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

Bye-Bye Bynum

Word from WGN radio is that Freddie Bynum has been dumped on the Orioles for some jerseys, a hat and a day with Cal Ripken Jr. (in actuality it's the elusive PTBNL). I assume it was to make room for the signing of Theodore Roosevelt Lilly (awfully patriotic parents he had). The deal is for 4/40. Cubs are still waiting on Gil Meche to decide between them and the Blue Jays.

Comments

AGH! I really, really don't know what to make of this signing. I'm afraid Lilly and Meche will turn into The Estes and Traschel Remix. At any rate, we don't have to worry about half our starts riding on sophmore arms.

dont think toronto can afford to not sign meche now. heat is also up on teams like STL and HOU who have done very little to improve their pitching.

Cubs sign Lilly, eh? So $11 million per for a guy who's a career .500 pitcher, never pitched more than 186 innings, a career era of 4.65, won 11 games in 32 starts last year, a whip of 1.43, and in 04 and 05 made 26 and 23 starts respectively. These inflated salaries are seriously getting out of hand. World Series here we come!

Good day. Bynum gone, got a decent starter for too much, but hey we got a starter.

If Prior could just go back to the old 2003 Prior, this could make for a very goof staff. I like Hill and I think he might have turned the corner last year. Marshall or miller as a #5 starter is not bad

Any realistic thoughts on who we may be getting back for Bynum? I'm not too familiar with the O's farm system--especially not mid/low-level prospects, and that's all we're getting back for Boom Boom Bynum. Any thoughts, AZ Phil?

Actually it's between us and the Bluejays, Mariners were never really in it

Lilly had 19 quality starts out of 32 total starts last year. So the idea that he can't get to the sixth inning is wrong. He's not Jason Schmidt or Barry Zito, but if you look at his stats closely, he doesn't seem that bad either. I think I'd take him over Meche in any case.

#9 of 11: By Ryan (December 6, 2006 09:00 PM) Any realistic thoughts on who we may be getting back for Bynum? I'm not too familiar with the O's farm system--especially not mid/low-level prospects, and that's all we're getting back for Boom Boom Bynum. Any thoughts, AZ Phil? ===================================== RYAN: Since Freddie Bynum was traded specifically to open up a spot on the 40-man roster (for Ted Lilly), and since it was for a PTBNL, I would think it's likely that the PTBNL will be a player who is NOT on the Orioles 40-man roster--probably somebody who is eligible for selection in tomorrow's Rule 5 Draft, and who therefore is presently "frozen" on a minor league roster. In other words, probably a AA or AAA "organizational player."

second time i made that mistake today choady....thanks.

Thanks, AZ Phil. About what I figured. Maybe we can get lucky and snag a guy who has some potential who just hasn't "put it together yet." Hell, I'm an optimist.

Any news on a Big Z extension?

"If Prior could just go back to the old 2003 Prior, this could make for a very goof staff." How long have we been singing that song? Look, if we had 03 Prior and Z just being Z, we win the Central.

For what it's worth -- Lilly ranked #19 in ERA in the AL last year. There are 14 teams in the AL. Using that overly-simplistic math, he is a solid #2 starter. If he finishes in the top 20 in NL ERA, this is a very good signing.

Not only did we get a starting pitcher, we disposed of Boom Boom! The Cubs have to be better next year just because they got rid of Neifi, Boom Boom, Mabry and Pierre- the players who make too many outs.

An interesting note from the link above: What about hitting? Lilly hasn't had to pick up a bat except in Interleague games. "He likes to hit," O'Brien said. "Jim Hendry was saying, 'Tell Ted we're still not finished. We're going to go out and get a good left-handed bat.' And Ted said, 'Why? You've got me.' He likes to think he can hit." Who, pray tell, is this good left-handed bat? Carl Crawford?

FWIW, Ted Lilly will probably want to wear number 31, so now we'll find out if the Cubs are or are not planning to retire the number (for Maddux/Jenkins).

Quality starts only mean you can get thu 5 innings. No one said Lilly can't do that. They said he can rarely get past 6....and that is a problem for a guy making 10 million!

#21 of 22: By Andrew (December 6, 2006 09:31 PM) An interesting note from the link above: What about hitting? Lilly hasn't had to pick up a bat except in Interleague games. "He likes to hit," O'Brien said. "Jim Hendry was saying, 'Tell Ted we're still not finished. We're going to go out and get a good left-handed bat.' And Ted said, 'Why? You've got me.' He likes to think he can hit." Who, pray tell, is this good left-handed bat? Carl Crawford? =================================== ANDREW: Whether you agree with Jim Hendry's assessment or not, I strongly suspect the "good left-handed bat" to whom Jimbo referred is one Cliff Floyd.

Nazey: Cubs sign Lilly, eh? So $11 million per for a guy who's a career .500 pitcher, never pitched more than 186 innings, a career era of 4.65, won 11 games in 32 starts last year, a whip of 1.43, and in 04 and 05 made 26 and 23 starts respectively. Welcome to the 2006 offseason.

Quality start means 6+ IP with 3 or less runs. So 19 times he at least completed the sixth inning.

in non-Cub news, Levine has SEA/SF/ATL working on a three-way with SEA getting Tim Hudson, Adam LaRoche, ATL getting R.Soriano, and SF getting R.Sexson...other playes would be involved but those are the bigger names.

And I thought JJones would be our annual outfielder dump to the O's. Hopefully the ptbnl will be better than the guy (who was so insignificant I forget his name) we got in the sammy deal who retired before playing a game with us, even in the minors.

that 3-way rumor was on rotoworld this morning and since then Soriano is going to Atlanta for Ramirez and Laroche is headed to Pitt for Gonzalez, pending physical. Someone's wrong.... the answer to #28 is Dave Crouthers....

no one wants t.walker to play 2nd for them...not that shocking. meanwhile mark loretta is holding up a little sign that says "but guys, ob% is sorta cool" somewhere outside a hotel in miami.

rotoworld says laroche/gonzalez deal is off but sounds like soriano for ramirez is still on...

That's interesting b/c Rotoworld has reported the Soriano for Horacio Ramirez deal was a done deal. I wonder if Bill Bavasi realized how much he'd get slammed for that and decided to ask for more.

It seems those Rotoworld reports have been inaccurate. From MLB.com The proposed Adam LaRoche-for-Mike Gonzalez deal between the Braves and Pirates has fallen through. and Rotoworld has actually sorta retracted their previous post of the near completed deal regarding H.Ramirez/R.Soriano "As a result, it appears unlikely that the trade will become official tonight. Both pitchers have had their share of injury issues, so it's possible the deal could fall apart."

meanwhile mark loretta is holding up a little sign that says "but guys, ob% is sorta cool" somewhere outside a hotel in miami. thanks for the laugh.

"From MLB.com The proposed Adam LaRoche-for-Mike Gonzalez deal between the Braves and Pirates has fallen through." Haha, I bet it was Littlefield asking for more. (Cue Field of Dreams) He was THIS close to making his first trade steal!

Don't think so, Bogey. From SeattlePI, via Rotoworld: According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, both Rafael Soriano and Horacio Ramirez will have to pass physicals before the deal between the Mariners and Braves gets done. As a result, it appears unlikely that the trade will become official tonight. Both pitchers have had their share of injury issues, so it's possible the deal could fall apart. Sounds like the Ramirez-Soriano deal is still done.

Rotoworld doesn't actually break anything, it's the Seatle Post-Intelligencer that's says that Soriano/Ramirez will have to pass physicals. That's why I usually say "via rotoworld" as I basically use them as an RSS feed. It was the Atlanta Journal-Constituion and the Scout.com that originally broke the Soriano/Ramirez deal. AJC also broke the laroche/gonzalez deal.

I guess if "it's possible the deal could fall apart" means the deal is done then I suppose you're right.

Rob, I can't find Rotoworld's free MLB feed. Can you post the link so I can add it to my RSS reader? Thanks in advance.

"I guess if "it's possible the deal could fall apart" means the deal is done then I suppose you're right." The deal is done, pending on a physical. Players don't take physicals just because; what Andrew was trying to say is that the negotiations are done, but that the players, with their very injury-prone physique, might not pass the tests. That's what might bring down the trade, not Littlefield or Bavasi backing out.

Bogey is unwilling to accept that Levine may be wrong. :) This should make him about 99/100?

not at all. I'm just passing on what he noted in his latest report. He's still at the meetings and apparently the three teams are still working on a larger deal. The deal CAN be expanded you know. ATL would just get less on the second end.

Levine - Freddy Garcia to PHIL for Gavin Floyd and former Sux prospect Gio Gonzalez.

Devil Rays site saying Carl Crawford is not available and Wsox site says WSox were unwilling to move McCarthy for Baldelli.

Rotoworld still hasn't fixed the Sean Hill mistake. He's a hockey player, by the way. For the Islanders.

BRUUUUUCCE!!!

What, Rotoworld made a mistake? Impossible. There is a Shawn Hill who pitches for the Nationals btw.

Crunch: "no one wants t.walker to play 2nd for them...not that shocking." Nope, not shocking at all. I am surprised they even offered him arbitration. As for Lilly, I am not that excited still have more work to do on the pitching. Lilly would be a fine #4, but we still need that solid #2.

"Levine - Freddy Garcia to PHIL for Gavin Floyd and former Sux prospect Gio Gonzalez." If that's all it took to get GarcÌa, then Hendry better argue that he had a hell of a stomachache.

It was pretty obvious they had Sean Marshall and Rich Hill confused as they were talking about pitchers we'd send over for Ryan Church.

MANNY: Absolutely. BUT - we're certainly improved over last year on paper anyway! Any current MECHE news? Meche? Meche and Lou? BTW - speaking of Philly - turn the Bulls on guys! They look really terrific tonight against "A.I." and crew - actually ONLY AI this eve. Tyrus Thomas is gonna be something special...WOW!

#12 of 44: By Yoo Kyoo (December 6, 2006 09:08 PM) Lilly had 19 quality starts out of 32 total starts last year. So the idea that he can't get to the sixth inning is wrong. He's not Jason Schmidt or Barry Zito, but if you look at his stats closely, he doesn't seem that bad either. I think I'd take him over Meche in any case. =============================== YOO: The difference between Ted Lilly and (for example) Barry Zito or Jason Jennings, is that Lilly pitched into the 7th inning (or beyond) in nine of his 32 starts (28%) last season, while Zito pitched into the 7th inning (and beyond) in 21 out of his 34 starts (62%), and Jennings pitched into the 7th inning (or beyond) in 18 out of 32 starts (56%). So Lilly CAN definitely pitch consistently into the 6th, he can even pitch six complete. But since he averages about 17-18 pitches per inning (he was 2nd in MLB to Gil Meche in most pitches per inning last season), and since he usually "hits the wall" at about 100 pitches, he has difficulty getting past the 6th. And as an extreme fly ball pitcher who depends more than the average pitcher on infield pop-up outs, he will be negatively impacted by the paucity of foul territory at Wrigley Field. That is not to say Lilly is crap. He IS a good pitcher. It's just that he does not go as deep into games as some other pitchers I would have preferred to see the Cubs acquire instead, and as a result, more of a strain is placed on the bullpen earlier in a typical Lilly start than in a typical game started by some other pitchers. But I would certainly take Lilly over Meche, Marquis, Batista, Suppan, et al. Meche's road splits are terrible, and I doubt he will be as effective when he isn't pitching half his games in an extreme pitcher's park like Seattle's Safeco.

Carlos - Gavin was their "Guzman" minus the injuries. 4th overall draft choice. The Sox think with Magic Don as pitching coach, he'll make anyone good. We'll see what he does with Aardvark, right?

"ESPN's Jayson Stark says the Phillies have acquired Freddy Garcia from the White Sox for Gio Gonzalez and Gavin Floyd." It's getting official... Stark usually doesn't post rumors.

AZ PHIL: Just wondering: with Lilly not having to face a "real" hitter in the 9th spot in the order in the NL, is it possible that his pitch count could be changed cumulatively a bit per 9 innings?

Tom Dore (the Bulls PBP guy) said Rowand was in the deal BTW. I dont know if he was told that or just saw a trade was made and assumed it.

The thing is that Guzm·n, stuff-wise, is probably 20x better than Floyd... and Gonz·lez had a miserable year in AA. And it was his first full year at any level!. He went 7-12 with a 4.66 ERA in 27 starts.

My thoughts on Lilly: 1) Getting out the AL, and the AL east in particular, has to help his ERA and WHIP. 2) He is left handed, and for whatever reason, that is valuable. (*kidding*) 3) He is young 31 for the entire season. There are plenty of pitchers who got better with age (Randy Johnson, not that Lilly is the same caliber). Randy turned 30 or 31 and cut his walk rate nearly in half. 4) Its too much money. Of that, I think we agree. 5) He could be a burden in the fourth year of that contract, I hope we don't have a no-trade clause.

the link I posted in comment #51 says specifically that Rowand isn't part of the deal. I honestly don't get this deal for the Wsox.

CARLOS: I know, man! Its crazy, but I would think that Kenny Williams would have to know what he's getting into - wouldn't you think?

Rosenthal doesn't mention anything about Rowand. I'm with Rob G. I don't see this being a particularly good trade for the White Sox. I would have thought they could get more for Garcia.

could that ptbnl from the o's be bedard? (now crosses fingers). as long as the left handed bat hendry references is not one d. corey patterson... and e-man, from the previous thread, yes, tim wakefield. (just s'posin here). in my odd little corner of the world, those countless days of wind-blowing-out at wrigley would help his knuckler and make him interesting, or yet effective.

E-MAN: Yep. I guess the consensus is going to be that the Phillies won the deal, but who knows? Floyd might get it together and Gio might get moved to the bullpen and become a fantastic reliever. But for now, it's a real thing for potential deal.

don't get me wrong, I think it's an even trade. But the WSox are in a win now mode and I don't think Floyd or Gonzalez help him with that, unless they're going to be shipped for Baldelli or they'll be more comfortable moving McCarthy now for Baldelli. (or some other CF or SS that they seem to looking for)

also, rob, a tip o' the cap for keeping the hot stove hot. i should have said so earlier.

why would the WSox get rid of a starter to pick up another mlb-ready starter (floyd)? wasnt the issue to begin with that there was too many starters along with cutting a bit of payroll? another trade on the way for one of their starters...or even the one they just picked up in floyd?

thnx, I'm out probably for the rest of the night probably nothing more than a morning roundup tomorrow unless Meche figures out what he's doing. I'm sure AZ Phil will have the Rule V covered for us as well.

"I'm with Rob G. I don't see this being a particularly good trade for the White Sox. I would have thought they could get more for Garcia." Two words: salary dump. I think this is a prelude to another trade (Broadway, Floyd, Gonalez, Ragowski for Balldelli)? Though the Sox dont have good minor league pitching depth after Broadway, Liotta, and Haegar

I second that.

DC: Well, I see on Wakefield, now. I actually saw him pitch against the Cubs at the ballyard when the BoSox were in town. He really "stupified" them on a day when his knuckler was knuckling. We'll probably end up with three #3 pitchers. Oh well! I'm not complaining (yet)! Way to go Jimbo! FINALLY!! We are going for it!

Two of the Cubs biggest problems going into the off season in my opinion were the # walks allowed by pitchers (ties in with high pitch counts/low innings/tired bullpen)and # of walks taken at the plate. We have spent a shit load of money, and haven't touched those areas yet. Sure, I think there is good potential with these pick ups, especially in our weak division...but I still think we are very vulnerable. With these large long term contracts...we are either going to be great for several years...or will be crap with a noose tied around our neck until 2011.

Crunch: why would the WSox get rid of a starter to pick up another mlb-ready starter (floyd)? wasnt the issue to begin with that there was too many starters along with cutting a bit of payroll? another trade on the way for one of their starters...or even the one they just picked up in floyd? I would guess that Williams is thinking he can dump Buerhle or Vasquez or even Contrares and fill another need, either OF or more young pitching and he will save up to $20 mil this year in the rotation. But it seems like unless Floyd is a superstar in waiting that the Sox finally made a weak deal. I wouldn't have been surprised if Rowand was included had the Sox thrown in something else.

I agree with ChiFan. I bet Williams is stockpiling prospects in order to make a run for Rocco Baldelli. Also, apparently the Brewers inquired on Crawford and were told he's "absolutely not" available, via Rotoworld.

The A's have just acquired the first pick of the Rule V draft from the Devil Rays, and they're probably going to pick reliever Pedro Strop, who's more than a cool name. 21 years old, former IF, upper 90's fastball.

ALERT: BLUE JAYS SIGNING - SORRY fellow Cubs fans - Matt Stairs signs a one-year deal to play 1B sometimes and give The Big Hurt a rest from DH.

Darn. Signing Stairs was the key to our off season.

Sorry to off on a non-mlb tangent for a second, but it looks like Cedric Benson isn't the only NFL player who is convinced of consperacy theories...Lavar Arrington compared the players union to like organized crime. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2689062 Glad to see Stairs still get some work. I think he's supposed to be a decent guy. I still remember the Stairs/Coomer duo and how bad it was.

#60 of 82: By the E-Man (December 6, 2006 10:48 PM) AZ PHIL: Just wondering: with Lilly not having to face a "real" hitter in the 9th spot in the order in the NL, is it possible that his pitch count could be changed cumulatively a bit per 9 innings? ================================= E-MAN: I'll put it this way: I sure do hope so.

Honestly, after reading a little bit about Lilly, the thing I'm most concerned about is his health. Check out the link to his injury history over at mlbtraderumors.com (it's the link to the article that he wrote a month or so ago). Sounds like Kerry Wood's long lost brother.

I dont know if Meche has a nickname, but if we get him i think we should start to referto him as Gilgamesh. Or Gil-Ga-Meche. Maybe someone could write a suitable Epic about him.

This off-season the Cubs are really acting like they should have 3 years. Be aggressive with free agents and most importantly MAKE THEM FEEL WANTED. I would like to know what finally made this franchise wakeup and change attitudes. Was it being embarrassed with a 66 win team? Was McPhail holding back Hendry? Did Hendry trust Dusty too much in which players the team should get? Or is Lou Piniella the guy who finally lit the fire under the ass of a lackadaisical franchise? Lou has certainly been out in front working free agents to sign with this team. I don't remember Dusty ever doing anything like that. He just packed up and went back to San Fran when the season was over. Which reminds me a funny message board post by Andy who runs Desipio... Lou's recruiting pitch goes something like this. Hey, I didn't come to this shithole to lose. We're going to spend money, bring in good players and win. You want to win? Come to the Cubs and play for me. You'll be a legend. You won't be able to go outside without having somebody kneel down to suck your cock. Most of the time, those people will be women. Most of the time they're women, they'll be attractive. Or, you can sign with the Rangers and play in 190 degree heat while the fans talk about the f@#$in' Longhorns football team. You know what? f@#$ you. Go play for somebody else. We're gonna win anyway, asshole! But seriously, I'd love to have you on my team. Dusty's was like this. Dude, come play for the Cubs. I'll take it easy on you. We don't practice. You don't need to be in shape. Just cash your checks and hang out in the air conditioned clubhouse while I tell you stories about Hank Aaron and we eat grub that I picked up at the Korean deli on my way to the park. Dude.

#76 adam- Two of the Cubs biggest problems going into the off season in my opinion were the # walks allowed by pitchers (ties in with high pitch counts/low innings/tired bullpen)and # of walks taken at the plate. it will be important to note over the first six or so weeks of the season whether or not the manager change has an impact. it remains to be seen whether or not lou will preach/condone/insist on patience from his hitters. and i recall some sort of commentary coming from rothschild's direction that he was restrained from getting the pitching staff to pitch "his" way under dusty, but have no recollection of what dusty was not permitting. for all i know, it is rothschild putting his own shortcomings on the back of the guy who has now been sent packing. only time will tell if something has changed. maybe the "addition" of derrek lee in 2007 will help offset the addition of the historically aggressive soriano, in terms of patience/discipline.

*FWIW, Ted Lilly will probably want to wear number 31, so now we'll find out if the Cubs are or are not planning to retire the number (for Maddux/Jenkins).* Uhhh, Maddux is still playing and if the Cubs had really wanted to retire the number for Jenkins, they probably would've already.

AZ PHIL: Why was Carmen Pignatiello not protected by the Cubs in the Rule 5 draft?

Luis Gonzalez to the Dodgers for 1/$7m. An OF of Luis/Pierre/Either. Even Aramis could score from 2nd on a single with that contingency. Kurkjian says he expects Meche to sign with TOR. Also doesn't think Pettitte and Clemens are still a "package" deal...though he thinks HOU still has a chance to keep Pettitte even if the Yankee offer is the reported $3m per year more. He expects Roger to pitch with HOU again. NYY broadcaster M.Kaye doesn't think Clemens will pitch in NY even if Pettitte signs...stating that Joe Torre told him Clemens he wouldn't be allowed to be away from the team during days he doesn't pitch.

Clemens deal with Houston wasn't that he only came to the park on days he pitched, it was that he could skip road trips inw hich he didn't pitch. So if they go to Cincy for 3 games, then Pittsburg, he would join the team in Pittsburg.

"Joe Torre told him Clemens he wouldn't be allowed to be away from the team during days he doesn't pitch." when did torre find his balls? were they in cashman's purse or did steiny give them back to him?

Fox Sports has Meche close to signing with the Royals. Now there's a guy who wants to win....

Cubs took Josh Hamilton from Tampa Bay... could be an interesting pick if he can stay away from heroin in Chicago. Houston took Holdzkom, Florida took Richard Lewis

Cubs had the most players chosen (3) in the Rule 5 draft -- I thought our minor leaguers stunk?

hamilton = drinking and coke marlin's jeff allison = heroin and pills allison was arrested last month here in NC for stealing cars. got popped on 2 charges. what a f'n mess.

#91 of 93: By the E-Man (December 7, 2006 09:04 AM) AZ PHIL: Why was Carmen Pignatiello not protected by the Cubs in the Rule 5 draft? ==================================== E-MAN: That's a good question. I don't know why. I don't bet, but if I did, I would bet Piggy gets selected in the Major League Phase. Probably Casey McGehee, too, because he's making a strong showing right now in Winter Ball (Mexican Pacfic League), and he can play more than one position(3B-1B-C). I also would bet Matt Craig and Andy Shipman get selected in the Minor League Phase (AAA Phase), since drafting teams get to keep players selected in the Minor League Phases (AA and AAA) without any restrictions. As for talk about the Cubs making a selection in the Major League Phase of the Rule 5, they can now that Bynum has been traded, as long as Lilly has not yet been added to the 40 (and he has to pass a physical before that happens). And of course the Cubs can certainly make selections in the Minor League phases, and probably will. HOWEVER... If the Cubs do make a selection in the Rule 5 (and they pick 3rd), and they very well may, I believe it will be a pick & trade (either for a prospect not on the 40-man roster or possibly a straight cash deal). You may remember the same thing happened in 1999 when the Marlins selected Johan Santana from HOU and immediately traded him to MIN for the legendary Jared Camp. And in 2004, BAL selected Luke Hagerty from the Cubs and immediately traded him to FLA for cash or a PTBNL (although the Cubs eventually got him back). The 2007 Cubs are just not the type of club that can afford to carry a Rule 5 player on their 25 for a whole season. It takes away roster flexibility. Hendry wants guys he can option back & forth to the minors as needed.

My last chance to put in a good word for Bynum. I liked his bat. That ninth-inning homer he hit in Sept. against Milwaukee to save a no-decision for Hill was a gorgeous stroke. I think Bynum has a chance to make it somewhere, which is more than I would say for Pagan (who can't hit).

Rob G...I agree with you about the Sox trade. It doesn't make any sense to me. All it does is shed a small amount of payroll, and it definitely does not make the team better. With the addition of Gavin floyd, my thought is that they may trade another starting pitcher for an outfielder.

#102 of 103: By Virginia Phil (December 7, 2006 09:49 AM) My last chance to put in a good word for Bynum. I liked his bat. That ninth-inning homer he hit in Sept. against Milwaukee to save a no-decision for Hill was a gorgeous stroke. I think Bynum has a chance to make it somewhere, which is more than I would say for Pagan (who can't hit). ***uproarious laughter***

Wow someone liked Bynum more than Pagan? Neither one of them are great hitters, but Pagan at least can play solid defense anywhere in the outfield, making him a nice backup outfielder. Bynum is just Jose Macias's long lost clone. A guy who can't hit, with slightly better than average speed, who plays lots of positions, but plays them all exceptionally poorly. In fact, I'd go so far as to bet that Bynum joins Macias in Japan by this time next year.

Macias is about to be picked up by the Nationals on a minor league deal...

Cubs sell Josh Hamilton to Cincy I'd love to hear the converasation in the Trib tower as Hendry explains the offseason spending. So we spent more than 200 million on 3 players... but we got 25 thousand back by selling our Rule 5 pick!

Regarding BYNUM this event is burned into my memory: March 30, 2006 Ryan Theriot has favorably impressed everyone this spring training and made the team as the 25th man. March 31, 2006 In a classic case of double-clutching, Hendry picks up the player Dusty Baker was after, truly a worthy replacement for Jose Macias, Freddie Bynum, bumping Theriot back down to AAA at the last minute. Says Dusty, "[Bynum] gives us more speed on the bases," apparently forgetting that Ryan Theriot is just as fast and actually can get on base. In my mind, 2006 was all downhill after that.

I have to admit, I had completely forgotten about the existence of Freddie Bynum. I read the headline and thought, "Bynum... That word means something..."

Bruce Levine is reporting that the Cubs signed Darryl Ward and Hendry is having angioplasty (sic).

Bruve Levine is reporting that the Cubs signed Darryl Ward and Hendry is having angioplasty (sic).

Sorry for double post, computer problems.

I like the Ward signing...depending on the money (but what is money in this market, right?). I hope Hendry gets better!!

Reported from MLBTradeRumors through a Houston source that the White Sox are getting ready to send Jon Garland to the Astros for Willy Taveras and Taylor Buchholz. After trading away Freddy Garcia and now Garland, what is Kenny Williams thinking.

I think this offseason illustrates just how awful a manager Dusty Baker really was.

Bruve Levine is reporting that the Cubs signed Darryl Ward and Hendry is having angioplasty (sic). - Now I feel bad about my joke at the end of the last post regarding Hendry... I like the signing of Ward--I guess Floyd is out now. Perhaps is medical records weren't that good.

I know it's a long, long shot and probably won't happen, but... How about a trade for Dontrelle Willis? ***wait for laughter to stop*** Think about it. The Marlins need a center fielder and a closer. The Cubs could send either Felix Pie or Jacque Jones to play CF and either Ryan Dempster or Scott Eyre to close. That probably would not be enough to get Willis, so the Cubs could also throw in Sean Marshall or one of the other "almost ready" pitching prospects. Willis is going to be arbitration eligible after the 2007 season and will likely command a big raise. The Marlins are reported to have a payroll of only $25 million in 2007 and are likely not to increase it enough to accommodate Willis' bump in salary in 2008. Hendry and Beinfest are buddies. Isn't there some way they can get this done?

AGH! I really, really don't know what to make of this signing. I'm afraid Lilly and Meche will turn into The Estes and Traschel Remix. We should be so lucky. The last two times the Cubs made the playoffs were when Estes and Trachsel were pitching for them.

ESPN reports Meche is close to a deal with the Royals. Good luck buddy. "ESPN's Steve Phillips reported Thursday that the Royals were closing in on a four-year deal with the right-hander worth a reported $45 million."

At that price, and those years, I'm glad the Cubs aren't getting Meche. I will not be at all shocked if the Cubs have 4 (or even 5) starters better than him in '07.

anyone have a clue who our CF will be? Jacque would be aweful out there. also, we need some lft handed sticks. Who are our left handed bench players, Pagan and whom? we still have some big holes to fix.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    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...