Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

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 

 



 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Game Eight Thread

GAME EIGHT IN-GAME DISCUSSION THREAD [PARACHAT] CINCINNATI REDS (5-3) AT CHICAGO CUBS (5-2) WRIGLEY FIELD, 1:20 CDT Weather: Cloudy, 74 degrees, Out to Center @ 18mph TV: WGN Radio: WGN, XM 186
Carlos Zambrano, RHP 0-0, 4.42 ERA, 10 2/3 IP 10 K, 9 BB, 2 HREric Milton, LHP 1-0, 2.57 ERA, 7 IP 3 K, 0 BB, 1 HR
Ryan Freel, CF #Felipe Lopez, SS *Adam Dunn, LF Rich Aurilia, 3B *Scott Hatteberg, 1B Austin Kearns, RF Brandon Phillips, 2B Dave Ross, C * Eric Milton, P*Juan Pierre, CF Jerry Hairston Jr., 2B Derrek Lee, 1B Matt Murton, LF #Angel Pagan, RF Ronny Cedeno, SS #Neifi Perez, 3B Henry Blanco, C # Carlos Zambrano, P

Reds vs. Zambrano Adam Dunn: 6-25, 240/355/600, 3 HR, 5 BB, 8 K Austin Kearns: 3-16, 188/381/313, 4 BB, 5 KCubs vs. Milton Aramis Ramirez: 9-24, 375/375/833, 3 HR, 4 K Neifi Perez: 3-20, 150/190/300, 1 HR, 1 K Derrek Lee: 4-17, 235/222/765, 3 HR, 2 K Michael Barrett: 6-16, 375/444/813, 1 HR, 2 BB, 1 K

Big Z goes to the mound for the third time this season and tries to win the Cubs their 2nd series of the year. I understand Barrett can't catch every game and I kind of expected Blanco to be Z's personal catcher for most of the year. It seemed that Z was a little annoyed by Barrett in some comments I heard, plus the whole Venezuelan brothership thing going. But Barrett's been smoking hot and without Ramirez in the lineup (should be back tomorrow), you'd think it would be a good idea to bend the rules for a game. Of course with Homer Happy Milton on the mound and some gusty winds hopefully Blanco can lift a couple into the jet stream. GO CUBS!!!

Comments

If someone told me in March this would be our lineup during the second week of the season...I would have become a Sox fan. With that said...considering the hot start, and the way Cedeno is hitting the ball and general confidence in Murton and Hairston....I still like our chances. But it's still ealry, and I'm jaded by a good first week.

I'm not so sure about this one. Milton's been a tough customer since moving to the 1st-base side of the rubber. Something about his release being more deceptive. Worked in start #1 for him. Guess Dusty figures we won't need much offense for big Z.

Yeah, I'd rather Barrett were in there, but at least Blanco has a better shot of throwing out Freel since he's sure to be on the basepaths. I expect the Cubs to do a lot of running again, though I'm not sure how solid Ross is defensively.

This is the worst lineup on a day that the wind is blowing out I've ever seen. Seems like a really nice wind-blowing-in lineup though. Lot of speed.

I know these ideas are a little out of the box, and thus would probably explode Dusty Bakers fragile little brain, and yes they might prevent Neifi "season saver" Perez from getting 500 AB against this year, but: With ARam out with a pulled whatever - and since we know this will happen at least 2 or three more times this year - Why not let Hairston get some playing time at 3rd. If he can play 2nd base and the outfield, I'm sure he'd be good enough there defensively. Of course that also that you stop platooning Walker, since his splits against lefties are just fine. Or, how about letting Michael Barrett break out his infielder's glove again? He's certainly got enough experience at the hot corner. It would at least provide one more servicable bat in the lineup when Blanco is in the game. Here's to hoping Eric Milton pitches like Eric Milton!

P.S. I think this game will be determined by Z's control. He has to cut down on his walk rate if he's going to stay out of trouble. At the same time, the Cubs have to remain patient against Milton, who has looked good of late.

Batter vs. Pitcher: Milton vs Hairston: 5 for 12 .417/.533/.417 Milton vs. Walker: 4 for 9 .444/.444/.778 Milton vs. Neifi: 3 for 20 .150/.190/.300

Or Michael Barrett could play 3B. While his career fielding % at 3B is around .920, I could live with one error in every ten chances if it means keeping his hot bat in the lineup.

seriously guys, when's the last time Michael even took a grounder at 3b? He probably doesn't even have a mitt...

at least Neifi is batting right-handed, he's at least got a bit of power from that side.

Or Michael Barrett could play 3B. I'm sorry, but I just don't think this is an option. This is the kind of thing that one does in little league or even at the high school level, but not in the majors. Barrett hasn't played 3B in how long and now he's supposed to go out there for a whole game? With concerns about footwork, timing with other players, re-adjusting to a position, that just sounds like an injury waiting to happen. I'm afraid this is one of those silly suggestions that may look fine on paper to fans but just isn't feasible in real-life baseball.

too early in the season to get that desperate. I don't think any manager in the league would put Barrett in the field at this point in his career, this early in the season. The issue is, if Aram and JJ are going to be out for a few more days, we are in a long stretch of games...so at some point Barrett would have to sit, so if he did anytime in the next few days, we'd have this type of lineup.

Funny what winning does... just looked at Pierre's numbers and I see that they are worse than Patterson's usual numbers... hopefully he can get it going. Luis

Anyone looked at the ages of the kids Florida is throwing out there? Their lineup's old-man is 29, with six of the guys born in the 80s. Wow. They're in for an interesting year.

I would not risk the team's second best and most consistent hitter(Barrett) with a new position especially as difficult as third. I'm guessing Walker does not have the arm to play third? Then JHJ should be coordinated enough to give him a shot. A strike against Hendry,for not having a reliable glove for 3b to back up a fragile starter.

Seriously? Boo birds? It is one homerun given up by one of the best homerun hitters in baseball with the wind blowing out. Fans are idiots...

How about some props for batting Cedeno ahead of Neifi, finally? I don't know if Murton is your traditional clean-up hitter, but the pickings are rather slim after Lee.

Cann Dunn play 3b? Dunn cannot even play left field.

And that is why Pierre is significantly better than Korey. Korey would never even dream about having an at-bat like that. Even though it ended with an out, it was a great at-bat.

Just a note from yesterday's game. Santo on the pre game show talked about Lee's baserunning error. Lee told him he thought he could steal 3rd there and that he stopped becuase he thought he heard a foul tip. That was a horrible time to be running with Abrrett up as well as he was hitting. But Lee is entitled to a couple bonehead plays a year.

I've got to say, there may be 2 out in the first, but 19 pitches on 2 hitters? That's very un-Cub like. At this rate, Milton will pitch 4 perfect innings and then have to come out of the game... :)

Then JHJ should be coordinated enough to give him a shot. A strike against Hendry,for not having a reliable glove for 3b to back up a fragile starter. JHJ should be given a shot, he would certainly be an adaquate backup. He's not going to replace ARam, but no one is. So why the strike against Hendry? Because Dusty won't try a pretty obvious option not named Neifi?

Dunn will be awfully good as the Yankees DH some time in the future...

wow, three straight Cub batters work a 3-2 count which is probably the first time in Cub history that's happened(exit sarcasm) then our most patient hitter in Murton rolls out on the first pitch.

Dunn will be awfully good as the Yankees DH some time in the future... The sooner, the better...

Walker didn't start yesterday either, did he? Behind Barrett, he probably has the hottest bat so far, and he's sitting 2 games in a row? I don't get it.

y'know, I have to say that I am most impressed by the ball-takedness displayed by the cubs hitters so far this year. The whole team seems much more patient.

well Dunn just signed an extention through '07 with an option for '08 so it won't be anytime soon. Plus he's a Texas guy and the Astros badly wanted him this off-season so I'd bet on Dunn playing 1B for the Astros in 2008 or 2009 so he won't even be out of the division.

Why is walker out of the lineup two days in a row? You give up Barrett, fine, but Barrett and Walker both out when you're already missing Aramis is just retarded.

Willy Mo was traded to Boston for the pitcher who can crush Glendon Rusch.

Z has thrown 35 pitches, a lot for 2 innings, but you gotta like the 25/10 strikes/balls ratio.

This is a seriously retarded lineup. It's one of those, not my fault we lost because "see I do play young people but they aren't any good" kind of day.

Why do you sacrifice with one of your hottest hitters when you have three of your worst hitters coming up to the plate?

HIGHLIGHTS/LOWLIGHTS FROM WEDNESDAY ON THE FARM A quiet night for Cub farm bats from A-AA-AAA. Iowa suffered a two-hit combined shutout at the hands of Nashville (Brewers) RHP Ben Hendrickson and two relievers. On the bright side, there was six innings of one-hit shut-out ball (2 BB/8 K) by Carlos Marmol (West Tenn), six innings of shutout work (six hits, 1 BB, 4 K) by Sean Gallagher (Daytona), and five innings of shjutout ball by Les Walrond (who is filling-in nicely at Iowa, awaiting somebody getting sent down from Chicago once Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and Wade Miller are activated). Also, another nice two inning relief job by David Aardsma (Iowa), who is standing at the front of the line for when the Cubs pitching staff is expanded from 11 to 12 (could be sooner rather than later). Carlos Marmol (two starts): 12 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 14 K Sean Gallagher (two starts) 12 IP, 11 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 12 K David Aardsma (four games) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K - BATTING (ALL LEVELS): IOWA: Felix Pie, CF: 0-3, BB, K (.357) Ryan Theriot, SS: 0-4 (.370) Mike Fontenot, 2B: 2-3, BB (.353) Michael Restovich, RF: 0-3, K (.174) Brandon Sing, 1B: 0-3, K (.227) Casey McGehee, 3B: 0-2, BB (.261) Jeff Deardorff, LF: 0-3, K (.176) Geovany Soto, C 1-2, BB, PICKED-OFF RUNNER at 1B (.273) Augie, Ojeda, PH: 0-1 (.444) WEST TENN: Chris Walker, CF: 3-4, 2B (.300) Eric Patterson, 2B: 1-4, K, SB (.296, now 5 for 5 SB) Luis Montanez, LF: 2-3, 2B, HBP, CS (.391) Micah Hoffpauir, 1B: 0-4, 3 K Richard Lewis, 3B: 1-3, R, BB Adam Greenberg, RF: 1-3, BB, K, E Gary Cates, SS: 1-4, RBI Peter Farina, C: 0-4, K Jose Reyes, PH: 0-1, K Scott Moore, PH: 0-1 DAYTONA: Jemel Spearman, 3B: 0-4 Sam Fuld, CF: 1-4, RBI, K Ryan Harvey, RF: 0-3, BB, 2 K Nic Jackson, DH: 1-4, Jake Fox, C: 1-3, BB Matt Craig, 1B: 0-4 Jeff Culpepper, LF: 1-4, PICKED-OFF Joe Simokaitis, SS: 1-2, R, BB, K Nate Spears, 2B: 0-1, BB, K PEORIA: Robinson Chirinos, DH: 0-4, 2 K Dylan Johnston, SS: 2-4, 3B, E Brandon Taylor, 3B: 0-3, R, K, SB Ryan Norwood, 1B: 1-3, R, BB Matt Ciaramella, CF: 0-3, BB, K Jesus Valdez, RF: 3 RUN-HR Johnny Defendis, LF: 1-4, 2B Justin Morgan, C: 1-4, 2B, 2 K, E Luis Rivera, 2B: 0-3, K - PITCHING (ALL LEVELS): IOWA: Les Walrond: 5 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 WP, 92 pitches Bobby Brownlie: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K (L 0-2) Ryan O'Malley: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K Andy Shipman: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1, R (1 ER), 0 BB, 0 K David Aardsma: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K WEST TENN: Carlos Marmol: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K Lincoln Holdzkom: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 0 K (L 0-1) Rocky Cherry: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K DAYTONA: Sean Gallagher: 6 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K Angelo Burrows: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K (W 1-0) Adalberto Mendez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (SV 1) PEORIA: Todd Blackford: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HBP Roberto Sotolongo: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR (L 0-1) Michael Phelps: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K Edward Campusano 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP

I'm all for sacrificing runners over, but at the right time. I could be wrong, but does it really make a whole lot of sense to sac bunt Angel Pagan (the fastest guy on the team) over, when you have Neifi and Blanco coming up behind him? Why not take your chances with a steal, and hope that one of the next three miraculously gets a hit?

This is one of the worst Cub lineups I've seen in quite some time. I feel sorry for Zambrano, as he can't feel confident about his chances of picking up his first win of the season.

HIGHLIGHTS/LOWLIGHTS FROM WEDNESDAY ON THE FARM Just out of curiosity AZPhil, are you going to include today's Chicago Cubs starting lineup in tomorrow's farm report?

If the Cubs do anything this year, it will be IN SPITE OF Dusty.

Why a strike against Hendry- Alex Cintron today 3-3 2b two triples What did the Sox give up to get him?

? When did the Cubs start selling the front of the dugout roof to sponsors? ? Is there anything left to sell?

Just out of curiosity AZPhil, are you going to include today's Chicago Cubs starting lineup in tomorrow's farm report? Well, considering that no one in this starting line-up will probably see any time in the minors this year, I don't think he will. Come on...this is not as bad of a line-up as one might thing. The only problem that I have is that Walker or Barrett should be in the lineup. But I like Hairston, and he brings a similar level of ability as Walker (less power, better defense). Everyone bitched about the lineup yesterday and the Cubs one.

Re: Michael Barrett at 3B. Personally, I probably wouldn't do it, but if Jermaine Dye can play a game at SS for the White Sox last year after not playing it since high school, then Michael Barrett can sure as hell play 3B.

CWTP - I noticed that as well over the weekend. It turns my stomach. It's on the front of the dugout roof as well as the walls of the dugout. I guess the days of no advertising in Wrigley are officially gone, what with the ad board, Sears logos everywhere, and now Walter E. Smithe all over the dugouts. Cheap bastards.

Hmm... this lineup should have an extremely interesting time coming back from a 4-run hole.

Hmm... this lineup should have an extremely interesting time coming back from a 4-run hole. If they could only steal 3rd & home.

I'm not watching game. Let me know when Z starts rubbing his leg or flexing his forearm and the trainer comes out.

I see Neifi has gone back to his hotdog socks and "plus four" pants. thumbs down Carlos Zambrano is sporting a ten pound gold chain. weighted down and Z has left his composure whereever he stores it every April. 4 down

#11 of 41: By Andrew (April 13, 2006 02:02 PM) I'm sorry, but I just don't think this (Michael Barrett playing 3B) is an option. This is the kind of thing that one does in little league or even at the high school level, but not in the majors. Barrett hasn't played 3B in how long and now he's supposed to go out there for a whole game? With concerns about footwork, timing with other players, re-adjusting to a position, that just sounds like an injury waiting to happen. I'm afraid this is one of those silly suggestions that may look fine on paper to fans but just isn't feasible in real-life baseball. --- ANDREW: I disagree. As I am sure you must know, throughout the history of baseball, good hitting catchers routinely have played a second or sometimes third position on days when they are not catching, to keep their bat in the lineup. On the 1950's Yankees (for instance), Elston Howard played 1B-LF, Yogi Berra played LF, and Johnny Blanchard played 3B-1B-LF-RF, and on the Big Red Machine of the 1970's, Johnny Bench played 3B-1B-LF-RF. It is inexcusable to have a bat like Barrett's sitting on the bench today, when he could be playing 3B. And to say that Barrett playing 3B is an injury waiting to happen, I would say he is a lot more likely to get hurt catching than he is playing 3B. If Michael Barrett has not been talking grounders at 3B (or doesn't even own a mitt), then he SHOULD BE taking grouders at 3B (and at 1B), and he SHOULD own both a 3B and 1B mitt. It's not like Barrett has never played 3B. He was drafted as a SS out of high school, was moved to 3B by the Expos, and played more 3B than catcher through the 2000 season. .

how many other "#1" pitchers walk leadoff men, balk runners over and lose their compusure like CZ?

greetings. I finally just cought up on my Tivo, what a horrible start to the game

I have thought all year that Maddux should be considered a #1 until he retires.. Nice leaping grab by hairston

Nice to see that dusty thought yesterday's worked so well that he took the RBI leader of the team out of the equation, just for kicks

Doug D, Is it just my fuzzy memory, or didn't the Cubs say the only thing they needed was that ad board behind the plate? It looks like the adboard was just testing the waters to see if there would be a fan revolt or not. The last sacred cow is the ivy. Makes it difficult to put signs on the walls with all those weeds growing out there.

It's not like Barrett has never played 3B. He was drafted as a SS out of high school, was moved to 3B by the Expos, and played more 3B than catcher through the 2000 season. I understand the whole thing about many catchers having played other positions, but 2000? That was six years ago. It's one thing if he had a few weeks or even days to prepare but to one morning tell Barrett that's he going to start at 3rd just doesn't sound sensible or realistic.

Murton Power!

Mamu strikes again... I would so father his love child

Wild Thing: "If the Cubs do anything this year, it will be IN SPITE OF Dusty." HA HA HA

Milton vs. Walker: 4 for 9 .444/.444/.778 and... "Walker didn't start yesterday either, did he? Behind Barrett, he probably has the hottest bat so far, and he's sitting 2 games in a row? I don't get it." and... "Why is walker out of the lineup two days in a row? You give up Barrett, fine, but Barrett and Walker both out when you're already missing Aramis is just retarded." I couldn't agree more. With no ARam or Barrett, it is ludicrous not to have Walker in the lineup every day, and especially today. This is just more Dusty vs Walker BS that keeps the 'W' flag down.

It's great that Cedeno is off to a fast start and all but he has got to start taking some pitches. He's currently seen the fewest pitches in the Majors and it's the fewest in years. He's going to be an automatic out as soon as he slumps or his luck turns sour.

NIce to see they've lost that patient bug they seemed to have caught at the beginning of the game...

It is inexcusable to have a bat like Barrett's sitting on the bench today, when he could be playing 3B. But Az PHil, if Barrett plays third when he's not catching (which makes a great deal of sense when Aram is out) then it may seriously cut into Neifi's playing time (which seems to be Dustbag's major concern).

Milton Power!

I'm telling you, this 2B situation will get much worse before it gets better...and you're right about cedeno, he should not bat 2nd until he can become more patient, but its not like Hairston is known for his patience either. triple for Milton... Cubs should be an AL team

Dios mi, what is it with these f***'in Reds pitchers?

Zambrano needs to see a sports psycholigist.

Brenley's even apologizing for the asshat in the first row who took a ball off the grill. Nicely done Chief Illiniwek. * You know it ain't your day when the pitcher triples

#71 of 74: By cubswinthepennant (April 13, 2006 03:29 PM) But Az PHil, if Barrett plays third when he's not catching (which makes a great deal of sense when Aram is out) then it may seriously cut into Neifi's playing time (which seems to be Dustbag's major concern). ---- CWtP: True.

A balk and a throw into the stands, both on attempts to pick off... the pitcher. That's bad baseball.

what a joke. is this guy worth what boras is going to ask for?

people already ragging on dust's use of neifi? ...and the main complaint is why isnt a guy who hasnt played 3rd in years playing there insted of him?

Crunch: I think the main complaint is Neifi perez, not about barret not playing 3B... Now, resting Barret, and walker when ARAM has a butt cramp probably isn't a recipe for Winning.... everyone else. doesn't "Fast Freddy" play 3rd too??

Yay hank white

Why a strike against Hendry- Alex Cintron Alex Cintron today 3-3 2b two triples That's a lot like saying Neifi is a great hitter because he went 3-4 one day last week. Cintron's batting numbers are frighteningly similar to Neifi's over the past two years. The reason the Sox didn't give up much to get him is because he's just not good. I'll take Hairston over him any day of the week.

Is it just me or did Speier walk halfway down the 3rd base line, give about 25 seconds worth of signs, and then yell "Bunt!" at Zambrano? Kinda made me chuckle.

With plays like these, its a wonder Venezuela didn't win the WBC

If hairston wants more playing time, he has got to get some runs here

great lineup moron dusty yeah, they won yesterday, but that was mostly due to the reds ridiculous D in the first 3 innings. other than that, very very little offense. so what happens today?? walker, didn't play yesterday, once again has good numbers against this starter, doesn't play. dusty two days in a row only uses small sample size when it means he can bench walker. barrett, absolutely on fire, doesn't play. i know he can't play every day but we just had a day off monday. i don't even care that mabry's D isn't great at 3B, but you have to consider getting him a start there when ALL of your power guys are hurt/not playing for dumb reasons. ramirez and jones are hurt. you HAVE TO play anyone with power especially on a day with the wind blowing out. this is an atrocious lineup. thanks dusty. all we need is a few more outs on the basepaths. finally, how do you sacrifice with cedeno up when neifi and blanco are coming up behind him, when the wind is blowing out? sorry this is a dissheveled rant, but there are so many things wrong with dusty, it's hard to count them all in one post.

Do we know for sure that Marshall is starting sat? and why he and Jerome got flip flopped?

yeah dusty baker is doing a terrible job pitching, putting the team in a 4-run hole after 3 innings and...wait, he didn't pitch today?

crunch: "people already ragging on dust's use of neifi? ...and the main complaint is why isnt a guy who hasnt played 3rd in years playing there insted of him?" What's new, huh??? Neifi has started one game not due to injury and they are still complaining....AMAZING.

Solid AB, now lets finish it off with some hits...brenley just said, that ONE Spot in the lineup that s protected

lets go DLEE

Interesting...not intentionally walking Lee here.

As far as the lineup goes, the only beef I have is with sitting Walker two days in a row. Other than that I have no qualms: Neifi's batting 7th and not 2nd, which is what I originally was afraid of when I knew Aramis wouldn't be playing. Big AB for my guy, Matty Murton.

What's new, huh??? Neifi has started one game not due to injury and they are still complaining....AMAZING. The point of course Manny, is that there are plenty of other options, particualrly on a day where the Cubs lineup is already lacking power. Of Course, Dusty will never use them because he WANTS Neifi Perez to be in the lineup. This is just like last year where Neifi got 500 ABs because Dusty always found him a place to play, even though there were better options available.

then again, maybe they are. I would love to see Milton miss his outside pitch and leave it over the plate. Why the heck wouldn't you just intentioally walk him here? What a waste of time.

Lets hope Z didn't just get "runner's leg" PS...Mamu, I love you

Was Pierre bunting for a hit? Because sacrificing runners to 2nd and 3rd is a losing proposition, especially when you're down 4 runs and the top of the order is coming up. To address the Neifi situation, didn't we acquire Mabry for precisely this situation? To spell Aramis during his aches and pains? Fact is, Dusty sees Neifi as his default backup at 2B, SS, and 3B - and he's one of the worst hitters in MLB history. Today's bench would outproduce today's lineup most of the time. And that's just stupid.

MURTON!!!!!!!

if dusty wanted neifi in the lineup he'd be there everyday. dust has never had a problem asserting himself upon a team. besides, cedeno didnt exactly win a job outta spring, but he got a vote of confidence reguardless from dust. lefty on the mound...mabry/neifi/bynumnunmn the backup 3rd. geez...it shouldnt be a big suprised this week or last week or last month that if a situation like this arose and especially with a lefty on the mound that neifi would probally be at 3rd.

Would have liked Pagan to work the count just a little bit more. Had Milton on the ropes

Bleeding Blue: "The point of course Manny, is that there are plenty of other options, particualrly on a day where the Cubs lineup is already lacking power." If you are talking about Mabry, barrett or hairston, then that will NEVER happen. And it would be stupid to do so. mabry was horrible in ST at 3rd. Barrett hasn't played there in 6 years. hairston has played only 1 games there. Neifi is the only logical choice. And EVERY manager in MLB would make the same decision. Blame hendry for having him as your only backup 3B.

I love Neifi apoligists.... they're so cute. Maybe I can adopt one some day

Dusty will not let hendry get rid of him. I'm quite sure that either they're having an affair, or Neifi is blackmailing dusty

You just gotta make sure you either cage or potty-train them, cublogger.

I still don't understand the grave mistake baker has made to start the utility IF (perez) at 3B when the starting 3B is hurt.

neifi appologists? how about logic. you cant play rolen if you dont have him...you cant play mora if you dont have him. you got a bench of 3 guys...mabry (who can barely field) and neifi/bunynynmnymn...if you wanna bitch about if either of those 2 vs. neifi vs. a lefty pitcher should play...well, good luck.

And.... how the hell is Mabry supposed to get any better when his ass has been glued to the bench??

...it shouldnt be a big suprised this week or last week or last month that if a situation like this arose and especially with a lefty on the mound that neifi would probally be at 3rd. If it was just Neifi at 3rd, I wouldn't even mind that much. But you can't just throw him out there because there is a lefty on the mound without looking at the rest of your lineup. When you've already got Jones out (albeit, a blessing vs. LHP) and you decide to start Blanco instead of Barrett, and then you keep Walker out of the game even though he's crushed Milton in limited ABs, it takes a particulalry simplistic mind to say that Neifi Perez is the best option for 3rd base just because a Lefty is pitching.

And I mean, cmon, Its not like Mabry has hit for any power this year.... oh wait

get any better? this isnt instructional league. milton's on the mound anyway. if it was a righty he'd probally be out in RF anyway subbing for j.jones.

Bleeding Blue, Amen... now THAT's Logic I can support. Personally, I think dusty relies far too much on L v. R matchups and not enough on individual matchups

I gotta agree with Manny on this one. Mabry? His D S-U-C-K-S at 3rd, and I don't really consider him to be that big an offensive upgrade over the exclamation pointed one. Barret? A 6-year rest isn't exactly conducive to quality defense... Does he even have an infielders glove. Hairston? Ehh, no. Neifi's the only one who makes sense there.

Cublogger: "And.... how the hell is Mabry supposed to get any better when his ass has been glued to the bench??" HA HA You aren't serious right? So Baker should throw out a guy at 3b who in ST showed he was HORRIBLE at fielding there?? HA HA I hope you were joking...

mabry is so horrible at 3B that larussa used him there last year.

Okay, "get any better" was a poor choice of words, I meant, get AB's, get his stroke working, umm, contribute to the team in any way whatsoever....

ya know...it might be hard to believe, but baseball isnt a game of 9 DHs and a pitcher. and as "sad" as it is or whatever...mabry is a LF/RF/1st when it comes to him trying to throw a ball. ...AND THERE'S A LEFTY ON THE MOUND. and there's 150+ games left...he'll get his a/b's.

Hooo.. nice AB neifi... i'm glad he proved us Neifi haters wrong

Why does Hairston not make sense at 3B? I have not seen any real reasons. Sure, he has only played on game there, but I am pretty sure that he could do it. Nomar did it without every playing there. With that said, I agree with those who don't mind Neifi at 3b as a backup, but not in this lineup. You cannot have Blanco, Hairston, and Neifi in the lineup when you have Barrett and Walker on the bench.

at least Neifi is condensing his decent 1st half from last season into one game this season.

Hank White takes it close, man that would have been sweet!! Pitch count on milton??

how can you say there's nothing wrong with hairston at 3rd when the last time he played there was last spring? and he's never played there in a regular season game to my knowlege.

And EVERY manager in MLB would make the same decision. Blame hendry for having him as your only backup 3B. You keep telling yourself that line of BS. If Hairston hasn't played 3rd base, then a good manager, looking at his options, would make sure to get him some work there. Barrett at 3b is an out of the box option, so no, Dusty would NEVER consider it, but many managers would. Mabry and Bynum aren't great defensively, but if you are going to cripple yourself by putting backups in by choice at 2nd base and catcher, then you have to find some place to put in offense - that place would be 3rd base. But Instead, Dusty made a lineup that would struggle to score runs against Eric Milton even with a 20 mph wind blowing out at wrigley.

"at least Neifi is condensing his decent 1st half from last season into one game this season." LOL

Cedeno grounds out Rubby struck out looking Blanco flies out... Spectacular inning.

Dave: "Why does Hairston not make sense at 3B? I have not seen any real reasons." Besides the fact that he has basically never played on the left side of the IF and besides the fact that he most likely hasn't taken ground balls there in years...nothing.

Alright, Dusty, Blanco's out, it's time to put Barrett in at catcher. Now. No excuses.

the club has 3 backup 3rd...not much will change that...hairston's not a 3rd and barrett hasnt played there in years. now you got a pool of neifi/mabry/bynumnumnumn. 1 guy can field, 1 guy cant field, 1 guy is nothing more than wheels. mabry's bat just isnt "heavy" enough to toss the D out the window and stick mabry in there vs. a lefty. mabry's not horrible vs. them, but his stroke is mainly vs. righties. there's no magic for replacing 3rd off this bench.

Why no Barrett/Blanco double switch with the pitcher spot due up first in the bottom of 7? I guess Williamson only gets one inning?

If you look at the bright side of this whole argument.. if Z weren't a complete Dumbass... er.. headcase, this game's probably tied, maybe cubs are winning. And all three Cub 2B, 3B, SS have made good plays in the field... see, I can see the glass as half full... but again, its eric milton on the mound, wind blowing out and only 3 runs so far... So apparently, my glass is both half empty and half full, the way it should be.

not sure why the reds wouldn't pinch hit for Milton - 95 pitches so far

Dillion: "I guess Williamson only gets one inning?" Exactly....also, you don't wnt Barrett leading off an inning.

Dave: I agree that Hairston's the "least bad" option of the three, but he just doesn't have enough defensive experience there. But I also agree that the biggest problem with this lineup isn't Neifi's inclusion, as much as it is Walker's exclusion.

Yes, Neifi sucks and Dusty could have put a much better lineup together, but Big Z is why the Cubs are probably going to lose this game. And Closing Time: as I recall, moving runners from first and second with no outs to second and third with one out is actually the one time when the sacrifice bunt really improves the team's chance of scoring.

team is gonna lose cuz of the lineup? Z's pitching line from the 1st 1/2 of the game says otherwise.

and he's never played there in a regular season game to my knowlege. A simple look at any site with player profile info would show that he has played there for one game, in 2004. I also agree that a manager should make sure that they have options. A player like Hairston would make perfect sense at 3b if he could get some work there. If you are not going to use a player like Mabry, then you need to find another option. When you have a fragile player like Ramirez, Neifi cannot be the #2 option. I am not a Neifi hater - I think he has a role on this team. But it should not be as the the first guy off the bench. With that said, Hendry is responsible for making sure that they have a backup plan at 3b, and he hasn't really done that. At least if Mabry is not going to play there.

My grandma was talking to me, how'd we get the first out...

dan kolb is about to lose the game for the brewers...leadoff single to eckstein and 3-1 count on encarnacion with no one out in the 10th.

Crunch: You're absolutely right about this game being on Z. But I think my point stands about TW not being in the lineup two days in a row against guys he's got good historical #'s against.

hairston WAS played at 3rd last spring...he saw a lot of time there pre-game and in a few games. he failed. not enough arm and footwork. next...

Hendry's not so much into thinking about backup plans... (notice our "rotation")

I'll repeat it again, this 2B situation is sticky at best... Walker's too good to be a PH two days in a row...and Hairston's too good to be purely a defensive substitution. trade one of the two, and try like hell to get another starter

z/maddux/rusch/williams/prior/wood/miller... marshall/guzman/ryu...

Hendry's not so much into thinking about backup plans... (notice our "rotation") That is foolish. How many teams in baseball could afford to lose their two of their top three starters and be able to replace them with even league average starters? I don't think there is one team that could do that.

2 outs, cards at the corners after a rolen single and edmonds is up. kolb out for de la rosa.

How many teams in baseball have two of their top three pitchers so consistently been injured, knew it going into the offseason, and did nothing to address the problem. Crunch: I love the rookies, I'd like to see them start all the games that Rusch and Williams have been slated for...

Reverend: "But I think my point stands about TW not being in the lineup two days in a row against guys he's got good historical #'s against." many people on here cry when those small sample size stats are used to justify someone they don't agree with starting, so it might be very ahrd to get any support from them, unless they are going to be hypocrites.

You all understand, i love to play devils advocate, and will also always admit when i'm wrong, but I'm not the only one that thinks Hendry not upgrading the rotation over the offseason was a bad idea.

i hate the rusch signing, myself...as does everyone at this point...at least he has a 'movable' contract even if the cubs have to suck up 2-4m of his 6m owed over 2 years. i'm just ready for 2 of the 3 pitching injuries to trickle back over the next 2-4 weeks.

Dudes, how sweet will it be if Prior, Wood, and Miller all get healthy and good at the same time. Then Rusch or Williams can be the swing man, and The rookies can all be called up when Z is serving his different suspensions for either hitting guys or arguing with the umps... How can we not beat the reds???

what do we have to do to get these guys to keep the ball DOWN to these Reds? Drives me crazy.

Hendry did address the pitching depth this offseason, he signed Wade Miller. That was/is his backup plan for Wood and Prior, but then Wood and Prior got hurt too early in the season for Miller to help. Sure, I would have liked him to add another top pitcher, but who was available? The free agent sp's were mediocre at best. A.J. Burnett got an ungodly contract with a career .500 record and long history of injuries and inconsistency. Zito wasn't available unless you knock Beane's sox off with an offer. I don't know what Cub offer could do that other than including Pie, and it would take more than just him.

I have a feeling that the cubs will struggle against Power Latent offenses all year, even when they're healthy. What kind of facial hair is Brenley sporting?? its like a fu-man, without the Choo

many people on here cry when those small sample size stats are used to justify someone they don't agree with starting, so it might be very ahrd to get any support from them, unless they are going to be hypocrites. But it isn't just Walker's excellent numbers in small samples sizes against two pitchers. Its that he has vastly superior numbers against everyone, and that his career numbers don't suggest he needs to be platooned. If you want to talk hypocracy, what about those who declare it to be a "no brainer" decision to start crap players like Neifi because of 6 mediocre ABs, and then ignore similarly small sample sizes even when those numbers are used in conjunction with far more substantial information.

carlos lee just took isringhausen deep, 4-3 brewers. rickie weeks promptly singled and stole second.

Although I think he's a douche-bag, I agree with Mariotti on these: All of whom are better than Rusch/Williams: "Matt Morris, A.J. Burnett, Kevin Millwood, Jarrod Washburn, Jeff Weaver and angry old man Kenny Rogers, none of whom would have won the Cy Young Award but any of whom would have helped. If the Cubs are contending for the playoffs in mid-July --"

"I have a feeling that the cubs will struggle against Power Latent offenses all year, even when they're healthy." Get off the ledge folks. Prior, Wood and Miller are coming back. Z will be Z (hopefully) soon. Didn't the Cubs just sweep the almighty Cardinals?

Is it OK to boo Oh-No-Man now? Twice in 3 days he has put a game out of reach.

Bleeding Blue, what are you doing here??? You make way too much sense do be down here in the gutter with us bitchers and moaners BTW, they just announced Marshall as starter for tomorrow, Williams for Sat, and Sunday for Butterball

"Oh- No- Man", I like that Jacos, havne't they also just lost 3 of 5 to the not -so-mighty Reds. Did well against the Cardinals last year and finished under.500 that lady that just caught the ball is the "anti-bartman"

Although I think he's a douche-bag, I agree with Mariotti on these: All of whom are better than Rusch/Williams: "Matt Morris, A.J. Burnett, Kevin Millwood, Jarrod Washburn, Jeff Weaver and angry old man Kenny Rogers, none of whom would have won the Cy Young Award but any of whom would have helped. If the Cubs are contending for the playoffs in mid-July --" --- I forgot about Millwood, I definitely would have tried to sign him if I were the GM. But the rest are overpriced/injury prone/or not much of an impact. Weaver and Burnett are overpriced, Rogers is a complete jerk who shouldn't have gotten a job, Morris has seen better days and got a supersize contract for someone who has been mediocre in recent years, and Washburn has become very inconsistent. Millwood was the best of the bunch and had very little interest by most teams, which made no sense.

What are the chances they call up one of the rookies before sunday?? who would be most likely??I don't keep so much track of the AAA club

Yeah, i forgot about Rogers Being a douchebag and Would not have wanted Morris cause he was always an ass when he pitched for the Cards. Weaver too much of a Basket-case for Wrigley

Chris: "carlos lee just took isringhausen deep, 4-3 brewers. rickie weeks promptly singled and stole second." Izzy has not had a good start to teh season...wonder if he is hurt.

Normally catching a struggling team like the Pirates would be good news, but their rotation is loaded with lefties and we have struggled vs lefties the last few years. However taking a look at the Pirates site, we luck out and get two rhp's and one lefty in the series.

Uh-Oh. on closer look at the Bucs starters for the series, Santos, Duke, and Snell: Santos is 3-3 with a 2.74 ERA in eight career starts against the Cubs. In two starts last season against the Cubs, Duke was 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA. In eight innings of relief against the Cubs in 2005, Snell gave up just one run.

so far, duke has pitched poorly this season.

Need A-Ram to get better pronto -- Reds completely took the bat out of DLee's hands today.

Snell is an awesome name for a pitcher.. i think it also means "fast" in german

how do the cardinals ever win with this lineup? aaron miles leadoff walk, PH jason marquis sac bunts him to 2nd. then scott spezio PH for gary bennett. he just flew out to center. now up? skip schumaker. tell me how 11th inning options like this will win them 90 games...

Chris: simple answer, tony larussa. don't know how he does it and i hate him, but he somehow gets them wins

Chris: simple answer, tony larussa. don't know how he does it and i hate him, but he somehow gets them wins By playing Mabry at third! :)

well, they ain't winning today. 4-3 brewers in 11. turnbow the save.

dave: Nice

another great at-bat for Neifi. Can someone tell me why Barrett is not pinch hitting here? Manny - justify this one.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Bynum get a start in RF in Pittsburgh. He needs ab's to get his stroke back. After playing everyday in spring training he has 3-4 ab's over the last two weeks. He's not a vet like Mabry who can probably stay relatively sharp with less playing time.

manny and The Neifi apoligists have all gone quiet

I would have had Bynum pinch run for Hank, then Barret hit and run with bynum, that essentially would have replaced both Blancos legs and bat and pierre's hit could have possibly netted a run. just a thought. We'll get the pirates tomorrow, if Dusty's head isn't just completely stuck up there by this point

Dave: Barret PH'ing there doesn't score you 6 runs. You save him for a spot where he can really have an impact, same with Aramis. Although I don't know that I agree with that philosophy, it's not too crazy.

Although I think he's a douche-bag, I agree with Mariotti on these: All of whom are better than Rusch/Williams: "Matt Morris, A.J. Burnett, Kevin Millwood, Jarrod Washburn, Jeff Weaver and angry old man Kenny Rogers, none of whom would have won the Cy Young Award but any of whom would have helped. If the Cubs are contending for the playoffs in mid-July --" For what we pay Rusch and WIlliams, we couldn't have gotten any of those guys. That has to be one of the dumbest arguments ever.

Bynum PR'ing and Barret PH'ing isn't too crazy, but again, down 5, you're playing for the big inning. Better to have RBI machine Barret ready to go behind D-Lee and Murton, assuming you get some runs across and some bodies on the bags. I wouldn't have disagreed with PH'ing Barret in the 9th, but I'm not up in arms that he didn't either.

Rev...that makes sense. But Blanco is one of your worst hitters, Barrett is one of your best, and your hottest. I would think Barrett significantly improves your chances of scoring any runs.

Better to have RBI machine Barret ready to go behind D-Lee and Murton, assuming you get some runs across and some bodies on the bags. Supposedly Ramirez was available. He took batting practice, and was supposed to be able to hit if needed.

Dave: Absolutely. But the question is, how many? If we were down 1 or 2, I'm in total agreement... But 5? Better to have people on the bags first before you take Barret and Aramis out of your holster.

Yeah, but if Aramis is hurting, you only want to use him if you can put him in a spot where the game's absolutely on the line.

No worries, at 5-3 we are on pace to win 101 games. Aramis and Barrett should be back in tomorrow. It's a Friday night Happy Hour game on a holiday weekend (OK call it Sad Hour in deference to Jesus dying and all) and rookie phenom Sean Marshall is back on the hill. Life is good.

Phenom? :) Man we really are hopeful, aren't we?

Dave -- #202 was dripping with sarcasm, but if you repeat it to yourself enough times you may start to believe it...

433 I would say only partial sarcasm. Because the part about a happy hour baseball game featuring but not limited to Aramis Ramirez and my Chicago Cubs sounds good to me. Happy Pesach to all my Heeb Brothers out there! Shalom.

did bynum wear that body-condom again in his latest pinch hit strike-out today? that guy f-ing sucks ass.

"Matt Morris, A.J. Burnett, Kevin Millwood, Jarrod Washburn, Jeff Weaver and angry old man Kenny Rogers, none of whom would have won the Cy Young Award but any of whom would have helped." Lets look at these guys: Matt Morris- Hates the Cubs would not come here. AJ Burnett- While I love his stuff he is to big of an injurry risk to pay 10 mil for. Kevin Millwood- See AJ Burnett with less upside. Jarrod Washburn- Rusch - 50 pounds Jeff Weaver- I like him, but everbody else on this board did not want to touch him with a 10 foot pole. So those you said that and now want him are hippocrits. Kenny Rogers- Rusch- 20 pounds + temper of a madman. So all in all not good options. The best thing would have been for JH to not give Florida Dontrelle 2.0 and give them one-pitch Hill instead.

nolasco, i assume. that's a bit of a jump to go ahead and propell him there.

Crunch, You're right I was talking about Nolasco. I thought he was the best pitching prospect the Cubs had at the time of the trade. Despite making the AA to MLB jump and having to adjust to being a reliever he has done good job for the Marlins and would have been better than any FA pickup the Cubs could have made among the group Eddie Munster mentioned today's column. I just hope Pierre starts hitting.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    LHP Blake Weiman appears to have been the last cut from the AAA Iowa roster. He is with the Tennessee group at Minor League Camp.

     

  • crunch (view)

    bruce bochy is hobbling rather badly for a guy who's had 2 hip replacements.  his gait is extremely wonky taking the lineup card to the ump.

  • crunch (view)

    yeah, for me this isn't about who's better at 3rd.  it's madrigal, period.  for me it's about who's not hitting in the lineup because madrigal is in the lineup.

    occasional play at 3rd for madrigal, okay.  going with the steele/ground-ball matchup...meh, but okay, whatever.

    seeing madrigal get significant starting time...no thanks.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Yeah I am very disappointed Madrigal is starting. He has no business as a starter. He is AAA insurance, a back up at best. Sure his defense looks fine because he plays far enough in that his noodle arm isn’t totally exposed. It comes at the cost of 3B range.

    He’s garbage, and a team serious about winning would NOT have him starting opening day.

  • crunch (view)

    in other news, it took 3 PA before a.rizzo got his 1st HBP of the season.

  • Eric S (view)

    With two home runs (so far) and 5 rbi today … clearly Nick Martini is the straw that stirs the Reds drink 😳

  • crunch (view)

    madrigal at 3rd...morel at DH.

    making room for madrigal or/and masterboney to get a significant amount of ABs is a misuse of the roster.  if it needed to get taken care of this offseason, they had tons of time to figure that out.

    morel played almost exclusively at 3rd in winter ball and they had him almost exclusively there all spring when he wasn't DH'ing.

    madrigal doing a good job with the glove for a bit over 2 chances per game...is that worth more than what he brings with the bat 4-5 PA a game?  it's 2024 and we got glenn beckert 2.0 manning 3rd base.

    this is a tauchman or cooper DH situation based on bat, alone.  cooper is 3/7 with a double off eovaldi if you want to play the most successful matchup.

    anyway, i hope this is a temporary thing, not business as usual for the rest of the season.  it will be telling if morel is not used at 3rd when an extreme fly ball pitcher like imanaga is on the mound.

  • 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.