Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

39 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (one slot is open), plus two players are on the 60-DAY IL and one player has been DESIGNATED FOR ASSIGNMENT (DFA)   

26 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, and nine players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors, three players are on the 15-DAY IL, and one player is on the 10-DAY IL

Last updated 4-23-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 13
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Colten Brewer
Ben Brown
* Shota Imanaga
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Hector Neris 
Jameson Taillon 
Keegan Thompson
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Cody Bellinger 
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

OPTIONED: 9 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Miles Mastrobuoni, INF
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

10-DAY IL: 1 
Seiya Suzuki, OF

15-DAY IL: 3
Kyle Hendricks, P 
* Drew Smyly, P 
* Justin Steele, P   

60-DAY IL: 2 
Caleb Kilian, P 
Julian Merryweather, P

DFA: 1 
Garrett Cooper, 1B 
 





Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Cubs Can't Fend Off Gnats

Sobering thought...the Cubs just got beat 2 of 3 at home by the worst team in baseball the last two years. Sure, anyone can win a 3-game set, but the Cubs sure didn't look like a better team at any moment in this series. And yes, the Nats are a better team this year than year's past, but they also were missing Ryan Zimmermann for the set. All of that is just a convoluted way of saying that the tea leaves aren't really predicting a bright 2010 future at the moment for the Cubs.

The Good: The Cubs walked 4 times(Colvin, Fukudome x2 and Nady) and had 9 hits including Theriot and Fukudome getting on-base 5 times in total. Dempster had a solid 8 IP, 3 ER affair with just one walk and 6 K's. Marlon Byrd's circus catch losing the ball in the sun. I wonder how the media and crowd reacts if he doesn't make that catch as they were sure quick to jump on Bradley last year for losing the ball in the sun.

The Bad: 21 LEFT ON-BASE! 11 as a team including Marlon Byrd leaving 6 all on his own. In the 7th, Fukudome and Lee led off with singles, but then Aramis Ramirez grounded into  double play on a 3-2 pitch in on his hands promptly erasing the rally. Colvin couldn't deliver the 2-out RBI. In the 8th, Byrd singled to right which the right fielder fumbled for a gift double. Fontenot is allowed to swing away after two singles already in the game and pops up to the shorstop. Aargh!!! You know the one good time to sac bunt, is when you need one run and can get a runner to third base with less than two outs. Or just make sure you pull the ball. Tracy, Nady and Theriot couldn't pick up the run either (more on that in the moment). Dempster did give up two solo shots to Adam Kennedy and Adam Dunn with the wind howling in.

The WTF? Back to the 8th, after Byrd "doubled" and Fontenot popped up, Lou pinch-hits for Koyie Hill. Smart. He pinch-hits with Chad Tracy though. Dumb. He's already gonna have to use Geovany Soto in the top of the 9th for Hill, just use your hottest hitter. I know Chad Tracy has had an illustrious pinch-hitting career before this year in like 100 PA's or something, but let's use a little common sense. Tracy predictably strikes out, Nady walks (still could have used Soto there if you wanted to) and Theriot can't deliver the 2-out RBI.

Next Up: The hot-hitting Diamondbacks test the Cubs starting pitching for a 4-game set.

Comments

If the Cubs had won two-out-of-three from the Brewers and then two-out-of-three from the Nats, their record would be exactly the same as it is now and we would all be feeling good about the Cubs winning two series in a row. However, this doesn't feel as good, does it? It's not so much about their record or the fact that the Cubs won four of their last six games (and five of eight). Instead, we dwell on the fact that they lost two in a row to a team that is not supposed to be very good (although the Nats do have a winning record so far in 2010). I guess it's all in your perspective.

"I wonder how the media and crowd reacts if he [Byrd] doesn't make that catch as they were sure quick to jump on Bradley last year for losing the ball in the sun." I've heard similar questions asked so far this year and I just don't understand the comparison. Marlon Byrd is a different person than Milton Bradley. He came to the Cubs with a completely different attitude and background. He is a more mature, positive person than Bradley was. Byrd has the type of attitude and approach to the game that makes fans want to root for him. The opposite was obviously true of Bradley. Although much has been said about Cubs fans (particularly those in the bleachers), we/they are not all racist idiots. People boo'd Bradley because of the type of person and ball player he was. They cheer for Byrd for exactly the same reason. That leads me to believe that Cubs fans would not have reacted negatively had Byrd not caught the ball in question.

[ ]

In reply to by Sweet Lou

some of us couldn't care less about bradley's attitude and never did. it wasn't a sport to jump on the guy because of how amusing his reactions are for some of us. soriano is warm and fuzzy...he takes blame (in his own special way sometimes) for things...he accepts and apologizes for mental lapses and laziness...he waves to and interacts with bleacher people and regulars... ...then he goes out there and does the same stuff day after day after month after year... good fuzzy words! i'd like to have a beer with him. meeeeeeeeeeeeh.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

@crunch - I never got the impression that fans were riding Bradley to see what kind of reaction they could get out of him. I always felt they rode him because they didn't like his abrasive personality or his disrespectful approach to the game. @Rob -- I think you are correct that the media helped to stir the pot with Bradley, but it's not like he didn't give them a ton of ammunition. He had a long and storied history of conflicts and bad behavior that pre-dated his days in Chicago. Was the press fair to Bradley? Probably not; especially guys like Sullivan. But Bradley did plenty on his own to cause fans to dislike him. The press just added to what Bradley wrought on his own.

The guys on ESPN 1000 (Afternoon Saloon) have been talking as if Starlin Castro has been called up. Did I miss something? Now they seem to be talking about the clamor to call him up to move Theriot (a .300 hitter) to second and replace another .300 hitter (Fontenot). With Lee and Aram being the hitting problems so far (both sub .200), it doesn't solve that problem, is their discussion. No guarantee Castro will hit as well as Theriot or Fontenot, either.

[ ]

In reply to by jacos

"why are you listening to the afternoon salon?" It was during one of the commercial and/or news breaks duing the WGN post-game show. I thought I'd try to catch a Bruce Levine report or a replaying of Lou's testy news conference about why he didn't bunt in the 8th inning after Byrd's dooble. Besides, I think Jurko is a pretty funny guy and I could use a good laugh after a game like today. NPR just wasn't going to cut it.

[ ]

In reply to by JoePepitone

maybe it came from this article http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/889/castro-could-be-join… Chicago Cubs prospect Starlin Castro’s ascension to the major leagues could be right around the corner, according to a major-league source. The 20-year-old shortstop is being monitored on a daily basis by the Cubs organization to determine when the time will be to start his major-league career. wouldn't Theriot actually get you something in return though? I mean you might as well just release Baker or Tracy. Fontenot might get a low level minor league C prospect I'm guessing. Theriot could possibly get a major league reliever I would think, although I can't think of one team looking for a shortstop.

Weak Link Update: Gorzelanny/Silva: 48 IP, 33 H, 32 K, 10 BB, 2.06 ERA Ramirez/Lee: 29-for-163, .178 AVG, 42 K, 22 BB

Lincecum pitching a gem against Philly into the 9th, gets the first guy, then walks Victorino. Giants have a 3-run lead at this point and he's at 106 pitches with middle of order due up. They go to Wilson who gets Polanco, gives up a single to Utley, walks Howard and Werth ties it up on a double. think you have to at least give him one more hitter unless his velocity was dropping, although Wilson has been good this year.

neglected to mention Fukudome's lack of hustle in the first... Colvin popped up on the infield and Kennedy booted it and Fukudome didn't get past 2nd. Didnt' end up mattering, but he should have been on third.

Rob, I thought the exact same thing when Lou used Tracy instead of Soto. Sometimes the opposite hand matchup play goes too far.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Maybe when Lou is done here he will give a tell-all interview about the Chicago media, how much he hated them, how their constant pick-pick-pick at the whole Cubs Thing seemed to him to be a factor, however small, in the constant failure. Maybe if he does that, it'll be to the good somehow. Maybe Paul Sullivan will have an epiphany and change his ways (or at least finally stop writing about Milton Bradley). But for now, this kind of behavior is inappropriate and simply painful to watch. And by "this kind of behavior" I mean not only this postgame performance, but PH'ing Tracy instead of Soto. Both things evince a "who cares, I don't want to be here" attitude.

ROB G: Regarding the Bradley/Byrd comparison, today after the game Byrd stood up and said he just HAS to do better than a weak pop-up in a RISP situation. He was embarrassed and owned up. I have no problem with that - and Milty always blamed everyone else: the fans, umps, conditions, injuries, day games, he is "alone" - etc. Also, Byrd to this point plays hard, all the time, and just "does his job" on the field. It is a refreshing change from last year's bullshit.

the usual starting 8...what's the record for men left on base? theriot, fukudome, dlee, aram, byrd, soriano, fontenot, soto, LILLY (per Muskat)

Recent comments

  • Bill (view)

    I would have kept Cooper rather than Wisdom, but at least I can understand why they did it.  In a team that lacks dominant power hitters, Wisdom can be a dominant power hitter, at least in streaks.  I suppose that there is always the possibility that the streaks longer in both duration and frequency.  I will be content if they essentially make a 100 % DH commitment to Mervis against righties and Wisdom against lefties.  When a regular needs rest, give them total rest, rather than a DH rest.  Do this for at least 2 months, and then re-evaluate at that point.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    This is Cubs adjacent but…


    Jordan Walker just was optioned by the deadbirds. For all the talk of the Cardinals development machine, they’ve really missed on a lot of can’t miss superstars lately. Walker has struggled. Gorman has been okay. They’re already trying to push Carlson out the door. Their pitching system has been so bad they had to go out and sign basically a full rotation over the last two offseasons.

    They’ve still developed a few of those pesky solid players, like Donovan, Edman, and Nootbaar. Their two best prospect to MLB players have been Adolis and Arozarena, neither of which is a cardinal.

    I hope they never figure it out again. Cardinal failure brings me such joy.
     

  • Raisin101 (view)

    Thank you so much! I really appreciate not only all your posts but how eager you are to respond to our questions.

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    Is it just me or does it seem that official scorers are becoming less likely to call a misplay an error? 

     

    Guess I've hit my cranky old-man phase in life.  "I remember back in the day when an error was an error.  Official scorers have gone soft.  Now where did I put my readers?!!??"

     

    Sidenote, maybe Bellinger should be a little more careful against the Astros.  That was the series last year that a play at wall put him on the IL.   

  • crunch (view)

    i hated the almonte pickup, but he's 9-10 out of 12 for good outings, following a great spring.  hope he can keep it up.

    i already miss cooper, but yeah...the thin OF roster backup the team seems to want to carry probably got wisdom preference over cooper.  i could live without seeing wisdom at 3rd unless it's a blowout, though.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Things I've been wrong about:

    -Tauchman is fine as a 4th OF. I knew that. I just want a better LH DH option and he was really the DH for us until Seiya got hurt. I'm glad Mervis is getting a chance at it. Caissie is coming for that job for sure. But Tauchman continues to be highly useful as a 4th OF with Seiya being hurt

    -I wanted Yency to go to get guys at Iowa a chance. Guys like Palencia and Sanders or RileyT. Maybe even Hodge! But Yency has been better the last two plus weeks. He did hit 96 the other day. He was 93 in Texas to open the season.

    -Leiter has his split working enough. It just needs to stay there

    -I was surprised Jed picked Wisdom over Cooper. I wonder if this happens if Seiya wasn't hurt. Wisdom has more power. Cooper is the better hitter. Jed picked Wisdom and Wisdom had an option left as well.

    -Palencia just doesn't miss enough bats. Similar to ManRod, just two yrs younger. ManRod is killing AAA for TB right now!

    Things I got right so far:

    -Hendricks. Sorry Kyle. You got paid though!

    Jed, you missed there.

    -Smyly. If Jed could've traded him before or during ST, then he should have and saved some cash.

    -Mastro.  Not a LH DH. Pinch runner. Defensive utility. Maybe he's better than Madrigal but didn't get a legit chance to prove it.

    -Luke Little is good. He's had one bad outing. That's it. Needs to get better entering with guys on base. But he needs to stay in MLB.

    -Oh yeah....Morel is doing fine at 3B! He'll get better as well!!

  • crunch (view)

    bellinger "right rib contusion"

  • Childersb3 (view)

    South Bend just lost the lead in the bottom of the 9th on the weirdest scenario, ever.

    It's absolutely pouring rain....men on 1st and 2nd, 1out....JPatterson asks for a new ball, but no time out was called....he throws the old ball toward the dugout (not sure if it rolled out of play).....the ump declares the runners get two bases each so one run scores. Then a single up the middle ties the game.

    The rain was coming down in buckets at this point.

    Just weird

  • crunch (view)

    ...and bellinger is gone in the 7th because of that 2nd blown chance and the wall he bounced off of...

    hopefully his rib cage/shoulder feels better tomorrow, we just got happ back.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Phil,

    Any thoughts on Y. Rojas' stuff and Y. Melendez's game (I believe I've asked about him before, sorry)?