLB for putting the NLDS on at such late start times, during a week day…tonight’s game 4 of the NLDS will be another one that ends after midnight…how in the flippin world are kids supposed to imprint and become lifelong baseball fans or old farts like me enjoy the playoffs when the end of playoff games are so late and I fall asleep about the 5th inning.* Move to the West Coast. The games are over before the evening news.

*Pleasure to see another team less than 15 years old do what the Cubs haven’t been able to do since the year after FDR died. * It was in fact, the very same year--but point well dished out.

PS. What's the over/under on Tim McCarver punching Joe Buck in the mouth after the latter won't shut up about starting Beckett instead of Wakefield in Game 4 of the ACLS? Listening to these two is always 4th-level-of-Hell awful, but the ongoing argument they've been having over this issue is like watching a reality TV series about a failing marriage. Jeebus. Give it up already.

blargh, I don't think McCarver even realizes there's someone else in the booth with him.

"Carol Slezak is an idiot. http://www.suntimes.com/sports.....16.article She blames Bartman for Dusty’s woes...:" She does nothing of the sort. She said the good vibes Dusty engendered with the Cubs and their fans started to fade from that point on. Whether you agree with that or not, she does not blame Bartman for Dusty's woes.

"...used to pitch for the cubs." Two VERY short stints in back to back years with TWO games started in 46 total GP. A cup of lukewarm coffee... Interestingly, he then went on to pitch 294 innings one year with the 'Pos. Could you imagine this today? 294 innings?!

Since I can't read Lou's mind, I'm not entirely clear what he means about a more 'athletic' lineup. But, you could do a lot worse that Fuld/Theriot hitting 1-2 if someone could convince Soriano to hit 3rd (which is where I believe he should hit). He'd see as many fastballs or more with those 2 hitting ahead of him and Ramirez/Lee hitting behind him. As for Theriot and OBP (#61 and #66), this is where statistics don't tell the whole story. That 'it' AZ Phil describes Colvin as having.....well, Theriot has a good bit of that himself. What he does at bat doesn't always translate into ideal stats. This team could do A LOT worse than those two hitting 1-2 in the lineup.

Good point, Blargh. I had the last year he was elected in my head instead of the year he died. Somehow the exact year makes it even sadder.

Actually, the Cubs have prospered under the Roosevelt presidencies far better than any others. Three World Series and two championships under Teddy and the '35 and '38 teams under Franklin. Also a World Series in '32, less than a month before FDR was first elected and a World Series in '45, the year he died. That leaves only three World Series appearances for the Cubs without a Roosevelt in the White House. Somebody'd better run a Roosevelt if the Cubs ever plan on getting back to the Series.

Dave said: Ryan Theriot didn’t really get on base this year. The last game the Cubs played, against Arizona at home on a recent Saturday, that was this year, right? The Cubs down 3-1, the season on the line. Theriot starts the fifth with a walk and steals second. Two more walks, bases loaded, one out, three and one on the batter, etc., etc. Still down 3-1 in the seventh, season still hanging in the balance. Theriot singles up the middle with one out. Next guy, double play. So you see, he does get on base occasionally. Whether he gets on base when it matters is on the record but it's a little hard to extract. But I've given you a couple of examples.

The last game the Cubs played, against Arizona at home on a recent Saturday, that was this year, right? Yup... one game proves your point. You are right - Theriot is an on base machine. Good work.

Whether he gets on base when it matters is on the record but it’s a little hard to extract. And once again... every game matters (well... except for the 161 and 162). Not sure why you think that only certain games matter.

Va Phil, As one of the most outspoken people here on the topic of the existence and firm belief in clutch as well as the biggest OBP Über Alis detractor, even I find your post #89 flimsy at best.

"Not sure why you think that only certain games matter." But dave, in a 162 game schedule, each game does not have the same level of importance and you know that. A manager doesn't bring in Randy Johnson to relieve Curt Schilling in April.

Of course, in our world, Chad is exactly right in #93. That seems off the cuff to be exponentially more silly in April than it is in September. But if every chance is truly equal in the wins and losses sense of the term, then maybe it's not too crazy to think that maybe managers occasionally SHOULD do so in close-and-late situations. I know why it won't but it's still not a terrible idea.

in a 162 game schedule, each game does not have the same level of importance and you know that. A manager doesn’t bring in Randy Johnson to relieve Curt Schilling in April. Has that ever happened in the 162 game regular season? Its happened in a World Series game, but I don't think anyone is arguing that a World Series game is just as important as a regular season game.

"Its happened in a World Series game, but I don’t think anyone is arguing that a World Series game is just as important as a regular season game." It happened in game 163 for the Chicago Cubs when Kevin Tapani came in to relieve. While every game matters, some will just matter more.

It happened in game 163 for the Chicago Cubs when Kevin Tapani came in to relieve. Sure, but again, that's not games 1-162. Clearly 163 is a playoff game, even if it statistically counts as part of the regular season.

While every game matters, some will just matter more. Kind of. But if the Cubs would have one more game, Tapani wouldn't have had to pitch in game 163. So it is difficult for me to say that game 163 was more important than game 73. There are times where you are more desperate, but I am not sure that it means that the game is more important.

re 98: I'm sure that if the Cubs had a win and you're in situation in 162 they would have done the same as would most any team. I know the Padres didn't but they should have.

First of all, I'm over Dusty. I don't think I was ever under him. (Unlike Neifi?) I agree with #62, except for: "Never have i seen a manager as two-faced and just a plain liar as good old Dusty Baker." My one-dimensional impression of Dusty - I obviously don't know him personally - is that he is a decent, amiable gentleman who is generally liked and respected by those who know him. Could it be that he believes those things he said at the press conference? Self-delusion is a common thing for most of us. Another alternative is that he knows what he is saying is bullshit and: a) anything you say to the media falls under that heading anyway, or b) he simply perceives it is in his best interest to say positive things about himself. That doesn't seem to be a particularly unusual trait either. I think he can be an effective short-term manager under the right conditions, He's more of the Chuck Tanner school of managing, who tries to motivate by being a nice guy, than the Dick Williams type of manager, who motivates through being a drill sargeant. Both can be effective, depending on the personalities of the team roster. Both almost inevitably wear out their welcome, and are replaced - often by their counterpart in managerial style. I thought he was a poor manager as a talent evaluator and as a strategist. A failure to recognize the value of walks as an offensive result is inexcusable in this day and age. I would never hire him, especially when he don't come that cheap. That being said, the Reds could win the division next year. Stranger things have happened.

re:101 - I think you're missing the point that if you're going to say that some games 1-162 are more important than others, using examples from games 163-on doesn't support your argument. I do like Dave's desparation doesn't make it more important line. I'll just add, the only difference between a win in april and a win in september, is that in september you have a better idea of exactly how many wins you need to continue your season.

Re #102 (Danville Joe): Your post made me think of populist politicians. You know Obama doesn't believe the crap he spews, you know Blagojevich really does believe the crap he spews, I have no clue whether or not Hillary believes the crap she spews. I put Dusty in the Hillary group.

Did he believe in the "holy water" he had sprinkled on the mound during a losing streak? Typical baseball superstition or just a media stunt? I still don't know. Could be a great WS if the Indians get in - a great WS for those of us who like baseball and don't care about TV ratings.

"Another alternative is that he knows what he is saying is bullshit..." dusty has a reputation of taking the press about as seriously as...well, he's not known for taking them very seriously. he at least shows up...he just gives stock answers and weird musings. surprised he still even bothers with the musings considering how some tear every word down as if its a literal gospel and law of the land.

"Did he believe in the “holy water” he had sprinkled on the mound during a losing streak? " the most important and telling thing about that incident is the only person who knew what was up with that was prior. wood didnt even know...that's just how he operates. he knows the guys he has to call out in the lockeroom, the guys he has to call out in private...and how to reach out to them in the situations most effectively. he'll "zen" one guy, give a shittalk to another guy...etc etc...he works with people in a variety of ways in order to drill whatever point he has to make without having to drill it into them (unless that's what it takes).

I wonder how he worked with Murton, Theriot and Soto to drill into their heads that they were made for the bench, or how he got the best out of Sammy and Corey Patterson. Nice to see someone still believes the hype though.

murton played...he played his best under dusty so far. theriot played...he played his best under dusty so far. soto...team had barrett/blanco... i mean, how we gonna spin this? cuz i just spun that into a win for dustbag with something tangible to back it up. that dont matter, though... what im talking about is a communication skill which is one of the main reasons he keeps getting called the things he does by the people who keep saying those weird good things about him. he's a people person who's capable of communicating things to people in a wide range...*shrug*

btw...i dont think how well murton or theriot played had anything to do with dusty unless he actually helped them with his hitting (i have no f'n idea). im just saying...the man has a skill, its a known skill, and its part of why he keeps getting paid millions to manage.

Did he believe in the “holy water” he had sprinkled on the mound during a losing streak? ====== I believe he got the "holy water" from Moises Alou

"murton played…he played his best under dusty so far.' Well technically, Murton had a .316 MLVr in AA and a .306 MLVr in AAA before he had a .280 and .092 MLVr under Dusty, so you're pretty much 100% wrong there, Crunch. Theriot hit his best under Dusty in 159 PA's, though.

"Murton had a .316 MLVr in AA and a .306 MLVr in AAA before he had a .280 and .092 MLVr under Dusty, so you’re pretty much 100% wrong there, Crunch." you're actually trying to argue that point with AA and AAA numbers? i guess dusty really did drop the ball with every prospect he's ever touched except soto, then. my bad.

I JUST can't believe that Dusty Baker would want to manage the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Its no SECRET that the city of Cincinnati is the MOST racist city in America. Although he is a good manager and he lets the players play but the only thing the Cincinnati Reds fans think of is Pete Rose. I guess Dusty 4got what they did to the GREAT Tony Perez as he did not last two months. Dusty might last two years if the Reds signed Alex Rodriguez.

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)

    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.