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40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full), plus two players are on the 60-DAY IL 

26 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, ten players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors, two players are on the 15-DAY IL, and two players are on the 10-DAY IL

Last updated 4-17-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 13
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Colten Brewer
Ben Brown
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Mark Leiter Jr
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
Keegan Thompson
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

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

OPTIONED: 10 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Luke Little, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

10-DAY IL: 2 
Seiya Suzuki, OF
Patrick Wisdom, INF 

15-DAY IL: 2
* Justin Steele, P  
Jameson Taillon, P 

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




Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Baez Can Do Whatever the...

Submitted by Arizona Phil on

Javier Baez belted a three-run home run and Yasiel Balaguert stroked an RBI triple and scored on a Jair Bogaerts RBI single, as the Cubs plated five runs in the bottom of the 4th en route to a 5-1 victory over the Angels in Extended Spring Training action this morning at Fitch Park Field #3 in Mesa, AZ.

The Baez HR was not without controversy.

Baez stood at home plate for a couple of seconds after absolutely walloping the gopher ball 400+ feet and off the roof of a house on the north side of 8th Street (Baez did the exact same thing on Tuesday when he launched a three-run homer over the LF fence at Indian School Park in Scottsdale), at which point one of the Angel coaches yelled, “Run the bases!”

Baez initially took the “advice” and he did run the bases (albeit a bit of a “Cadillac” trot that probably further irritated the opposition), but upon reaching home plate Baez stopped and yelled back at the Angel bench, “I can do whatever the fuck I want!”

Trey Martin and Gioskar Amaya (who were on base in front of Baez) and on-deck hitter Rock Shoulders pulled Baez back to the Cubs bench, avoiding a potential bench-clearing brawl on the field. (BTW, having a big dude like Rock Shoulders on the field might be the best deterrent to violence since Mutually Assured Destruction).

It was one of the only times I can remember something like this happening in an Extended Spring Training game. Sometimes players get upset, but this was more like what you see in the big leagues. I kind of expected Baez to get pulled out of the game and sent to the clubhouse to cool off, but he stayed in the game, and in fact he played all nine innings at shortstop.

LHP Sheldon McDonald had an outstanding outing, throwing three hitless-shutout innings (40 pitches), with six strikeouts. He now has 11 strikeouts in five innings of work over the last four days, and would seem to be on the top of the EXST Cubs list for promotion to Peoria or Daytona.

McDonald is no hotshot young prospect, however. He was a 22-year old “5th year senior” when drafted by the Cubs in the 33rd round of the 2011 draft out of the University of British Columbia (by way of Northeastern University). McDonald has considerable experience in international play, pitching for the Canadian Junior National Team as a teenager, and then for Team Canada while in college..

Now 23-years old, McDonald appears to be much too advanced to remain at Extended Spring Training. I would think he could possibly be a very useful lefty reliever for one of the Cubs full-season minor league affiliates.

20-year old switch-hitting Dominican OF Kevin Encarnacion made his U. S. debut today, coming into the game as a late-inning replacement in CF. He bounced-out to the pitcher in his only AB.

Encarnacion played in the Dominican Summer League (DSL) the past two seasons (2010-11), hitting 268/382/368 with 13 doubles, 12 triples, 71/67 BB/K, and 43 SB (21 CS), in 129 DSL games.

Mark Malave has also arrived and made his 2012 debut in today’s game, entering the contest as a late-inning replacement at 3B. Although he was signed as a catcher, the 17-year old switch-hitting Malave has been working-out exclusively at 3rd base since arriving at Fitch Park earlier this week.

This is not Malave’s first time in Arizona. The youngster attended the AZ Instructional League as a 16-year old last fall, hitting 143/250/143 for the Cubs in 10 AIL games, while playing both catcher and 3rd base. And he did show more promise (defensively) at 3rd base than at catcher at that time.

Malave received a reported $1.6M bonus (equivalent to “1st round money”) when he was signed by the Cubs at the start of the International Signing Period last July 2nd.

Here is the abridged box score from today's game (Cubs players only):

CUBS LINEUP:
1a. Trey Martin, CF: 0-2 (6-3, BB, 6-3, R)
1b. Kevin Encarnacion, CF: 0-1 (1-3)
2a. Gioskar Amaya, 3B: 2-3 (1B, 1B, F-9, R)
2b. Mark Malave, 3B: DID NOT BAT
3. Javier Baez, SS: 1-3 (P-5, HR, 5-3, R, 3 RBI)
4. Rock Shoulders, 1B: 2-3 (K, 1B, 2B, R)
5a. Yasiel Balaguert, RF: 1-3 (K, 3B, 5-3-5 DP, R, RBI)
5b. Delbis Arcila, RF: DID NOT BAT
6. Trevor Gretzky, DH #1: 1-3 (1B, K, 5-3)
7. Jair Bogaerts, DH #2: 1-3 (6-4-3 DP, 1B, F-8, RBI)
8. Brian Inoa, 2B: 1-2 (F-7, BB, 1B)
9a. Neftali Rosario, C: 0-2 (K, P-6)
9b. Yaniel Cabezas, C: 0-1 (F-8)
10. Dong-Yub Kim, LF-DH: 0-3 (4-3, 6-4 FC, 6-3)
11a. SLOT WAS SKIPPED FIRST TIME THRU BATTING ORDER
11b. Wilfredo Petit, DH #3: 1-1 (1B, PO)
11c. Jeffrey Baez, LF: 0-1 (L-5)

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. James Pugliese: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 GIDP, 2 PO, 38 pitches (23 strikes), 4/1 GO/FO
2. Ramon Garcia: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 40 pitches (27 strikes), 2/4 GO/FO
3. Sheldon McDonald: 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K, 1 HBP, 40 pitches (29 strikes), 2/1 GO/FO
4. Felix Pena: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 13 pitches (10 strikes)

CUBS ERRORS: 1
SS Javier Baez - E-6 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely)

CUBS OUTFIELD ASSISTS:
CF Trey Martin threw out runner 8-2 trying to score from 2nd base on line-drive single to CF

ATTENDANCE: 16

WEATHER: Sunny & a bit breezy with temperatures in the 70’s

Tags
EXST Cubs
Cubs Extended Spring Training
Javier Baez
Mark Malave
Yasiel Balaguert
Sheldon McDonald
Kevin Encarnacion

Comments

Submitted by Charlie on Fri, 04/13/2012 - 04:24 pm

Hey AZ Phil, Thanks for the report? Are you starting to develop any opinions about Baez and his conduct on the baseball field? This certainly doesn't sound like the type of thing coaches usually want the youngsters (anyone, but especially the greenest players) to do.

[ ]

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Fri, 04/13/2012 - 04:10 pm

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 5:24pm — Charlie Hey AZ Phil, Thanks for the report? Are you starting to develop any opinions about Baez and his conduct on the baseball field? This certainly doesn't sound like the type of thing coaches usually want the youngsters (anyone, but especially the greenest players) to do. =============================== CHARLIE: Javier Baez is a brash & cocky kid. He appears to be very driven and competitive. He also is extremely talented, and he knows it. I don't know how the Cubs feel about his behavior on the field. The fact that he wasn't pulled out of the game after his outburst leads me to believe that Cubs management has no problem with it. I can recall him waving his arms and yelling at a pitcher (a teammate) at Instructs last year after the pitcher forgot about a pick-off play and threw a pitch with Baez standing at 2nd base. He kind of reminds me a little bit of Jim Piersall in Fear Strikes Out. He definitely plays with emotion, that's for dang sure. And did I mention that he is 5-10 in his first three EXST games, with two three-run home runs, two trtiples, and a double? (He also took Paul Maholm deep in an intrasquad game at Fitch Park last week, hitting a two-run bomb). Not too shabby.

Submitted by Ryno on Fri, 04/13/2012 - 04:45 pm

If I were a good person, I guess I would wish the Cards well and want them to have a good game to celebrate their world series rings and put on a good show for the crowd that came to see it. I guess I'm not a good person.

Submitted by Cubster on Fri, 04/13/2012 - 04:58 pm

I-Cubs leading 5-2 in Texas (Round Rock) in the 6th. JJax pitched 5 IP and 2 runs but the news is Anthony Rizzo with 2 HR's and 3 RBI's. Welington Castillo also having another strong night with 2 hits including a HR.

[ ]

Submitted by Sonicwind75 on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 04:47 am

Was at I-Cubs game. The one Jackson hit was a no doubter. It screamed out of the ball park. Castillo looked great, HR, double that landed in the gap near warning track and another fly out that was caught on the run on the track. Rizzo's second homer was a pop fly that just made it over fence. Unfortunately, missed the Cubs top of first due to traffic and opening night lines. I think I could drive from Chicago to Milwaukee faster than I can get from South Central Austin up to edge of suburbia hell that is Round Rock's Dell Diamond on a Friday. Nice moment of the night was when a gentleman stopped and sat next to me and my girlfriend a moment. I was wearing my Cubs Santo Copperstown collection jersey my brother got me for Christmas. The older gentlemen, who was incredibly nice, wondered why a "young kid" (i'm in my 30's) would be wearing a Ron Santo jersey. He wasn't a Cubs fan but he'd had a Santo "autographed" glove and for that reason alone Santo was always one of his favorite players. He told his story and then went on his way. Just one of those nice moments that always seem to happen at a minor league ball game.

Submitted by johann on Fri, 04/13/2012 - 04:45 pm

Is LaHair good at any positions besides 1b? With Rizzo smoking the ball and LaHair playing well, just wondering if LaHair will be trade bait or usable on our club.

[ ]

Submitted by DavidP on Fri, 04/13/2012 - 04:53 pm

LaHair is reported to be a decent left fielder, and a somewhat lesser, but acceptable right fielder. Assuming that Soriano is not traded, the only reasonable option seems to be to get rid of Byrd, move DeJesus to center, and Lahair in left. Assuming that LaHair and Rizzo hit well, that would leave us with a pretty good offense and a marginal outfield defense.

[ ]

Submitted by Charlie on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 04:28 am

If LaHair and Rizzo both have great seasons, I would expect to see LaHair traded to a middle or low budget team in need of a cheap slugger for the next 2-3 years in return for the best prospects that JedStein can barter for. LaHair is exactly the kind of player that a Pirates or Tampa Bay franchise has to collect--he might be a 30 HR player, but not big market team should really want to commit to him in a year that they could contend, because they will probably want someone who has more potential or a better track record. Can't imagine the Cubs will pass up the opportunity to turn a surplus at 1B (if both these players succeed) into a stronger farm system from which they might be able to address other needs.

[ ]

Submitted by JoePepitone on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 04:59 am

Time, brother Cubs fans, time. Small sample size, etc., etc. Fukudome used to have great Aprils and LaHair hasn't even had a whole April yet. I watched too many hot streaks flame out over the course of a season. Heck, Hurricane Hazle (as a 26 yr. old) came up to the Milwaukee Braves and batted .403/.477/.649 over 41 games (134 AB) at the end of 1957. He was out of the majors by 1959. Too many like that to mention. I'm just too old, I guess.

Submitted by crunch on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 04:13 am

early season lulz... aram has 2sb in 7 games this season (2sb in the past 3 games). he hasn't had 2sb in a season since 2009. he's never had more than 2sb in a season since his career high in 2001 (5).

[ ]

Submitted by The Joe on Sat, 04/14/2012 - 04:18 pm

Despite that obvious "he gets what he deserves", etc. etc., it is so sad when seeing people that just seem bound and determined to throw their life away. The money and fame isn't important, but it just make it so much more noticeable to the rest of us. I remember how intelligent my uncle seemed to me and now he's in jail because the cocaine habit he picked up in the air force.

Submitted by Stevens on Tue, 04/17/2012 - 04:44 pm

How in all of creation did I not know the Cubs had a minor leaguer named Rock Shoulders? That's an amazing name.

Recent comments

  • Bill (view)

    A good rule of thumb is that if you trade a near-ready high ceiling prospect, you should get at least two far-away high ceiling prospects in return.  Like all rules-of-thumb, it depends upon the specific circumstances, but certainly, we weren't going to get Busch for either prospect alone.

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    Right on schedule, just read an article in Baseball America entitled "10 MLB Prospects Outside The Top 100 Who Have Our Attention".  Zyhir Hope was one of the prospects featured. It stated that he's "one of the biggest arrow-up sleeper prospects in the lower levels right now."

     

    Not sharing to be negative about the trade, getting a top 100 prospect who is MLB ready should carry a heavy prospect cost.  But man, Dodger sure are good at identifying and developing young talent. Andrew Friedman seems to have successfully merged Ray's development with Yankees financial might to create a juggernaut of an organization.  

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    I suspect Brown will spend some time in the bullpen due to inning restrictions.  Pitched only 93 innings last year and career high is 104 innings in 2022.  I would expect them to be cautious with a young player with his injury history.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    I wanted Almonte gone last week, but that was before Merryweather went down and Little got demoted. Almonte in his last 5 appearances has gone 4.1 IP with no ER or Runs. NO hits, 3 BBs and 8 SO. He did hit 96 with his 2S FB in AZ on Tues.
    I don't see Jed waiving him when we have injuries all over and guys with options that can be sent down.
    I probably won't like the move Jed makes, but he can't play the "let's hope no one wants his 1.7mil remaining deal and we can hide him in Iowa" card.
    That's why I think the current Bullpen stays as is and Wicks goes to Iowa.
    I don't like that, but that's the fix I see.
    We'll find out soon enough!!!

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Teheran minor league deal is done, per MLB.

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Based on Phil’s sound analysis it sounds like a no brainer for Almonte to be placed on waivers as today’s roster move. We shall see.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I suspect Counsell/Hottovy will use the piggy-back extensively, with Taillon and Hendricks pitching as the "pig" (and with a very short leash) and some combo of Wicks, Brown, and Wesneski (whichever two do not start) as the "backers."  

    Keep in mind that Keegan Thompson has a minor league option available, and if Yency Almonte is not outrighted by 4/26 he cannot be sent to the minors without his consent after that date. Almonte is out of minor league options, so I am talking about him getting outrighted to the minors if he is not claimed off waivers, and if he is claimed off waivers, the Cubs save the pro-rated portion of his $1.9M salary, which helps lower the Cubs 2024 AAV.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Totally agree. The 26 man roster very rarely consists of the 13 best position players and 13 best pitchers.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Based on what Jed has done in the past, I’d say the plan is to

    -give Hendricks another few starts
    -give Taillon some runway ot get his season underway

    -Mix and match in the bullpen and see what sticks

    Jed usually doesn’t do a whole lot of waiver wire plays in-season, at least early in the season. He only reallly did that after he blew up the rosters in 21 and 22 because they needed bodies (guys like Schwindel, Fargas, etc).

    I think he’s a little handcuffed by a full 40 man in that he can’t really maneuver much with giving anyone showing ability at AAA (R Thompson/ Sanders/ Edwards etc). Brewer has the most tenuous grip there, and we will see what kind of chance he gets. Other than his spot, there isn’t a ton of 40 man wiggle room.

    I’m very curious to see what happens with Brown now that Taillon returns. Bullpen? Wicks to Iowa? 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Pro teams have to play their "big money" guys if they are healthy and not "locker room" issues.
    The Cubs wanted to deal JHey off well before they bought him out. They just didn't want to pay him to play for someone else for that long. Jed did give him 20+mil to play for LAD last yr.
    Jed might also let Kyle walk at some point this year. Similar scenario to JHey, except Jed thought Kyle was going to be good/solid in '24!!
    You'd think Smyly is in the same book as well. Same with Neris (he's a 1yr vet RP, so he's not really in this convo too much).
    That's ~35mil between those three and those three are going to get opportunities until at least late June) over younger guys even if their performance is "iffy".
    But, Jed is going to play Taillon a lot. They have to try and justify that contract and hope a veteran works out.
    So, Taillon, Imanaga, and Hendricks are locks for the rest of April and probably May.
    Assad, Brown and Wicks handle the last spots until Steele is ready.
    Now, you're question has real merit when Steele comes back. That will interesting if Brown is still good and Hendricks is still bad. But Taillon is entirely safe as long as he's healthy.

    And the bullpen moves were "money" based as well. Smyly has actually been okay. But he hasn't been clearly better than Little. Little had one bad outing. But Smyly makes 9mil. If they needed another RHRP and one of Little and Smyly had to go, it was going to Little. But that doesn't mean Smyly is one of the best 13 arms for the team. 

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