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

MacPhail Resigns

The Cubs offseason started off on the right foot today as Andy MacPhail has resigned as team president. John McDonough, Cubs senior vice president of marketing and broadcasting, will serve as interim president and MacPhail is staying on to ensure a smooth transition. I suppose the bigger question is whether Hendry's job is in jeopardy but the press release says he's remaining in charge of baseball operations. I suppose the truth will eventually come out, but since he's remaining with the team for as long as it takes and Hendry is staying, I think this is more of a move by MacPhail himself, who many have speculated will be the next MLB commissioner. While he might not be taking that job quite yet, I wouldn't be surprised if this is just MacPhail moving on to bigger and better things and very little to do with the Trib holding anyone responsible for the trainwreck of a team we've witnessed the last 2 years.

Comments

personally...i see this as a very do-nothing move. you got a guy who's main on-field impact (even in the slightest sense cuz there's very little direct on any level) is obtaining loot and hiring a GM to spend the loot. otherwise you got a guy who handles the neighborhood pissing contests, internal operations, coordination of all the minor internal operations, and answering to the trib (president/ceo gave him little oversight other than the board of directors, which he was also a member). unless the "new guy" swoops in decides a revolution that involves hendry's last 2 years being swept under the carpet, it seems little's gonna be made of it. honestly, given that McD is a money guy who's given up such greatest-hits as increased wrigley field advertising, that wonderful motorola ads+bullpen thing, and len/bob pimping concerts all year at nearly every f'n commercial break...well, i dont see him leaving as president, myself.

"well, i dont see him leaving as president, myself." i dont see him being replaced as president...i meant to say more clearly =p

Yahoo! This is your celebration Yahoo! This is your celebration Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate) Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate) There's a party goin' on right here A celebration to last throughout the years So bring your good times, and your laughter too We gonna celebrate your party with you Come on now Celebration Let's all celebrate and have a good time Celebration We gonna celebrate and have a good time It's time to come together It's up to you, what's your pleasure Everyone around the world Come on! Yahoo! It's a celebration Yahoo! Celebrate good times, come on! It's a celebration Celebrate good times, come on! Let's celebrate We're gonna have a good time tonight Let's celebrate, it's all right We're gonna have a good time tonight Let's celebrate, it's all right Baby... We're gonna have a good time tonight (Ce-le-bra-tion) Let's celebrate, it's all right We're gonna have a good time tonight (Ce-le-bra-tion) Let's celebrate, it's all right Yahoo! Yahoo! Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate) Celebrate good times, come on! It's a celebration! Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate) Come on and celebrate, good times, tonight (Celebrate good times, come on!) 'Cause everything's gonna be all right Let's celebrate (Celebrate good times, come on) (Let's celebrate)...

A marketing guru in charge of the Cubs...only in Chicago. I probably wouldn't bother to print up any new business cards if I were John...this reeks of a transitional management situation. Nevertheless, first move...fire Brenly and bring back Stoney Fire Kasper so he can move into his new position of becoming the PR manager of the Redwalls or another Big Star hacked "power pop" band. As for on the field...oh right, he's a marketing guy. For those who didn't catch Juan Pierre's interview after the game, it wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement of his desire to return to the Cubs. "I'm just gonna keep my options open and talk to my agent" was his final comment...never once indicated he wanted to come back.

celebrate what? its oct. 1st. they gonna go out and hire a GM tommorow? get ready to sign guys the next 2 weeks. expect the new GM to know what he's got and what their tallent is and who to hire and who's worth what to trade? enjoy your strawman.

How fitting of the Cubs to name a Marketing guy as the new CEO. All they care about is making more money. As long as they draw close to 3 million every year they will never win.

pierre's made it pretty clear he's going to the highest bidder. fine by me....

The most interesting thing was MacPhail's explanation of the sequence of events: Met with his direct report in July, saying at the time that if they wanted his resignation, he'd give it. Then, as he described it, two weeks later he met with FitzSimons, who told him it wasn't working and they needed to make a move. That means he was fired in July or August, but they decided to wait and announce it after the season. That's interesting for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it shows that the Tribune, the newspaper, indeed does not know anything about the inner-workings of the Tribune, the company, given today's Tribune, the newspaper, stories.

mcDonough is the interim president, I think it's pretty clear he's here only until they decide on the new guy.

where did that info come from Bobby Dernier?

Whoa Doug, etc.! First of all - we ALL have wanted Mc FAIL fired! Accomplished! Secondly, John Mc D is almost a Cubs "Lifer". If you didn't see or hear the press conference, all I can say is until proven otherwise, I will take him at his word. He said he'll give Hendry all the resources he needs. Financially. For NEXT SEASON. He has a passion for the Cubs. He stated his goal is to Win the World Series - NOT win the Wild Card, or "get into the playoffs". It is a positive move, ya'll. Ned Coletti was in the same area, guys. If he can (and as a seson ticket holder) bring the same success to the Cubs via bringing a winner as he is making money as a marketing genius, this will be good. I'm willing to give him a shot.

bring in steve stone . . . amd crunch as usual your attitude is just plain depressing.

depressing...but meh...its not like hendry/mcD are mortal enemies. mcD has shown a "visionary" ability to make money mark macgwuire never had. he's part of the old guard. and yeah, it really does seem like, coming from multiple angles, that hendry's job is safe. he's gonna get to keep the keys and staff the team. manager issue should be interesting...that one at least has some kinda impact. im ready for the player FA period to begin...and for aram to be taken care of.

So Hendry's buddy is gone as his boss. I guess that is a good sign. Of course he did give him an extenstion before he quit, but maybe that means if Hendry falls on his face again next year, that the new boss might say BYE BYE to hendry even with a year left on his deal. But I kind of agree with Crunch, it is like a do-nothing move overall. McPhail only real impact was hiring GM (POOR JOB) and getting money from Trib (VERY GOOD JOB). As long as the new President doesn't lose any money for the budget, this was a good move, but overall pretty insignificant at this point.

so what if "interim" turns out to be "full-time" or "permanent"? none other than mac phail himself stated 2 playoffs in 12 years on the job is not satisfactory. (paraphrased). mc donough may be poorer, or he may be better. but holding on to both the status and the quo would lead to further mediocrity. of which this franchise has had an overabundance. for all we know, hendry will asssume the presidency after terminating dusty on monday and hiring kim ng on tuesday to be his (hendry's) replacement. and ng will be given the task of selecting manager, coaching staff, and filling the 2007 roster.

I certainly in no way expect this, BUT if McDonough holds true to what E-man posted in his interview and lets Hendry spend whatever it takes within reason, I would certainly consider that significant, albeit doubtful. I guess there's this small sliver of hope that someone would take charge and realize the best way to make money is to put a consistent winning team on the field.

mcD's seen as a suprise superstar of pencil pushers. he took over like 2-3 years ago and is responsible, along with his higher ups that take his proding, of a lotta the comercial revenue changes that have popped up all over wrigley and with the team, itself. he's the guy who thought up the beanie baby promotion back in the late 90s...etc etc... he truely could stay on under mcphail's training to take the role full-time.

Hendry doesn't know a thing beyond sports or baseball, he said so himself in an interview. i doubt it's a job he'd want.

though i never posted on his blog, this is truely a time where doug pappas's baseball buisness blog would rule.

MANNY: "...it is like a do-nothing move overall. " I do not agree. It is a public admission of failure. You and Crunch bitch and moan about McFail should be fired - yet what do you say when he gets canned? State the above... It also is ackowledging that what was happening wasn't working - and that Fitzsimmons is a competitive guy and wants to show the fans that the team wants to do more than make money. Did you hear or watch the press conference? Oh, I forgot, you don't live here. Mc D really put it out there and will be accountable - stated, "[if we don't WIN the World Series] I will consider anything else a failure." I never HEARD this from McFail that I can recall. We will all see in the months to come but to say that this is a "do nothing move..." is really closed minded.

Doug: "How fitting of the Cubs to name a Marketing guy as the new CEO" Do you know who Ned Coletti is?

Does anyone have a link to the list of GM's MacPhail had during his tenure with the years they served? Thanks!!

E-Man: "You and Crunch bitch and moan about McFail should be fired - yet what do you say when he gets canned? State the above..." I don't think I have EVER stated I wish MacPhail would be fired. If I did, it would be more of a fire them all (MacPhail, Hendry and Baker) thing, not him specifically. He has done a GREAT job getting money from the Trib and making the Cubs very profitable, but his bigget knock for me was his term as GM and his recent GM hire and in turn extenstion to him.

when did MacPhail take over in 1994? anyone know the month? anyway Ed Lynch took over in Oct '94 for Larry Himes Lasted until July 19, 2000 when MacPhail took over Hendry took over on July 5th, 2002

The info I posted earlier came from McPhail's mouth, during his portion of the press conference. He started by explaining that his arrangement was always a handshake deal, then how he met with his direct-report (whose name I can't remember but is not one I knew before) in July, then went off on a tangent and came back to explain that two weeks after the meeting with his direct-report he met with FitzSimons who, at that meeting, expressed that things had not gone the way anyone hoped and it was time to go in a different direction.

The E-man: "I do not agree. It is a public admission of failure." I can agree with you on this to a point, but at the same time as President he had almost zero say on the daily working of personael on the team (not counting when he was GM), so if they are admitting failure, why not get rid of Hendry and Baker too? But again, as long as the next President can get at least teh same amount of money from the Trib, I have no problem with this.

The E-Man: "Did you hear or watch the press conference? Oh, I forgot, you don't live here." Live where? Chicago? You might be getting me confused with someone else.

"I do not agree. It is a public admission of failure. You and Crunch bitch and moan about McFail should be fired" i can guarentee 100% you have never heard that from me...ever.

Thanks Rob, I couldn't remember if he was here for Himes or not, but if his list is Lynch, himself and Hendry, he couldn't do much worse. He clearly failed there, but did a great job getting money for teh team.

thanks Bobby, I didn't see the press conference. Well no doubt Hendry is going nowhere if this has been in the works since July.

CRUNCH: Are you stating you have never advocated the FIRING of MAc Fail in a blog post at TCR? IF this is true. My apologies. Manny: You're right confused you with someone else. My bad! Can we wait about 60 days at least and let this decant for a minute? I really think its a positive step...so far.

"CRUNCH: Are you stating you have never advocated the FIRING of MAc Fail in a blog post at TCR?" yes...in fact if you look you'll see a lotta pro-mcphail posts by me. he's gotten money, he's never seen a roadblock when it comes to midseason trades...he's a respected baseball man...he's a good negociator supposedly. i really dont care too much, but i do appreciate he hasnt whored wrigley field out into a commercial/ad filled stadium. the green screen you only see at home and while the ads are increasing, its not been ugly so far.

"But again, as long as the next President can get at least the same amount of money from the Trib, I have no problem with this." Manny I don't know if you caught the news from Trib Co on Friday or Dennis FitzSimons comments at todays press conference, but the Cubs (and other Tribco assets) are clearly on the block. For those who don't follow the financial markets, Tribco hired Merrill Lynch and Citigroup to help them seek other financial solutions, which means a sale of assets. Given the size of the transaction(s) it is unlikely to be completed by openning days, but I would not be suprised if we know who the new owner is pending various approvals by then

ROBR: I think the key phrase is not, "help them seek...solutions...", but, "exploring solutions". The Cubs are HUGELY profitable and I wouldn't certainly consider their sale imminent by any means.

pads win, take the west Pads vs Cards Mets vs Dodgers Yanks vs Tigers Twins vs A's early prediction is Pads vs Dodgers and Yanks vs A's, then Pads vs. A's I'll probably change my mind by Tuesday

RobR- Where does it say the Cubs WILL be sold? Yes, they are one of the Tribs assests, but they have many. And since the Cubs make money every year I don't see how the Trib's moves have any major bearing on the Cubs affecting next years payroll. I would be very surprised if it isn't about the same payroll as this year give or take a few million. Again, like the past few years, more than enough to win if spent correctly.

Rob G.: "early prediction is Pads vs Dodgers and Yanks vs A's, then Pads vs. A's" I hope you are right. I bet Oakland at 15-1 at the beginning of the year for $100. Go Beane!!!!

I agree with Crunch. The only differance this makes is Gracey could be Giradi's hitting coach now. I know the talk has been that Giradi is not high on Hendry's wish list, but if the new manager isnt Pinella it would be job suicide for Hendry not to hire him.

I have a tough time seeing any new manager getting more than a 2 year deal as the GM, who is clearly on the hot seat, only has two years left on his deal. I don't think Pinnella would take only a two year deal, maybe Girardi would. But more likely it would be one of the "no-name" managers being mentioned.

What is the "standard" length of time in these times? What was Ozzie's? I don't remember.

Girardi had a 3 yr deal when he signed, so did Willie Randolph. Guillen had a 2006 option that was picked up in 2005 and they added 2 more years plus an option for 2009. I'd say 3 years seems relatively standard. A bigger name like Baker might get 4. if they're really "committed" to winning, I doubt it will be a roadblock.

There will be a new GM once there is a new President. No way you go with someone elses's guy. Maybe there is a grandchild of Ray Rayner who needs a nice job in baseball who might be available...

E-Man- Ozzie original contract gave him a two year (2004-05) deal with a club option for 2006. Which makes perfect sense. Ned Yost (Brewers) got a 2 year deal on his original contract, but with 2 club options. Grady Little (Dodgers) got a 2 year deal with a club option. It seems most new managers get either 2 years with 1 or 2 years worth of club options or they get a straight 3 year deal. So getting a new maanger for 2 years (2007-08) with a club option for 2009 makes good sense in my opinion.

Maybe there is a grandchild of Ray Rayner who needs a nice job in baseball who might be available... HAHAHAHAHA!!! Or Sylvester the Duck.

MANNY/ROB: Would you say then, that the smaller market - or perceived to be "cheap" teams - will be willing to take the route of untested waters, therefore spending less pesos on less experienced candidates?

Re McFail: I love today's news. 1 moron down, 2 to go, with more good news possible tomorrow. I can't believe anyone who wants to see Hendry and Baker removed would see this as anything other than a great step forward. I did find it interesting that Tigers went all out in their failed effort to win the division, using Jones for 3 innings, and then Rogers out of the pen. I guess Curt Schilling isn't the only one who would rather win the division than the wild card.

E-Man: "Would you say then, that the smaller market - or perceived to be "cheap" teams - will be willing to take the route of untested waters, therefore spending less pesos on less experienced candidates?" I can agree with that. I think smaller market teams tend to go after smaller names, thus spending less.

The Cubs are a business, yet guys are bitching that the Tribune company appointed someone who has been successful opening revenue streams. Time to get out school gentlemen and learn how the real world works.

McDonough was seen having dinner with Steve Stone a short time ago. Now McDonough is the President. I think it won't be long before we see Steve back in the Cubs organization. As what, i have no idea. Back in the TV booth? As manager? as replacement for Hendry?

I like the move. When a guy has been as successful as Mc has, any corp would promote him. He has credibility because he's delivered the goods. From a generalization standpoint, marketing guys typically know they have to spend money to make money. I'm just hoping that Stoney comes back in some capacity.

This is a good move for the organization. McD has been a cub fan since his days as a bleacher bum in the 60's. He has made money for the team but also started with the team with the Dallas Green admin. Ned C. and McD are both very competitive so they come from the same mold. McD may not make baseball decisions but he also holds his people accountable for sucess.

I remember asking how it worked when the Cubs wanted to make a costly acquisition or a major trade. Was the team president empowered to OK it? Or did he need a stamp of approval from someone at Tribune Tower? MacPhail said it varied. But generally, out of courtesy or necessity, he'd run it by Crane Kenney. Makes it sound like the President and GM of the Cubs are nothing more than figure heads and the real power on who this teams gets or doesn't get rests with the suit in a tower. That kind of sucks, oh well atleast something is changing. Maybe for the best, maybe things stay the same. *shrug*

I'm beginning to like this more and more (Mc D's hiring). I really believe that this is someone who knows that the losing has to stop. Who is really passionate, really successful in every position with the Cubs. He's the best in the Biz with marketing and sharp as a tack. Look for him to surround himself with smart folks in trusted capacities to help advise with crucial decisions as well. I'm ok with this. I'm of the opinion that as time goes along, the "interim" title will go away. Maybe this one is The one.

As to the impending 'sale' speculation...Didn't Mariotti try to 'market' the Cubs to Mark Cuban in one of his columns?! I recall Cuban stating that he would seriously consider it if the team was up for sale. Maybe it was an interview on Comcast when he was in town...I can't remember exactly. Whatever

For now, I'll take McDonough at his word. He says he wants to win and that anything less than a WS Championship will be considered a failure. I have no problem with the fact that McDonough has made money for the Cubs. The team is a business and they need to make money to survive. What I find hopeful is that McDonough says the best way to market the team is to win games. McDonough seems to understand that the long-suffering Cubs fans deserve a front office that is as committed to winning as the fans are. I may be being naive, but for now I'll give McDonough-Hendry the benefit of the doubt. Of course, the real measure will be in what they can get done this off-season.

THANKS Rob G! The relentless, never-resting blog-master. I was hoping he'd add something else like, "And, I also have a goal of kicking the Cardinal's ASS every year." It is funny, but I had a letter that I just printed to Mcfail requesting that he NOT raise ticket prices!

I'm probably somewhere between Crunch and E-Man on this thing, but I don't see how you can take this as negative news. It's certainly at least a small step in the right direction. There's no doubt that McPhail needed to go and there are certain fans and certain sites that explicitly called for his removal as the key to turning the Cubs around. There's at least some truth in that. So, in that he's now gone, that's a good thig. Baker, it seems to me, is as now as good as gone (esp. with "Bye Bye Dusty" signs peppering Wrigley Field over the last week) and Hendry is on thin ice. With McDonough's crystal clear statements, there's going to be an impetus to sign a big name or two. I don't see any way the Cubs have another 2005 offseason after the timing and clarity in regards McPhail's firing. This offseason should be very interesting. I, for one, hope to be around more to watch what happens.

Bogey: For those who didn't catch Juan Pierre's interview after the game, it wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement of his desire to return to the Cubs. "I'm just gonna keep my options open and talk to my agent" was his final comment...never once indicated he wanted to come back. Up until I heard that I was unsure if Dusty would be coming back. It's pretty clear he's not and Pierre isn't all that thrilled about playing for a crap team unless Dusty is managing. Too bad, because I have this terrible fear Pie will get pushed into the leadoff spot now and fail miserably next year... then, back to '05, D Lee was great, but no one was on base for him to drive in.

Up until I heard that I was unsure if Dusty would be coming back. It's pretty clear he's not and Pierre isn't all that thrilled about playing for a crap team unless Dusty is managing. I'd be very surprised if word had gotten out that Dusty was leaving. He personally might be getting indications or vibes, but I don't think even if he had been told, that the players would have learned about it but not the media. I agree that rushing Pie is a concern. I'd like to see Pierre come back for a year, maybe two. Still, if we lose him, I won't be too sad. He's so one-dimensional that he can be as much of a limitation as an asset.

The E-Man: "It is funny, but I had a letter that I just printed to Mcfail requesting that he NOT raise ticket prices!" Mark McGuire is in charge of tickets, send the letter to him.

MANNY: Great suggestion. I have actually had some correspondence with him in the past and some laughs over his terrific "pidgeon solution" for us upper deck box people.

Sweet Lou: For now, I'll take McDonough at his word. He says he wants to win and that anything less than a WS Championship will be considered a failure. It's nice to hear some resolve and not hear the top dogs talk about being "competative" (Someone was listening to you, AZ Phil). But on the other hand, every other team in baseball is resolved to win the World Series. The Fitzsimons appearance was interesting. He appropriately seemed embarrassed about the team, and cleared up speculation by saying the team was not for sale. One little thing that annoyed me is a reporter asked Fitzsimons about the club possibly being for sale or about "everything being up in the air" and he snapped back and said it wasn't and he never said that. But just last week Fitzsimons said "everything is on the table" in terms of the Tribune Company selling off pieces of itself. It means practically the same thing and it sort of annoyed me.

Andrew: I agree that rushing Pie is a concern. Yes he would be rushed, but my bigger concern is that Pie isn't a leadoff hitter, even though the Cubs keep pretending he is. I guess there's always Theriot. 336/416/534 12/14 SB over 131 AB. Above average glove.

I guess there's always Theriot. 336/416/534 12/14 SB over 131 AB. Above average glove. I agree that Pie is not a leadoff hitter. He should be Jones' replacement at some point. I'm still mixed as to whether I want to see Theriot starting, but if he does, he'd be a fine leadoff hitter. He's even got some speed. And if Murton sticks around, he can bad #2. As for CF, I wonder if there's any way to get Andruw Jones without losing a big piece of next year's pie. He'd fit in nicely I think.

Several thoughts. I was stunned, but certainly not saddened by the annoucement. Mike Murphy, over at WSCR must have pissed his pants, as he credits himself with the Mc-FAIL line. Great, Mike, congrats. Yet, there is a smoking mess behind us, and unlike many of you, I see another avalanche ahead. I was so excited about the Andy McPhail signing that I was convinced we had made it. The guy was a genius. THen, he lost me forever with Ed Lynch. ED LYNCH. Matt Karchner, Ed lynch, ed lynch, matt karchner. I will never forget. I admit hoping that Andy would succeed as GM, but he was medicore. I don't think you can deny that he is a stand up guy. A good man, a good businessman, and might make a good Commish (no Michael Chiklis mind you). It is not exactly an insight to say he made money for them. And, yes, he "Resigned," and unlike Donald Rumsfeld, it was accepted (Or something like that). BUT, I think he was getting off a sinking ship. From Manhattan, at some point in the not too distant future, he will smile. Dusty (more on him later), from his little boat in Sacramento (dude), will laugh. Ryne Sandberg will weep. Ronnie will need to be sedated. Nomar and Maddux and Pierre will all be even more thrilled to be gone. Why, you ask? Because, the cubs, as usual screwed it up. Only the Cubs would have the President leave, the manager canned (if he stays I will sell my season tickets for a pennies on the dolalr), and keep a medicore GM. SInce when does this make sense? What kind of sense does this make? Yes, we are rid of two pox on our houses. But shouldn't a president be able to name his own horses.? Ok, as the Wall STreet Journal wrote about this past weekend, the Padres did it. Sort of. They hired a baseball guy, and MLB officer, Sandy Alderson as PResident. He kept Kevin TOwers as GM, he kept the underrated Bruce Bochy as manager (Ahh...I dream). Alderson looked things over, saw talent, and kept the management team in place. They are smart baseball guys from top to bottom (ownership realized that the baseball guys ought to run things). Except, we don't have a management team. We have an open spot for manager and "open" for president. We have a GM who will be lame duck and even more likely to make poor decisions. Perhaps 10 years for Jason Schmidt? With escaltor clauses for injuries? Or perhaps A two year deal for Darren Baker? THe guy is on a losing streak. And I don't just mean Ricky Nolasco. Look at Pat Gillck in philly. He wanted to fire Manuel (and despite their great run) might be stuck with him. How is that comfortable? Anyway, this is off the point. Stoney tells us on WSCR (and I love the man) tha thte Cubs have some real talent in that front office. Gary Hughes, super scout. The late Hugh Alexander, super scout. Some newish fellow as assistant GM, whose name I forget from the Blue Jays. Here's the thing? How can these guys be that good? Where are the returns? Money isn't the issue, it is how it is spent. Hendry has proven that his free agent signings are n't too bright. WE know the list. And, we gave him more power? Because, really, that is what happened today. It might last the whole contract, or maybe into Januaray, who the hell knows. Instead, we have a brillant (yes, amazingly sharp) marketing guy as President. Isn't the reason they hired Macphail was that the after the firing of Dallas Green, the inept hiring of Jim Frey, that the line of trib suits in that job sucked? as I recall, yes. And, now, we have one. I have no quarrel with McDonough. Really, I think he is awesome...no sarcasm when I say that the you can joke about Beanie Babies, Barbies, and American girl dolls, but he filled the seats. Yet, he himself admits, he has no real idea about the baseball side of things. If you read the transcript, and the guys over at Ghost Riders of the Apoycalpse posted it, you will see that NOTHING Johnnymac said makes him an interim CEO (prez what have you). This is not Jim Essian, the monkey man himself, where he is a real interim. I wanted to get excited, but I can't. Hendry as captain? Maybe some guy coming in later (or if they want Diversity Kim Ng is doing well with LA). So, my rambling brings me to this: Why are all those guys going to laugh and/or cry? Remember when Jerry KRause resigned and it was like the biggest day in chicago since Jordan beat Utah? Well, we ain't got Ben Wallace or John Paxson... What we have a marketing guy saying the right things--sure he could succeed, but I'm not taking bets. We have a GM who will feel intense pressure and continue to trade away the wrong prospects (ok, he kept Rich Hill). A man who signed Neifi to a two year deal. Who signed Burnitz. Who gave away too much for Pierre (who is going to leave without a doubt. KEep your two hundred hits Juan. Next time, get on base when it counts). Don't give me D-LEE and A-ram. Those days are long gone. He might well decimate what precious farm system we have left. And in June, just for kicks he may draft another kid from Dunedin high in Florida. Because, really, since he went there, any kid who comes out of there might be good. DO you reall want him drafting in the top 3? And JEff Smixifigita for ND? Come on, one or two good games and the kid goes to the NFL. But, Hendry is buddies with the ND coach, so yeah, worth a try. This is our future and our money Jimbo. And the trib? Christ. Andy got off a sinking ship. His stock options are growing worthless. The stock is in the crapper. Sure, the Cubs might be sale. Or maybe not. I have no idea what the Trib says when they are keeping core businesses. TV and Radio stations and the papers. Makes sense. The Cubs? more uncertainty. Who really knows (well, Fitzsimmons might, and I'm not going to knock the man--he is in tough spot and is battling cancer). And the fact that no one knows adds to the problem. Back to Paxson. He came in fresh. He had tons of crap to recycle. He did. IF we have a new owner, new president, or any of that, they will have to inherent the entire mess that Hendry will make even worse. Any new owner or president with baseball operations power will be stuck for a while. It took Pax three years. If they can Hendry, as some are already speculating, next spring, what the hell is that? Is 2007 gone? My season tickets aren't cheap. I don't want another lost year. And for the manager, who the hell wants to come into this potential s--- storm? THe avalanche looms. If Pinella can land a gig in a more stable environment he will take it. ANy guy would be rightly nervous. I don't want to guy, no matter what the potential, who just thankful for the job. I don;t know Fredi Gonlazez from adam and I don't want to. Hendry may think big, but will likely get spit in his eye a few times. God, I hope I'm wrong. This is going to be utter chaos. I hope those ARam contract talks are really working. He was no Dusty lover at least. Pierre is gone (and I miss RIcky Nolasco more each day). Neifi is gone. And, Dusty, dusty, dusty. What hath you done? Well...the list is too long. LaTroy Hawkins mgiht have had success if Dusto had acutally read the stats. Hawkins was superior as a set up man. HE should have stayed there. Yes, he is malcontent and jerkoff, but he might have succceed. Neifi. Dear God why oh why? I've never been one for pitch counts and such. But, curiousity makes me ask, where is Russ ORtiz now? Since '02 has he been the same? Mark Prior (maybe)? And the most awful of all lately, Eyre and Howry. CHris DeLuca in the SunTimes said, "if" they are still servicable next year. Howry pitched in 84 games. The guy was awesome, but his injury history is worse. Notice how SCott Eyre had an ERA over 5 in the 2nd half and is hurt again? Hmmm...always use him when you are down 10-2 in the 7th. That's 38 million dollars for two guys who could be Kent Mercker because of Dusty. Oh, take the staff with you. All of them. Chris Speier and his motorcycle. THe Sarge, Dick Pole, and yes, Rothchild. Such a genius he was...forget his failures on the field, any guy who turns down three years with Jim LEyland is a moron. OR loyal, but to the wrong guys. I wonder how well Verlander and gang would have been under Larry... Anyway this rant is too much and too nonsensical. I wish I could believe that the days ahead promised rainbows. Or that JohnnyMac's dinner with Steve STone meant something. OR that Lou Pinella will come in, kick ass, and that Hendry will learn to make sense again. A top to bottom house cleaning is needed. Unless, the Cubs are sold. Then, it will all be worth it. Until then? Who would want to come here? And will the new guy let Teriot have a chance. Will he banish Ronny Cedeno to the Frontier LEague? Will he sit Jacque Jones against Lefties? And, in the end, it all comes down to Matt Karchner. In the summer of 2004, not long before the stoney swoon, I saw a guy with an actual Matt Karchner jersey. THis wasn't a Fred McGriff or some such thing. IT was not long after the team collapsed. Hendry lost his touch. Dusty, well, who knows what he lost. Johnny Mac should have been alerted. THis guy should not have been allowed in. The goat should have come back. That jersey was the beginning of the end. And as Winston CHurchill famously said, "it is only the end of the beginning." Maybe it will be the beginnning of the end. That is the point. THe CUbs aren't run by Churchhill sadly. The Cubs aren't building a new tradition...the new beginning is going to be a mess. Damn you Karchner. And that fan wearing the jersey. Damn you both. --ShawonDunstonHOF P.S. - Steve Stone, may you be nothing but right when you say that the Cubs aren't far away. Dusty, Andy--you are fundamentally decent and good men. You took some much deserved "abuse" here and I wont miss you as guys running my team. You will both find great success elsewhere. It never would have happened here. I just hope the new guy doesn't Matt Karchner jersey. He made money for the team and they loved that.

That last line should have read, I hope the new doesn't wear a Karchner jersey. Yet, that Jersey being sold made money for the team. THe Ironies never end.

What don't you guys understand about the fact that that most young fast outfielders hit leadoff. The powerhitting ones move down the order while the non power hitting ones stay at the top. Barry Bonds was a leadoff hitter when he got to the major leagues. So was Sosa.

I also see the comparison to Coletti valid. I see them being very similar. Let's all hope so. I think Hendry deserves a chance under someone who won't over rule him like the Furcal deal. Let's see what happens now. Tommorow is another step. I also see this being similar to Mike Mc Caskey being kicked upstairs. This season maybe the best thing that ever happened just like the Dave Mc Ginnis fiasco! C'mon Crunch...Let's Celebrate .....It's all right!!!

Chad: Barry Bonds was a leadoff hitter when he got to the major leagues. So was Sosa. Touche.

Chad: What don't you guys understand about the fact that that most young fast outfielders hit leadoff. Yes, we know, we know, and most people speed from time to time, and most people lie to thier bosses. That doesn't make it right.

ShawonDunstonHOF -- WOW! What a post. I bet you're going to have a hang over today.

Great...Bonds was a leadoff hitter....and a bad one for his first 2 seasons, then had 2 good ones before being moved down in the order, where he belonged. Pie should not have that kind of pressure placed on him. He should get to start hitting 7th, where his power will be put to good use, and his K's will be a little less damaging. Let's not "K-oreyfy" him, ok? If his hit .275/.330/.480 in a full rookie season, I'd be happy as hell.

"Yes, we know, we know, and most people speed from time to time, and most people lie to thier bosses. That doesn't make it right." Total disconnect. You're lame examples have nothing to do with Bonds in the leadoff situation. What you guys fail to understand is the overlaying principal that speed kills. When a guy is young and fast it is in the teams best interest to get him on base and utilize his legs. But you are all too dim to realize that.

I'm for Stoney to take Hendry's job and Lou P. to come out of the booth and kick some ass but Stoney is too smart to take the job and subject himself to the press and the rest of us. He knows too well what he would be in for. We will probably see him back in the booth. Lou P. won't rule going to the Cubs. It would be nice to see someone with his attitude as skipper.

Ah Chad, the magic words you just uttered, "to get him on base!" Speed that does not get on base certainly kills a team's offense. I notice how all those slow, old base cloggers with their 10 pitch at bats kill the Yankees offense to close to a 1000 runs for the year. Further, the Cubs may have stumbled into a decent lead-off hitter who meets both our criteria. He gets on base and he has speed. Theriot may do perfectly well at 2d and lead-off and allow the Cubs to spend their money (if they are so inclined, which I doubt) on getting a big bopper like Tejeda or Rodriguez. And Pie, who may be better then Pierre right now as a player (more power and a better defender) can take center and bat 7th or 8th.

What you guys fail to understand is the overlaying principal that speed kills. and what you fail to understand that getting on base is far more important than being fast... Kevin Youklis anyone...

Chad: You're lame examples have nothing to do with Bonds in the leadoff situation. I'm lame examples? No, buddy, You're lame examples!

I guess you're correcting my grammar and not really anything to the discussion. Kevin Youkilis. Sure he's a player for the Red Sox. What's your point? You can't tell me how many times he DIDN'T score cause he was too slow. That being said, LIKE ALMOST EVERYBODY WHO IS INVOLVED IN PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL, I'll take speed at the top of the lineup.

but I can tell you he scored 100 times cause we was on-base a lot. We'd all love Rickey Henderson as our leadoff guy, we really would. Give me speed and on-base ability out of my 1 and 2 spots, I'm thrilled. But just cause a guy is fast doesn't mean he should get the most at-bats for his team. He's no good if he's not on-base, it's a simple concept. One you continue to fail to understand.... Most teams do lead with speed, but the good offenses lead with speedy guys who can get on base. Not just the default fast guy...

You can't tell me how many times he DIDN'T score cause he was too slow. Neither can you... Pierre is a perfect example why speed is overrated at the top. If you can't get on base, you can't use your speed. OBP is much less likey to slump than average, because even in slumps patient players tend to remain patient. I would rather have a slower player on first than no play on base at all.

You mean you can't score if your not on base? Damn. You guys are good.

I guess you're correcting my grammar and not really anything to the discussion. Just trying to point out the irony of someone who doesn't know the difference between you're and your calling others "dim".

I know the difference. As in YOUR last post shows that YOUR'RE a total ass hat.

Umm. There's only one 'r' in you're. You make it too easy.

Recent comments

  • 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.

    they really tried to make it happen this spring, but he put up a crazy bad slash of .081/.244/.108 in 45PA.

  • 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...

  • crunch (view)

    pablo sandoval played 3rd and got a couple ABs (strikeout, single!) in the OAK@SF "exhibition"

    mlb officially authenticated the ball of the single he hit.  nice.

    he's in surprisingly good shape considering his poor body condition in his last playing seasons.  he's not lean, but he looks healthier.  good for him.

  • crunch (view)

    dbacks are signing j.montgomery to a 1/25m with a vesting 20m player option.

    i dunno when the ink officially dries, but i believe if he signs once the season begins he can't be offered a QO...and i'm not sure if that thing with SD/LAD in korea was the season beginning, either.

  • crunch (view)

    sut says imanaga getting the home opener at wrigley (game 4 of the season).

  • crunch (view)

    cubs rolling out the who's who of "who the hell is this guy?" in the last spring game.

  • videographer (view)

    AZ Phil, speaking of Jordan Wicks having better command when he tires a bit, I remember reading about Dennis Lamp 40 years ago and his sinker that was better after 3 or 4 innings when he would tire a bit and get more sink with a little less speed on the pitch.  The key for Lamp was getting to the 4th inning.