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

Wade Miller Returns

As the Seibu Lions deliberate over the Matsuzaka bids, the Cubs (cough) shored up their pitching staff by resigning Wade Miller to a one year deal. Financial details have yet to be released. UPDATE Paul Sullivan writes that the deal is for one year and $1.5 million guaranteed. Incentives could make it worth up to $5.25 million.

Comments

Well, ya know ya gotta have a backup in case the Mats thing falls through, so there ya go!

So how much do we think it will be for? $9 or $10 million :) Seriously, hopefully it is not much more than 41 million with some small incentives for starts.

Um...I'm hoping that you meant $1 million Manny..lol. Wade Miller......let the Championship Season begin!!!

Heck of a typo there, Manny. It is a typo, right? :) If Miller is in the mix for #4-#5, then fine. If he's one of the "two starters" Pinella was asking for, long summer.

Can he play 3B?

Now all we need to get uncle Lou to win is 1 starter and 2 position players.

Dusty Baylor: "Um...I'm hoping that you meant $1 million Manny..lol." Jackstraw: "Heck of a typo there, Manny. It is a typo, right? :)" Damn shift key (and lack of proofreading by myself)!!! Yes, I meant $1 million. Jackstraw: "If Miller is in the mix for #4-#5, then fine. If he's one of the "two starters" Pinella was asking for, long summer." I agree. Let him fight out with Prior, Guzman, Marshall and whoever else for the 5th spot.

I hear Wade Miller's working on a heck of a gyro-ball. ---- and Glendon Rusch's offseason workouts include eating Gyros sandwiches. (rimshot)

"If he's one of the "two starters" Pinella was asking for, long summer' Hendry-" Well he does start games Lou" Lou-Shaking his head taking another swig of Wild Turkey

WADE MILLER---"Financial details have yet to be released." HE SHOULD PAY US.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=rogers_phil&id=26… Phil Rogers tries to write something... There's only one problem with the gaudy numbers that Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Lee traditionally put up: They are guaranteed to lead to big contracts but do not necessarily translate into victories. ....But for all their thunder, Lee and Ramirez have combined for only 55 at-bats in the playoffs (and a .218 average), generally playing on also-ran teams. I stopped reading after that. I shall simply retort with Vlad Guerrero.

Instead of "overspending" on Ramirez and Carlos Lee. Jim Hendry needs to get Scott Brosius and Paul O'Neill to come out of retirement. Those guys were always in the playoffs. Phil Rogers for GM!!!!

HE SHOULD PAY US. That Was REALLY FUNNY! Lol! QUESTION: IF the Cubs sign Woody, which of the two gets paid more? Woody should pay us, too!

Wade Miller is nice insurance if Prior continues to lead the league in throwing towels instead of baseballs. I witnessed Miller's late-season start against the Astros in Houston, and Miller was simply terrific. He is a guy who simply knows how to pitch, and with another offseason to strengthen the shoulder, he might be a real asset next year.

I don't usually advocate for public executions, but someone should put Rogers out of his (our) misery.

Wow that comes as completely unexpected - all I have to say i hope the Cubs have an option for year 2 in the event Wade Miller finds himself.

Phil Rogers wants Mark Lemke to play second for the Cubs so when they make the playoffs the dividends will be HUGE!

"all I have to say i hope the Cubs have an option for year 2 in the event Wade Miller finds himself" Unfortunately, Hendry gave Miller an out clause that can be used at the All Star break.

"...all I have to say i hope the Cubs have an option for year 2 in the event Wade Miller finds himself. " Silly Rory: The Cubs give PLAYERS the opt-out clauses! Not, as you say, make the option their perrogative. That makes too much sense, man.

Rob G.: "I stopped reading after that. I shall simply retort with Vlad Guerrero." Good point. You can also retort with Ernie Banks (never played in the playoffs) and Ted Williams (made playoffs once and batted .200 in that series.)

Phil Rogers needs to be stripped naked and beaten to death with wiffle-ball bats. The skinny yellow ones that sting. Cover them in crisco and salt so when wounds open up, he knows it.

I'd like the Cubs to give Wood one of these quick and dirty contracts rather than waiting until he can negotiate with other clubs.

Dave Roberts made $1.3M and Sarge, Jr. made $1.1M in 2006. Any guesses as to the market value for each in FA this off-season?

"Cover them in crisco and salt" That sounds tasty! We're gonna need a big frying pan, though.

I wonder if this is what Hendry has been so busy with? Who has time to talk contract with Aramis Ramirez and his agent when you are putting together a Wade Miller deal? Someone needs to send Jim Hendry to some sort of "using time wisely" seminar. I bet he was the guy who always slept in study hall.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/deluca/130327,cst-spt-deluca09.article if anyone happened to miss this.... ''We are going to meet face-to-face,'' Kinzer said Wednesday. ''They are still definitely [Ramirez's] No. 1 team.'' He's talking about meeting during the GM meetings NEXT week. Could the Ramirez situation stretch until the winter meetings, when there is sure to be a feeding frenzy? ''It could,'' Kinzer said, ''but I doubt it.'' ''They have had a lot going on, and Jim has been busy,'' Kinzer said. ''This has been an unusual year for the Cubs.''

Unusual? What between the losing and finding a new manager? That is pretty common with this team. More like business as usual.

Maybe it's unusual in that Jim is trying to sign guys that other teams are also interested in. I don't think there was a lot of competition for Neifi last year.

#27 of 31: By Seamhead (November 9, 2006 05:31 PM) Dave Roberts made $1.3M and Sarge, Jr. made $1.1M in 2006. Any guesses as to the market value for each in FA this off-season? -- SEAMHEAD: The salaries you quote for Roberts and Matthews were from 2005. Roberts made $2.5M in 2006, and Matthews made just under $2.5M ($2.487M). As for what their market value would be right now as FAs, I would say Roberts (who is 34) can expect to get maybe $12M for two years ($6M per season) or $15M for three ($5M per year). Matthews (who is 32 and a FA for the first time) will probably command about $24M ($8M per year) over three years or maybe $30M ($7.5M per year) for four, which is about what Pierre (who is only 29, but not the Gold Glove defensive whiz or three-spot OF that Sarge Jr is) will also probably get.

guess who? 2001: 16-8, 183K, 3.40ERA 2002: 15-4, 144K, 3.35ERA (12 in a row) 2003: 14-13 161K, 4.13ERA (leader in innings pitched + starts) 2004: 7-7 in 15 starts before shutting down

We know how much Hendry likes to over pay. Any guesses on Miller..?

34 of 35: By CUBBY guess who? 2001: 16-8, 183K, 3.40ERA 2002: 15-4, 144K, 3.35ERA (12 in a row) 2003: 14-13 161K, 4.13ERA (leader in innings pitched + starts) 2004: 7-7 in 15 starts before shutting down Miller

What is Muskrat smoking? From her latest Cubs.com article: One option would be free agent Alfonso Soriano, who hit .277 with 46 homers, 41 doubles and 41 stolen bases for the Washington Nationals. However, Soriano has said he'd like to receive a contract similar to what Rafael Furcal signed with the Dodgers. Furcal inked a three-year, $39 million deal with the Dodgers. The Cubs brass need to determine whether Soriano justifies that kind of commitment. What?!?

Dwight Gooden is available now, maybe we should give him a NRI. At least he could supply Rusch with some coke to help him skinny up.

from Rozner's article today: http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/rozner.asp?id=248088 Not only did Dusty Baker lose out to an inexperienced managerial candidate (Bud Black) in San Diego, but the word from the Coast is that Baker called the Pads and threw his hat into that ring without first being asked. who knows if it's true, but kind of funny if it is....

Yay, Wade Miller. Isn't that the guy whose fastball hits 84... on a good day.

Given the 2006 Cubs lost nearly 100 games and given the thin free agent crop this winter, I don't believe the Cubs can spend their way into contention in 2007. The Cubs need to have a two-year planning horizon and focus on developing a team for 2008. Signing Wade Miller to a one year contract without a team option for a second year is just a waste of money. I believe Prior will only pitch a few token innings in 2007. Since Larry Rothchild was re-hired as pitching coach, we can look forward to another season of towel drills with Mark Prior.

DJ (David Jonathan) Drew opted out of the last 3 years of his deal.

drew would be an interesting CF option. he's a bit sick of RF anyway.

That guy(JD Drew) has got balls. He was due $33 million over the next 3 years. How much more does he think he will get elsewhere? I think he was overpaid as it is. He would fit right in with the injury history.

jd drew- I know he can't stay healthy but I'd rather have him then Sheffield or Jacques jones.

DJ Drew there's a bit of a primadonna, one of the radio hosts out here, (a guy you'd normally believe, not a real rumor monger or anything), said that Drew flat out told him that he won't play when he's not 100%. the more you know....

Jacos: jd drew- I know he can't stay healthy but I'd rather have him then Sheffield or Jacques jones. Why? His production doesn't hold water to Sheffield. Jacque is getting less than half Drew was, and despite being a moron, Jacque stays healthy. Drew is also every bit as much of a jerk that Sheffield is. The only problem with trading for Sheffield is it means Murton would be benched. This team can't win next year, even if they fill 3b and sign a decent sp, there are juar too many holes. They might as well let Murton and Theriot play everyday and improve.

Is JD Drew on the market? Really? I was living in Philadelphia, or better, exiled to Philly, during his draft debacle. He is hated there, but then they booed the drafting of McNabb because they wanted Rastaman Ricky WIlliams. Anyway, I'm not sure another injury prone guy is worth it. IRonically, the Phils used Patt Burrell as a "replacement" for Drew and look at him now. There are other options besides trading from a position of desperation. YOu think Ned COlletti would just give him away? IF they take Jones, then I'd consider it. And what the hell happened to Phil Rogers. I was back in his corner when he got bent out of shape when the CUbs gave up too much for Pierre (outbidding themselves he said), but his weird allegiance to dusty...jesus, the Trib even got to him. Anyway, Bruce Levine reported on ESPNRadio 1000 here tonight that (before being dumped for Louisville-Rutgers) the CUbs are offering Aram $70 for 5. LEvine seems to think Aram wants 6. He'll be 34 then...Hmmm

Dusty Baker was one of the answers in today's New York Times crossword. The clue was "NL manager of the year in '93, '97 and 2000". I tried to jam Bobby Cox in because I have such a block about Baker ever being thought of as a good manager that I just couldn't bring myself to write his name.

And, I'm in the Camp of why not sign Miller? Assuming Hendry doesn't get stupid and counts him as #4, he is worth a shot. Say what you will, but the CUbs have had some success with guys with elbows from other teams...Demp, love him or hate him, did ok. Did Lieber leave after his surgery? Can't remember. As long as the scrap heap is here, and they actually get two other starters, I'm not too upset. An easy risk. Of course, given their history with their own picthers and injuries..who knows, but this isn't a big one. Who knows, it might even work.

DANTE HICKS: "Is JD Drew on the market? Really?" He just opted out, Aramis style, of the remainder of his contract with the Dodgers (3 years/11 per), so he's pretty much on the market -- free agent market, that is.

#51 of 52: By Carlos (November 9, 2006 09:55 PM) Sign Drew. He would look great in CF. NO, NO, NO, NO!!! Anyone who signs him for more than the 3/33 he just opted out of should get a lifetime pass for the short bus.

Well, the Dodgers were smart enough to fire their GM that made a stupid contract like JD Drew's, hopefully the Cubs follow suit sometime soon.

hendry and depodesta also breath oxygen...the similarities between them are amazing when you examine them in depth.

I believe Miller had a shoulder injury (with surgery); not an elbow.

"NO, NO, NO, NO!!! Anyone who signs him for more than the 3/33 he just opted out of should get a lifetime pass for the short bus." If anything, Drew is worth less than what his contract was worth. If Boras thinks he can squeeze more than 11 per from someone, he's probably losing his touch. Drew had a major career year two seasons ago and he cashed in accordingly... I don't know why he would walk out of the deal of his dreams. Maybe team chemistry does exist and Drew just didn't feel like staying with the Dodgers. Okay, okay. Maybe the Red Sox will sign him.

The thing about drew is that he'll cost less than Lee or Soriano and would fill the hole vacated by juan pierre. It does make a lot of sense. I'm not advocating this move, I'm just saying it makes a lot of sense.

Carlos, with this weak free agent market he knows he can get more than 3/33. I suspect he's looking 4/60.

brian giles got 3/30 last year and he's got less power and more age than jd drew. giles was supposedly offered more than that from other teams, including a supposed 11/12m a year offer from toronto. drew's admittedly much more of a fan of CF than RF cuz he's got this thing about running up on walls/corners, but for the right price he'd probably play wherever he's wanted.

Drew will get at least $11 million per year in this FA market, but obviously more important to him is he is getting out of the LA organization. Coletti sounded pretty pissed he opted out, so maybe there was some friction there that we don't know about.

for what he'll cost, he's not that much of an improvement over Jones or Murton. Definitely an improvement, but not for the $12-$14 mil he's probably looking for. As a CF though, wow!!!! Career 393 OBP, 905 OPS, EQA .305 Just can't imagine his injury history and brittle body parts and our brick wall would mesh.

"He wants out, he can have out," said Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti. "He's moving on, we're moving on. We'll find players who like playing here. If he doesn't want to be here, he has the right to leave, and he's exercising that right." --- damn.

JD Drew in my opinion is a terrific hitter. Has been pretty clutch if I recall correctly (although I am too lazy to look up his RISP stats). But he GETS HURT all of the time. We have ENOUGH of these kinds of players, don't we?

1yr 1.5m for miller, incentives up to 5.25m via paul sulivan

crunch: 1yr 1.5m for miller, incentives up to 5.25m I could almost be on board with this. Problem is, what if he is completely healthy, but he just really sucks? Since the Cubs have some strange obsession with not firing guys when they need to be fired, this could be trouble.

I don't know if the choice is between Mathews at 7-8 million and Drew at 11-12 million I am going with Drew. Something interesting about his last 3 year stats. He hits most of his HR's with no one on base. This is a pet peeve of the "Sosa hate crowd." 42 HR's with no one on base, 11 with RISP. That is a 11 HR's with RISP over the last 3 years. Other than that, a fine hitter. Assuming Ramirez comes back.....I would love to have JD Drew as our #2 hitter with Lee and Ramirez following in the lineup. Padres are supposedly looking at Nomar for 2nd base. Technically the Cubs could totally revamp the offense with a JD Drew in CF, Nomar at 2nd, and Sheff in RF for around 30 million. Not a bad bargain provided they stay relatively healthy. It would take a GM with balls of steel and a damn fine training staff to put those guys on the Cubs. I am not saying it should be something the Cubs should shoot for. But if they are serious about winning next season, they are going to have to take some gambles.

only issue i got with it is last time i saw him he was throwing 88mph and he's not a control pitcher. a lot of his game is gonna rely on reclaiming more of his velocity, gaining stamina, and finding more control (not like he was a control pitcher when healthy). unless he reinjures himself or someone manages to track him down working out and can feed back some reports, it looks like we're looking at seeing how much of what he's lacking has gained ground by spring. that shoulder is a ticking time bomb, but guys have come back to put together a few decent years...no one for a long time, though.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6155678 Rosenthal speaks.... Yanks may have turned down Linebrink for Sheff and talks about some sort of 3-way deal that fell through with Indians, Padres and Yanks that resulted in the Barfield trade. Also says Padres may prefer to go with a FA option over trading for Marcus Giles. someone wake up Hendry and tell him Giles is on the market, says the Indians were going to move on him too if they didn't get Barfield.

Rob G.: DJ Drew there's a bit of a primadonna, one of the radio hosts out here... I remember hearing the same things about Nevin, but he turned out to be one of the good guys. Since then I've taken these factoids with a grain of salt.

Rob - Hendry is too busy huddling with McDonough trying to figure out how to spin how not re-signing Ramirez is a good thing.

interesting tidbit on the posting process: The major league commissioner's office, which opened the bidding last Thursday, informed the Japanese commissioner's office of the highest amount bid, but not the club that made the offer. The team and the amount will be revealed only if the Lions accept the offer. From the Taipei Times....

Yeah, the Drew idea is certainly interesting, especially if he'll consider playing CF. His defense should be good enough to handle that. If the budget is all the way up to $120m is there a way to fit Drew and C-Lee/Soriano as well as get some decent pitching? Murton is a heckuva 4th outfielder when one of them gets hurt. Or better yet, trade Jacque Jones for some pitching help, and you've got an outfield of Murton, Soriano, and Drew. It's a pipe dream, but it's a nice one.

Yeah, Rob, per the Matsuzaka Watch, there's a vague, unfounded rumor floating around that the winning bid came in below what the Lions were expecting, possibly as low as $15m. If true (which the MW guy doubts), the Lions would have to wonder is giving up Matsuzaka worth just $15m.

Rob G.: "Apparently Japanese pitchers only start once a week." Sebu has a 6 man rotation...

I think of the posting system as a form of slavery.

Marcus Giles is still a question mark to me. His numbers have fallen pretty good since 2003 and for the most part it has been a steady decline. And 2006 was a drastic drop off. 2003: .316/.390/.526 2004: .311/.378/.443 2005: .291/.365/.461 2006: .262/.341/.387

#75 ROB: I alluded to this last night. It is a blind bid in that the Japanese do Not know the team, only the highest price.

It seems like as a group who ripped hendry for 730 days over counting too heavily on Wood and Prior, it's a bit hypocritical to want to bring in Drew. I am sure Felix Pie would be happy if the Cubs were to sing Drew for center, though, that would guarantee him several '07 callups. I don't think Drew will make more than $11 million, even in this market. Also, Murton can't be a 4th outfielder, becauase his arm won't play in center and right. The Cubs already have a two 4th outfielders in Pagan and Jones. I said it three weeks ago, but I'll repeat it. Aram Ram signs the first team that offers him $95 for 6 years.

I do like the effect that Drew can play on the Ramirez negotations though. Suddenly the Cubs have two guys they can say 'Well, if you leave we'll just get this guy for center'.

29 yr old(next year) 2b who can top out at a 900 OPS who's being given away for a middle reliever it sounds like. I don't see why we need one of those. Giles rank among 2b in the NL in various categories: (Win Shares, VORP, GPA) 2003. 1st, 1st, N/A 2004 6th, 5th, 2nd (only 434 PA) 2005 3rd, 3rd, 4th 2006 7th, 9th, 8th the guys ahead of him last year in WS for example were: Kent(ancient), Barfield (in the AL), Durham (ancient), Uggla (who knows?), Utley (stud), Hudson (because of the glove) In 2004 he was injured, in 2006 he was also injured although he tried to play through the hand/wrist woes. he definitely enjoys a favorable home/road split; on the other hand he's hit 389/459/611 at Wrigley for his career (only 54 AB's though). 285/369/458 during the day fwiw. I think we should throw some cash at Loretta, this year's HACKING MASS winner, who's still trying to convince people he's as good as he was in 2003 and 2004.

The Real Neal: "It seems like as a group who ripped hendry for 730 days over counting too heavily on Wood and Prior, it's a bit hypocritical to want to bring in Drew." Just curious as to who is in that special group yo refer to?

Also, Murton can't be a 4th outfielder, becauase his arm won't play in center and right. As if Jones or Pagan's arms are any better? We can't have it all, folks. Personally, I'd be thrilled to have Murton as a 4th outfielder.

I'd prefer to take my chances on Iwamura at 2B than trade value for Giles. He's very mediocre the past couple years, and the Braves have always been very good at sensing when players have "jumped the shark." Maddux and Estrada are two recent examples that immediately come to mind. I think I'd even rather take my chances on Ray Durham than Giles, or Nomar. I just think Giles is a proven mediocrity, and I'm tired of mediocre players.

F

So unless we get Matsuzaka, I don't see the Cubs signing anything better than a #4 pitcher. Can we do better than that via trades?

I'm not exactly sure where Giles has been mediocre the last couple of years, maybe last year and why would you think Iwamura would be better? And Nomar and Durham could end up on the DL just as likely on the field. Both may outhit GIles by a bit, but factor in D and it's not that close. I'd love to see the list of players people think will outperform Giles the next 3 years at 2b. the Braves have always been very good at sensing when players have "jumped the shark." like furcal?

Rob G.: "In 2004 he was injured, in 2006 he was also injured although he tried to play through the hand/wrist woes." "And Nomar and Durham could end up on the DL just as likely on the field." Looks like all 3 could end up on the DL just as likely on the field. Like I have said, the steady decline in his numbers since 2003 scares me. He might rebound, but he might very well continue that decline and put up .250/.330/.370 with 8 HR's, IF he can stay healthy.

I'd love to see the list of players people think will outperform Giles the next 3 years at 2b. I don't hate the idea of Giles at 2B, but I'm not sure Ryan Theriot wouldn't top that list.

What is the obbession with guys like Sheff, Giles, tc...guys on the downside of their careers...they are still good, but doesn't it make more sense to invest in someone under 35 who might help longer--even Nomar? I mean if we were THAT CLOSE and a Giles helps get us there fine, but we ain't there. Aram is 28. THere are plenty of hitters under 37 who can help for more than a year or two. Otherwise, we will be Gary Gaettied again. I have no idea what that means, but perhaps you catch my drift.

Like I have said, the steady decline in his numbers since 2003 scares me. Go buy a dictionary and look up "steady". GPs last 4 years and AGE next season Nomar: 156, 81, 62, 122 (33-34) Durham: 110, 120, 142, 137 (35) Giles: 145, 102, 152, 141 (29) and besides what we'd have to trade, he'd be cheaper for next year.

while it's tough to gauge Theriot's potential defensive contribution, he'll never hit like Giles or even close. He just doesn't have the power. I guess Ramirez was at the downside of his career in 2002 and 2003 as well. still want a list of players people think will outperform Giles over the next 3 yrs. here's a few to start you off: Weeks, Utley, Kendrick

Star Telegram reporting that the Rangers have submitted the winning bid for Matsuzaka. :/

JD Drew had opted out of the last 3 years and $33 million of his contract. Does he think he'll actually get more on the open market?

From the Star Tribune article: A baseball official with knowledge of the process said Thursday that the Rangers have made a major bid for the 26-year-old Japanese right-handed pitcher, perhaps close to $30 million, and that the Rangers have a chance to win exclusive negotiating rights. Sounds more like speculation than declaring victory.

Star Tribune = Minnesota Star Telegram = DFW Otherwise, yes.

Drew is probably tired of hitting in the Chavez Canyon. Two things about him that I like over Soriano and Lee- He can field. He bats left handed. I know I yelled about signing broken down players, pitchers mostly, but sign him with Pie right behind him and it should work. And with Wrigley he won't have much ground to cover. He could be the "Cardinals get Jim Edmonds" steal, for the Cubs.

Drew- Ranks 9th in NL in OBP (.393) That's nice to see also, he will be 31 next year coming into his hitting prime. Theriot(Giles,Durham) Murton Lee Drew Aram JJones barrett Izzie Spend the rest on starting pitching, you got something.

Except Drew misses a ton of games... People love to tear down A-Ram because of his injury issues, but Drew makes ARam look like Cal Ripken jr. Drew has missed over 500 games in a 9 year career, and has played more than 140 games twice. If he's healthy this would look like a great move, but is he worth the risk , at $13-14 million a year??

Since Jim Hendry is on very good terms with Bruce LEvine, I was wondering this morning what the strategies ensue when those figures on the ARam deal get leaked? Who benefits more? If, indeed an offer of $70MM/5 is on the table, it makes the Cubs look as if they fielded a whopper contract. Right? Of course, since the Sat. deadline is approaching, I'm assuming now that the "cat is outta the bag", Kinzer uses this as leverage for other deals? Am I right to assume that if there is nothing inked by the Sat. P.M. deadline, that all bets are off between the two sides? Are ARam's numbers such that he'll warrant this kind of $$ from another team? If he declines, and now WE know as fans what kind of money they are willing to spend, what moves would be made as "stop-gaps" and other additions? The timing of the leak and the amount stated is very interesting. What are your thoughts, folks?

If Drew could remain healthy, it's a no-brainer. The Cubs desperately need a big left-handed bat in the middle of the order, not to mention someone that gets on base a lot. Without Pierre who is probably gone, JJ and Izturis are the only lefties in the lineup. Not exactly going to strike fear into opposing managers to switch for matchups. Also, none of the big names the Cubs are looking at are left handed either.

"Are ARam's numbers such that he'll warrant this kind of $$ from another team?" I think the Angels and the Dodgers think so. Especially the Dodgers now with Drew probably gone.

But let us not forget this is the same organization that put more value into 40 year old Gary Gaetti over Robin Ventura who pratically begged to stay in Chicago.

Exactly Jwinners...IF Drew could stay healthy....if..

Interesting bit from Rotoworld. Japanese pitcher Ken Kadokura has apparently been offered a multiyear contract by an MLB club. Maybe this is one of the Japanese players Hendry said they thought could pitch in the MLB. I'm trying to dig up some information on him beyond the not terribly impressive numbers.

From NY Post- "ST. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, the World Series winner, being forced to go back to his hotel to change after arriving at '21' in jeans" I guess his red polyester pants were at the dry cleaners.

"Star Telegram reporting that the Rangers have submitted the winning bid for Matsuzaka." I heard on the TV that that rumor was a hoax. Calm down.

I know of no Saturday "deadline" per se of any kind with ARAM. The Cubs still can sign ARAM on Sunday. This is not like last year when, if you did not sign a guy by a certain date, you could not have him return to your team next year until May 1. That rule has been rescinded.

Regarding Post #91: "The Braves have always been very good at sensing when players have "jumped the shark". I remember a shortstop named Jeff Blauser that the Braves thought was washed up. The Cubs signed Blauser as a free agent. He hit 0.219 for the Cubs in 1998 and retired after the 1999 season. It turned out the Braves were absolutely correct in their assessment.

I think The Real Neal is correct that Aramis Ramirez will sign with the first team that offers 6 years for $95 million. Which team will be quickest, the Dodgers or the Angels? I was wondering about Teflon Jim Hendryís Plan B for third base. Considering Hendry signed Neifi Perez $5 million for two years when nobody else was competing for Neifiís services, Hendry might like to sign Mark Bellhorn. They have comparable 2006 numbers (AVG/OBP/SLG). Bellhornís numbers were 0.190/0.285/0.344 and Neifiís were 0.243/0.260/0.303. :)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    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.