Cubs MLB Roster

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40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

28 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, and twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 

Last updated 3-26-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 15
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

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

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, P 
Alexander Canario, OF 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

 



 

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Hallelujah!!!

GAME 115 REVIEW
CUBS 11 CARDINALS 4
Recap | Box Score | Play-by-play | Game Chart
W: Greg Maddux (9-9) L: Mark Mulder (13-6)
Well thank god that's over and I knew that it would take some sort of bizarro world where Maddux pitches a complete game, Noseferatu (Neifi/Macias) go a combined 4 for 10 with 3 runs and an RBI and Korey manages to go a game without a K. Take them any way we can get them.

Comments

some saying being bandied about regarding a blind squirrel and a nut, I think that applies to Korey getting some hits. Make enough contact, they'll fall eventually. A walk and 3 K's now in 3 games. Woo...Korey...Woo

Maybe this is the one that lights a little spark in the collective butt of the Cubbies... Wild Card, here we come!

One down, 18 to go.

btw...if you thought that the barrett/philly ending was the worst walkoff you had ever seen, make sure you check out the highlights of the angels-A's game today...yikes. and that's against the team that you're going to be fighting for the division with...

That's like the perfect game...what we all hoped the season was going to be like. Aram and Lee, 5 for 8, 6RBI, Nomar and Corey getting on base regularly Maddux pitching a complete game. Let's just put this game in a nice little time capsule, and dig it up before 2006...because the memory is likely to fade quickly this year. Another 10 straight wins and we can be back in the wild card race!

Why you gotta be like that, Rob. First of all, the walk is good. Second, those singles were both up the middle, which if that's what Corey's is trying to do, is encouraging. Why can't people just deal with the fact that Corey will strike out a lot. Lots of players do. Good players. They just do other stuff better than Corey, so if Corey get better with thta other stuff (walking regularly) then he will be good. Oh, I forgot to mention the great catch in center. The hatred for Corey in Cubdom is ridiculous.

The hatred for Corey in Cubdom is ridiculous. Um...have you seen Corey's numbers? They have been terrible this year. I like Corey Patterson. I have always supported him, at least up until a couple of months ago. I still think that he has incredible potential - enough to be one of the top players in baseball. Take a look at his numbers at his age, and then compare them to what Sammy Sosa did up until that age. There is no doubt that the guy can turn the corner. But he definitely has not made the change yet, and by his comments he does not seem to want to do what it takes to get there.

Dont' confuse my unwitty sarcasm with my fandom...I want nothing more then Korey to be good and stick with the club (at least till Felix Pie is ready). I said so three days ago when he got called up http://www.all-baseball.com/cubreporter/archives/020078.html I want nothing more then the Cubs to win each and every day, doesn't mean I can't critique them either or point out what I think their flaws are.

Pie is not in the line-up again for AA. Does anyone knows what is going on here. He was suppose to back Tuesday. Is this the Cubs lying/ not knowing anything about an injury again or was there some kind set back in the last couple of days?

"Why can't people just deal with the fact that Corey will strike out a lot. Lots of players do. Good players. They just do other stuff better than Corey, so if Corey get better with thta other stuff (walking regularly) then he will be good. Oh, I forgot to mention the great catch in center. The hatred for Corey in Cubdom is ridiculous." We can handle strikeouts, that's not the problem in and of itself. But when the strikeouts come, and the rest of his game doesn't...that's a really big problem. We've been talking about the same stuff with him for the better part of 5 years. He doesn't take walks, so can't utilize his speed, he thinks he is a home run hitter, when that is not what the team needs....he doesn't have a grasp of the strike zone. Our "hatred" is based on his complete inability to adjust his approach at the plate year after year. His inability to lay off the high strike...and his ego the size of China doesn't help either when he talks about how great of an athlete he is. If he wants to be a High K, low walk, homer guy...that's fine, but it means he will be far more useful to another team than he is to the Cubs.

Maybe Corey's problem had nothing to do with his ego and more to do with his swing, which while good enough to get him to the majors was not good enough to keep him there. Corey is not the first and will not be the last player to have this problem, and lets hope that the time and work he put in AAA this year fixed the problem. Now we just need to see days like today 3 or 4 times a week.

I didn't say don't critique Corey. Do it. He's been terrible and it kills me. I just feel it my duty, as Corey's biggest fan, to defend him on this board. What Corey has done in the past couple years though, is almost indefensible. I still try though, and I hold out hope that Corey will be the player I envisioned and the player we say briefly in 2003. I guess it just irks me that some on this board seem to literally hate Corey. Also, I don't think he has a big ego as much as he was trying to salvage some pride after being demoted. But, yes, Corey sucks right now and it kills me that he might not be much more than terrible.

Seem? DUDE! I absolutely HATE HATE HATE Cory Patterson. I have hated him ever since I read his quote about being the next Barry Bonds. I knew right then that we were in trouble.

Corey Patterson and the Cubs were great today...Now they have to prove to us that this game was not just a freak thing...the Cubs need to demonstrate that they will play good fundamental baseball and get hungry and stay hungry...We need smart pitching and a productive offense...IF the Cubs can somehow win this series against the Cardinals then they will have some real momentum going into Houston...Right now they'll have to take things game by game...It sure would be nice if today was the start of a historic winning streak...Nothing ventured, nothing gained...;-)

Chad: Would you rather Corey say he's just happy to be in the big leagues and hope he can be an Augie Ojeda type player? I have no problem with someone wanting to be the best, which I believe was his intent with his statements. I don't recall Patterson saying he was the next Barry Bonds, though. If you have a link I'd love to see it.

Corey is going to be Corey. He is going to K alot, hit for power above that of an average CF and play gold glove D. He should have won one last year and anytime that Finley wants to give it to him will be fine by me. He is a good player and hopefully he will start producing because unless we get Damon he will be our starting CF until Pie is ready in 2007.

from Carrie Muskrat @mlb.com Pitcher Angel Guzman, who has been slowed this season with a strained right forearm, threw 25 pitches over two innings for rookie-league Mesa. Guzman gave up one hit and struck out four, and his fastball averaged 94 mph. think we might get to see him pitch in the 7th innings come September? Angel and Woodie alternating days?

i find it funny/love the fact that there are still cubs fans hoping against hope for a 10/15/20 game winning streak that might catapult us into the playoffs. I wish I was capable of expressing such optimism, but my rational side mandates that i keep that part of me, which is significant albiet supressed, subdued...so i'll join the dark side and say FIRE DUSTY F. BAKER!!!!

i dont think too many people hold out much hope for the season, but yeah...it is still possible to overcome 7.5 games in 47 games. though its not likely, its still not so out of the realm that its insane.

If we take at least 6 out of 7 against STL and HOU in the current stretch, then we can talk about being back in it, maybe. But that ain't gonna happen. I hate to be a doomsayer -- it kills me to see this team playing this way. But any short term glimmers of success will only delay or derail the inevitable steps that will help this franchise for the future: Dusty's firing and Woody's shutdown.

Hopefully they saved some runs for the remainder of the series! Looking ahead, I don't think the 7.5 games are nearly as much of a problem as the fact that we're four games behind four different teams. If one of them plays well, the Cubs will have a very hard time. While I want them to win every game, I also want Wood to have his damn surgery already.

It's remarkable the hope that one single win can give so many Cubs fans. Yesterday there was absolutely no chance in hell the Cubs make the playoffs. They had lost 8 in a row for the 2nd time this year as well as another 7 game losing streak. They beat the Cardinals today and all of a sudden it's still a possibility. We just have to play like we did today. If we score 11 runs a game for the next 47 games we've got a chance. Even though we haven't shown we can play consistently DECENT baseball for even 10 games, we still have an outside shot. We've no longer lost 8 in a row, you know? We've just lost 8 of 9. I'm sorry, but there's something wrong with the tone of these posts. Corey still sucks and a 3-4 day with a great catch isn't going to change that one bit. And scoring 11 runs against the Cardinals doesn't change the Cubs playoff picture because one doesn't exist and hasn't existed the entire season.

I am surprised somebody has not brought up Maddux's post-game interview in the club house yet. He talked about maybe retiring at the end of the year. I saw it on the CSN version of sportscenter.

Bob, I would hope that a skilled young rookie would: A: Not compare himself to anyone. Be a bit more humble and give us the usual "Bull Durham" cliches. Talk about reaching potential and developing all your skills. You know, just happy to be here, take em one game at a time and God willing... B: If you are going to compare yourself to anyone, how about NOT comparing yourself to the biggest asshole ever to take the field. Not only hated by fans (like me) but by ALL his teammates. How about not comparing yourself to the most selfish, me first, all about the stats son of a bitch there ever was. C: Lastly, how about accomplish ANYTHING at the major league level before you open your mouth. Corey Patterson is the centerfielder on my all asshole team. While its not filled out completely here are is the current roster: CF CP LF Bonds C Piazza 1B The Big Skirt 2B Biggio (maybe he's not an asshole and maybe he plays the game 'the right way" but the way he turns into pitches pisses me off. 3B Adrian Beltre P Roy Oswalt (little bitch)

Maddux not thinking retirement just yet By Kelly Thesier / MLB.com http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050811&co… {..."I want to play," Maddux said. "I'd love to play for another 10 years. [Retirement] is not something that is an issue right now. What is an issue right now is me getting ready for my next start against Houston." The questions seemed out of context for a pitcher that just shut down the best team in the National League, but became an issue during manager Dusty Baker's pregame press conference... ..."Well, I'm not getting any younger," Maddux said. "I really want to play out this year and finish out strong, and I want to come back and play next year. If I feel like I can play this game, obviously I'm not going to play it like I did 10, 15 years ago, but if I can play it and feel like I'm one of the best five guys we put in the rotation, then I'm looking forward to coming back." With his performance on Thursday, it sure looks like Maddux is still one of the best. The hitters that had to face Maddux certainly thought so. "He doesn't throw as hard as he used to throw when he started his career, but he's finding a way to get some guys out in front," Albert Pujols said. "He makes a good pitch to get out of a jam. That's the only way you can do it. You can't survive 17 years in this game throwing the same stuff. That guy is smart, and that's why he's a future Hall of Famer."...}

To Chad: (My apologies in adavnce to whomever else reads this.) Would you by any chance hate Bonds so much if he wasn't so good? I mean that is the great thing about the cubs though right? No one hates them because they always lose. In fact, most of the league loves your players because they are immensely talented and know that after Dusty injures them from overwork, or hinders their develoment, or just misuses them until they break down mentally, they don't have to worry about facing them. Or better yet they can pick them up on the cheap. My memory fails me so I can only think of a couple in recent history that fall into this category... Korey, Prior, Dubois, Wood, Zambrano, Hawkins, Farnsworth, Hee Sop Choi. Hey but atleast they get to see Macias, Neifi, and Holly trotted out day after day against their teams, when better players sit on the bench or the DL. But at the end of the season its all okay because you can blame the cubs underperformance on one of your own loyal fans. I mean did the fact that he was decked out in Cubs gear and listening to the game on radio while he watched clue you in that he might actually be a big fan. Wouldn't common sense then follow that he would feel bad enough about something that wasn't even his fault, and that a large majority of people would do in the same situation? No of course not. Yep the loveable cubbies... Korey certainly can't be one of them. They probably sent him to triple A because he didn't agree to used the corked bats. Anyway, here's to another year of coming up short for fans like Chad... atleast you can sit around labeling other people "Assholes" just because the way they play the game "pisses you off". And cheers to the next team who picks up Korey on the cheap. On a side note. I do hope this Pie kid really does turn into what a lot of people think he will. I read somewhere recently that you can't tell the difference between a 4 for 4 night and an 0-4 night when his team is winning. I'd enjoy watching him play even on a division rivals team. As for fans like Chad are concerned, I hope he gets brought up next year and struggles when benched for Macias, Holly, and Hairston. Then dumped for cheap the following year after he's labeled as a bust. It'd be a shame for a talented and apparently stand up individual go to waste on a team that underappreciates him anyway. - The anonymous hipocrite.

Hmmm, Bonds (have some guts you wuss. Post a real handle and stand by your comments. ) please list for me all those players who have blossomed elsewhere. All I can think of is Greg Maddux who we all know was a mistake to let go of and Raphael Palmiero who is a steroid user. Your stupid list of CP, Prior, Dubois Wood Z Hawkins and Farns, Hmmm, lets see... CP if ruined it was not by Baker. Baker gave him every chance in the world. Prior, still can be a hall of famer Dubois sucked, sucks and will suck. He was never a good player nor was he going to be Wood, not ruined by Baker. Already had Tommy John surgery before Baker got there. I blame his Dad to tell you the truth Z. No problems with Z Hawkins, not Baker's fault again. What was Baker supposed to do? Farns, highs and lows long before Baker got there. So, Bonds your comments are pretty pathetic and worthless. Your namesake is a really big asshole. Its well documented. Players don't have nice things to say about him and he is hated on his team and off. I have nothing against great players. I don't hate Albert Puljos or Manny Ramirez or Vlad I don't hate many players. So I don't see what you are getting at. But anyway, it was Bartman's fault although he never meant it to happen. Just like hitting a patch of ice and slamming into a parked car. Try telling your insurance agent that it wasn't your fault. But whatever. Keep rooting for your namesake cause he is ever so clutch in the playoffs. What's that you say? All those home runs in the 02 playoffs and WS? Oh, look at his playoff records BEFORE he juiced up. He hit under .200.

.195 and 1 homer in 97 post season abs that are pre juice.

Hmmm, in the middle of the night I got to thinking about our free agent shopping list come this winter. Players this team should probably consider going after.... Robert Fick - C/OF/1b. This guy is no defensive wizard but he has some skills at the plate and get take a walk from time to time. He would replace Jose Macias, and unlike Macias he can actually catch. He can play 1b, but its not pretty, but good for spelling Derrek Lee on occassion Another option is Travis Lee. Much better glove, but only plays 1b and a downgrade with the bat over Fick. Mark Loretta - This is only if Loretta chooses to opt out of his contract and Walker decides he doesnt want to come back. Jaque Jones - RF/CF/LF - Take your pick, though RF might be his best position. He is gonna give you stellar defense no matter where you put him plus he has a good arm in OF. His offense isnt the greatest in the world. He is a career .280 hitter who might come a little cheaper, what with the last 2 years hitting .254 and .261 this year. I think he can bounce back to hit around .300 again. Brian Giles - RF - The absolute must get player. He is 35 years old but I am not too worried about a drastic decline over the next 3+ years when you are sporting twice as many walks as strikeouts and hitting .340 away from the hitters hell of San Diego. Jay Witasick - RP - Got to get some stability in the pen and Witasick can do that. He has traditionally had great control out of the pen which is something the Cubs pen sorely needs. 45 IP, 16 BB, 55 SO's. Rudy Seanez - RP - This is a guy the Cubs should look into. He is currently injured with San Diego but scheduled to return sometime soon. This guy has been around for a long time and been hot and cold over the years. But you cant deny this...39 IP, 62 SO's, 12 walks. He is simply an interesting player to look at and maybe sign. Did a little bullpen, bench, and offense fixage. If the Cubs want to get silly with the money options exist on Furcal, Nomar, BJ Ryan, Trevor Hoffman, and Billy Wagner. Finally the super secret player to get is Byung-Hyun Kim. He wants to be a starter and pouts if he doesn't start. If he ever decided to go back to relief pitching he would be one of the top setup men in baseball. That being said get him out of Colorado and stick him in as your #4 or #5 starter and let him go a full season for once. He is actually not half bad as a starer. If it makes you feel any better he has a 4.28 ERA as a starter for the Rockies. Even better when 2006 rolls around he will still only be 27 years old. I think he is worth a gamble. Low risk, high reward.

Bonds, you seem quite familiar with Cub players and ex players, at least to a point. We appreciate your interest. I must admit, I really don't follow Giant;s players. Guess they're just not as interesting. Just to keep you up to date, DuBois is back in AAA Buffalo, in the Cleveland system. Unfortunately, not only is he not suited to the OF because he can't catch the ball, it doesn't seem he's even suited to DH. You see, he strikes out a bunch and gets fooled on breaking balls. Now, I see Hawkins is sporting his 4.79 ERA with you guys, giving up a run here and there late in the game sort of like he did with us. Guess you guys have a higher tolerance level with that kind of stuff. That's nice. You do know that Choi is pretty much a bench player with the Dodgers, right? I think that's because he's hitting like .187 with RISP and some shakey defense. He too has real problems with the breaking pitch. Maybe he'll get it some day. Farnsworth...ah, the memories of our fan kicking head case. Yeah he can throw, he just can't pitch. But hey, we wish him well but don't miss the headaches. Corey, Wood, Prior and Z are all getting what they need at this time. But we do appreciate your concern. Anyway, stop by more often and we'll keep you posted. Good luck. Alex

The free agent market this winter is just awful. There's enough good GMs in baseball that in the last five years everyone has figured out to lock up their talent rather than risk a bidding war ... therefore the best way to get what you want anymore is to trade for it. I think Hendry knows that, but the temptation to sign a free agent is too great. Only a small handful of free agents on the market last winter turned out to be difference-makers and bargains simultaneously, and the odds of landing one are slim. With that said, unless the Cubs believe Woody is the closer of the future, a two-year deal for Wagner would be a wonderful early Christmas present. And I'm all about the Cubs signing Brian Giles if that means Jeromy isn't coming back. Just not both, because I really would like Murton to play every day for at least 250 ABs. It's the only way we'll know for sure, and if he tanks, there's always the trade deadline.

"Now, I see Hawkins is sporting his 4.79 ERA with you guys, giving up a run here and there late in the game sort of like he did with us. Guess you guys have a higher tolerance level with that kind of stuff. That's nice." Actually that's not at all what's going on. It turned out that Hawkins was hurt when he first started pitching for SF. He had a lot of trouble and was ineffective. The Giants shut him down for nearly a month to heal. Since the all-star break they've put him back into the role as 8th inning setup man and he's been spectacular.

Playoffs shmayoffs, I think people just want to see a winning streak of whatever kind. If it comes against the Cardinals, so much the better.

Playoffs now possible? after one measly win? Unbelievable. picking up 7 games in 47 games is not impossible, but very improbable if you are the 2nd place team and have no one else to overcome. The Cubs have FIVE teams between them and the WC leader. And those 5 teams will have some games against each other...meaning one of the teams between you and the WC leader WILL automatically be winning those games and you gain ZERO ground on them. Do you realize Houston has 20 games left with teams who now are ahead of us but behind them in the playoff race? So Houston loses all those games....we still lose ground or stay even at best with those other teams.... The Phillies have 23 games left with Teams between us and the WC leader....SOOOOOOO There is no way in God's green earth that the Cubs can make the playoffs. It just isn't going to happen and the BIGGEST reason is the Cubs are the worst team in the WC chase. It would take the Cubs winning a ton of games (not likely) and ALL other teams in a complete free fall....(not likely) AND teams like WASH and PHIL BOTH losing when they play each other for the Cubs to move up the WC standings. Cub fans are the most unrealistic lot there is. One blowout game doesn't change a darn thing. There is good news though (and no I didn't just save a lot of money by switching to Geico)...Once officially mathematically eliminated from the playoffs...The Cubs will give us many more games like the one we witnessed yesterday.

Chad- Add Berkman for RF as he fakes getting hit by pitches and rolls around on the ground crying like he did. Also add La Russa as the manager, as he can throw at people and think it is OK, but if someone does something he doesn't like, he cries.

Robert Fick? Talk about your "all asshole" team. Wasn't he the one that clocked a Cub (Karros?) while he was running down the line. I also humbly submit Raffie for 1B or DH on that team. (Since it is an asshole team, it must be in the AL.)

CWTP -- Good info on Hawkins -- I have to say that I assumed he was sucking, but you are right, he has been a stud since coming back off the DL. Funny game.

So was Hawkins hurt when he was with the Cubs and not say anything?

Here's a bullpen for Chad's "all asshole team" Closer: Billy Wagner Set-up: Jose Mesa Middle relief: Latroy Hawkins Loggy's: Steve Kline, Buddy Groom Garbage inninings: B.K. Kim 2-5 in rotation Pedro Wells Rogers Ponson

Verbally went after Torre probably not enough to make the team but you don't hear alot and shouldn't from LOOGY's so when they speak and when they do go after one of the all-time great managers in the process it qualifies you.

Interesting take by Grudz on differnce between Dusty and La Russa: "I think Dusty's more of a hands-on manager, definitely vocal in a way where he's yelling and gets you going, talking to you in a way, where Tony's more laid-back and expects things out of you," Grudzielanek said. "If you don't do it, then boom, he'll tell you. But both managers try to win. That's all there is to it. There's no question about that drive, the hunger they have to win."

A couple more for the all A-Hole team: Dan Micelli - with Florida said he couldn't respect a manager who never played in the Majors, then bitched about being released. Roger Clemens - Just look back at the blow hard prima donnas career.

Hawkins wasn't hurt with the Cubs, at least not physically. The problem is, was, and will always be simply LaChoke can't handle anything resembling pressure, in the 9th inning or any other inning. The most telling part of LaChoke's "spectacular" season since the ASB: JUL 25 @CHN 0.1 IP 1 R 1 ER 1 Hit 0 K 0 BB JUL 26 @CHN 1.0 IP 1 R 1 ER 1 Hit 1 K 2 BB 1 HR 1 Blown Save JUL 27 @CHN 0.0 IP 1 R 0 ER 1 Hit 0 K 0 BB For a grand total of 3 Runs, 3 Hits, 1 HR, 2 BB, and 1 K isn 2 1/3 Innings over 3 games of 8th inning relief at Wrigley. Lucky for LaChoke, he's on a team that's been under .500 for most of the season.

MikeC, I got to thinking about your FA post. I think the Cubs should pick for Jay Witasack & BK Kim. While we're at it, we'll change our names from the Chicago Cubs to the Chicago 2000-2003 Rockies. Does anybody remember how bad the Rockies were when they had Ne!f!, Holly, Burnie, Walker, and Blanco. Is there a pattern there? Is Dante Bichette available? Somebody needs to inform Hendry that Todd Helton's contract is up in 7 years.

MIKC in Post 32 did a nice little run down of the free agent crop. Giles would be an interesting choice if the price and contract length (3 years) is no unreasonable. I think Nomar would be a bargain and I seriously think both he and the Cubs should consider converting to the outfield. To CHAD, I would choose Clemens over Oswalt as the No. 1 starter on your all A-H team.

"Also add La Russa as the manager, as he can throw at people and think it is OK, but if someone does something he doesn't like, he cries" _________________________________________________ Do you have an example of that? Because I can assure you that it's simply not true. As a Cardinal fan, there were many times that I WISH Cardinal pitchers would retaliate, but it rarely happens. Larussa's biggest thing is that he doesn't want pitchers (his or anybody else's) throwing up and in. It's one thing to hit a guy, but Larussa doesn't tolerate "head-hunting".

No Kyle Farnsworth?

You guys can thank me for the win yesterday. For some strange reason I dusted my Believe bracelet off and wore it to work. Don't worry, I've got it on again today too.

Great win yesterday, and I know we're all hoping for another today (and the next day, and the next, ad infinitum) but let's realize that this wasn't a typical Cardinals team we just played: MIA Scott Rolen Reggie Sanders Yadier Molina Larry Walker That's a depleted lineup if I've ever seen one. If those guys had been in the lineup, it's very likely this game would have been much closer than it was. Not trying to rain on the parade. Go Cubs.

Randy, From the exerpts that I read from the book that came out 3 Nights in August or something like that. It talked about how he doesn't want his pitchers to throw at guys without his approval. I have no concrete examples that come to mind quickly, but that has been my take on La Russa As a Cardinals fan I am sure you disagree.

Although I didn't say anything about Hawkins being hurt as a Cub, he probably was. Ulnar Neuritis at the Elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome) develops over time like carpal tunnel syndrome does. One of the symptoms is numbness in the hand, which surely affected his ability to pitch. People who claim he wasn't injured while a Cub simply don't know what they're talking about. As for not being able to handle the pressure of the ninth inning, Jason Schmidt and Hawkins combined to shut out Houston 4-0. Hawkins pitched a perfect NINTH INNING. Hawkins already has 10, count 'em, TEN holds for the Giants. Joe Borowski, another shining example of what can happen when you get out of the clutches of Dusty Baker & Larry Rothschild, has appeared in 12 games and also has 10 holds (to go with WHIP of 0.65 and an ERA of 0.00) for the lowly Devil Rays. Michael Wuertz leads the Cubs with 10 Holds for the entire season. The Cubs as a team are next to last in holds in the National League.

MannyTrillo - Larussa is pretty adamant about NOT intentionally throwing at players, other than as a retlitory measure. Like I said, I think he's TOO adamant about it sometimes. He's also extremely sensitive about placement of beanballs. He understand that you have to protect your players, but you can't do it "up and in".

Robert Fick? The asshole who almost tore off Eric Karros arm in the playoffs on one of the bush league plays of all time. You're kidding me right? I can't believe the Cubs haven't thrown at him yet, although I can't recall if he actually got up in a game this year when we played the Padres.

As for not being able to handle the pressure of the ninth inning, Jason Schmidt and Hawkins combined to shut out Houston 4-0. Hawkins pitched a perfect NINTH INNING. And if you had the capacity to read my post, you would have seen I wrote LaChoke can't handle pressure be it in the 9th inning or any other inning. Pitching in the 9th with a FOUR RUN LEAD is not a pressure situation. A pressure situation is a close game at Wrigly where 38 thousand fans are booing you. And we all saw how well he performed in those 3 games.

Hawkins has only 9 holds for the entire season -- he can't possibly have 10 holds with the Giants alone.

1. Remember about my "All Asshole" team that its guys that I hate as well as being an asshole. Lance Berkman and Roger Clemens may be assholes but I love them both and wish they were on my team. I appreciate your input on this subject and please feel free to keep the suggestions coming in! 2. CWTP, so are you trying to say about Hawkins that the Cubs misused him? HA! Yes, we brought him in as a set up guy. But our closer got hurt. So what do you do? You make your big ticket free agent go out there. We didn't have many choices. And he sucked. Don't give me this "Hawkins pitched a perfect NINTH INNING." bullshit. Blind squirrels finds nuts. You do realize that the pitcher has the advantage in baseball, right? Do the math. Eventually, I could get three ML hitters out. They could all hit ROCKETS right at my left fielder. So one perfect ninth doesn't exactly excite me. Nor should it you.

The way this team has played aganist the Cardinals proves this team has underachived. Yes the Cardinals have their injuries but they just sweept the Brewers and a few weeks ago took 2 of 3 from Houston with several of those guys out. We are the only probably with a winning record vs STL that has played them atleast four times. If you can consistenly beat the Cards you should be able to beat anybody on a regular basis.

Lawton LF Walker 2B Lee 1B Ramirez 3B Burnitz RF Barrett C Perez SS Patterson CF Zambrano P

Rosterleech, Don't bother trying to trouble Bluewater Pennant with facts. The only stats he's interested in are the ones he makes up. But be prepared, he'll almost certainly be calling you names here soon because you dared to point out how once again his posts are full of errors.

"Yes the Cardinals have their injuries but they just sweept the Brewers and a few weeks ago took 2 of 3 from Houston with several of those guys out" Took all three from Houston right after the all-star break. Not too long ago, we were 1.5 games ahead of Houston. Things changed...in a hurry.

Chad, Here are more suggestions Sheffield should start in RF, Phil Gartner as the bench coach, Llyod McClendon as 3rd base coach, Sandy Krum as the trainer, Larry Himes as the GM, and Jerry Reinsdorf as the owner.

Chi, you must not know me. I could never put Larry Himes on that list. Do you know why?

The Cubs and the Phillies are both 4-2 against the Cardinals. This does not entail "consistently beating." In fact, upon examining the team-vs-team grid, it becomes pretty clear that there are very few situations where one team beats another 70-80% of the time. The Devil Rays are 7-3 against the Yankees. I don't think anybody would expect them to beat the Indians tonight based on that.

"Hawkins has only 9 holds for the entire season -- he can't possibly have 10 holds with the Giants alone." Thanks for the correction. This morning he was listed with 9 holds through Aug 10. Yesterday's game hadn't been posted yet. He had a hold yesterday, it says here, so I added it in. Nevertheless, Hawkins has accumulated all NINE (9) of his HOLDS between July 6 and August 11 AFTER coming off the Giants' DL. He was hurt. Now he's not. Now he's effective. Borowski was hurt. Now he's not. Now he's effective. Rocket Science. And I don't recall anyone, except maybe Dusty Baker, claiming that LaTroy Hawkins was a pressure pitcher. No, he was a setup man. An 8th inning specialist. SF is using him in that role and he's doing a good job, at the moment, NOW THAT HE's HEALTHY.

"CWTP, so are you trying to say about Hawkins that the Cubs misused him? HA! Yes, we brought him in as a set up guy. But our closer got hurt. So what do you do?" Well, DUH, maybe you use the guy you said you were going to use for a closer when asked about it in Spring Training.....Ryan Dempster. LaTroy Hawkins has never excelled at anything in baseball except setup man. He was a lousy starting pitcher and a lousy closer but he found his niche pitching the 8th inning.

So Bluewater Pennant, LaChoke must have been injured when he made his return to Wrigley in late July and he wet himself on the field during the 8th inning 3 days in a row?

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    There are two clear "logjams" in the Cubs minor league pipeline at the present time, namely AA outfielders (K. Alcantara, C. Franklin, Roederer, Pagan, Pinango, Beesley, and Nwogu) and Hi-A infielders (J. Rojas, P. Ramirez, Howard, R. Morel, Pertuz, R. Garcia, and Spence, although Morel has been getting a lot of reps in the outfield in addition to infield). So it is possible that you might see a trade involving one of the extra outfielders at AA and/or one of the extra infielders at Hi-A in the next few days. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    18-year old SS Jefferson Rojas almost made the AA Tennessee Opening Day roster, and he is a legit shortstop, so I would expect him to be an MLB Top 100 prospect by mid-season. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Among the relievers in the system, I expect RHRP Hunter Bigge at AAA Iowa and RHRP Ty Johnson at South Bend to have breakout seasons on 2024, and among the starters I see LHP Drew Gray and RHP Will Sanders at South Bend and RHP Naz Mule at ACL Cubs as the guys who will make the biggest splash. Also, Jaxon Wiggins is throwing bullpen sides, so once he is ready for game action he could be making an impact at Myrtle Beach by June.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I expect OF Christian Franklin to have a breakout season at AA Tennessee in 2024. In another organization that doesn't have PCA, Caissie, K. Alcantara, and Canario in their system, C. Franklin would be a Top 10 prospect. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The Reds trading Joe Boyle for Sam Moll at last year's MLB Trade Deadline was like the Phillies trading Ben Brown to the Cubs for David Robertson at the MLB TD in 2022. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Javier Assad started the Lo-A game (Myrtle Beach versus Stockton) on the Cubs backfields on Wednesday as his final Spring Training tune-up. He was supposed to throw five innings / 75 pitches. However, I was at the minor league road games at Fitch so I didn't see Assad pitch. 

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

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  • Childersb3 (view)

    Seconded!!!

  • crunch (view)

    another awesome spring of pitching reports.  thanks a lot, appreciated.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Here are the Cubs pitchers reports from Tuesday afternoon's Cardinals - Cubs game art Sloan Park in Mesa:

    SHOTA IMANAGA
    FB: 90-92 
    CUT: 87-89 
    SL: 82-83 
    SPLIT: 81-84
    CV: 73-74 
    COMMENT: Worked three innings plus two batters in the fourth... allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits (six singles and two doubles) walked one, and struck out six (four swinging), with a 1/2 GO/AO... he threw 73 pitches (52 strikes - 10 swing & miss - 19 foul balls)... surrendered one run in the top of the 1st on a one-out double off Cody Bellinger's glove in deep straight-away CF followed one out later by two consecutive two-out bloop singles, allowed two runs (one earned) in the 2nd after retiring the first two hitters (first batter had a nine-pitch AB with four consecutive two-strike foul balls before being retired 3 -U) on a two-out infield single (weak throw on the run by Nico Hoerner), a hard-contact line drive RBI double down the RF line, and an E-1 (missed catch) by Imanaga on what should been an inning-ending 3-1 GO, gave up another run in the 3rd on a two-out walk on a 3-2 pitch and an RBI double to LF, and two consecutive singles leading off the top of the 4th before being relieved (runners were ultimately left stranded)... threw 18 pitches in the 1st inning (14 strikes - two swing & miss, one on FB and the other on a SL - four foul balls), 24 pitches in the 2nd inning (17 strikes - three swing & miss, one on FB, two SPLIT - six foul balls), 19 pitches in the 3rd inning (13 strikes - seven swing & miss, three on SL, two on SPLIT, one on FB - three foul balls), and 12 pitches without retiring a batter in the top of the 4th (8 strikes - no swing & miss - four foul balls)... Imanaga throws a lot of pitches per inning, but it's not because he doesn't throw strikes...  if anything, he throws too many strikes (he threw 70% strikes on Tuesday)... while he gets a ton of swing & miss (and strikeouts), he also induces a lot of foul balls because he doesn't try to make hitters chase his pitches by throwing them out of the strike zone... rather, he uses his very diverse pitch mix to get swing & miss (and lots of foul balls as well)... he also is a fly ball pitcher who will give up more than his share of HR during the course of the season...   
     
    JOE NAHAS
    FB: 90-92 
    SL: 83-85 
    CV: 80-81 
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day... relieved Imanaga with runners at first and second and no outs in the top of the 4th, and after an E-2 catcher's interference committed by Miguel Amaya loaded he bases, Nahas struck out the side (one swinging & two looking)... threw 16 pitches (11 strikes - two swinging)...   

    YENCY ALMONTE
    FB: 89-92 
    CH: 86 
    SL: 79 
    COMMENT: Threw an eight-pitch 5th (five strikes - no swing & miss), with a 5-3 GO for the first out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 DP after a one-out single... command was a bit off but he worked through it...   

    FRANKIE SCALZO JR
    FB: 94-95
    CH: 88 
    SL: 83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 6th inning... got the first outs easily (a P-5 and a 4-3 GO) on just three pitches, before allowing three consecutive two-out hard-contact hits (a double and two singles), with the third hit on pitch # 9 resulting in a runner being thrown out at the plate by RF Christian Franklin for the third out of the inning... 

    MICHAEL ARIAS
    FB: 94-96
    CH: 87-89
    SL: 82-83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and allowed a hard-contact double on the third pitch of the 7th inning (a 96 MPH FB), and the runner came around to score on a 4-3 GO and a WP... gave up two other loud contact outs (an L-7 and an F-9)... threw 18 pitches (only 10 strikes - only one swing & miss)... stuff is electric but still very raw and he continues to have difficulty commanding it, and while he has the repertoire of a SP, he throws too many pitches-per-inning to be a SP and not enough strikes to be a closer... he is most definitely still a work-in-progress...   

    ZAC LEIGH: 
    FB: 93-94 
    CH: 89 
    SL: 81-83 
    CV: 78
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and tossed a 1-2-3 8th (4-3 GO, K-swinging on a sweeper, K-looking on another sweeper)... threw 14 pitches (11 strikes - one swing & miss - eight foul balls)... kept pumping pitches into the strike zone but had difficulty putting hitters away (ergo a ton of foul balls)... FB velo is nowhere near the 96-98 MPH it was a couple of years ago when he was a Top 30 prospect, but his secondaries are better...   

    JOSE ROMERO:  
    FB: 93-95
    SL: 82-84
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 9th (14 pitches - only six strikes- no swing & miss) and allowed a solo HR after two near-HR fly outs to the warning track, before getting a 3-1 GO to end the inning... it was like batting practice when he wasn't throwing pitches out of the strike zone...