Cubs MLB Roster

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40-Man Roster Info

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

42 players are at MLB Spring Training 

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

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

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

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

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

NRI CATCHERS: 2  
Jorge Alfaro 
Joe Hudson 

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

NRI INFIELDERS: 3 
David Bote 
Garrett Cooper
* Dominic Smith

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

NRI OUTFIELDERS: 1 
* David Peralta

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

 



Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Crazy Like [a] Fox

The Iowa Cubs will play their 2009 home opener tonight after completing a 5-3 road trip with an 8-7 win yesterday in Albuquerque.

Early on the story is the booming bat of Jake Fox, who's filling the shoes of Micah Hoffpauir and then some. So far he's hitting a robust .516 with a video game OPS of 1.676. Extrapolations of Fox's torrid start over a season's course, always fun in April, lead to some numbers of federally stimulating proportions. Were he to maintain his soul-sold-to-the-devil paces and NOT be recalled, Fox would rack up, for instance, 70 homers, 280 R'sBI and, gulp, 595 total bases.

I can't wait to get to the ballpark tonight and see how his road show plays in Des Moines.

Jake isn't the only Fox off to a fast start. Chad has racked up four straight scoreless outings out of the bullpen and recorded a save in yesterday's win.

Jose Ascanio is transitioning nicely from relief work to the rotation with two scoreless starts, each lasting four innings, as he stretches out to higher pitch counts. Ascanio has issued just one walk against eight strikeouts.

Jeff Samardzija had a lackluster two-inning stint out of the pen in the season opener but followed that with four shutout frames in his first start of the year later on the trip. He'll start again over the weekend and I plan to be there for a good look. He says he's throwing three sorts of fastballs now, along with his slider and a changeup that's the big work in progress. Samardzija reports throwing it several times in his last outing for strikes and says it's coming along. He threw 62 pitches last time out and will be rationed to about 75 on Saturday night en route to a routine workload in excess of 100.

Mitch Atkins has struggled in his two starts thus far, allowing 15 hits and 14 runs in just nine innings.

At the plate, CF Sam Fuld has played the best supporting role behind leading man Fox out of the leadoff spot.

April 17th sounds just about right for a midwest opening night and, sure enough, it looks like the I-Cubs have caught a break from the weatherman for a change. Afternoon highs in the low 70's are expected to give way to a comfortable evening. Unlike Ascanio and Samardzija, I think I have a good shot at going the distance my first time out...MW

Tags

Comments

Shh, don't you know you can't write anything positive about Samninja. Rob will ban you. Thanks for the I-Cubs recap. Always nice to hear about the baby Cubs.

Sam Zell admitting regret over buying the Tribune. I don't have a link, I heard it on my Maddow podcast. Amusing.

Thanks, Iowa Phil... It is truly great to have someone else who is able to chime in from another of the minor League sites periodically. Especially early in the season, when we are all going through withdrawal of AZ Phil's daily updates from Mesa. Mike, I know you don't post often, but I love to see your posts. Thanks again!

The ump is saying that he was bumped by boardgame yesterday...

[ ]

In reply to by big_lowitzki

Well, that will be at least 3 games, most likely 5. So in 9 games he will have been hurt and suspended. That's a good start..:)

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Terrible, terrible, god-awful call. If I were the ump, I wouldn't want to call any additional attention to that call by accusing Bradley of making physical contact. If I were MLB, I'd be tracking that ump to see how he calls a strike zone to make sure it wasn't just a fluke bad call. I don't mean that it was necessarily something personal against Bradley (though I guess that's possible), but more likely that the ump just fucked up and might fuck up again, perhaps repeatedly.

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In reply to by Rob G.

It was clearly a ball (inside), but not as bad as some of you are making it. Some of you are making it like it bounced in front of the plate and the ump rung him up. Also, I didn't see any Cubs fans cheering Bradley in the background of that clip. I did see a few Cardinal fans clapping and waving goodbye to him.

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In reply to by mannytrillo

Dude, the bases were loaded and it was a full count in a tie game. The ump's job is to get balls and strikes right. Not supposed to be outraged about that? Can't even voice a complaint? Oh okay. See ya, I'm going outside now to pick some daisies and maybe catch a butterfly.

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In reply to by Ryno

Where did I say you can't voice a complaint? Just like you are overreacting here I think you are overreacting on the pitch. It was clearly a ball (inside), but the reaction you and others are making, would make me think the ball bounced or was behind Bradley. I do believe the ump made a ball call. If I was watching the game live I am sure I would have been pissed and yelled some not so nice things at the TV.

[ ]

In reply to by Ryno

Gameday shows the sixth pitch was a strike. It was a curveball that passed through the strike zone. The bad call was the third pitch which looks like it clipped the upper inside corner for a strike but was called a ball. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2009_04_16_slnmlb_chnmlb_1… As for Bradley bumping the ump, although the Cubs.com highlight doesn't show much of anything, it sure looks like he did make contact in the Cardinals broadcast of the game (and the crew says just that at the time). The relevant part of Bradley's at bat occurs between 1:57 and 1:59 of the game. http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?ymd=20090416 In conclusion, he was out. He was wrong. He's still the same bonehead he was before he found a team to commit to a multi-year mistake with him.

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In reply to by navigator

Gameday shows the sixth pitch was a strike. It was a curveball that passed through the strike zone. So because Gameday says it was a strike, it was the right call? And actually ... it looks to me like Gameday shows pitch #6 to be just off of the plate.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

Gameday is information you clearly didn't consider when you made the emotional assertion that only one pitch was a strike. And it is the MLB record of the game. Did you watch all the available video of Bradley's at bat? I did. The last three pitches were strikes. And Bradley bumped the ump. Those are the facts. Deal with it.

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In reply to by navigator

Gameday is information you clearly didn't consider when you made the emotional assertion that only one pitch was a strike. And it is the MLB record of the game. I know exactly what it is, and I, unlike you, don't think that Gameday is perfect. Deal with it. I am dealing with it, but that doesn't mean I can't bitch about it. If you never bitched about anything, you wouldn't have any comments on this blog.

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In reply to by navigator

Gameday says "Called strike" but the ball is outside of the box. It also amusingly thinks the first strike was above the knees and well in the strike zone.

Image removed.

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In reply to by Rob G.

The MLB pitch fx data, like some of the secondary video shots, K-learly shows three pitches were strikes and one upside and in just missed. Day2Day Bradley struck out... I know it's beyond the ability for some to deal with but see for yourself... http://brooksbaseball.net/pfx/location.php?xml=http://gd2.mlb.com/compo… At any rate, what a great comeback win today! If Cubs win 6 out of ten all year they make the playoffs.

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In reply to by navigator

"I know it's beyond the ability for some to deal with but see for yourself.." since i lack tact and others seem to have it... nav...sometimes you are such a worthless piece of shit and other times you're just plain old ignorant. At any rate, what a great...wait a minute...let me just say again you can be a real piece of shit sometimes...comeback win today!

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In reply to by navigator

So MLB is saying the ump is right and clearly that is significant to you. Okay. Good for you. If you were here I'd pat you on the head.

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In reply to by Ryno

i just blame my lack of ability to deal with it...my mind was BLOWN, yo.

[ ]

In reply to by mannytrillo

Did we really walk on the moon? Or was the whole thing staged in the AZ desert? Again, MANNY...LOL I was there - if their wasn't security, it coulda been like an Italian soccer match and fans running after the Ump. It wasn't "just that pitch" it was the entire sequence of pitches - and the pitcher getting the calls most of the game, while equal locations for Cubs pitchers were not. DLEE stated that "the pitcher wasn't throwing strikes" either and was given the benefit of the doubt more than he should as well. A sport or game just should not be decided by incompetence on behalf of an umpire whose judgement is severely flawed. Period.

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In reply to by Rob G.

To be honest, I don't think Bradley handled it that awfully. He was pissed he got (clearly) screwed over in a key situation, and was thrown out about 2 seconds into the argument. He had to have put together an impressive string of profanities to get thrown out that quickly. But then he just walks away. Putting myself in the position, I get fucked over like that and then thrown out immediately, I'm going to stick around and get my money's worth. But fuck that ump, bring on the electric strike zone.

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In reply to by kmokeefe

He had to have put together an impressive string of profanities to get thrown out that quickly. Not really... a hitter is not allowed to argue balls and strikes. Period. In theory, he just had to say, "bull shit call" and he could have/may have gotten thrown out on that alone.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

Yeah, I know the rules, but you see players bitch about calls all the time. Espeically when it's a called 3rd strike to end an inning, you constantly see the broadcasting crew doing their inning summary while the batter is still standing there arguing.

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In reply to by kmokeefe

"To be honest, I don't think Bradley handled it that awfully. " I agree. It almost looks as if he show restraint. Watching the clip you can almost see the realizing moment in his head that "hey, maybe i should just turn around". Sure he got pissed and chirped at a shitty call. Sure he got a little confrontation, but at least he didn't start shoving and exited quickly and quietly after the ejection.

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In reply to by Rob G.

Looks like the bump happens when he throws his 'you're outta hear' finger up in the air. That's more the umpire's fault that Bradley's unless you want to say that Bradley should have maintained a 24 inch distance in anticipation of the ump swinging around to do his hit-the-showers thing.

I don't see anything wrong with the call. Its on the corner of the plate above his knees. Its his reaction thinking he has a Barry Bonds strikezone that gets him tossed. I don't see a bump, and if there was one, ohh come on now blue. I hate Bradley with the passsion of a thousand burning suns but geeez. However, when you have the reputation of Bradley the Umps are going to be on a hair trigger to toss your ass at the drop of a dime. BTW his leg looked fantastic arguing the call.

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In reply to by Ryno

Granted this isn't a highly scientific technology, but if you copy that picture into something like MS Paint and draw a line perpendicular to the ground from the far right edge of that baseball you can clearly see it's a few inches inside. Not only that, but it looks like it hasn't even reached the plate yet (based on how high it still is) and it still has some movement left on it. How anyone can argue that ball was a strike is beyond me. Smells like trolls.

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In reply to by mannytrillo

Molina really has to reach for the ball, too. That usually affects the ball/strike call too. If the pitcher is really hitting the mitt, he's gonna get more strike calls. Molina sets up slightly outside for that pitch, then has to reach at least a foot inside to catch it. Pretty odd call. Since I was at work, and have no idea if that pitch was consistently being called a strike throughout the day (I get the feeling it wasn't), I can't say a whole lot else...

Its also not where the ball ends up in the glove to determine a strike. Just went back and tried doing it frame by frame and got a nice view of where the ball is breaking and about to hit the glove. Its just a tad outside, and i can't believe i am going to say this, but like Manny said. Its a bordeline call, its not a horrible call, its not even in the top 100,000 of bad umpire calls. People strikeout in baseball everyday on pitches like that, 99.99999% of them don't go ape shit like Bradley did.

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In reply to by MikeC

Bradley went ape shit? Really? It was a bad call. Just like the first called strike of the at-bat was a bad call. He saw 6 pitches in that at-bat, only one of them a strike, he didn't swing that bat, and somehow he struck out. I would have been pissed too. Hell... I WAS pissed. Of course, I am not sure how you, MikeC, have any credibility on the matter, considering you have been bitching and moaning about Bradley since he was signed, and are now taking every opportunity you can to bash the guy.

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In reply to by Jace

Haha. I want all information reported in this fashion from now on. Just don't give the answer to the riddle at the end. That would be fun.

Its not a bad call no matter how many times you scream it otherwise. Zambrano and Harden have gotten away with way worse pitches than that being called a strike and did opposing teams players go ape shit? No they didn't. Derrek Lee this season i remember in one AB kept getting a low strike called on him. Did he freak out? No he didn't. People strikeout in baseball, and Milton Bradley doesn't have the right to go all berserk, considering his reputation for going berserk, because he punched out. Shit happens, deal with, and he has never learned to deal with it. I don't want him suspended, I don't think he should be either. The only thing i am curious about is when he is going to pull out the race card to explain his actions.

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In reply to by MikeC

Its not a bad call no matter how many times you scream it otherwise. Huh? You yourself said that it was inside. If it was inside, it was a bad call. A called strike is really either a good call or a bad call. A thrown strike, that is called a ball, is a bad call. A thrown ball, that is called a strike, is a bad call. It doesn't really matter if it is one inch outside or 10 inches outside. The only thing i am curious about is when he is going to pull out the race card to explain his actions. So he is not allowed to play the race card, but you are?

See, "Barry Bonds" umpiring is just sick. NObody deserves a rules change because of their reputation. Though it was subtle, the plate ump did appear to be sucking up to Wainwright and/or TLR. Both Derrek and Aramis had a couple of stares in disbelief at crucial points in the game. The ump crew must have had a good laugh in the locker room after the game, and now insult to injury by sending video to MLB. I know it's early, but Lou needs to get involved here and let them know they can't change the rules for certain individuals who are "bigger" than this one game. In high school basketball, that official would be banned from future games for this by the coach. It shows the strength of the umpires union and it sucks that even one game should go down because an official wants to show up a player or team. Yeah, we don't know what MIGHT have happened because it all washes out over time, but playing games within the games is not what fans pay for, and fans DO pay the umps' salary too. "Playing under protest" has become a farce since umpires have so much control - they even control their own training schools. That being said, Since the injury to Soto, Marshall's game looked like he and the Puerto Rican were feeling each other out like they were in ST. Ban the WBC!

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

There you go again, misinterpreting a fairly simple statement. It's not the union's fault that he made a bad call. It's the union's fault that they try to block legitimate attempts to improve the quality of the calls through tools like Questec, consequences for repeated poor calls or making things personal, fighting tooth and nail against instant replay, etc.

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In reply to by Jace

There's just no need to be an ass about a reposted link. Like i said, not everyone reads every comment thread. Obviously. If i had seen it prior to this, I wouldn't have posted it. But by slamming anyone (and it is a general issue that's happened to multiple people) who says something that was mentioned once a few days ago on a different thread in the middle of the mindless "racist or not racist" debate, you're only limiting the community of those who comment, and thus limiting the overall enjoyment of the site. It's not a joke, it's annoying and condescending, if you've read the article/heard it before, good for you. Just go to the next comment since you check everyone.

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In reply to by CPH2133

Okay, but once again, there is no reason to get this defensive or personal. Since the overall purpose of this blog is to waste time talking about the Cubs, you'll have to excuse people if they take time to waste time talking about the Cubs. If that means simply pointing out that we've already heard the news, in an inside joke kind of way, then what is the big deal? It's not like anyone here knows you, and is personally attacking you. We're all on a blog, where almost noone here knows anyone else. Why should it bother you in any way that someone points out that they already know what you're posting?

[ ]

In reply to by Jace

"If that means simply pointing out that we've already heard the news, in an inside joke kind of way, then what is the big deal?" Because clearly not everyone has heard the news and I'm willing to bet there will be people who it is the first they've seen the link to the story. Not everyone reads every comment. Especially when links are dropped in the middle of debates about silly things (not complaining about the debates, but some people skip all that madness if they don't care about whatever is being discussed), things get overlooked. "Why should it bother you in any way that someone points out that they already know what you're posting?" Because that in itself it a jackass move! "Oh yeah I already knew that". Especially since it's actually EASIER to just skip the comment and read the next one then take the time to be a wisenheimer.

Anyone seen or heard one for today?

Why must we always fight? Can't we love? You guys give me broners, let's be civil.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

Ha. True dat. It just upsets me more and more that we treat people civilly when we're face to face, but the anonymity of internet seems to give us license for name calling and excessive vitriol. I have opinions, but I'm willing to accept and disagree with contrary views. Even dumb ones:) Ps. Everyone should read "Engaging the Powers" by Walter Wink. PPs. You know who's not broke? Jason Schmidt.

We all need to get back to our "Breauxmance". Not sure if I spelled that right.

For some odd reason i didn't watch the rest of the 47 second video on MLB.com. Comcast slowed it down real good. At the absolute worst its maybe an inch outside. And then they got a sweet side view and the ball is clearly above the knees. We got the benefit of slowing it down and in real time the umpire can't do that it. I see absolutely nothing wrong with the call, it was close, damn close, too damn close. But the way people are reacting to it is like the umpire committed some kind of crime and is beheading babies in the basement or something.

Manny being Manny. Navigator being Navigator. What else is new? Hopefully the Cubs can introduce this rook to the major league in splendid fashion.

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In reply to by Mike Wellman

Thank you for the I-Cubs report and keep them coming. Too bad the Cubs have no place for either Hoff or Fox, who would be a good bargain option at DH or 1B as a platoon (lots of power if not necessarily OBP). How does Nate Spears look at SS?

By the power of Grayskull. I...Hoff...the Power! I am Heeeeeee-maaaaaaan! Note: He-Man was created by Mark Texeira. Coincidence? Yes.

Can we all agree that 2 years from now, Geovany Soto should not only be banned from participating in the WBC, but he probably shouldn't even watch it on TV or follow the results online? This funk he's in is really starting to suck.

I don't think we will, but I really hope it doesn't come back to haunt us that we only put up 2 in that 1st inning. It had a 6-7 run inning written all over it.

OK, back to the I-Cubs...... I think it's obvious that Jake Fox is a major league hitter. He must have REALLY sucked at Catcher to get moved, because if he was just a below-average catcher, he would be in the majors by now. Is he THAT bad in the field?

I only started posting here in the start of the offseason...but this blog must be a truly ugly place during a big losing streak.

TLR just switched three players positions on the field, and brought in another from the bench to take a new one... I don't think I've ever seen that before...

The Cubs should try that "home run" thing that the Cardinals use.

Wow. Fonzie. Wow. This season series may be the death of me. These two games have been heart stopping.

Anyone else think Aram should be batting third for the remainder of the season?

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In reply to by jacos

I would have to agree that it makes sense to swap Aram and Lee, but as rehashed just a couple of days ago, it's not going to make a big difference over the course of a season, maybe 5 runs, assuming both guys perform to expectations.

Well so much for Gregg being the closer... Good start by Marmol BB to the first guy ahead of Puljos.

Alls well that ends well. Zambrano with another loss of composure. Once he slammed that glove down I knew bad things were going to happen. BUT the team fought back and won the game. Let's split the next 2 and I'll be happy enough, the Cards are a damn hot hitting team right now, but it won't last all year.

Whipped cream on shit, that one.

I love Fukudome. I'm glad he's hitting. Some of you owe him an apology.

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In reply to by Ryno

"Well clearly he's not going to hit at this level the entire season, but, ... as I've said for over a year now, even when he was not hitting, he'll be fine." Based on one year in the MLB you're already assuming he's a fast starter and will bog down the rest of the season? Jeez, you cubs fans are negative (i'm one of those, but not today, not this early) I think Fuku can perform like this over a full season (well, maybe not at THIS high a level) but the cubs fantastic scouts think he can be a full time MLB hitter and I wouldn't be surprised by 25/90/.290 He's a professional hitter. Only Ichiro come to league year one (from Japan) and did something big. But as you said Ryno, even if he doenst, the cubs will be okay. Anything extra is more icing on the cake.

[ ]

In reply to by Jackstraw

"It's too long, in my opinion. "CP'd him" would do, but that's just me." But we wouldn't want anything to think it was a reference to Corey. CP'd could be for when people realize the young, toolsy, can't miss prospect can't actually hit. Then they can say "God, the GM really CP'd the team there"

[ ]

In reply to by Jeff_Pico

I second both of you. I'm not into the Mr. April concept, at all, but when I saw him in Spring Training up close he looked very different than he did 2nd half last year. He wasn't screwing himself into the ground trying to pull low outside off speed stuff -- not that he saw a lot I suppose. And, since everyone is so feisty I do realize Spring Training will not ever be mistaken for October, just saying. I'm wondering -- I've never thought about this. Do pitchers get their nastier off speed stuff under control a bit later? Is that going to be a factor? Or is that a non factor? I'm old. And I've never thought about this.

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In reply to by Old and Blue

It's funny that you mention the offspeed stuff, because according to some people his problem is that he can't hit a 'mlb quality' fastball. I was all for sending him to the minors to start the season, so I'll be the first to admit, I am wiping the egg off my face.

will ludwick please go back to sucking. someone in STL sold their soul, I swear.

That win was gratifying and I couldn't even watch or listen to the game.

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In reply to by Ryno

I watched Gamecast from work and got REALLY pissed off at Z without even watching the real game. Every time I looked some ass from St. Louis was getting a homer. I love Z, and, so, I love getting pissed at him. He deserves it. He deserves it when we're happy, and deserves it when we're mad because he wears US on his sleeve. So, even "watching" the game on gamecast was fun. I can't wait to watch the archive on MLB tv. Wouldn't it be cool if Soriano had like a career year dudes?

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In reply to by The Real Neal

Exactly. Consider the frustration when thinking of what was given up for Harden and what they gave up for Bedard. Granted, Jones wasn't hitting when he was traded, but it'd sure be nice to run him out there instead of Endy Chavez. Ok, Endy is hitting over .400 right now, but still. I don't know what I'm talking about or why. I'm just bored.

Back to the original title.... Jake Fox just hit a 2-run homer; 2 for 3 tonight so far, now batting .529, with a 1.716 OPS. He had a great spring too. The man can hit. Too bad he can't field. I suppose a trade to the AL is in order?

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In reply to by Q-Ball

Wow thats some kind of start. I wonder what kind of records there are for the first 10 or 20 games of the season in organized baseball history? I'm sure its probably someone in one of the old Denver teams or Colorado Springs teams. If Hoff or Lee goes down with an injury, knock on wood, I imagine Fox comes up, outside of that I doubt we see him this year.

Recent comments

  • crunch (view)

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

  • Cubster (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

    * bats or throws left 

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

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

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

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

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

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

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

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

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

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

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

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

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

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

  • Childersb3 (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

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