2016 Cubs Minor League Camp Rosters (Updated)

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 6:23pm

4/4 UPDATE: RHP Andury Acevedo, C-1B Taylor Davis, INF Ryan Dent, and RHP Starling Peralta to AA Tennessee from AAA Iowa, RHP Cole Brocker and OF-1B Kelly Dugan to EXTENDED SPRING TRAINING from AA Tennessee, RHP James Norwood and RHP Michael Wagner to South Bend from Myrtle Beach, RHP Pedro Araujo, RHP Jared Cheek, RHP Kyle Miller, LHP Jose Paulino, LHP Tyler Peitzmeier, and RHP Alexander Santana to EXTENDED SPRING TRAINING from South Bend, C Erick Castillo to Myrtle Beach from EXTENDED SPRING TRAINING, and 3B Adonis Paula to South Bend from, EXTENDED SPRING TRAINING.

Also, SS Aramis Ademan, OF Jose Gonzalez, SS Rafael Narea, SS Yonathan Perlaza, OF Ruben Reyes, OF Abraham Rodriguez, and OF Jonathan Sierra have arrived at Minor League Camp from the Cubs Dominican Academy. 

4/3 UPDATE: OF Bijan Rademacher moves-down from AAA Iowa to AA Tennessee, and 3B Jesse Hodges, RHRP Daniel Lewis, RHP Tommy Nance, RHSP Jeremy Null, and C Tyler Pearson move-down from Myrtle Beach to EXST. NOTE: Tyler Pearson and Alberto Mineo MIGHT serve as player-coaches (Pearson with Tennesse and Mineo with South Bend - TBA).  

Also, 2B Jhonny Bethencourt, RHP Hector Garcia, RHP Jose Leidenz, 3B Rafael Mejia, and SS Yeiler Peguero have arrived at Minor League Camp from the Cubs Dominican Academy.   

4/1 UPDATE: 18 players who are assigned to the Cubs Dominican Academy but who were not invited to Minor League Camp will be attending Extended Spring Training and will be arriving over the next several days. The first three (LHP Pablo Ochoa, LHP Eugenio Palma, and RHP Andri Rondon) arrived today. Ochoa and A. Rondon attended Instructs in Mesa last Fall, but Palma is making his U. S. debut.

3/31 UPDATE The Cubs released ten players from Minor League Camp yesterday, including two one-time 5th round draft picks:  

Angelo Amendolare, 2B (2015 draft - 27th round - U. of Jacksonville)
Fernando Cruz, RHRP (ex-KC - post-2014 6YFA) 
Jesus Guzman, 1B (post-2015 FA - Japan)
Corbin Hoffner, RHRP (2012 draft - 14th round - St. Petersburg JC) 
Trey Masek, RHRP (2013 draft - 5th round - Texas Tech) 
Mike O'Neill, OF (ex-STL - December 2015 Rule 5 Draft - Minor League Phase)
Luis Parra, LHRP (ex-TEX - post-2015 6YFA) 
Jasvir Rakkar, RHRP (2012 draft - 26th round - SUNY Stony Brook)
Jacob Rogers, 1B (2012 draft - 40th round - Mt. Olive College) 
Tayler Scott, RHRP (2011 draft - 5th round - Notre Dame HS - Scottsdale, AZ)  


3/28 UPDATE: In Minor League Camp roster news, long-time Cubs minor league INF Jonathan Mota (2003 IFA - Venezuela) has retired as a player. Although he signed a 2016 minor league player contract during the off-season, he has been working exclusively as a coach with the Myrtle Beach (Hi-A) squad since Minor League Camp opened earlier this month, and will continue to do so going forward. 

3/26 UPDATEL: In Minor League Camp roster news, the Cubs have released RHRP Matt Brazis (acquired from SEA for OF Justin Ruggiano post-2014), 1B Matt Clark (ex-MIL), OF Donnie Cimino (2015 37th round draft pick - Weslyan U.), LHRP Heath Dwyer (2015 NDFA - VCU), LHRP Nick Greenwood (ex-STL), C-INF Jordan Hankins (2013 11th round draft pick - Austin Peay), RHRP Yomar Morel (2010 IFA - Dominican Republic), RHRP Santiago Rodriguez (2013 IFA - Dominican Republic), RHSP Austyn Willis (2014 18th round draft pick - Barstow HS - Barstow, CA), and LHRP Sam Wilson (2013 8th round draft pick - Lamar CC). 

3/14 UPDATE 17-year old RHP Jose Albertos (2015 IFA - Mexico - $1.5M signing bonus) has arrived and has been assigned to the South Bend squad. Although he just arrived at Minor League Camp, Albertos participated in Fall Instructs at the Cubs Under Armour Performance Center in Mesa last September-October, and he is one of six IFA players signed by the Cubs out of Mexico (so far) during the 2015-16 International Signing Period (with six being as many IFA as the Cubs had signed out of Mexico over the previous ten years combined). 

In addition, RHP Matt Brazis (Iowa squad) has been cleared for full activity, while RHP Luis Hernandez (injured while throwing a "live" BP session last week) is now restricted to Limited Activity Only with the South Bend squad. 

3/12 UPDATE: Francisco Garay and Wander Feliz have arrived from the Cubs Dominican Academy, and both are being converted from position player to pitcher. 

A 17-year old 6'2 Panamanian, Garay hit just 126/190/146 with a whopping 96 K in 220 PA while playing both 3B and SS for the VSL Cubs in his debut pro season last year, and the 18-year old 6'2 Feliz hit 235/375/333 in 202 PA and 54 games (mostly in RF) for the DSL Cubs in 2015 (his rookie season). Garay received a $200K signing bonus in July 2014, so his failure as a position player is especially noteworthy. 

Garay and Feliz have been assigned to the South Bend group, but both will very likely be assigned to the Extended Spring Training squad, once it is formed in the coming days.  

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2016 CUBS MINOR LEAGUE ROSTERS (last updated 4-4-2016):


* bats or throws left
# bats both



IOWA: 31

AAA

PITCHERS: 18
* Jeffry Antigua
* Scott Barnes
Jake Buchanan
Carl Edwards Jr
Stephen Fife
Brandon Gomes
Pierce Johnson 
* Eric Jokisch 
Jean Machi 
Miguel Mejia
* Manny Parra
Spencer Patton
Felix Pena
* C. J. Riefenhauser
Armando Rivero
Jose Rosario
Drew Rucinski  
Ryan Williams

CATCHERS: 3
Ben Carhart
Willson Contreras
Tim Federowicz

INFIELDERS: 5
# Arismendy Alcantara 
* Munenori Kawasaki
Kristopher Negron
* Dan Vogelbach
* Logan Watkins

OUTFIELD1ERS: 5
Albert Almora Jr 
John Andreoli 
* Ryan Kalish
Matt Murton
Juan Carlos Perez



TENNESSEE: 27

AA

PITCHERS: 14
Andury Acevedo
Corey Black
Paul Blackburn
* Gerardo Concepcion 
Josh Conway
David Garner
Michael Jensen 
Brad Markey 
Juan Carlos Paniagua 
Steve Perakslis 
Starling Peralta
Tyler Skulina
Jen-Ho Tseng
* Rob Zastryzny

CATCHERS: 3
# Victor Caratini
Taylor Davis
David Freitas

INFIELDERS: 6
Stephen Bruno 
# Jeimer Candelario
Ryan Dent
Anthony Giansanti
Carlos Penalver
Chesny Young

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Jake Hannemann
* Billy McKinney
* Bijan Rademacher
Mark Zagunis



MYRTLE BEACH: 26

Hi-A

PITCHERS: 14
David Berg 
Trevor Clifton 
James Farris 
Zach Hedges
* Tyler Ihrig
Erick Leal
Dillon Maples
Jonathan Martinez
Ryan McNeil
* Jordan Minch 
James Pugliese 
Jake Stinnett 
* Tommy Thorpe
Daury Torrez

CATCHERS: 3
Gioskar Amaya 
Cael Brockmeyer
# Erick Castillo

INFIELDERS: 5
Yasiel Balaguert
# Ian Happ
* Danny Lockhart
Gleyber Torres
* Jason Vosler

OUTFIELDERS: 4
Jeffrey Baez
Charcer Burks 
* Rashad Crawford
* Shawon Dunston Jr



SOUTH BEND: 27

Lo-A

PITCHERS: 14
Adbert Alzolay 
Casey Bloomquist
Craig Brooks
Scott Effross
Greyfer Eregua
Scott Frazier
* Ryan Kellogg 
Preston Morrison
James Norwood
* Carson Sands
* Justin Steele 
* Kyle Twomey
Michael Wagner
* John Williamson

CATCHERS: 3
Tyler Alamo
P. J. Higgins (ex-INF)
Ian Rice

INFIELDERS: 6
* Andrew Ely 
* Bryant Flete
Jose Paniagua
Adonis Paula
Matt Rose 
* Carlos Sepulveda

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Donnie Dewees
Eloy Jimenez
Eddy Julio Martinez
* Daniel Spingola
 


EUGENE/MESA (EXTENDED SPRING TRAINING): 77+15

PITCHERS: 33+13
Jose Albertos
Pedro Araujo
Javier Assad 
Frank Batista (INJURY REHAB GROUP - knee) 
Dallas Beeler (INJURY REHAB GROUP - right shoulder inflammation)
Jordan Brink (INJURY REHAB GROUP - post-2015 right shoulder surgery)
Cole Brocker
Aaron Brooks (INJURY REHAB GROUP - hip contusion)
Jesus Camargo
Jesus Castillo 
Dylan Cease
Jared Cheek
Aaron Crow (INJURY REHAB GROUP - April 2015 TJS)
Oscar de la Cruz (INJURY REHAB GROUP - elbow)
Enrique de los Rios
* Andin Diaz (INJURY REHAB GROUP)
Wander Feliz (ex-OF)
P. J. Francescon (RESTRICTED LIST - ACTIVE)
Francisco Garay (ex-INF)
Hector Garcia
* Yapson Gomez
Tanner Griggs (RESTRICTED LIST - ACTIVE)
Luis Hernandez (INJURY REHAB GROUP)
* Bryan Hudson
John Michael Knighton 
* Jack Leathersich (INJURY REHAB GROUP - July 2015 TJS)
Jose Leidenz
Daniel Lewis 
Gabriel Lima (INJURY REHAB GROUP)
Mark Malave 
Junior Marte
Kyle Miller
M. T. Minacci 
Erling Moreno
Tommy Nance
Jeremy Null
* Pablo Ochoa 
* Eugenio Palma 
* Tyler Peitzmeier
Jonathan Pettibone (INJURY REHAB GROUP - 2015 right shoulder surgery)
Andri Rondon
* Manny Rondon
Alexander Santana
Pedro Silverio
Duane Underwood Jr (INJURY REHAB GROUP - elbow)
Jose Zapata (INACTIVE - player coach)


CATCHERS: 9+1
Miguel Amaya 
Eric Gonzalez
Marcus Mastrobuoni 
* Alberto Mineo
Tyler Payne
Tyler Pearson 
Jhonny Pereda
Gustavo Polanco
Will Remillard (INACTIVE - TJS)
Kevin Zamudio 

INFIELDERS: 18+2
* Aramis Ademan
Javy Baez (ACTIVE REHAB - thumb contusion)
Jhonny Bethencourt
David Bote
Wladimir Galindo 
* Blake Headley
Jesse Hodges
* Vimael Machin
Joey Martarano (INACTIVE - attending college at Boise State)
Rafael Mejia
Andruw Monasterio
Rafael Narea
Isaac Paredes 
# Yeiler Peguero
# Yonathan Perlaza 
* Chris Pieters
# Edgar Rondon
Ho-Young Son
Christian Villanueva (INACTIVE - fractured fibula)
# Sutton Whiting 

OUTFIELDERS: 17
* Luis Ayala
Alex Bautista
# Roberto Caro 
* Kelly Dugan
Michael Foster
# Robert Garcia
Jose Gonzalez
* Kwang-Min Kwon
* Ricardo Marcano
Trey Martin (ACTIVE REHAB)
Yohan Matos (ex-C)
Kevonte Mitchell 
* Ruben Reyes
* Abraham Rodriguez
* Jonathan Sierra
# Shane Victorino (ACTIVE REHAB - calf)
* D. J. Wilson



CUBS DOMINICAN ACADEMY

NOTE Latin American Cubs minor leaguers who do not attend Minor League Camp and/or Extended Spring Training in Arizona have their Spring Training at the Cubs Dominican Academy. Players who have Spring Training at the Dominican Academy are eventually assigned to one of the two Cubs DSL teams (DSL Cubs #1 or DSL Cubs #2).

DSL CUBS: 53+2

SS-FR

PITCHERS: 30+2
Maikel Aguiar
Assael Aquino (INACTVE - RESTRICTED LIST – 72 game PED suspension)
Luis Aquino
Andres Arteaga 
* Andres Bonalde 
* Faustino Carrera
Alfredo Colorado
Luis Contreras
Luiz Escanio (INACTIVE - RESTRICTED LIST – 72 game PED suspension)
Miguel Estevez
* Riger Fernandez 
Emilio Ferrebus
Fauris Guerrero
* Jose MacDonna
* Brailyn Marquez
Hector Matos
Ivan Medina
Bryan Molina
Edison Novas
Carlos Ocampo
* Alex Pacheco
Yunior Perez
Moises Ramirez
Eury Ramos 
Juan Rengifo
Jhon Romero
Aneuris Rosario
Jesus Tejada 
Freddy Tineo
Deibi Torres
Sucre Valdez
Omar Ventura

CATCHERS: 5
Daniel Diaz
Richard Nunez
Raymond Pena
Henderson Perez
# Herson Perez

INFIELDERS: 8
Luis Diaz
Ronaldo Lopez
Fidel Matos
# Fidel Mejia 
* Cristopher Morel
Orian Nunez
Henry Pedra
Franklin Tineo

OUTFIELDERS: 10
Moises Colasante
Yovanny Cuevas 
* Jose Gutierrez
Luis Hidalgo
Jose Jules 
Fernando Kelli
Samir Lara
Tony Rijo
Jose Rojas
Luis Ubiera



CUBS MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FIELD STAFF (last updated 12-17-2015)

FIELD COORDINATOR & CATCHING COORDINATOR: Tim Cossins
PITCHING COORDINATOR: Jim Brower
ASSISTANT PITCHING COORDINATOR: Mike Mason
HITTING COORDINATOR: Andy Haines
ASSISTANT HITTING COORDINATOR: Tom Beyers
INFIELD COORDINATOR; Jose Flores
OUTFIELD & BASERUNNING COORDINATOR:Doug Dascenzo
LATIN AMERICAN FIELD COORDINATOR: Dave Keller
MENTAL SKILLS PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Josh Lifrak
MENTAL SKILLS COORDINATOR: Darnell McDonald
LATIN AMERICAN MENTAL SKILLS COORDINATOR: Raymond Fuentes
IOWA: Marty Pevey (Manager), Rod Nichols (Pitching Coach), Brian Harper (Hitting Coach), and Leo Perez (Assistant Coach)
TENNESSEE: Mark Johnson (Manager), Terry Clark (Pitching Coach), Desi Wilson (Hitting Coach), and Osmin Martinez (Assistant Coach)
MYRTLE BEACH: Buddy Bailey (Manager), Anderson Tavarez (Pitching Coach), Mariano Duncan (Hitting Coach), and Juan Cabreja (Assistant Coach)
SOUTH BEND: Jimmy Gonzalez (Manager), David Rosario (Pitching Coach), Guillermo Martinez (Hitting Coach), and Ricardo Medina (Assistant Coach)
EUGENE: Jesus Feliciano (Manager), Brian Lawrence (Pitching Coach), Ty Wright (Hitting Coach), and Gary Van Tol (Assistant Coach)
AZL CUBS: Carmelo Martinez (Manager), Ron Villone (Pitching Coach), Jeremy Farrell (Hitting Coach), and Chris Valaika (Assistant Coach)
MESA REHAB: TBA (Pitching Coach) and Lance Rymel (Assistant Coach)   
DSL CUBS #1: Claudio Almonte (Manager), Eduardo Villacis (Pitching Coach), Carlos Ramirez (Hitting Coach), Antonio Valerio (Assistant Coach), Jovanny Rosario (Assistant Coach), and Jose Cueto (Assistant Pitching Coach)
DSL CUBS #2: Pedro Gonzalez (Manager), Armando Gabino (Pitching Coach), Franklin Blanco (Hitting Coach), and Carlos Rojas (Assistant Coach)
MINOR LEAGUE TRAINING COORDINATOR: Nick Frangella
ASSISTANT MINOR LEAGUE TRAINING COORDINATOR (MESA REHAB): Chuck Baughman
ATHLETIC TRAINERS: Shane Nelson and Sean Folan (Iowa), Jon Fierro (Tennessee), Toby Williams (Myrtle Beach), Mike McNulty (South Bend), Logan Severson (Eugene), TBA (AZL Cubs), Jose Alvarez (DSL Cubs #1), and Arnoldo Goite (DSL Cubs #2)
MINOR LEAGUE STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COORDINATOR: Doug Jarrow
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACHES: Ryan Clausen (Iowa), Mike Megrew (Tennessee), Jason Moriss (Myrtle Beach), Ed Kohl (South Bend), Ryan Nordtvedt (Eugene), TBA (AZL Cubs), Tomas Sanchez and Amaury Gonzalez (DSL Cubs #1), and Manny Estrada (DSL Cubs #2)

 

Tags: 
Cubs Minor League Rosters

Comments

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sun, 03/06/2016 - 5:59pm  

Brad Markey, Ryan Kellogg, David Berg, Trevor Clifton, Adbert Alzolay, Dylan Cease, and Luis Hernandez threw "live" BP today (one "inning" - 25 pitches each), but L. Hernandez was shut-down midway through his inning (unknown-type injury) and departed for the clubhouse in the company of a trainer. 

Submitted by K Dub  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 3:09am  
Phil, it's notable that Issac Paredes and Miguel Amaya are still stateside. Does this mean they are going to start in extended spring training and then play in Mesa or could performance still have them land in the DSL?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 8:24am  

K-DUB: I would expect the DSL players who are at Minor League Camp right now will likely stay for Extended Spring Training, but that doesn't mean the player will play in the AZL this summer. The Cubs sent catcher Eric Gonzalez back to the DSL Cubs and C-1B Roberto Vahlis back to the VSL Cubs from Extended Spring Training last May when the DSL and VSL were ready to start their seasons.  NOTE: The Cubs moved their VSL affiliate (VSL Cubs) to the DSL for 2016, and will operate two teams (DSL Cubs #1 and DSL Cubs #2) in the DSL, just as they did 2008-12. 

Also, probably about ten or twelve players presently assigned to the Cubs Dominican Academy will be brought up to Mesa at the start of Extended Spring Training in April. 

Submitted by K Dub  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 1:15pm  
Thanks, Phil.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sun, 03/06/2016 - 6:25pm  

Cubs 2015 1st round draft pick Ian Happ stayed out on Field #4 long after his Myrtle Beach Squad teammates finished their activities, taking about four dozen ground balls at 2nd base under the watchful eye of Cubs Minor League Infield Coordinator Jose Flores.

While Happ does look a bit stiff and awkward at 2B (a position he played in college at U. of Cincinnati), he is a hard worker, and he seems commited to becoming the best defender he can be at the position. 

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sun, 03/06/2016 - 6:28pm  

OF Ryan Kalish also stayed out on the field late, taking extra swings on Field #6.

The Cubs purchased Kalish's contract from an independent league club (Sioux City - American Association) last week. 

Submitted by The E-Man  on Sun, 03/06/2016 - 6:45pm  
Hey PHIL! Thanks for the update. Have you seen David Berg pitching against any higher-level hitters yet? He was a stretch by the Cubs' scouting team, but he faced excellent competition in college. Would love to get updates on this intriguing, but limited pitcher. Thanks.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 8:33am  

E-MAN:  I have seen David Berg pitch to hitters at both Instructs post-2015 and in "live" BP at Minor League Camp yesterday.   

I would say that Berg has a very high floor, meaning what you seen right now is probably pretty much what you will get at the MLB level. He repeats his submarine delivery very easily andf throws strikes. Some hitters struggle to hit him and look silly trying, while others square him up and hit the ball solidly. 

I think it's possible that Berg will get called up to Chicago sometime this year, if for no other reason than to give opposing a hitters a different look than they see from other Cubs relievers. Maddon seems to like diversity in his bullpen, and Berg is certainly different.  

BTW, Cubs minor league RHRP Corbin Hoffner started throwing with a submarine delivery about a year ago, and so he has David Berg to help him work on his mechanics at Minor League Camp (since probably none of the other pitching coaches can do much with it). The difference between Berg and Hoffner at this point is that Berg is a polished strike-throwing machine, whiler Hoffner still has a few command issues to work out.

Submitted by crunch  on Sun, 03/06/2016 - 7:26pm  
wsox end up with ajax...paid him 5m...good luck with that.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Sun, 03/06/2016 - 8:05pm  
And Mike Olt DFA'd to make room.. Sorry, O & B

Submitted by Hagsag  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 4:22am  
Thanks Phil for the minor league updates. They mean so much to the real Cubs fans!

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 12:55pm  
Cards SS Jhonny Peralta could miss 2-3 months with thumb injury http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/14921012/st...

Submitted by jacos  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 1:04pm  
He must have sat on it.

Submitted by johann  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 2:38pm  
He was trying to go full Kanye.

Submitted by The Joe  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 8:38pm  
A level of Kanye you should never, ever go to. You went full Kanye man. Never go full Kanye.

Submitted by James Watkins  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 1:28pm  
THANK YOU Arizona Phil for all you do. You always have the best information that Cubs fans want to know.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 6:26pm  
THAT was Logan's cousin posting.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 2:39pm  
Anything up with LaStella today?

Submitted by crunch  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 2:48pm  
odd move to get him out of the game before his 1st AB and seemingly with no injury. TRADE WATCH 2016 BEGINS.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 2:52pm  
I hear Atlanta has a pretty good reliever.

Submitted by johann  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 2:41pm  
I'm choosing to believe Cubs hitters are just saving up all their hits for the regular season because it's ugly so far

Submitted by crunch  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 3:06pm  
Carrie Muskat ‏@CarrieMuskat Tommy La Stella left the game with right calf soreness. #Cubs

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 3:07pm  
Thanks

Submitted by jacos  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 4:02pm  
Mark Gonzales 2 minutes ago Mesa, AZ "Hammel admitted to "spring training nerves" in walking first batter. Still working on timing with hip rotation from full windup." Yeah that BS is not going to cut it this year Hammel, you're a vet.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 6:28pm  
AZ PHIL: In general, do any of the players or coaches give a shit if they win Spring Training games?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 11:46pm  

E-MAN: I would look at it this way: 

There is a scoreboard, and wins and losses in Spring Training games are recorded and noted, and (usually) one team wins and one team loses (unless the game is tied after nine innings or after one or two extra frames and the managers agree to call the game). but whether a team wins or loses doesn't matter, because generally speaking, the manager is not playing to win. That's why you see the closer pitch in the 4th or 5th inning (so he can face major league hitters before they leave the game), or the team's best players replaced by minor leaguers ("caddies") the last four innings of the game. 

The manager and coaches are much more concerned with getting the club's starting pitchers stretched-out, getting the relief pitchers enough work (but not too much work) to prepare for the start of the regular season, getting the club;'s position players enough Plate Apperarances and reps in the field (but not too many PA or too many reps) to be ready to go when the bell rings, giving young minor league players and pitchers a chance to play in games with MLB players (even though a young player is more likely to make a critical mistake that could cost his club the game), providing opportunities for players who are "on the bubble" to pitch or play their way onto or off the 25-man roster, and easing injured players back into game action.  

However, since Spring Training exists to prepare a club for the regular season, and winning games does matter during the regular season, the manager will sometimes try and inject "situational baseball" into a Spring Training game (like using defensive shifts to attempt to neutralize the other team's best hitter, or calling for a hit & run or a double steal or a sacrifice bunt, or using a pinch-hitter or a pinch-runner late in a close game), at least within the restrictions outlined in the previous paragraph. 

But the fact is, there are no "tough losses" for the team in Spring Training, but individual players on the team can have a very good day (or a very bad day) that in some cases could make or break the player's immediate future in pro baseball.

A player competing for an open job on the 25-man roster, a pitcher attempting to master a new pitch, a player learning a new position, a player rehabbing from a major injury, a young player trying to make a good impression for the future, and the manager learning what a player or a pitcher can or can't do in a certain situation, are ultimately the only "winners" and "losers" in MLB Spring Training games. That's the "game within the game" that is Spring Training. 

Submitted by Ryno  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 11:21am  
The first week of spring training is a bit too early for hand-wringing. Believe the hype- we're going to see history this year.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 12:50pm  
And...just I thought Olt was done, Dan Hayes has reported that he has passed through waivers and is reporting to Sox AAA. The legend won't die.

Submitted by jacos  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 1:30pm  
Its hard to deny that raw talent. /cult of Olt

Submitted by Sonicwind75  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 9:52am  
I noticed that Rick Renteria is now bench coach for White Sox. He took the job just so he could continue intentionally sabotaging Olt's career.

Submitted by jacos  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 12:14pm  
Plausible.

Submitted by johann  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 2:25pm  
Anyone else listening to Cubs MLB audio have it go out on them?

Submitted by John Beasley  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 2:34pm  
Yes, it's out for everyone.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 6:07pm  

Paul Blackburn, Josh Conway, Scott Effross, Bryan Hudson, Jonathan Martinez, Starling Peralta, Justin Steele, and Jake Stinnett threw "live" BP at Minor League Camp today (one "inning" - 25 pitches each). 

And Cubs 2015 1st round draft pick Ian Happ continues his hard work, once again staying out on Field #4 long after his Myrtle Beach teammates finished their activities, and taking about four dozen ground balls at 2nd base under the watchful eye of Cubs Minor League Infield Coordinator Jose Flores. BTW, Ryne Sandberg is also present at Minor League Camp this year as a Special Instructor, and his expertise will hopefully provide added benefit to Happ as he attempts to polish his "D" at 2nd base.  

Submitted by John Beasley  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 6:28pm  
Good info, AZ Phil. Thank you!

Submitted by The E-Man  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 6:57pm  
AZ PHIL: Have you seen Corey Black? I know he got some props in November along with Contreras. I don't recall him getting a ST invite. Is he injured? If not, is he progressing? Thanks PHIL.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 7:38pm  

E-MAN: Corey Black is at Minor League Camp and he is healthy and he is throwing bullpen sessions and participating in PFP and other drills. Whether he will ever be able to command his 96 MPH heater and hard slider is another question. 

Submitted by Eric S  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 9:49pm  
AZ Phil - I've read that Bryan Hudson has been creating some early buzz at camp. Any chance he could end up at Sourh Bend this year?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Tue, 03/08/2016 - 11:03pm  

ERIC S: Although it's possible that Bryan Hudson could see South Bend toward the end of the 2016 season (August-September-MWL playoffs), I think it's far more likely that he will follow a similar path as Steele, Sands, and de la Cruz last season, meaning Extended Spring Training April-May-June, then Eugene June-July-August, and then AZ Instructs post-2016 (Sept-Oct).   

Remember, Hudson threw only 6.2 IP in five pro games (all with AZL Cubs) after being drafted out of Alton HS (Alton, IL) last June, and obviously he did not have any college experience before that, and he didn't pitch in any games at AZ Instructs post-2015, either, so he could actually end up moving slower than average in 2016 rather than the other way around. That doesn't mean he doesn't have a high ceiling (because he does -- he's 6'8), just that he lacks experience and needs a LOT of work. 

The bottom line is that he doesn't fit the profile of a pitcher who will get fast-tracked in 2016. 

Submitted by K Dub  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 4:18am  
Ha! Not only does Hudson have a high ceiling, he requires one.

Submitted by Eric S  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 9:10am  
Thanks AZ Phil. Reports were his power curve and two seam fastball were giving the minor league hitters some issues. Hope he stays strong.

Submitted by Cubster  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 2:53pm  
Arrieta be good, even in spring training. 2ip, no bb or hits, 4 K's

Submitted by jacos  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 3:13pm  
nice

Submitted by The E-Man  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 3:29pm  
It sure would be nice to have ONE homegrown young pitcher step up at ST. Although, Ryan Williams and Spencer Patton (Go Illini) seem to be doing a nice job so far.

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 6:03pm  
i know it's just spring, but the cubs are finding new and exciting ways to lose every day. 1-7 so far.

Submitted by matthewcooksie  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 7:10pm  
I adore the sentances that start "I know it's spring training but..."

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 8:23pm  
i know it's spring training, but let’s dispel once and for all with this fiction that barack obama doesn’t know what he’s doing. he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Submitted by Newport  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 9:36pm  
There it is!

Submitted by Jackstraw  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 6:15pm  
That is simply a superb post, Crunch. Just outstanding.

Submitted by billybucks  on Wed, 03/09/2016 - 9:46pm  
Miggy/Ross currently 9 for 16 with 5 doubles and 2 HR. If they can just keep that up, the catcher position looks to be in good shape. Meanwhile, Soler is 0-10 with 6 Ks. Has it been unusually cold in Mesa? Maybe he's still bummed about the Fowler deal. Whatever -- Manny, get back to work!

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 10:40am  
Several of these players, who may likely be in the All Star game this year, still only have like 10 AB's. I wouldn't get your Haines in a bunch over that in ST, yet.

Submitted by VirginiaPhil  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 8:43am  
Ken Rosenthal, The Incredible Comeback of Rich Hill

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 1:36pm  
Rex is not our quaterback Cubs release Rex Brothers

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 2:08pm  

Because he was an arbitration-eligible player who signed a non-guaranteed contract and because he was released at least 15 days prior to MLB Opening Day, the Cubs only have to pay Rex Brothers 30 days salary (about $230K) as termination pay. So they save about $1.19M in 2016 payroll. 

If they had waited until the last 15 days of Spring Training to release Brothers, he would have received 45 days salary (about $350K) as termination pay.    

If Brothers had been released after the start of the MLB regular season, he would have received his entire 2016 salary ($1.42M) offset by the pro-rated MLB minimnum salary ($507,500) if he signed a major league contract with another club or if he signed a minor league contract with another club and then was subsequenmtly moved to the club's MLB 40-man roster at a later date. 

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 2:15pm  
AZ PHIL: So, what you are saying is that from Feb 19th - the day pitchers/catchers reported - he made about $11,500 A DAY for that crap he threw up there?? Man, what a world. That was Edwin Jackson bad.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 2:33pm  

E-MAN: Yes. Plus about another $1,200 per week in MLB Spring Training allowance.  

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 2:51pm  
Can Brothers field his position? Lester sucking hard today with the glove and throws.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 3:19pm  
1st inning...comebacker to the pitcher with runners on 1st and 2nd. throw to 3rd for the lead out? no. throw to 2nd for the double play? no. jog toward 1st and underhand toss for a single out? yup. yeah, let's not work on these things in spring training...let's go ahead and give up before the season starts.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 3:41pm  
What Bruce Levine discussed last week on his baseball show is that Lester (and others) have been working with a psychologist to try to get over this ingrained defensive "freak out" - or "yips" if you will. There is a school of thought that at this point, the attention drawn to this remarkable phobia, or "tick", or whatever, will do more harm than good. So, maybe they are working with Lester on just performing ONE thing well - throwing the ball to 1st for starters? Lester did not have the most steals off of a pitcher, if I recall correctly. At this point, I just think it best to stop the hand-wringing over the issue as it ain't gonna get much better. Let's hope it doesn't cost him more than a ballgame or two... Some of you may know of people who really excel at some things but freak out for a task that may be seemingly "easy" to you. I guess its "One of them things" as the pithy Ron Coomer likes to say. When I played golf alot, I could NEVER make a 3-foot putt...

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 3:44pm  
beyond the steals issue, there's the occasional 4+ outs an inning issue, the death-to-the-double-play possibility issue...and that he requires a personal catcher who's D/arm is top notch to supplement his short-comings. sure, if it's not gonna fix itself at some point you just stfu and accept it...but seeing him choose to both ignore the lead runner going to 3rd and the double play setup while he jogs to 1st and tosses underhand to get the 1st out in the game...in spring where this kind of thing don't matter if you screw up...maaaaaaaaaaan...

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 3:56pm  
I totally get that - and I am not defending him. It is a really strange, bizarre skill/psych flaw that is on display to all of us. I had a thought one time about how an infielder positioned closer to the mound, could maybe mitigate some of this? But I guess that does seem mighty impractical. Maddon can find a way!

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 4:10pm  
yeah, the fact someone is working with him is something good (something i didn't know)...more important that what he did in the 1st (as far as i know). it's good to know it's not being chalked up as 'nothing' this spring. if we gotta deal with it as fans, we'll have to deal with it. i'm sure the team would rather not deal with it even though it was a known issue before he signed. i was just blown away by him making that choice this early in spring.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 2:53pm  

More "live" BP at Cubs Minor League Camp today: 

NOTE: The pitchers who threw two "innings" are being primed as starters, and the pitchers who threw one "inning" are being primed as relievers. 

TWO-INNINGS: 
Adbert Alzolay 
Ryan Cease 
Trevor Clifton 
Ryan Kellogg 
Brad Markey

ONE INNING: 
David Berg 
Corey Black 
Craig Brooks 
David Garner 
Jasvir Rakkar 
Daury Torrez

Prior to "live" BP and just after the conclusion of fielding practice, there was a relay race between the four squads (one on each field), with the players firing the ball around 2-5-7-8-9-3-2 as fast as possible in a race to see who could get the ball home first without any bobbles or bad throws. Ptrobably not too surprsingly, the AAA Iowa squad won. Eugene Hitting Coach Ty Wright handled the "play-by-play" in horse race style on the P. A. from the Tower... ... "and now they're off... Myrtle Beach bobbles the throw!... E-5!... Iowa, Tennessee, and South Bend making good throws.,.. faster! faster! ...OH NO!!!!!...  overthrow by Tennessee!!!!... bad throw home by South Bend!!!!!.. Iowa wins!!!!!!...)

Then there was a bunting contest, with players attempting to knock balls off tees that were placed a few feet away on either side of home plate. Bijan Rademacher won, and was carried off the field by his teammates. 

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 3:38pm  
Thanks PHIL: I don't recall, was/will Berg be assigned to Iowa? Thanks!

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 3:41pm  

E-MAN: David Berg will very likely be in the AA Tennessee bullpen on Opening Day. 

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 8:23pm  
haha! Thanks PHIL! This was terrific! (the play by play above I mean)

Submitted by videographer  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 3:10pm  
AZ Phil, I noticed Daury Torrez threw one inning. Does that mean he is being moved to relief? Is it possible the Cubs are taking it slow (for a starter) as a precaution to arm issues?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 3:13pm  

VIDEOGRAPHER: Daury Torrez is being moved to the bullpen. The AA starting rotation is overcrowded, and the Cubs feel that of the 2015 Myrtle Beach starters, Torrez is the best bet to excel out of the pen. 

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 4:16pm  
baez hits his 1st of the spring...monster HR to CF.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 5:13pm  
i know it's spring training, but let’s dispel once and for all with this fiction that barack obama doesn’t know what he’s doing. he knows exactly what he’s doing. cubs fall to 1-8 this spring. no, it's still not a big deal. also, schwarb left the game with a sore left knee...not expected to be serious.

Submitted by Ryno  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 8:51pm  
Hopefully nothing is torn.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 9:12pm  
Carrie Muskat @CarrieMuskat #Cubs Schwarber not concerned re: knee. Said he tweaked it making a throw. Decided to come out after 2nd at-bat Bruce Levine ‏@MLBBruceLevine Kyle Schwarber may miss up to a week as precaution for tweaked knee

Submitted by Cubster  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 6:25pm  
1) anyone who got to watch the game today...how did Javy Baez look in CF? 2) who is most likely to take Rex Brothers 40 man roster spot (or did I miss that part of his being released)?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 7:03pm  

CUBSTER: Rex Brothers wasn't released to open a spot on the 40-man roster, because first of all, the Cubs don't need to add anybody to the 40 at this point (although they may eventualy choose to add Victorino, Kawasaki, and/or M. Parra), and secondly, Christian Villanueva can be placed on the 60-day DL anytime if they need a slot on the 40 in the days ahead.

The release of Brothers was more of a cost-savings related to the Cubs wanting to save salary by releasing him now (although they could have waited unttl 3/19 and still had the exact same $$$ benefit), and not wanting to pay Brothers $1.42M to pitch at Iowa in 2016, when they have numerous other cheaper AAA LHRP candidates (Riefenhauser, M. Parra, Olmos, Barnes, and Greenwood, plus Rosscup and Leathersich once they are healthy enough to pitch). 

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 8:03pm  
goose gossage said a bunch of stupid, whiny crap about showboating players...and then he said something awesome...but still kinda whiny...well, totally whiny... “Ryan Braun is a fucking steroid user. He gets a standing ovation on Opening Day in Milwaukee. How do you explain that to your kid after throwing people under the bus and lying through his fucking teeth? They don’t have anyone passing the fucking torch to these people.” http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/14943065/go...

Submitted by billybucks  on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 9:15pm  
I assume Goose will be Dusty's bench coach.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 7:37am  
He was on ESPN 1000 yesterday complaint "money" was ruining the"game". /former free agent reliever

Submitted by Hagsag  on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 8:29am  
AZ Phil, I see Will Remillard is working with the Tenn. group. He was considered a decent prospect until felled with a back problem. Is he back to 100% ?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 8:53am  

HAGSAG: Will Remillard is one of three catchers presently assigned to the AAA Iowa group (along with David Freitas and Ben Carhart), and he will likely start the season either at AA Tennessee or Hi-A Myrtle Beach (and if I had to hazard a guess, I would say he will be the #1 catcher at MB).  

Remillard did have back problems earlier in his career, but he had TJS after being diagnosed with a torn elbow UCL last March, and he missed the entire 2015 season. Prior to that, he was considered one of the Cubs better catching prospects, with a plus-arm and outstanding receiving skills (he received an NRI to Spring Training as an extra catcher in 2014, only six months after he was drafted out of Coastal Carolina U., where he was Josh Conway's catcher).

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 9:35am  
Bruce Levine ‏@MLBBruceLevine 59s59 seconds ago Kyle Schwarber -"Its nothing serious or significant.It's nothing I think will hold me back any extended period of time .A day to day thing "

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 6:08pm  

The Cubs have released three more minor leaguers from their Dominican Academy squad: 

Jesus Perez, LHP 
Roberto Vahlis, C-1B 
Dilson Vasquez, RHP 

Vahlis had already accrued four seasons in the VSL and so he was no longer eligible to play in a foreign rookie league.

Vahlis was also a second contract player (previously released by TOR), and he was at Extended Spring Training for about a month last year before returning to the VSL Cubs. He goes by the nickname "Fuji,"and whenever he came to the plate his teammates would holler "Fuji! Fuji! Fuji!"...  

So there are presently 71 players assigned to the  Cubs Dominican Academy, plus two more on the Restricted List while serving 50-game PED suspensions that were imposed by MLB last June.

The Dominican Academy squad will be divided into two teams (DSL Cubs #1 and DSL Cubs #2) once the Dominican Summer League (DSL) begins play in May.

The Cubs had two teams in the DSL for five seasons (2008-12), before moving one of the teams to the Venezuelan Summer League (VSL) in 2013. But the VSL was disbanded after the 2015 season, so the Cubs will once again be operating two teams in the DSL, both based at their academy in Boca Chica. (The Cubs first fielded a team in the DSL in 1997, so 2016 will be the 20th season for the DSL Cubs). 

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 6:52pm  

For any of you who might be attending a cocktail party, backyard barbeque, Spring Training game, or bar mitzvah this weekend and you are stuck for something to talk about with someone you just met (who perhaps might someday be that special someone), try this...

The Cubs presently have exactly 307 players under contract (major league and minor league).

Name them.  

Submitted by John Beasley  on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 7:14pm  
Phil, you're probably the only living human not employed by the Cubs who could accomplish that feat.

Submitted by James Watkins  on Mon, 03/14/2016 - 9:44am  
Surely the Cubs will be making some cuts soon?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Mon, 03/14/2016 - 9:51am  

JAMES W: Per MLB Rule 6, today is the first day that Draft-Excluded players can be sent to the minors (optioned or outrighted). The Cubs have four (Jeimer Candelario, Willson Contreras, Pierce Johnson, and Dan Vogelbach). 

Also per Rule 6, today is the first day that MLB Rule 5 draft picks can be sent to the minors, either by virtue of the player's former team reclaiming the player (in which case the player must be outrighted to the minor league affiliate from which he was drafted), or by virtrue of the player's former club declining to reclaim the player, allowing the drafting team to either option, outright, or release the player.  (The Cubs have no players selected in the Major League Phase of the 2015 Rule 5 draft on their MLB 40-man roster, and they did not lose any players in the Major League Phase of the 2015 Rule 5 Draft, either).  

Minor League Spring Training games have already started at Riverview Park (although Cactus League Minor League games versus minor league squads from other MLB organizations don't start until Wednesday), so you should begin to see a number of players who have been at big league camp (players on the MLB 40-man roster as well as NRI) sent to Minor League Camp very soon, especially with no more "split squad" games on the schedule. 

Submitted by James Watkins  on Mon, 03/14/2016 - 10:32am  
Thank you!

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 7:26pm  
decent crowd, but expected more for an exhibition in vegas...more people seem to be trickling in by the half inning, though. the crowd is overwhelmingly cubs fans... bryant RF, la stella 3rd. ryan williams getting to face some real competition (even though it's spring)...big deal for a dude who's never been beyond AA.

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 7:35pm  
First pitch 5:00 They work in Vegas too

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 7:44pm  
oh yeah /eastcoastbias

Submitted by billybucks  on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 9:14pm  
Strop out after 2 batters? Not watching just checked the box score. Anything wrong, or did they just want Rondon to face the starters?

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 9:26pm  
didnt look like anything was wrong even though the timing was weird...probably some planned spring training madness.

Submitted by billybucks  on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 9:46pm  
OK, thanks. Maybe they wanted Rondon to come in during the middle of an inning (?)

Submitted by John Beasley  on Fri, 04/01/2016 - 6:05am  
I think that's what it was. Strop was laughing as he was leaving.

Submitted by James Watkins  on Fri, 04/01/2016 - 11:00am  
I am very surprised they cut Jacob Rogers like that. He seemed a perfect fit for the Smokies at First Base this year. The guy put up some pretty good stats every year. He couldn't make one of their farm teams? Shades of Justin Bour.

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  • Arizona Phil 2 hours 23 min ago (view)

    jdrnym: That's correct.

    Under the new rules, the 38-man AAA reserve list is now only used beginning on the date reserve lists are filed in November and extending up through the conclusion of the Rule 5 Draft. Then after the conclusion of the Rule 5 Draft, everybody goes back into the off-season 190-man Domestic Reserve List hopper. 

     
  • jdrnym 5 hours 31 min ago (view)

    Phil, can you settle a Twitter discussion? A team can only select players in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft until its 38-man Triple-A reserve list is full, correct? Don't believe this changed with the latest Major League Rules that introduced the Domestic Reserve List and eliminated individual level reserve lists during the offseason.

     
  • crunch 9 hours 43 min ago (view)

    "Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston reports that Carlos Correa's agent has been contacted by the Astros, Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs and Braves.

    It's not clear when the contact took place or what level of interest each club has."

    ...with the yanks and dodgers both with piles of cash and a bit of need, i wouldn't get too stoked...but at least there seems to be some interest in what his market is.

     
  • Arizona Phil 14 hours 3 min ago (view)

    Stroman's salary escalators apply to 2024, so if Stroman reaches 160 IP in either 2022 or 2023 (but not both) it adds $2M to his 2024 salary, and if he reaches 160 IP in both 2022 and 2023 it would add $4M to his to 2024 salary.

    So he gets $25M in both 2022 and 2023 (that's locked-in), and then either $21M, $23M , or $25M in 2024, depending upon whether he reaches his salary escalators in 2022 and/or 2023. 

     
  • Arizona Phil 14 hours 9 min ago (view)

    W-RAT: I should also mention that the Cubs cannot outright David Bote while he is injured or rehabbing from an injury, except during a window starting on the day after the conclusion of the MLB regular season up until the day that off-season reserve lists must be filed (normaly 11/20, but it was 11/19 in 2021 because 11/20 fell on a Saturday, and it will be 11/18 in 2022 because 11/20 will fall on a Sunday). 

     
  • Arizona Phil 14 hours 25 min ago (view)

    W-RAT: The Cubs can outright David Bote (if he is not claimed off waivers) once the transaction freeze is lifted. That's not a problem. 

    If he is outrighted and then elects free-agency, he would forfeit what remains of his contract - AS LONG AS - the contract is not fully guaranteed. 

    If the contract is fully guaranteed he would likely elect free-agency and the Cubs would be on the hook for what remains of his salary, offset by the MLB minimum salary if he were to sign an MLB deal with another club.

     
  • crunch 18 hours 41 min ago (view)

    kristin call has been named GM of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.  she's been the assistant/associate GM for a few years and was formally a marketing director for the team.

    she's been involved in baseball for a living for 16+ years.

     
  • Wrigley Rat 1 day 40 min ago (view)

    Hey Phil - Could David Bote be outrighted at any point before the start of the season (obviously not now while players are being locked out). I wonder because if someone claimed him, oh well. If he elected free agency, wouldn't that void his contract? These are the thoughts going through my head as I look to open up another 40-man spot, and Bote will be out until at least May.

    I've read your 40-man tag for him, but I'm not quite smart enough to figure this out! :) Thanks!

     
  • crunch 1 day 5 hours ago (view)

    Jeff Passan @JeffPassan
    Marcus Stroman signed a three-year, $71 million contract with the Chicago Cubs that includes an opt out after the second season, sources tell ESPN. He’ll make $25 million in 2022, $25 million in 2023 and $21 million in 2024. It includes $2M escalators for 160 IP in ‘22 and ‘23.

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 9 hours ago (view)

    The Cubs have re-signed RHRP Jonathan Holder and C-INF P.J. Higgins to 2022 minor league contracts, presumably with an NRI to MLB Spring Training. 

    They will be Rule 5 Draft-eligible, if and when there is a Rule 5 Draft. 

     
  • Dolorous Jon Lester 1 day 18 hours ago (view)

    Owners' stooge Bobby Manfred coming out swinging at the players with his statement about the owners instituting a lockout.

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 23 hours ago (view)

    The Cubs re-signed OF Michael Hermosillo to a 2022 Major League contract just prior to the midnight Wednesday MLB transaction freeze. 

    Hermosillo was non-tendered on Tuesday because he was a Rule 5 Draft-Excluded Player, and if he had remained on the 40 the Cubs would not have been able to outright him to the minors any earlier than 20 days prior to MLB opening Day. 

     
  • crunch 2 days 4 hours ago (view)

    we shouldn't, especially with how much payroll room for 2024+ this top-costing-for-fans team with a heavily monitized ballpark in a major media market has.

    backloaded contracts aren't exactly groundbreaking new things...neither are cheap-ass owners.  i don't expect them to compete every year, but i expect them to try after a punt season where they traded away the core.  NYY, NYM, LAD, LAA, BOS, etc. don't seem to have trouble doing this even if it means throwing a bit of money around...

     
  • Sonicwind75 2 days 4 hours ago (view)

    Stroman, a pleasant surprise.  Good to know we aren't completely punting until 2025.

     

     
  • Arizona Phil 2 days 5 hours ago (view)

    CRUNCH: Clint Frazier's 2022 base salary is only $1.5M and he has a minor league option available, so I think it's more likely than not that he opens 2022 at AAA. 

    On the other hand, Harold Ramirez is out of minor league options, and it is unknown at this point what he will get in 2022 as a "super two." 

     
  • crunch 2 days 5 hours ago (view)

    until clint fraizer came on board i wouldn't have counted bryant out.

    OF is kinda crowded right now, though there's no stars in the mix.  fraizer - happ - ortega - heyward - h.ramirez leading the group...  even if he split time between OF/3rd with wisdom that just makes it more crowded, plus the team allegedly wants hoerner to prepare to be used as a super-utility guy.

     
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