Cubs MLB Roster

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40-Man Roster Info

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

Harry Canary Unmasked

Submitted by Mike Wellman on

Knowing the end of his reign here is near, I braved the heat and the Zooperstars today and went to Principal Park in search of something to remember Anthony Rizzo by.Normally I perch behind the plate in the shade of the mezzanine. Today I transplanted myself to the rightfield bleachers where I'd be positioned to fetch long balls aimed in that direction. There's a fountain out there that was spraying those young enough to frolick in it without drawing stares. I was tempted.

Rodrigo Lopez retired the first 11 hitters he faced but a scoreless tie was broken when Round Rock's Brad Nelson connected on his 12th career homer against the I-Cubs in the top of the 6th, this one a granny. Despite that it wasn't Rizzo who hit it, I gave chase out the rightfield gate just to test my route of pursuit. Homers to center at PP are automatically out of there since there are no seats in that area. Sure enough, when I arrived at the scene the ball was waiting for me just shy of the street that runs between the wall and the river. Unfortunately, a couple of young ballhawks who watched me from their seats in right center beat me to the ball when Brett Jackson brought the home team within two with a solo blast to the same area in the bottom of the 7th. 

Jackson's day was a synopsis of his scouting report. He drew a walk, stole a base, hit a homer and fanned, among other things. His walk came after getting down in the count 0-2. He doesn't whiff so much because he's a chaser. He just misses a lot of strikes he swings at.

Alas, Rizzo was hitless for the second consecutive game. Today was the first time I've seen him that he didn't hit at least one ball hard. He did draw a walk in his first trip.

Before I segue to the dreaded Zooperstars I should mention that Josh (JV) Vitters hit third today and singled once to extend his modest hitting streak to seven games. Earlier in the year he'd dropped as low as eighth in the lineup. He's been on a steady burn this month but I still ain't buying.

As for the extra-curricular entertainment, the dressing room for those zany inflatables was beneath the section where I was sitting. When I saw Shark McGwire, Mackerel Jordan, Tiger Woodchuck, Harry Canary, et. al changing costumes between innings I felt like a kid watching Bozo have a smoke. They're really just young guys, carneys working the summer circuit. Oh, the disillusionment!

I've got another day off to use up before the fiscal year ends next week so I think I'll cash it on tomorrow's matinee. Will Scrabble Rizzo be in the lineup? All I know for sure is the Zooperstars will still be in town. They're worth the price of admission only because there is none, not counting the last of my discretionary days. I can't imagine that I'll end up wishing I'd gone to the rock pile. Until tomorrow afternoon...

Tags
Iowa Cubs update

Comments

Submitted by crunch on Sun, 06/24/2012 - 06:38 pm

c'mon you gotta at least like the clam zooperstar. heh...did he eat an ump, coach, or player? =p woo...minor league baseball.

Submitted by Mike Wellman on Sun, 06/24/2012 - 06:45 pm

glad you asked...he 'ate' one of the ringers from the troupe dressed in a faux i-cub uni who sneaked into the home dugout a half inning before that particular shtick

Submitted by springs on Sun, 06/24/2012 - 06:00 pm

Candelario homers again, as does Marco Hernandez and Shawon Jr. 3-1 early for Boise.

Submitted by MikeC on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:55 am

Last year he only had 107 SB's in 610 plate appearances. This year he is at 90 with a little under 300 PA's. 180+ at his current pace would shatter Vince Coleman's minor league record of 145. I would trade Garza, Demp anyone to get him in our farm system.

Submitted by jacos on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:59 am

Shark McGwire, Mackerel Jordan, Tiger Woodchuck, Harry Canary, Let's see a drug abuser cheater, three philanders, and a drunk. But kids love them!

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Submitted by Ryno on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:13 am

Oh... I was just wondering aloud and unedited what a Jerry Clamdusky mascot would be like. I said I thought they could have mid-inning entertainment, a race, where they pick boys out of the stands and Jerry Clamdusky chases them around the base paths. The winner of the race wins a wiener from the concession stand. But I thought the joke was too low brow and decided to remove it so as to not ehh... soil TCR's comments section.

Submitted by chuck on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:53 am

Does anyone know much about Tim Saundsers and Justin Marra? Both off to good starts. Mliniscule sample.

Submitted by Charlie on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:06 pm

Link showed up in the twitter feed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP4Gqa2CQcs&feature=youtu.be Footage of Boise Hawks and a few shots of Candelario (footage of his homer and him high-fiving teamates after the win). We've heard that there's some question of whether he can stay at 3rd base, and, though I have no comments on his actual defense, I notice that he's got very broad, heavy shoulders--but he doesn't look heavy through the mid-section or the legs. I also notice that he has a power-hitter's follow through on his swing. 4 homeruns in his last 5 games. He's going to be higher on the prospect lists next time around--wouldn't be surprised to see him behind only Baez and Jackson (assuming Rizzo loses his rookie status) and maybe Almora, cause everybody loves to rank high draft picks in the top 3. I'm guessing Soler will be up there somewhere too. Damn do the Cubs need some interesting pitching prospects.

Submitted by Cubster on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:13 pm

Strikeout, Flyout (F8). Apparently Rizzo's been a bit distracted the last few games. Vitters has continued to step it up today with an rbi single and solo HR.

Submitted by Cubster on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:20 pm

What do you mean...because he's injured? because he's funny? Because he's getting on a plane to fly to Chicago? ---- Henry Hill: You’re a pistol, you’re really funny. You’re really funny. Tommy Rizzo DeVito: What do you mean I’m funny? Henry Hill: It’s funny, you know. It’s a good story, it’s funny, you’re a funny guy. [laughs] Tommy DeVito: What do you mean, you mean the way I talk? What? Henry Hill: It’s just, you know. You’re just funny, it’s… funny, the way you tell the story and everything. Tommy DeVito: [it becomes quiet] Funny how? What’s funny about it? Anthony Stabile: Tommy no, You got it all wrong. Tommy DeVito: Oh, oh, Anthony. He’s a big boy, he knows what he said. What did ya say? Funny how? Henry Hill: Jus… Tommy DeVito: What? Henry Hill: Just… ya know… you’re funny. Tommy DeVito: You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it’s me, I’m a little fucked up maybe, but I’m funny how, I mean funny like I’m a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I’m here to fuckin’ amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny? Henry Hill: Just… you know, how you tell the story, what? Tommy DeVito: No, no, I don’t know, you said it. How do I know? You said I’m funny. How the fuck am I funny, what the fuck is so funny about me? Tell me, tell me what’s funny! Henry Hill: [long pause] Get the fuck out of here, Tommy! Tommy DeVito: [everyone laughs] Ya motherfucker! I almost had him, I almost had him. Ya stuttering prick ya. Frankie, was he shaking? I wonder about you sometimes, Henry. You may fold under questioning. Tommy DeVito: You know Spider, you’re a fuckin’ mumbling stuttering little fuck. You know that? Spider: I thought you said I was alright Spider?

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Submitted by The E-Man on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:31 pm

Nah. But the perception is, and I share this, that just like the old guys the emphasis is on everything else first and then comes the baseball team. This is undoubtedly the worst Cub team I have seen right now, since I have been watching Cubs baseball in 1968. That says a lot. Lots of really shitty teams during that span, and this is barely above AAA - and that's only due to a few of the 25. I thought the team would be bad. But maybe no worse than 10 games under. Wonder how Theo feels every day looking at this team play?

Submitted by Cubster on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:04 pm

Twitterverse: Carrie Muskat ‏@CarrieMuskat Rizzo is coming. He'll join Cubs on Tuesday Randy Peterson ‏@RandyPete It's officiaL: Iowa Cubs announcing AnthonyRizzo to Chicago ESPN: The Chicago Cubs will call up top prospect Anthony Rizzo, and the slugging first baseman is expected to make his 2012 debut Tuesday against the New York Mets, according to a source. Rizzo was pulled from the Iowa Cubs game in the fourth inning on Monday and left the ballpark to make his way to Chicago. He won't be activated until Tuesday. http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/8094561/source-chicago-cubs-r…

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Submitted by Cubster on Mon, 06/25/2012 - 06:57 pm

drug was Tamoxifen, used in breast cancer treatment ----- Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. Normally, the peptide hormone regulates the level of testosterone in males and the ovulation-signaling estrogen in females. In men, excess LH or synthetic forms of LH, such as tamoxifen, boosts levels of testosterone and so produces the increased muscle mass. Tamoxifen isn't used as a masking agent.

Recent comments

  • 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. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: I think there was an issue with Luke Little coming into a game with men on base. He seems to need a "clean" inning to be dominant. So he is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AAA. Same goes for Michael Arias. He needs to come into a "clean" inning, and is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AA. Porter Hodge is a more versatile pitcher, a better version of Keegan Thompson (multi-inning RP). But Little, Arias, and Hodge (probably in that order) are the Cubs top three RP prospects (all three are Cubs Top 15 prospects).

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    So, let’s do a little war gaming. Taillon is back for tonight’s game. He pitched two rehab games, just a few innings each, and not especially sharp. Let’s face it, he hasn’t been lights out since the Cubs gave him the big contract. In other words, as flat out bad as Hendricks has been, the chances of Taillon being the savior don’t look exactly promising.

    If Taillon is equally ineffective or perhaps even worse, what’s the next move? Winning teams can often find a way to work around a dud fifth starter - kinda. Two dud starters make things much more difficult.

    I believe the biggest reason for the recent bullpen moves was dissatisfaction with the recent blowing of big leads and the recognition that the bullpen wasn’t all it was thought to be. In other words, they are exploring alternate options and configurations. If similar juggling becomes necessary (even more so than it already is), what kind of reasonable maneuvering do we think could be explored?

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Cubdom needs to prepare themselves for Wicks to be sent to Iowa for Taillon to come up.
    Ben Brown has 4 appearances. Wicks has 4 appearances.
    Ben has 16.1 IP.  Wicks has 17 IP
    Ben was a 1.1 WHIP.  Wicks has a 1.7 WHIP. Wicks does have significantly more SOs. 
    Ben has been better, though.
    I love Wicks. I think he's a fighter and his stuff has improved.
    But, Jed isn't ditching Hendricks just yet. He should. But he won't.
    Hendricks should go to the IL and Taillon-Imanaga-Assad-Wicks-Brown should be the rotation.
    Wont' happen though.

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