Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
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

Get Excited for Your 70 Win Cubs

The blog "Dodger Sims" ran a bunch of simulations using a variety of player projection forecasts. And what's the prediction for 2012?

to the tune of low to mid 70's win totals.

Baseball Prospectus and their PECOTA projections came up with something in the vicinity of 74-76 wins I believe and 4th place as well. We can probably argue over a win or two here, but at least heading into the season, it's clear the NL Central is the haves (Cardinals, Reds, Brewers) and the have-nots (Cubs, Pirates and Astros) with varying degrees of luck and injuries to determine the final order.

As much as I support Jedstein and what I think their plan is, it will make following the team in 2012 just about as fun as 2010 and 2011 were, which was just slightly above "not at all" for me.

***

Not much else to report in the land of Cubsville, players are slowly filtering into camp and you can catch some photos at "Boys of Spring". Jorge Soler to the Cubs report seemed to jump the gun considerably as now just about everyone but the Marlins seems interested. It'll just come down to how much is someone willing to pay and it very well may turn out that the $27.5M the Cubs reportedly are willing to offer will do the trick.

Finally, Hall of Fame catcher and Cubs killer Gary Carter(112 OPS+ for his career against Cubs and 41 HR's, second only to 45 HR's he hit against Phillies) passed away today from brain cancer. Here's a clip of the final hit of his career that just happened to be off the Cubs and Mike Morgan. Harry Caray and Steve Stone with the call.

Enjoy the holiday weekend....

Comments

Well, if the team can get to the promised land of 75 wins, they will have improved by FOUR GAMES! So, there would be an "improved" team.

I can tolerate a terrible young team much moreso than I can a terrible team full of highly-paid veterans. Bring it on. All I know is the regime change has me emotionally invested in this team for the first time since the glorious pants-pooping that was the 2008 playoffs.

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In reply to by Hector Villanu…

I agree with that, and fortunately I don't really watch many games. I'm more of a internet/box score follower anyway. I get more of a thrill out of seeing a player develop through the minors and come up, so I'll be looking forward to the second half of the season watching Rizzo, Jackson, and any other new guys. Also intrigued to see if Stewart and the other bounce back guys can do something. Draft in June, trade deadline in August, then September callups. Somehow we'll get through this

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In reply to by Jumbo

Yeah it's going to be bad, but for me I'm looking at big picture. I remember Dallas Green frustrated by the Trib, McFail small market mentality and no home grown talent to show for it and finally Hendry who had the open check book that worked half the time. Now I think they have a guy like Green but will get the money when needed and use it better than Hendry did. Through the last 10-15 years I can think of two great every day players that every team developed and I cant do it for the Cubs. (hopefully Castro) But it will be fun when/if it comes together, it will be guys we can root for knowing we developed.

gonna happen for 2 prospects, Pirates on the hook for $13M of $31.1M owed. P Diego Moreno allegedly one of the prospects. Nice deal for Pirates, Burnett should do better in NL and certainly will give them innings. This was a team that was in first place in July of last year and is very young. Think this should firmly put Cubs in 5th place in most preseason predictions.

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In reply to by Rob G.

they're really backed into a corner there. 1.1m bucks and no where to go. hell, i think he could out-perform d.barney pretty easily...and i still think d.barney's D is overrated based on the amount of time it takes him to turn a play. he can get to it and throw, but he loses time doing it. i can't remember the last time the cubs had so many double plays they couldn't turn with 2 mechanically inclined middle IF'rs.

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In reply to by Rob G.

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 1:54pm — Rob G. New DeWitt outrighted to AAA btw, I presume he'll still get an NRI to spring training. =========================== ROB G: Because he has accrued at least three years of MLB Service Time (3+048), Blake DeWitt has eight days to decide whether to refuse an Outright Assignment and be a free-agent immediately, or accept an Outright Assignment and defer his right to be a free-agent until the conclusion of the 2012 MLB regular season. (He would have had three days to decide if he had been outrighted after the official start of Spring Training or during the MLB regular season). This is the exact same decision Manny Corpas had to make when he was sent outright to the minors last month. (Corpas opted to accept the Outright Assignment). If DeWitt opts to be a free-agent immediately, his contract (with the $1.1M salary) is terminated and he receives no termination pay. and the Cubs receive no compensation if he signs elsewhere, essentially just as if he had been non-tendered on 12/12. If DeWitt accepts the Outright Assignment, he would be paid whatever salary his contract stipulates (a minor league "split salary" if he has one, otherwise he gets his $1.1M major league salary) while at Iowa (and he would be a VERY expensive AAA player). If he accepts the Outright Assignment, he can be recalled and returned to the Cubs 40-man roster at any time during Spring Training or during the MLB regular season. If he is added back to an MLB 40-man roster prior to the conclusion of the MLB regular season, he is not eligible to be an Article XX-D minor league free-agent after the 2012 season. (He would be eligible for salary arbitration, however). Also, if DeWitt accepts the Outright Assignment and is recalled sometime during the MLB regular season (but not before the 20th day of the regular season), he burns a minor league option (which would be his third and final minor league option), even though he was outrighted (not optioned) to the minors. My guess is DeWitt will accept the Outright Assignment and come to camp as an NRI, since no other club showed enough interest in him (and his $1.1M salary) to claim him off waivers. It is still possible that (with a strong showing in Cactus League play) he could make the Cubs Opening Day 25-man roster, and if he doesn't, he gets a nice salary to play at Iowa, and he would be insurance for the Cubs in case they need an experienced LH hitting bench guy later in the season. And even if there is no room for him on the Cubs 25-man roster in 2012, he could conceivably be traded at some point during the season if another MLB club has a need for a player of his type. And again, if he is not added back to an MLB 40-man roster prior to the conclusion of the 2012 MLB regular season, he can file for free-agency as an Artricle XX-D minor league free-agent starting on the day after the conclusion of the MLB regular season up through October 15th. (Same goes for Manny Corpas). Besides DeWitt and Corpas, there are presently 26 other Cubs minor leaguers eligible to be free-agents post-2012 per MLB Rule 55 (22 six-year minor league free-agents, plus four previously-released/second contract minor league free-agents who are eligible if they are not signed to contracts that cover the 2013 season). BTW, a potential MLB Rule 55 minor league free-agent cannot be a free-agent if he is added to an MLB 40-man roster by 5 PM (EDT) on the 5th day following the conclusion of the World Series. ELIGIBLE TO BE ARTICLE XX-D MINOR LEAGUE FREE-AGENT POST-2012: Manny Corpas, RHP Blake DeWitt, INF NOTE: A minor league player presently eligible to be a free-agent post-2012 per Article XX-D of the CBA is not eligible to be a free-agent if he is added to an MLB 40-man roster prior to the conclusion of the 2012 MLB regular season. ======================================= ELIGIBLE TO BE MLB RULE 55 MINOR LEAGUE FREE-AGENT POST-2012: SIX-YEAR MINOR LEAGUE FA: Jim Adduci, OF Alfredo Amezaga, IF-OF Juan Apodaca, C Justin Berg, RHP Kyler Burke, LHP Matt Camp, IF-OF Marco Carrillo, RHP Edgar Gonzalez, INF Jason Jaramillo, C Blake Lalli, C-1B Rodrigo Lopez, RHP Oswaldo Martinez, RHP Joe Mather, OF Mario Mercedes, C Trever Miller, LHP Jonathon Mota, INF Blake Parker, RHP Nate Samson, INF Bobby Scales, INF Kyle Smit, RHP Ryan Rowland-Smith, LHP Matt Tolbert, INF SECOND CONTRACT/PREVIOUSLY-RELEASED MINOR LEAGUE FA: Adrian Aviles, LHP (previously released by LAD) Dan Berlind, RHP (previously released by MIN) Michael de la Cruz, RHP (previously released by TEX) Carlos Figueroa, INF (previously released by COL) NOTE: A minor league player presently eligible to be a free-agent post-2012 per MLB Rule 55 is not eligible to be a free-agent if he is added to an MLB 40-man roster by 5 PM (EDT) on the 5th day following the conclusion of the World Series.

Espn radio host, on with Bruce Levine today, told him that her "police sources" said that Castro will not be charged and criminal case will not be persued.

Muskat on unfinished Biz. Probably posted before Rob said DeWitt out righted to Iowa http://muskat.mlblogs.com/2012/02/17/217-unfinished-business/
The Cubs are still waiting for word from MLB commissioner Bud Selig regarding what compensation the Red Sox will receive in exchange for Theo Epstein. Epstein, named Cubs president of baseball operations in late October, was to address the media on Saturday at Fitch Park in Mesa, Ariz. Maybe we’ll get an answer then. Also, the Cubs are waiting for word from infielder Blake DeWitt, who was designated for assignment Feb. 6. If he clears waivers, DeWitt then has to decide if he will return to the Cubs as a non-roster invitee or test free agency.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

I will agree he was trying to win, but Hendry seems like a pretty stand up guy so I am not sure I would attribute too many selfish motives to him. I think he believed that the Cubs had a shot in 2010 and 2011, as I believe you did too. So, he was unwilling to unload the team's high paid veteran assets in a rebuilding process. Given the backlash on this board to Theo's actions, I am not surprised that he took the path of least resistance.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob Richardson

I am of the opinion that Theo and Hoyer and probably very good front office people. I really liked the hire of both guys and the embracing a more numeric approach to evaluating talent. My only real gripe this off season has been my feeling that ownership is trying to be cheap. People made excuses for Frank McCourt when he bought the Dodgers without the actual money to buy the Dodgers. Nobody really turned on him until his wife spilled the beans on his plan to raise ticket prices and slash payroll to maximize his own profit. Unfortunately I see too many of the same parallels going on here with the Ricketts kids. And the cynic in me thinks that Bud Selig and Jerry Reinsdorf allowed this kind of ownership to happen over a Mark Cuban. Simply because it's better for the Brewers and White Sox to have cheap owners in Wrigleyville.

I will be glad to stop following the boston bozo-media... Gordon Eddes, ESPN http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/16415/sox-hope-for-qua…
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- With the help of a major league source close to the situation, we can narrow down what the Boston Red Sox are asking for as compensation for Theo Epstein going to the Chicago Cubs. At this stage, the source says, the Sox are hopeful of acquiring one quality minor-league prospect from the Cubs. They’re resigned to not getting a major leaguer from the Cubs, and acknowledge it probably won’t be one of the Cubs’ premium prospects, like a Brett Jackson or Josh Vitters. But the source says the Sox are insisting on acquiring a prospect with a legitimate chance of making it to the big leagues as a contributor. The Red Sox expect a decision in the coming week, the source said.
The East Coast bias stuff is so disgusting. On XM this week Duquette-Kennedy said it would be a travesty if the RedSox didn't get one of the following: Brett Jackson, The Cubs 2012 1st round pick (they thought it was #3, but it's #6) or a swap of the Redsox-Cubs 2013 1st round picks. Sheesh. The only uglier words I know: Nick Catharsis Cafardo

Don't know why Gammons tweeted this 2002 top prospects:1. Beckett, 2. Prior, 3. Blalock, 4. Burroughs, 5. C. Pena, 6. Juan Cruz, Jose Reyes 34, M. Cabrera 38, Wainwright 42 No way Beckett higher than Prior. Remember Juan Cruz?

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In reply to by Jumbo

I don't mean to speak for Navigator, but the thing that frustrates me about how things are shaping up for 2012 is that it is unnecessary. What Epstein and company are trying to do is somewhat unprecedented. What other large market team has given up a season (or more) with the intent of building up the minor league system? I'm unaware of any other large market team doing it. So, while I understand what you are saying about the front office building an organization that can be competitive every year, it's not like JedStein is following a tried and true plan. It's an experiment and in the opinion of a lot of people (including me), it is unnecessary. It may work out in the long run, but that doesn't mean it is the best plan of action.

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In reply to by Sweet Lou

I wouldn't call what they're doing an experiment. They do have a spending limit, whether it's a hard limit from ownership or just a common sense budget from Theo and Jed. I don't know if the expenditures for the Dominican Academy and the McDonald's purchase come out of the formal baseball budget or not, but they're all dollars being spent or committed to for this year and beyond. Long story short, I think they're doing the best they can to field a competitive team this season, but there's no question that they're keeping the long term goals ahead of this seasons goals. What experiment do you think they're conducting?

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In reply to by Jumbo

As it has been reported, the McDonalds purchase was done by the Ricketts family, not the Chicago Cubs. It has also been reported that the Cubs have a net revenue of about 200 million dollars, and all of that is put back into baseball operations. That would include not only the major league payroll, but also other baseball expenses such as the PR Academy, the new patio in right field, increased scouting and signing of overseas prospects, increased front office salaries, etc. Ricketts has said that his family is not taking any money out of the Chicago Cubs Baseball Team. And does not intend to do so in the near future. Also of interest, it was reported that any money left over from a particular year's expenses will be held by the Chicago Cubs for future expenses. In other words, if they save 10 million dollars this year on salaries, they can spend it next year on salaries or other expenses or improvements.

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In reply to by Dusty Baylor

It certainly isn't an every day thing, but that is mostly because it is unusual to have a top 7 payroll that is so bad. They entered into a lot of high priced contracts that are now coming back to bite them. They can either cut their loses and rebuild, or enter into more high priced contracts that will go bad at some point in the future. It isn't an experiment. It is just common sense.

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In reply to by DavidP

I agree with what you said up until you said the Cubs only choices for this year were to either "cut their loses and rebuild or enter into more high priced contracts that will go bad at some point in the future." Why are those the only choices? The Cubs had $20 million in payroll come off the books this year and another $50 million will come off next year. That's $70 million they could have used to build the big league team. To put that into perspective, one-third of the MLB teams have total payroll of $70 million or less. They could have chosen to spend that money to improve the big league club (especially during a year when the NL Central is winnable), but instead they are neglecting the big league club in order to concentrate on the minors. Don't get me wrong. I want to see the Cubs built in a way that results in sustainable success. I just don't agree that the team has to basically sacrifice a year (or more) in order to do it. There's no reason they couldn't have competed in 2012 while also doing all of the same things they are doing to build the minor league system.

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In reply to by Sweet Lou

if they at least lock up garza for 3-4 seasons i'd be happy. i don't mind passing on the 1st basemen that were available given what they got...they were seemingly out of the cj wilson market before it began. almost every trade they made, though, opens up even more payroll for 2013...and as a fan i expect them to use it no matter how 2012 works out. my love of garza+cubs goes beyond just garza and his abilities. though he can be a harsh personality and uber-competitive, he's a stable family guy who happens to love waking up at the crack of dawn and going to bed before 2am...hanging out with the family/kids, etc. he's not going to be a guy thrown off by day games or getting himself ready to play a day game after getting off a plane 10pm the night before.

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In reply to by Sweet Lou

They had 20 million come off the books this year, but they also spend a substantial amount of money on Concepcion, and may spend even more for Soler. In addition, they beefed up the front office substantially, as well as adding scouts, improving the DR Academy and build the pavilion in right field. And I suspect that their new computer system for prospect evaluation has also been quite expensive. And who could they have spend 20 million dollars on this year that would have made them competitive. If they are as bad as most people say, 20 million dollars would just be a drop in the bucket. Going after Pujols or Fielder would not have put them over the top this year, and would just have put us even further behind the 8 ball in a few years. Look how much better off we would be right now if we hadn't signed Soriano to a similarly foolish contract.

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In reply to by DavidP

concepcion deal is supposedly backloaded...but 7m over 4 years *shrug* money would be tight no matter what they did given the amount of needs...it's the huge flexibility they have in 2013 that opens opportunities up, even for 2012 if desired. imo, they seem to be shooting for being 2013/2014 ready picking up guys like volstad/wood/stewart/rizzo rather than lower-lever/higher-ceiling types. a lot will probably depend on what gambles pay off in 2012. there's mid-season gambles/support for 2013 or minors prospects to come via trade, too.

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In reply to by crunch

"they also spend a substantial amount of money on Concepcion, and may spend even more for Soler. In addition, they beefed up the front office substantially, as well as adding scouts, improving the DR Academy and build the pavilion in right field. And I suspect that their new computer system for prospect evaluation has also been quite expensive." I mentioned a half dozen expenditures, and you dismiss them ALL by mentioning only the smallest of them. The rest probably took up most of the 20 million even without the possibility of signing Soler (which WOULD be all at one time).

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In reply to by crunch

When the Trib ran the company, there was a strict (or not so strict) budget for every activity of the company. The GM had to keep expenditures within the budget for each activity, regardless of what was happening with other activities, or regardless of what was happening overall. Most large companies are run this way. With Ricketts, Epstein had been told that his total budget equals total revenue, and he can divide it up any way he wants. This is a MAJOR change for Cubs operations. There is no longer a firm budget for player salaries. Epstein can double it, or cut it in half, as long as he makes corresponding changes in areas. He can spend less on salaries, and more on player recruitment. Or he can put it into areas that will increase future revenue, such as the right field pavilion. But the biggest change of all, and one that Hendry would probably have killed for - if he spends less that total revenue this year, he can save it for next year. And if he can increase revenues in the future, his overall budget will increase by an equal amount in the future.

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In reply to by DavidP

He made a really vague mention along those lines when he gave the interview with Al at BCB. However he was extremely non committal in how he said it. So I really have my doubts at this point. He said that they count all the money that comes in. Deducts what he has to pay in expenses. Then lets the baseball people have what is left over. However he didn't elaborate on what counts as his "expenses". -Is it just payroll? -Is it every day to day cost? -Is it counting the loan repayment schedule? -Is it counting the "Salaries and dividend payment" of the six Ricketts who own the team? -Does it count the cost of McDonalds? -The refurbish on Wrigley? There is an awful lot that was left unsaid.

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In reply to by DavidP

It's also unusual to have a team lose 2 of the starting 5 pitchers in April, and have a third Zambrano, pitch like he did. It's also unusual to have so many players not hit in April and May. HAving Ramirez back at what he got I would have liked...Zambrano? He can go...Pena I understand too. I'm just looking forward to seeing some of the new pitchng. 75 wins. I'd be....mildly not upset with that from this team.

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In reply to by Sweet Lou

fine, how did the mid 90's Yanks, early 90's Braves, current Phils get good (etc, etc)? built up a good young core of players... everyone knows the roadmap for sustained success, why the resistance? could they have wasted $25-$30M on some players and squeezed out 4-5 wins this year? sure, but that money is gonna get spent on older veterans, you're gonna overpay and they may just end up on the DL or play like Fukudome (okay, but not worth their contract) Furthermore, due to their contracts they likely block giving time to the good young players. Now if you want to talk about if they actually have enough good young players, I'm all ears. Cause I'm hardly sold on Brett Jackson, the ceiling is nice, but there's quite a floor there too. Adding Soler would help a lot, plus locking up Garza.

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In reply to by Rob G.

I'll agree with you that the Yankees, Braves and Phils were built with a good core of young players (although trades for vets and FA signings also played a huge role in their success). However, and this is the point I have made consistently, none of these teams purposely sacrificed a season (or several seasons) in order to build up their minor leagues so that at some point in the future, if everything worked out right, they would have a consistent winner. I don't buy the "blocking" argument. Having options is a good thing. That's what allows you to make trades without dismantling the team. I'd rather have depth than to have only one MLB-ready player at each position. Like you, I want the Cubs to build their minor league system so that at some time in the future, they have a core of young players they can build around. I think where we part company is in the need for the Cubs to sacrifice a season or more in order to accomplish that. I don't see any reason that the minors can't be built while also having a competitive team at the MLB level.

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In reply to by Sweet Lou

You know what? I'll bet you all my money that Theo did not wanna come into Chicago to punt a whole season just to rebuild the farm. But after inheriting this team with a depleted farm system, a roster w/ all its albatross contracts, under-performing veterans, and assets w/ poor trade value, the relatively slim pickings in FA this year and the potential hand-cuffing the new CBA puts on acquiring young talent then I don't blame him for doing what he did. When he came in to Boston, he already had the nucleus of a good roster so that there was no need to punt a season. You'd have to be blind not to see the situation Theo inherited in Chicago and think that by throwing a lot of money around, you can rebuild this team w/o further creating bad future contract situations.

[ ]

In reply to by John Beasley

Agreed 100% You mortgage your future for a 1st baseman who may be on the downslide, or one who's really a DH, or a pitcher who doesn't quite have the track record commensurate with the dollars he's making, and you better be really, really close to winning it all. My hunch is that Theo's hoarding his money for 2013, in hopes of getting at least one of the pitchers who are hitting free agency.

[ ]

In reply to by Sweet Lou

I don't understand your statement that the Cubs are sacrificing a season, and no other team does that. Every other team does that at one point or another. The Cubs team today is not very good. There is nothing reasonable that the Cubs management could do to make the team a lot better this year, without hurting performance in the future, as signing Pujols or Fielder would have done. And signing one of them would hardly have made the Cubs a 2012 blockbuster. When Green took over the Cubs, he traded one of their best players, DeJesus, for a young kid and a broken down veteran. he then traded their best pitcher, Krukow, for a slow footed slugger without a position. The first two years under Green were terrible, largely because he made moves to improve the future, rather than the present. Epstein is not conducting an experiment. He is following a tried and true management method.

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In reply to by Sweet Lou

Cubs play in a large market but the similarities end there with the other big market teams. If the Cubs had the stadium with ad money from signage(fenway, yankees) and video screens, corporate boxes, parking and at least a fair tv deal for their number of viewership, they would be able to spend like the Yankees year in and and out and be able to survive turds like Soriano's contract. Now for the first time in a long time, they are trying to run a team rather then produce a tv show, HOMERUNS!! KID PITCHER STRIKES OUT ALOT OF BATTERS!!! HALF NAKED WOMEN!!! SINGING CELEBRITIES!!! It's like the Cubs have to win in a perfect storm, you have to win playing day baseball, in a decrepit park that you are not allowed to touch, and spend a shit load of money on fa's and you better play the kids too.

Aren't there a few season ticket holders hanging around here? Anyone here ever been a season ticket holder with the Cubs before? Opinions? Anyways, I expect in the next few days that I will officially be a season ticket holder. Like I told my wife, this is a very long-term investment. But as bad as the last few years have been, I'm genuinely excited about the long-term direction of the franchise, and I'm very happy to become one of the preferred customers of one of my favorite brands. This is a very exciting day in the history of my own Cub fandom.

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In reply to by John Beasley

Last year was my first as a STH. I would have totally lost my ass if I didn't sell 50% of them to friends before the season started. I ended up getting 75-80% of my money back, but only got to attend 6-7 games due to leg surgery. It's nearly impossible to squeeze into those seats with a gimp leg. Luckily my friends are coming back for another round of torture. It helps having a group to help offset costs, but they will also offset monster profits should the Cubs reach the promised land. Season ticket holder appreciation day was amazing. We got to go on the field, run the bases, go in the clubhouse, press box. They will be doing that again in August. They also let you buy concert tickets before the go on sale. I'm in this for the long term too. I've wanted them for as long as I can remember. I'm keeping them until I die, maybe longer. It's very exciting when you first get that giant box of tickets in the mail.

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In reply to by Newport

As most of you know, Been a STH for a while. This year I sold 50% of the package to a guy that was on our "list". Tried unsuccessfully to get switched to a Combo plan (eves/weekends), and stay in the same terrific seats. DENIED! I will probably end up losing, after all is said and done, $1500. But never have I seen such poor response from my trusted mailing list of 60+ people! 2004, 2006, 2007-08 I was able to recoup my investment and go to 10-15 games. Last year we lost probably $3000, and honestly, the team was so shitty to watch, I didn't even want to go, so I donated plenty of unsold games to charity. It is going to be like this until the team turns it around.

5:21 Comment From AJ Who will end up getting the better deal in the Rizzo/Cashner trade. Is rizzo's wing too long to be abel to hit for avg and/or good power numbers in chi? 5:22 Mike Newman: I didn't understand that deal from SD's perspective. For Chicago, buying low on Rizzo for Cashner who seems like a closer (maybe) in the end strikes me as a steal.

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In reply to by navigator

Triple A filler, I hope. One thing that *is* a little depressing is that we all sense this being a throw away year but two of the outfield positions are still filled by Byrd and Soriano. On a good team, I wouldn't mind Byrd too much, but if the Cubs are gonna be as bad as advertised, I'd rather see kids out there, even if they are suspects more than prospects. That's not a knock, even, on TheoCorp -- I can't imagine they haven't tried to move those guys. I don't imagine there are lots of teams clamoring for Byrd, and Soriano, well, he's just the gift that keeps on giving.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120218/sports/702189785/ “It’s behind the scenes, defining the vision for the organization, how we’re going to teach the game,” Epstein said. “I think we’ll talk about it from time to time. “I think the public will know about it when players that we’ve drafted and signed come through our system learn the Cub way and come and play that way at Wrigley. “They should hold us accountable. We should get good results since this is a results-oriented business. You should see our players playing the same way in the minor leagues and up here when they get to the big leagues. “They should see a fundamentally sound team. They should see smart and aggressive baseball.

Anybody else think that Samardzija winning a rotation spot is a real possibility? This seems like exactly the type of rotation that actually makes Samardzija look like a good #5 starter. He's got better stuff than anybody left in the rotation except for Garza and Dempster. I still think chances are better that he stays in the bullpen, but I could see him getting a shot if he shows some control or if Wells or Wood bombs.

I think that Samardzija would win a rotation spot if they give him a chance. But I think they have him destined for the bull pen this year. Except for the questionable Marmol, they really don't have a power arm in the bull pen unless Dolis wins a spot.

DeJesus was pretty much done when the Cubs traded him .194 .276 .233 .509 in 460 PA's. --- I think Ivan DeJesus hit better coaching 3B last year. At least he got more contact with runners getting thrown out at home.

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In reply to by navigator

Good indicators of his real value-->"No one claimed him" and "He lost a battle for the starting second base job last spring to ...Darwin Barney(?!!)."

In case you never got to see the list--Please note where Theo's Red Sox are ranked compared to the Cubs, ahem, sorry-ass system. Keith Law Farm System Rankings 1. Padres 2. Rays 3. Blue Jays 4. Cardinals 5. Royals 6. Diamondbacks 7. Rangers 8. Pirates 9. A's 10. Yankees 11. Mariners 12. Dodgers 13. Rockies 14. Twins 15. Angels 16. Braves 17. Orioles 18. Red Sox //Keith Law's comments about the Red Sox minor league system: This system is terribly thin up top given the money the Red Sox have spent in the past few years on amateur players. I do see a large group of prospects from low Class A and below that should produce a couple of breakout prospects in 2012, including Brandon Jacobs , Garin Cecchini , Henry Owens , Matt Barnes and Sean Coyle .// 19. Reds 20. Cubs Keith Law's commentary //An unfairly maligned system, in my opinion -- not a great system, but not a disastrous one. And I say that as someone who's relatively bearish on some of the Cubs' more famous prospects.// 21. Nationals 22. Mets 23. Brewers 24. Tigers 25. Phillies 26. Giants 27. Astros 28. Marlins 29. Indians 30. White Sox Just to refresh memories, last year he ranked the Cubs 20th as well and wrote: //20. Chicago Cubs A top-10 system before the Garza trade, the Cubs probably would place more guys in the 101-150 range than any organization except the Royals. They're loaded with high-floor players who have the potential to be above-average or better big leaguers but aren't there yet. Considering all the picks they've given up to sign free agents, it's remarkable how strong the system still is after the giant trade with Tampa Bay.//

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In reply to by navigator

Between 2003 and 2010 the Cubs averaged 82 wins per season, the Red Sox 94 wins per season. In that time it would be clear the Cubs would have higher draft pick and in turn have better farm system. In that time the Red Sox won two world series and I think went to playoffs six times. They played in arguably the toughest division in baseball. And the Red Sox still have the higher ranking farm system? COLOR ME EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!! Although the Astros are heading to AL, the Cubs will still have to fight off the big spenders like Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati to stay competitive.

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In reply to by jacos

2003 jacos? I don't think anyone drafted before 2007 still counts as a minor league prospect. And since 2007 the Cubs have finished 1st twice in their division. 2nd once. They've only been awful since the Ricketts took over. In fact if projections are right and they win something like 70 games again this year, the first three years of the Ricketts regime will go down in Cubs history as the worst 3 consecutive seasons since the early 80's.

A's finally sign manny...because the other excess OF/1st/DH types aren't better than a near-40 year old roider. crisp is already making noise about not wanting to move from CF because he signed with the A's so he could play CF with them...could have played for TB.

Not that excited for this year's Cubbies? Here's what a certain pitcher said about your Hooston Astros, From The Chronicle: "That’s part of what drew so many to the Astros — the chance to do on a rebuilding team what their peers on established contenders could not. “The thing that really attracted me to Houston was the opportunity,” said lefthander Zach Duke, 28, who comes to camp on a minor league deal to compete for a rotation spot after he was part of the 2011 National League West champion Arizona Diamondbacks. “When you hear the manager and the front-office people talk about it, they’re big on opportunity here.” Duke also liked what he saw from the roster, which is young and unpolished. “I see potential,” he said. “I see a bunch of athletes. When you have athletic talent on the field, once you can harness that, it turns into wins pretty quickly.” It’s not the organization’s approach, but “pretty quickly” would be ideal for manager Brad Mills, entering his third year with 132 wins and 192 losses." -END of quotes - Maybe 'opportunity' is why we have seen so much of Biggio already this year. But the big news is Milo can't take it anymore after this season. Let's all wave good-bye to the Astros. After all, we got the Brewers, didn't we?

Reports are that it's Chris Carpenter going to Boston. Cue the outrage. UPDATE: Bruce Miles @BruceMiles2112 It's officially Carpenter and PTBNL for a PTBNL from Red Sox. #Cubs

Levine on Espn Cubs BoSox settled themselves, no Bud involved Larry Luchino got his way Cubs have not sat w garzas agent yet Theo does not want to give ntc, does not believe in them

It probably took a little bit of time because of the lack of precedent. But it certainly wasn't because of any animosity. "We were actually looking at the people involved on the emails last night and we're all really good friends. This process clearly didn't change that. There was no animosity. It was just a process that took a long time in part because we had a lot of things going on."
Even though the above quote is from Levine's blog. On the radio with Waddle/Silvy, BL implied that the reason it took so long was because Larry Lucchino was being bitter and vengeful and was hell bent on making Theo pay as much as he could extract for leaving the sinking ship based on last season's conclusion in Boston. I recently read the book, 'Feeding the Monster' (http://sethmnookin.com/feeding-the-monster), which is the Redsox history leading to the Henry/Werner, (Lucchino) purchase through about the 2005 season. The relationship between Lucchino and Theo has been continually strained because Lucchino tends to be paranoid when the Boston press portrays any of his 'team' (Theo) making subtle comments which he continually interpreted as throwing him under the proverbial bus. Of course that was a two way street open to interpretation when Theo felt he didn't deserve flak.

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).