The Cubs Sign Their X-Factor

UPDATE: Heyman tweets that it's for $3.3M with $2M in incentives based on games played.

Tim Brown of Yahoo breaks the story that the Cubs have signed outfielder Xavier Nady on a one year deal...dollar amount yet to be determined (likely in the 3-4.5M range according to Levine). Out of the names mentioned so far - Jermaine Dye, Rocco Baldelli, and Johnny Gomes, Nady was probably my preference on the assumption that he's recovered fully from his second Tommy John Surgery. According to Tim Brown, the physical is later this week but Nady's been throwing regularly and without problems. Before we get into the player, let's talk about the injury. Dr. Hecht in the comments dropped this note about having multiple TJ surgeries yesterday.

The basic operation takes a tendon graft from the forearm from a small tendon called the palmaris longus.

On a second surgery they have to take a graft from somewhere else. Other sites are available (the other arm or a tendon from the calf (plantaris) but that means he's gonna have two limbs involved to recovery. I'm not sure why his graft failed but it's pretty unusual for this to happen (expecially when it's not a pitcher). This would make me a bit leary too (Chad Fox alert!) but my guess is he'll be OK.

New York Yankees Spring Training in Tampa

As for the player, Nady is best in right and left field, but has played 82 games at first base, 45 in center field and even 3 games at third base. Chances are he'll stick to right, left and occasionaly first base  and likely send Micah Hoffpauir to Triple A with Sam Fuld getting the roster spot as 5th outfielder and back-up center fielder although a poor showing in spring training or extremely strong one by Hoffpauir could change that.

Nady has a lifetime 108 OPS+ (.792), .342 woBA and is 31 years old. His walk rate of 5.8% per plate appearance is pretty poor and a 19.9% K rate isn't too great either. The projection systems on his Fangraphs page all peg him in the high 700 to low 800's in OPS. His main duty will be as platoon partner to Kosuke Fukudome and his 3-year splits are:



vs LHP: 278/358/454 812 in 227 AB's

vs RHP: 297/340/504 844 in 787 AB's

227 AB's isn't much to draw any firm conclusions upon, but it does appear that he's someone who you won't have to waste 2 players on in late-inning lineup juggling as he seems to handle righties just fine. His other main duty will be as pinch hitter where he's had all of 58 PA's for a 255/397/426 slash line. I assume if all goes right, he'd also be one of the candidates to DH in interleague games when that time comes.

Assuming Nady passes his physical and can make the throw from right field still, I think you have to like this signing. The Cubs aren't likely to get the player that tore it up for the Pittsburgh Pirates to start the 2008 season and ended with 25 HR's and 97 RBI's after being traded to the New York Yankess. But he's definitely shown enough with the bat that he should do more good than harm if he can handle not getting regular at-bats. And if something should happen to Soriano, Byrd, Fukudome, Lee or even Ramirez I suppose, the Cubs will have a very solid replacement ready to step in on a regular basis.

Bonus News: Ben Sheets signs with the Oakland A's for one year/$8M and Cubs showing interest in Chan-Ho Park.

Tags: 
Cubs Roster Moves
Xavier Nady
Submitted by Rob G. on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:24pm
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Comments

Submitted by John Beasley
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:30pm

X-cellent move.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:39pm

I like the signing, until I see how much and how long.

I wonder if Colvin will get a shot to battle for the 5th outfielder job. I don't think spending a year an AAA is going to make him a legitimate corner outfielder with the bat.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:53pm

That's what came to mind right away, too, that Fuld and Colvin probably battle it out for the 5th OF spot.

I like the Nady move a lot, as long as he can stay healthy. But I wonder how much TJ surgery on your right elbow affects the hitting power of a right handed hitter short term. Does it take a full year to rebuild the strength, like a pitcher?

Submitted by thedirtbag
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 10:42pm

I think Colvin will be moved at this point.

Submitted by The Joe
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 11:06pm

Colvin for a mediocre bullpen rental? Awesome.

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:39pm

per Bruce Levine chat...

It's a one-year deal for somewhere between $3 million and $4.5 million. We'll know more when the doctors have seen Nady.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/chat/_/id/30510

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:41pm

I was just about to post that. $3 million is really the max I like this deal at. As I said yesterday, Hudson pushing Baker to the Fukudome platoon mate role makes more sense, assuming he could be signed for $5 million or so.

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:45pm

on the topic of another Cub acquisiton from Levine chat...

I think the Cubs are out of money at this point. Any other deals would have to be trades.

...Jim Hendry will turn his attention to solidifying the bullpen. I've mentioned their interest in Luke Gregerson of the Padres and Jason Frasor of the Blue Jays. The Padres deal would seem to be more realistic at this point.

Submitted by Bigz
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:42pm

coincidence that this happens just after we hear Sheets to A's?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:42pm

Heyman is saying 1/10M for Sheets plus performance bonuses fwiw...

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:49pm

yow...nice base.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:56pm

Slick gamble by the A's, though. If he stays healthy they can either deal him for a couple of decent prospects at the deadline or offer arbitration and get two picks when he walks. And pitching half his games with that huge outfield and foul territory, and a fleet of speedy go-get-em outfielders, his numbers could be very good.

Submitted by Ryno
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 1:19pm

"Slick gamble" is one way of saying it. Another way would be "a risky way to spend $10 million dollars". He hasn't pitched for a year. Supposing he recovers somewhat and can actually pitch games, will he be effective? Better yet: can he stay healthy? He has a long history of not staying healthy.

I'm glad the Cubs passed on this one. I would have gave him 1 year, $3-4 mil, plus incentives.

Submitted by Sweet Lou
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:09pm

I'm with you, Ryno. As much as I like Sheets, $10 million seems crazy.

True, IF Sheets is pitching well the A's can potentially get back some prospects in a trade. It's also true that if he walks at the end of 2010, the A's can possibly get a couple of draft picks. However, what if he's ineffective? What if he gets injured? There's too much of a down side to this deal in my opinion.

I could somewhat understand a high risk/high reward deal like this from a team that can afford it, but it really surprises me that it is the A's that are taking the gamble.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:24pm

great, the A's can draft more millions-dollars slow, lumbering, no-hit guys who can manage 60-80 walks if they're lucky enough to make it out of AAA.

at least they can draft pitching...

Submitted by Andrew
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:30pm

The A's probably know it's a long shot for them to contend this year. They've got money to burn for once, and there's no other player out there that has Sheets' upside. If they're both good, they'll make a run with him. If he's good but they're not, they can trade him for great prospects. It's a calculated risk, but when you're the A's, you've gotta look for any edge you can get.

Submitted by Stevens
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 3:11pm

Agreed. Nothing to lose for the A's. They'll chase Seattle and LA in their division, maybe TX. So even the wild card seems unlikely. Good trade opportunity come June or July. I'd be surprised if the A's actually pay the full 2010 salary.

Submitted by Sweet Lou
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 4:02pm

Nothing to lose for the A's

...except $10 million or about 1/7 of their 2010 payroll.

If Sheets can have a good year, then Oakland may get some prospects at the trade deadline. If he sucks or gets injured, they just crapped away $10 million.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 4:15pm

Crapping away millions can be said about any player on any team if they get hurt.

Or it can be a reference to Jim Hendry that also brings up disturbing images.

Submitted by Sweet Lou
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 6:12pm

Crapping away millions can be said about any player on any team if they get hurt

True, but $10 million per year is still an above average contract and Ben Sheets is an above average injury risk...

...not to mention that Oakland is a below average payroll team.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 9:20pm

A healthy Ben Sheets is worth roughly $15 to $25 million depending on your valuation system of choice.

Submitted by Sweet Lou
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 9:34pm

TRN -- I don't disagree, but is it smart for a team like Oakland with roughly a $70 million payroll to spend $10 million on a pitcher with a long track record of injuries?

IF Sheets stays healthy and IF he pitches well, Oakland might be able to get some prospects for him mid-season. But if he sucks and/or gets injured, Oakland just spent a huge chunk of their payroll on a hope and a prayer.

I don't think this would have been a particularly good signing for anyone, but it's especially bad for a lower payroll team like Oakland.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 9:56pm

A big part of the signing depends on whether or not you think Oakland can contend next year. I think that they can, and with Sheets at the head of their rotation it could be the second best in the AL. Their team as of right now looks at least as good as the '09 Mariners did at the start of the season, and they were able boost fan excitement and turn an inferior pitcher (Washburn) into prospects.

I am surprised the Mets didn't sign him though, as he seemed like a better fit there.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 9:07am

Think of it this way.

Ted Lilly is scheduled to make 10 million this year, and he may or may not be healthy.

Pitchers are always a risk. I'd wager that Sheets pitches more innings in 2010 than Ted Lilly.

Submitted by Sweet Lou
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 9:46am

Just to be clear, I understand that pitchers are always an injury risk, but this is different. This is paying a guy who has a long history of being fragile and who just missed an entire year $10 million. Would you be happy with Hendry if he signed Lilly for this year if he had missed all of last year? Actually, considering the difference in payrolls between the Cubs and A's, the Cubs would have to pay Lilly $20 million.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 10:46am

I understand the risk from the A's perspective. They have a young team with TONS of young talent.(especially pitching)

Sheets can front that staff and they can make a playoff run. If he stays healty the A's can offer arbitration and go year to year with Sheets from here on out.

The cubs should do the same thing with Ted Lilly if he returns healthy from his shoulder surgery.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 9:49am

What's the bet? I am in.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 10:43am

5 virtual dollars.

If TCR did a poll, this would be a good one to do. Neither guy will hit 200 innings. My guess would be Sheets in the 175 range and Lilly in the 130-150 range.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 1:51pm

Sheets has hit that once in 5 seasons. I'd take those numbers and reverse them. Lilly-175, Sheets-130

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:40pm

I doubt that they'll be able to get Type A compensation for him, since he didn't pitch in '09.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 4:16pm

Good point. I'm sure they have the formula they can refer to and get an educated guess before they signed him. If he's healthy and likely to be a Type B, they probably try to move him at the deadline. I'd rather do that anyway if I were the GM to have more control over what prospects I get, rather than the crap shoot of the draft.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:40pm

Not to mention you save $4 to $6 million.

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:53pm

one more name Levine mentions...

Q: How about a backup 3rd baseman in Chad Tracy? I know he's a FA.

Bruce Levine
You must have a pretty good source. I've heard that deal is very realistic. It may happen this week.

Q: Just to clarify, you are saying that the Cubs might be signing Chad Tracy as a 3rd Base backup? I thought Baker was going to be that for them and that they had no more money to spend?

Bruce Levine
Think left-handed. Also think about the fact if they do sign him, it most likely will be a minor-league contract. Also if he replaces a guy like Hoffpauir, you will not have to spend the money you'd put forward toward his contract.

Submitted by jdelaney5150
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:37pm

Thought this was pretty funny. I just looked up Chad Tracy on Baseball Reference and the player it says he's most similar to? Xavier Nady

Submitted by dB
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 6:48pm

apparently the minor league deal will go down tomorrow

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/st...

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:55pm

I like the deal. Good platoon bat and Outfield insurance.

Well done Jimbo!

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 12:57pm

Heyman has the contract numbers, updated in the post

Submitted by Andrew
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 1:15pm

I hope the performance bonuses are pretty high. Too bad Hoffpauir will get the boot back to Iowa.

Wouldn't Soriano likely be the DH with Nady in LF?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 1:22pm

I'm sure they'll just rotate it to give some guys some days off and also depend if a lefty or righty is pitching. But I assume Nady would get the bulk of the extra work, whether he's actually the DH or not.

Submitted by navigator
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:02pm

What makes you or anyone else think that Nady is a better LF'er than Soriano? From everything I've looked at, Nady is a terrible outfielder. Then consider his arm fell off twice and his legs have given out. I don't understand the love for this deal. It's just another case of Hendry rolling the dice. All we can do is hope it works out.

But seriously, WHAT is Hendry thinking? I thought the idea was to move Fukudome to RF to improve the Cubs defensively. Okay, so how does a Fukudome/Nady platoon do that if Nady gets 1/3 of the starts??

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:12pm

From everything I've looked at, Nady is a terrible outfielder.

you should look around more

seems he's about average for a corner outfielder and 1/3 of the starts to Nady isn't going to be much of an impact either way over Hoff and Fox playing out there. If there's improvement in the outfield, it'll be Soriano not sucking as much, but mostly Fukudome out of center field in favor of Byrd and Fukudome being a bigger asset in right over Bradley.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:26pm

i wouldn't count on a straight platoon, but since the guy has the most pop on the bench you should probably count on 300+ ab's out of him in mixed use.

Submitted by MikeC
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:41pm

Ohhh so Milton Bradley amount of AB's. And you say Milton isn't a 4th OFer masquerading as a starter. LoL.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:44pm

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUR. DUUUUUUUUUUH DUUUUUUUUUUUUUR DURDUR DDDDDDDDDDUUUUUUUUUUUUUR.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 3:36pm

Can you list the # of 4th outfielders who got named to the All-Star Team?

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 3:42pm

nevermind the 500-ish PA's the past 2 seasons...or that talking about a platoon based on being signed to be a platoon/bench guy isn't the same as a starter who isn't going to be used in a platoon.

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 7:18am

Fukudome.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 10:38am

Umm... when was Fukudome a 4th OFer?

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 1:58pm

I don't know how seriously to take anything from Levine, considering he just said this in his chat:

"I'd put my money on Theriot being the starting 2b on Opening Day, with a good shot for Castro to make the team out of spring training."

If he's putting his money on that scenario, I certainly hope he's getting at least 50-1 odds.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:27pm

riot will be playing a lot of 2nd this spring, but that's a stretch.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 2:42pm

I am thinking he made a mistake. It happens. I have not heard him remark this at any point for 2010 -Next year, sure. But...

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 3:11pm

Too bad Cubs can't Yadaier Molina, then play Nady in center when Zambrano pitched. XYZ

Submitted by John Beasley
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 3:17pm

The Cubs do have a guy called Ynavoeg Otos, according to our former broadcaster.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 3:38pm

on minor league deal...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 3:43pm

http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/3327

Nady deal pending physical which will not be a formality, Miles seems to suggest they haven't even seen him throw yet. Chan Ho Park is too pricey(Cubs have about $2M to spend if Nady deal goes through)

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 3:49pm

Cardinals sign Rich Hill and invite him to spring training
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/cardina...

If Duncan can figure him out that could be one of the top bargains of the year.

But if Duncan can't get inside his head, I'll have to say Hill is done. Well, he kind of already was done, but you know what I mean.

Submitted by Stevens
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 4:21pm

First Todd Wellemeyer. Now Rich Hill?

Why can't the Cardinals fix some other team's castaway pitchers? Like Toronto.

: )

Submitted by tbone
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:10pm

I didn't think the Cardinals got inside players' heads. I thought they injected stuff into their asses.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 3:55pm

Bruce Miles helped answer my earlier question about how much TJS affects a hitter's power the first year after the surgery...

"Nady played in only seven games for the Yankees last year before having to undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow for the second time in his career. He also had TJS in September of 2001."

So I looked up Nady's 2002 stats. He didn't become a full time big leaguer until 2003, but in 2002 he played 130 games in the minors, hitting 23 hr's and slugged .477.

Not bad at all with his TJS so late in 2001. That makes me feel better about his potential power numbers this year.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 4:16pm

Colvin had it after the 2008 season and was pretty much himself in 2009.

Submitted by Sweet Lou
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 4:19pm

The Dodgers signed Ronnie Belliard today for $825,000 plus incentives. Considering that Belliard beat out Orlando Hudson for the starting job in LA last year, can Hudson expect to sign for much more?

The Cubs second base situation is not good. In my mind, it is more of a concern than adding another arm to the bullpen. Hudson would be an upgrade and would make sense if his price is right.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 4:28pm

love to know the dirt on Hudson, two years in a row no one wants to pay him despite clearly being an above average second basemen. Must be some serious concerns over his wrist...his defense seems to be slipping a bit too.

Submitted by John Beasley
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:52pm

Like Pudge and big pharm lobbyists, Hudson heard the money's in Washington.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 4:25pm

sign Jon Garland and Matt Stairs...

Submitted by Dr. aaron b
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 4:40pm

Can Ron Coomer and Jason Bere be far behind?

Submitted by ShambySosa8
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:08pm

This can't be right, the Cubs made an intelligent move?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:08pm

whoever Frank Piliere is he likes lens flares in his graphics and has the Cubs farm system at 18th.

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/01/26/2010-farm-...

Submitted by Stevens
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:29pm

Link to lens flare madness?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:32pm

my bad, it's there now

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:33pm

by this guy..

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/01/25/the-top-10...

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/01/25/the-top-10...

Castro at 11th in all of baseball, Vitters 53, Jackson 72nd

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:44pm

Curious about the craziness of Castro at 11 I clicked the link:

Staton #2
Heyward #4... OK, we're done.

Submitted by Charlie
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:46pm

Holy Schneikes! Castro at 11th? Seems a little too high to me without potential for an extremely high OBP, power, or steals. Is his defense Vizquel-esque?

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 7:19pm

TRADE NOW!!! TRADE!!! TRADE!!!

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 6:00pm

even scouts aren't perfect...what a hacky list.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:35pm

yeaaaaaaaaah!

that's some quality flare!

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:30pm

http://wiklifield.thecubreporter.com/Baseball...

started putting that page together and found a prelimanry 2010 ranking that has Cubs in the 16-25 range.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basebal...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 5:36pm

and very obscure Washburn/Cubs talk

The Cubs and Mets were among the teams that scouted Sheets' recent throwing session, and both remain in the market for starting pitching. It's not clear if they have interest in Washburn -- or he in them -- but one source with knowledge of the left-hander's market said a total of six teams have inquired.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/MLB-offsea...

Submitted by John Beasley
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 6:22pm

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/st...

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 6:49pm

awesome...lefty power hitting corner IF.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 6:27pm

http://twitter.com/rwells36bsi/status/8257361453

eating healthy sucks ass! im always hungry! o well hope all is better than i am. starving

Submitted by Charlie
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 7:01pm

tell your parents u love em every once In awhile! lifes prescious

AWWWW!

Submitted by The E-Man
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 8:04pm

I was right next to Wells on the field this past year working at Wrigley for a day. He is certainly not overweight as far as I can see.

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 8:38pm

maybe the tweet was from David Wells?

Submitted by Jim Hickmans Bat
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 8:58pm

Why do the Cubs insist on wasting a roster spot on a 7th reliever? Said reliever, no matter who it is, does not make a meaningful contribution to the team, it's a pure mop-up job and a total waste. That spot would be much better used on a bench player, and that way you could still get value out of Hoffpauir.

Nady, Hoffpauir, Fuld, Fontenot, Blanco, Hill. That gives you a lefty and righty power bat off your bench, three strong defenders, one guy with speed, lefty/righty balance, 2 or 3-deep coverage at all positions.

Explain to me how a 7th reliever like a Justin Berg or whomever would make a bigger difference over the course of 162 games than would a Hoffpauir or Blanco.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 9:33pm

That's an easy one. 7th relievers keep you from overusing 6th relievers, which keep you from overusing 5th relievers, which keep you from etc etc blowing Mark Prior's arm in 127 pitch starts.

Submitted by thedirtbag
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 11:11pm

I am a firm believer in carrying the extra pitcher, but for the first half of the year or so, carrying the extra bench makes more sense. Simply due to Aramis' injury and Lee prone to neck spasms at any time. You could be on the west coast trip and he could wake up with neck issues. The 2nd half would require more pitching depth and it would give some of the guys that did not make the team out of ST to work on their roles for the 2nd half of the year. My 25 man roster to start opening day:

1. K. Fukudome
2. R. Theriot
3. D. Lee
4. A. Ramirez
5. A. Soriano
6. M. Byrd
7. G. Soto
8. J. Baker

Bench:
1. A. Blanco
2. X. Nady
3. S. Fuld
4. M. Fontenot
5. K. Hill
6. M. Hoffpauir

Pitching:
1. C. Zambrano
2. R. Dempster
3. R. Wells
4. T. Gorzelanny
5. S. Marshall
6. E. Caridad
7. C. Marmol
8. A. Guzman
9. J. Grabow
10.C. Silva
11. J. Stevens (assuming a RHP is not added via trade. My guess is a deal around Colvin will be made to add another RHP for the bullpen which would take this spot)

Castro and Samardzija need to play everyday. Both will start the year in AAA, but will be on the roster by the All-Star break. Two other names that may get a call up and stick would be Rafael Dolis or John Gaub. Gaub would be a luxery, so it would really depend on the durability and performance by Gorzelany and Marshall. Lilly should be recalled around May or early June at which point depending on how much the bullpen has been used, a position player, presumably Fontenot would be optioned.

Submitted by The Joe
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 11:31pm

How can you leave of the awesome Chad Tracy?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 9:52am

There's 5 guys in the minors who would get a call before Dolis.

Submitted by thedirtbag
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 12:30pm

Dolis is my sleeper for a breakout year.

Submitted by Arizona Phil
on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 3:33pm

Submitted by thedirtbag on Wed, 01/27/2010 - 12:30pm.
Dolis is my sleeper for a breakout year.

DIRTBAG: Rafael Dolis is more of a high-risk/high-reward long-term project than the other pitchers on the 40. He has a history of arm problems and control issues, so I would think the Cubs will be conservative with him and move him very slowly. (Dolis gets four minor league options and he's only 21).

I think RHP Thomas Diamond (who came on strong at the end of Instructs and then threw very well in the Mexican Pacific League) and LHP James Russell (who was the #1 lefty reliever in the AFL) are the two most-likely "long-shot" guys to win a spot on the Cubs pitching staff out of Spring training or to get a mid-season call-up. And RHP Andrew Cashner could be ready in short order if the Cubs were to use him as a one-inning reliever, but probably not so soon not if the Cubs continue to develop him as a starter.

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 10:54pm

http://cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=2010...

cubs.com has this interesting medical tidbit on Tommy John surgery and Nady...

Nady would have to prove he's healthy from the second major elbow surgery of his career. He underwent the procedure in early July, meaning he will be just nine months removed from it by Opening Day. A number of Web sites have lists of baseball players who have gone through Tommy John surgery, a procedure in which a tendon from a different part of the body is used to replace a turn ulnar collateral ligament, but Nady and catcher Vance Wilson are the only position players listed as having the surgery twice.

Wilson had his procedures back-to-back in the summers of 2007 and '08. He signed a Minor League contract with the Royals for '09 and batted .270 in 59 games for Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Wilson didn't play his first game in '09 until June 19 and caught only 18 games, appearing mostly as a designated hitter.

here's the Wiki list of ballplayers with TJ surgery including those with repeat surgery. There are only three with three-peats...Chad Fox, Jose Rijo and the immortal Matt Riley

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_John_surge...

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 11:01pm

Seems like these Wikipedia lists are not all enclusive. Here's another list of non-pitchers who have had TJ surgery (note, Vance Wilson not on it):

Roberto Alomar
Rocco Baldelli
Jay Buhner
José Canseco (the injury was caused during a pitching appearance)
Luis Gonzalez
Rusty Greer
José Guillén
J.R. House
Todd Hundley
César Izturis
Trey Lunsford
Kelly Johnson
Carlos Martínez
Xavier Nady (twice)
Ray Olmedo
Luke Scott
Taylor Teagarden
Tony Womack

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Tom...

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