Revenge is a Dish Best Served in Formaldehyde

I can see the Simpsons animating this one (with a guest appearance from heaven by Ricardo Montalbán).

byline, Nick Cough-fart-doo and Kent Brockman:

The Red Sox announced the completion of the Theo Epstein compensation package today.  The Cubs will receive as their PTBNL, the bone spur from Chris Carpenter's elbow in a jar of formaldehyde.

Would the Red Sox really refer one of their newest hurlers to (video link) Dr. Nick?

On a more serious note, it's not a good spring to be named Chris Carpenter. The Cardinals ace pitcher has a significant pinched nerve somewhere between his neck and pitching shoulder that has caused some weakness and discomfort. According to the St. Louis media his timetable to return to the Cardinals rotation isn't certain.

News broke out of Red Sox camp yesterday as fans were wondering why "the other Carp" had only thrown 2 innings all spring.  Former Cub, Chris Carpenter tweeted:

“Headed into surgery tomorrow with Dr Andrews to remove a bone spur in my elbow,’’  “Stayin positive and prepared to work harder than ever to come back as soon as I can this season.’’

I'm Spur-ed on to write just a little more, after the break...

Update: (Thursday noon, CST), per a Carrie Muskat tweet:

RedSox send 1B Jair Bogaerts to Cubs to complete compensation deal for Theo. Batted .288 in Dominican Summer League. He's 19.

Elbow spurs or in medical speak, "osteophytes" develop in response to localized areas of cartilage damage. If the underlying bone reparative process gets stimulated, it can lead to a mix of bone and cartilage (the osteophyte) that often protrudes beyond the once smooth cartilage surface of the joint. The elbow is a complex hinge joint and any bone prominence that develops can block movement and lead to pain or loss of normal range of motion. The elbow is responsible not only for the hinge-like flexion and extension but also forearm rotation (supination and pronation).  When symptomatic spurs occur, they can be shaved using arthroscopic techniques (video link) with usually 2-4 small incisions. Because the elbow is a smaller and tighter joint it requires a smaller scope and shaver than used in knee or shoulder arthroscopy. Once removed, a throwing athlete can begin rehab almost immediately but the timetable to full recovery is usually 2-3 months. I recall Koske Fukudome had similar surgery in August 2007 before the Cubs acquired him in 2008.

Once Carpenter tweeted his news, all the usual media jumped all over the info, including Boston's Gordon Edes (ESPN), Peter Abraham and the real Nick Cafardo (Boston Globe) as well Chicago media such as Cubs.com writer Carrie Muskat.

Cafardo added his usual knife twisting bitterness over the Theo Comp Caper:

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington confirmed that Carpenter is having surgery, but would not comment on whether the injury predated the Feb. 21 trade with the Cubs or when Carpenter might return.

Is Cafardo hinting at a full scale Congressional investigation based on damaged goods received? Will Theo and Ben have to go back to the drawing board for 4 more months? Did Moses really have to climb back up Mount Sinai and re-type the "final version" of the ten commandments after throwing the original tablets at the blasphemers? Surely, Nick C. still has beautiful dreams of other people's nightmares.

I recall that the "final terms" of the Theo Compensation involved sending relievers Chris Carpenter and Aaron Kurcz to Boston and the Cubs were to get a low level minor leaguer back just to make it a "player transaction."

From the above ESPN link (Gordon Edes and Doug Padilla):

Cherington was asked why the Red Sox have to send a player to the Cubs. "This is still a baseball trade," he said. "It's satisfying the compensation issue, but it's still a baseball trade and in any baseball trade there has to be something coming and something going." Hoyer said he expects the exchange of players to be named to occur by April 15

ADDENDUM (Thursday noon, CST), per a Carrie Muskat tweet:

GM Hoyer on Carpenter elbow: "It's something we had no knowledge of. I don't think he had any elbow issues for the last two years."

RedSox send 1B Jair Bogaerts to Cubs to complete compensation deal for Theo. Batted .288 in Dominican Summer League. He's 19.

Scouting Report: Very strong - particularly his hands.  Raw power potential.  Should be able to improve his receiving skills quickly.  Loves to play.

...and Carpenter's Spur tracking number (783429482123) by Fed-Ex.

I guess body parts from a player will make this a new twist on those rare trades where a player is traded for himself (such as Harry Chiti and Dickie Noles).

Tags: 
Cub Chris Carpenter
Boston Media
Dickie Noles
Submitted by Dr. Joseph Hecht on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 7:59am
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Comments

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:07am

Hiiii, Dr Nick!!!!

Submitted by John Beasley
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:18am

If Theo knew this was allowed under the rules, why didn't he keep Zambrano's body and just trade the head?

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:23am

why didn't he keep Zambrano's body and just trade the head?
---
http://tinyurl.com/7whnfok

Submitted by Jim Hickmans Bat
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:37am

Countdown to Nick Cafardo crying about the evil Theo and demanding additional compensation from the Cubs in 5, 4, 3.....

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 10:12am

R. Wells to Iowa, Clevenger over w. Castillo

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 10:33am

@CarrieMuskat: Lalli, Parker, Maine, T-Wood, Tolbert and Sappelt also sent down. #Cubs

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 10:37am

Add Coleman and amazega as well to the casualties.

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:00pm

R. Wells to Iowa

Bars in Des Moines rejoice

Submitted by Tom_C
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 10:19am

Ah, Kirk, my old friend. Do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? ... It is very cold in space.

I couldn't resist. Star Trek and the Cubbies are my passion. Sad, I know.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:02am

Carrie is tweeting her brains out today... (another abby-normal reference?)

Samardzija pumped about starting. Says he feels he earned it.
It's Gonzalez not Amezaga who was sent down
Coleman and Amezaga also.
Lalli, Parker, Maine, T-Wood, Tolbert and Sappelt also sent down.
Looks like Samardzija, Volstad in Cubs rotation. Wells says he's disappointed
Randy Wells sent to Minors.
Clevenger gets cubs backup catcher job

http://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/

Submitted by QuietMan
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:38pm

Frau Blücher?

Submitted by Andrew
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 2:42pm

That's too generous. More like Inspector Kemp.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 10:42am

Wells and TWood will be the first call ups when Cashner and Wells get injured, wait...

Submitted by tim815
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 10:49am

ha

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:00am

So who is left? Lendy, RLopez, Corpas and De La Cruz (pitchers); Amezaga, Campana (hitters).

Starters: Dempster, Garza, Maholm, Volstad, Samardzija
Pen: Marmol, Wood, Russell, Dolis, Camp, RLopez and Corpas (vs. De La Cruz and Lendy Castillo)
OF: Soriano, Byrd, DeJesus
INF: LaHair, Barney, Castro, Stewart
C: Soto
Bench: Baker, DeWitt, RJohnson, Mather, Clevenger (vs. Campana and Amezaga)

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:40am

Amazega was sent down today

Seems everything is settled but bullpen. Campana is in limbo depending on if they can trade someone or go with a 6 man pen, both of which are unlikely.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:10am

more Muskat:

GM Jed Hoyer says bullpen still in flux. Lopez could be long man.
Rotation order will be Demp, Garza, Samardzija, Volstad and Maholm.
Mather and DeWitt both made Cubs Opening Day roster

Submitted by The E-Man
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:44am

Always great to have your best pitcher go second in your rotation.

Aaarrrggghhh.

Cubs..

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:38pm

Right now, I'd say they are all about the same, except for Garza. In other words, yeah, I'd go with Garza first, and then it's just a toss up between the rest of them. In a way, it's not a horrible pitching staff if Shark comes through, finally, and Volstad turns out ok. I really liked what little I saw of him. I am at least a lot more interested this year than last, when it all seemed pretty hopeless to me. There are some story lines worth following, and two kids in Iowa worth waiting for, it seems.

Submitted by Charlie
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 1:54pm

I wonder if the Cubs didn't want to have Demp, Samardzija, and Volstad, who have extremely similar repertoires all in a row.

The more obvious solution to that, I think, would've been to go with a Garza Dempster Samardzija Maholm, Volstad rotation, which would give you: 4-seamer/curve/slider, then sinker/splitter/slider, then sinker/cutter/change, the lefty, then sinker/slider/change. Still a rotation without much variation, but at least you have your ace at the front.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:44am

Maybe Amezaga? Muskat recanted her original mention of Amezaga going to Iowa (and said Edgar Gonzalez was sent down).

Later Muskat: It's Gonzalez not Amezaga who was sent down.
Early Muskat: Coleman and Amezaga also.

not that I care one way or another really.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:47am

Missed the recant. Still need a trade or 6 man pen for campana or amazega to make it

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:48am

it will be interesting to see what they do with Lendy Castillo though

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:58am

Discussing Amezaga reminds me that when I was in my teens I called a talk show to ask Leo Durocher whether Cleo James was going to make the Cub roster (circa, 1970). I don't remember what Leo said but it sure was a marginal thing to be taking the effort to call a radio program about. Last man on the roster? Zzzzzzzz.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/j...

Oh, by the way...Az Phil, can you give me a scouting report on Cleo James?

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:40pm

Careful what you ask for. You may even get his contract status on the last day he played.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:12pm

Theo Comp redux via Muskat:

GM Hoyer on Carpenter elbow: "It's something we had no knowledge of. I don't think he had any elbow issues for the last two years."

RedSox send 1B Jair Bogaerts to Cubs to complete compensation deal for Theo. Batted .288 in Dominican Summer League. He's 19.

...and Carpenter's spur tracking number (783429482123) by Fed-Ex.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:52pm

our long national nightmare is finally over...

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:24pm

More Cafardo on Theo-Gate:

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/...

The Red Sox had complete access to Chris Carpenter's medical records, and the pitcher had passed both his Cubs physical and also his Red Sox physical after he was dealt to the Red Sox as compensation for Theo Epstein, according to a source familiar with the situation. The Red Sox will likely not receive a different player from the Cubs because everything was up front and out in the open.

Of the eligible names the Red Sox had to chose from, Carpenter was the pitcher Sox GM Ben Cherington wanted because they had scouted him at Kent State and liked him then. In some of Carpenter's early outings, Carpenter had major control issues, but that's been his history.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 1:26pm

possibly

De La Cruz supposedly waived.

Submitted by Arizona Phil
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 6:05pm

Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:26pm — Rob G.
More roster cuts
possibly

De La Cruz supposedly waived.

==============================

ROB G: If Frankie de la Cruz was placed on waivers today, we won't know if any clubs made a claim until Saturday at 1 PM (EDT). If no clubs make a claim, the Cubs can outright de la Cruz to the minors.

However, de la Cruz is an Article XX-D player (he was outrighted previously in his career), so if he is outrighted to the minors, he has the right to refuse the Outright Assignment and be a free-agent immediately (but receive no termination pay), or accept the Outright Assignment and defer free-agency until after the conclusion of the 2012 MLB regular seaon (unless he is added back to the 40-man roster prior to the conclusion of the MLB regular season).

Another possible outright candidate (Marcos Mateo) cannot be placed on waivers if he is injured. He could be placed on the 15-day DL, or on the 60-day DL if the Cubs need his slot on the 40-man roster.

John Gaub (who has not thrown yet) is another candidate for the 60-day DL, but the Cubs would have to recall him from his Optional Assignment before they can place him on the 60-day DL, and if they do that they would have to pay Gaub at the MLB rate ($480K), versus his minor league split salary if they don't ($78,250).

And then there's Rule 5 RHP Lendy Castillo, who would be removed from the Cubs MLB 40-man roster if he isn't kept on the MLB 25-man roster. If the Cubs decide that Castillo isn't ready for The Show, MLB Rule 6 kicks in.

MLB RULE 6 RETURN PROCESS:

Castillo first goes on Outright Waivers (where any of the other MLB clubs can claim him for the Rule 6 waiver price of $25,000 and asume the Rule 5 roster obligations), and if he is not claimed, he must be offered back to the Phillies for half the Rule 5 Draft price ($25,000).

The Phils would have 72 hours to decide, and if they do opt to re-claim him, he is automatically sent outright to AAA Lehigh Valley (the AAA club from which he was drafted). It's at this point that a trade could happen. If a trade can be worked out, the Cubs could send L. Castillo outright to the minors without any restrictions.

Submitted by Jace
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 1:48pm

Seems like Wells deserved more of a shot... 7.1 IP 4H 0ER 0BB Only appeared in 3 games. did he get hurt or something? He went 10 days between his last two appearances... Is there more to this story? Did he bang someone's wife or something?

Submitted by DavidP
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 1:56pm

Probably nothing more sinister than the fact that he had an option left.

It's hard to argue that Wells should take the place of Dempster, Garza, Samardzija, Maholm or Volstad in the rotation. And if they want to have him ready to replace anyone that goes down, he is better off starting in Iowa than pitching 3 innings a week in the ML bull pen.

Submitted by Jace
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 2:27pm

No argument really. It just seems that he didn't get to pitch much in ST. They gave just about everyone they were considering for a roster spot more appearances than he got. Just curious why he only got into 3 games, with 10 days in between...

Submitted by Arizona Phil
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 5:39pm

Thu, 03/29/2012 - 1:27pm — Jace

No argument really. It just seems that he didn't get to pitch much in ST. They gave just about everyone they were considering for a roster spot more appearances than he got. Just curious why he only got into 3 games, with 10 days in between...

==============================

JACE: Randy Wells threw five innings & 75 pitches in a "B" game versus Cleveland at Goodyear on 3/19. The Cubs sent an entire squad of players out there in shuttle vans, even though they were playing an MLB Cactus League game that same day in Peoria vs SEA.

I thought it might have made more sense to have Wells stay in Mesa and just throw in a Minor League ST game at Fitch Park (as Maholm, Dempster, Volstad have done), but the Cubs decided otherwise.

Perhaps the Cubs were showcasing Wells for the Indians?

Submitted by Jim Hickmans Bat
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:40pm

Well, the long-standing rumor is that Wells is a bit of a glug-glug, maybe the new regime doesn't cotton to that kind of thing and are trying to send a message?

Submitted by Craig A.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:55pm

If he wasn't going to make the rotation, the choices are to sent him down or convert him to a long man. In the long run, it may be in his interest (and the Cubs') to start at Iowa.

Submitted by DavidP
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 1:51pm

If Samardzija comes through, and Volstad is OK, the starting staff will be quite good, rather than merely "not terrible".

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 2:35pm

Chicago Cubs
Signed: RHP Shawn Camp
Released: RHP Colin Richardson, LHP Brent Ebinger, LHP Trever Miller, C Mario Mercedes, 3B Jacob Opitz, OF Mayke Reyes
Elected free agency: RHP Andy Sonnanstine
Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Anthony Rizzo, 2B Adrian Cardenas
Removed from 40-man: RHP Andy Sonnanstine (outrighted to Triple-A)
Outrighted to Mexican League: RHP Oswaldo Martinez (Mexico City)

Submitted by The E-Man
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 2:58pm

Thanks ROB G.

Shawn Camp is better than some of the rag-armed RH relievers with ERA+ of:
127
141
102
the last three years in the AL East.

This is significantly better than Rod Lopez (70's and mid-80's), as well as the usual recent inventory of Silva, Coleman, T Diamond, Grabow, Berg, The Fabulous Mitch Atkins...etc.

Hopefully he will have a nice year. Low risk. Cheap price.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:04pm

he was pretty bad last year though, WHIP up to 1.5 range, hits allowed way up, never struck out guys, most his numbers in decline and he's old.

I'll remain skeptical since he just got waived as well.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:20pm

Yeah, I suppose you are right. However, it is the MO of HoyStein to embrace the "Throw-it-Against-the-Wall-and-See-What-Sticks" GM philosophy especially with the collection of players coming off down years they have on the squad now.

It is not gonna matter much in the long-term, and short-term for that matter.

Submitted by toonsterwu
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:18pm

Dang, Richardson was released. Granted, not surprising, as he hadn't really developed. I was hoping that we'd get another intriguing arm or two from the 2010 prep class (Wells ... with Reed/Hartman and the aforementioned Richardson).

Submitted by Rob Richardson
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:19pm

Wait what happened!

Submitted by toonsterwu
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:40pm

i was just responding to the Collin Richardson waiver and noting how I hope another intriguing arm develops from that 2010 prep pitching class (Ben Wells, Austin Reed, and Ryan Hartman are what's left ... wait ... Brian Smith would be a prep arm from that year I think). Nothing big.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:48pm

check the username

Submitted by toonsterwu
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:50pm

oh, ha. didn't even pay attention to that.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 2:51pm

some X. Nady rumor

let the Marlon Byrd rumors begin, doubt they want to pay starters price tag though for a bench bat.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 7:39pm

Indians looking for an outfielder as well, guess Canzler isn't the answer.

Once again, can't imagine they're paying starter prices.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:00pm

Never mind on Indians, about to trade for b. abreu

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:30pm

2-run single, 4-0 Cubs

DeWitt and Mather with RBI's as well.

C. Richard pitching.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:42pm

BR page
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/play...

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/...
He is the twin brother of well-regarded shortstop prospect Xander Bogaerts.

http://www.nesn.com/2012/03/-red-sox-trade-ja...
In two minor league seasons, Jair has played catcher and first base. Through 372 plate appearances, he’s belted four homers and 47 RBIs while batting .227, well short of the numbers Xander amassed as a shortstop.

http://www.soxprospects.com/players/bogaerts-...
Scouting Report: Very strong - particularly his hands. Raw power potential. Loves to play. Poor defensive player.

Submitted by toonsterwu
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:51pm

I'm simply glad this idiotic thing is over with. I don't expect much from Bogaerts, although he might be a semi-intriguing catcher conversion. At least, he has some power potential.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:47pm

gives up a 2-run HR to Jason Bartlett...ugly.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 4:05pm

per Paul Sullivan tweet...

Catcher Jason Jaramillo signs with Brewers after being released. Not sure why he even showed up.

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 4:06pm

he showed up to cubs camp and got promptly injured...been wondering what his status was.

Submitted by Arizona Phil
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 5:31pm

Thu, 03/29/2012 - 3:06pm — crunch

he showed up to cubs camp and got promptly injured...been wondering what his status was.

===================================

CRUNCH: Jason Jaramillo was healthy and playing for Iowa in Minor League ST games up until a couple of days ago.

Releasing Jaramillo might finally give Blake Lalli a chance to be the back-up catcher at AAA after spending four seasons at AA. It's between Lalli and Apodaca for the I-Cubs back-up job. The loser goes to AA Tennessee.

Submitted by John Beasley
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 4:10pm

Cool Jamie Moyer profile by Passan.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-pass...

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 4:42pm

lot of hits given up by pitching in almost every ARZ based spring game today...wind doesn't seem to be a factor, though...unless it's a lack of wind.

also, d.barney is 4/4 (in the 5th inning) with 3 singles and a double...batting .450...ha. joe mather is 2/3 bringing his average up to .426 (slacker).

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 6:07pm

CHC/SD - 34 hits
KC/LAA - 32 hits
CIN/MIL - 23 hits
CLE/ARZ - 21 hits

crapfest.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 6:38pm

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-...

yet another team with better commercials than the Cubs

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 7:44pm

Cubs get Strasburg on Opening Day.

good luck with that...

Submitted by The E-Man
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 7:58pm

i think its gonna be hard until they get to other teams 4 and 5 pitchers.

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 8:19pm

That would give them about 65 wins. Which sounds about right, unfortunately.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:16pm

Under the knife, TJ surgery.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:21pm

http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/red_...

Kill me now

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:25pm

...the Red Sox do not consider the talks to be officially over, said a Red Sox source this afternoon.
---
Cubs on the verge of acquiring Brian Roberts from Baltimore.

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2008/03/16/grea...

Submitted by Ryno
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 7:14am

Speaking of annual trade rumor traditions- I think this is the first year I didn't hear an Adam Dunn rumor for the Cubs.

Submitted by Ryno
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 7:15am

That's wickid cool.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:32pm

Jose Ceda...now that's another flashback.

Kevin Greg. Slowly I turned and step by step, inch by inch...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yJBhzMWJCc

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/83541-flor...

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 9:48pm

CLTV website with a 1970's spring training video narrated by Jack Brickhouse and towards the end, Lou Boudreau and showcasing Leo Durocher with cameo's from Ernie Banks, Glenn Beckert, Jose Cardenal. Herman Franks among others.

http://tv.chicagotribune.com/2012/vintage-fil...

Submitted by Arizona Phil
on Thu, 03/29/2012 - 10:20pm

That's old Scottsdale Stadium in the video. It was rebuilt about 20 years ago.

Back when I first moved out here and started going to Cubs Spring Training, that's where I spent a lot of my time.

Submitted by Cubster
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 6:18am

from BP's transaction analysis on Shawn Camp:

You have to credit Camp for hanging on this long. Drafted in the 16th round in 1997, Camp is a small righty with a high-80s sinker and platoon splits to back it up. Pitchers with that profile are common, making Camp’s survival after a rough start in the majors (230 2/3 innings and a 5.27 earned run average over his first four seasons) all the more puzzling, but he has turned things around since landing with the Jays in 2008 (257 2/3 innings and a 3.63 earned run average). Camp can frustrate when his groundballs bleed through the infield or his manager neglects to micromanage his appearances, but he has a place in a big-league bullpen so long as the sinker keeps working.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php...

Submitted by crunch
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 3:29pm

that high-80s sinker worked a lot better with a 90mph fastball...last i saw he was struggling to keep in the 85-88mph range.

Submitted by Cubster
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 9:07am

New John Grisham book, Calico Joe. I suggest Rob G. bid on the movie rights ASAP.

Whatever happened to Calico Joe?

It began quietly enough with a pulled hamstring. The first baseman for the Cubs AAA affiliate in Wichita went down as he rounded third and headed for home. The next day, Jim Hickman, the first baseman for the Cubs, injured his back. The team suddenly needed someone to play first, so they reached down to their AA club in Midland, Texas, and called up a twenty-one-year-old named Joe Castle. He was the hottest player in AA and creating a buzz.

In the summer of 1973 Joe Castle was the boy wonder of baseball, the greatest rookie anyone had ever seen. The kid from Calico Rock, Arkansas dazzled Cub fans as he hit home run after home run, politely tipping his hat to the crowd as he shattered all rookie records.

Calico Joe quickly became the idol of every baseball fan in America, including Paul Tracey, the young son of a hard-partying and hard-throwing Mets pitcher. On the day that Warren Tracey finally faced Calico Joe, Paul was in the stands, rooting for his idol but also for his Dad. Then Warren threw a fastball that would change their lives forever…

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13154952-c...

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 10:13am

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs looked into re-acquiring Tom Gorzelanny from the Nationals earlier this month.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 12:37pm

Morris, Hicks and Burgess can probably go right back.

Gorz's peripherals seem to always be better than his performance and he's not too good at staying healthy. Get him back and we're a Zach Duke away from that historical mid-00's Pirates rotation.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 12:46pm

Honestly, with today's blogosphere I don't see how it is remotely possible to keep any trade or deal hidden.

Sometimes I like this.

While I would rather things not return to Pre-Watergate disclosure levels, sometimes there is just too much information on the rumor level.

Submitted by Rob Richardson
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 10:36am

http://espn.go.com/mlb/preview12/story/_/id/7...

Submitted by Ryno
on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 12:29pm

The cardinals with their SS Carlos Beltran- good for them.

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