Cubs Battle Wyverns to 2-2 Tie at Fitch Park

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 6:41pm

Tyler Skulina and five relievers combined to toss a four-hitter, and Carlos Penalver tripled, singled, walked, and scored both Cub runs, as the Cubs and the SK Wyverns (KBO) played to a 2-2 tie in Arizona Instructional League action this afternoon at Fitch Park Field #4 in Mesa. 


Two Korean (KBO) teams sent developmental squads to the Arizona Instructional League this year, witb the SK Wyverns prospects playing in the AZIL East with the Cubs, A's, Angels, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Giants, Rockies, and Las Aguilas de Mexicali (LMP), while the NC Dinos youngsters are assigned to the AZIL West with the Dodgers, Indians, Mariners, Reds, Rangers, Royals, and White Sox. (The Padres are not fielding a team in the AZIL this year, instead opting to send all of their kids to the Dominican Instructional League that begins after the conclusion of the AZIL). 

In addition to the traditional AZ Instructional League, there is also an AZ Advanced Instructional League (AZAIL) operating now, too. This league is designed for older and more experienced players than those normally assigned to the AZIL, and consists of squads from the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Rangers, Reds, Royals, a Mariners/Brewers co-op team, and Los Naranjeros de Hermosillo and Los Yaquis de Obregon from the Mexican Pacific League.

Six Cubs players who have been assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League (AFL) saw game action in today's AZIL game at Fitch Park, to prep for AFL Opening Day next Tuesday. .

2012 #1 draft pick Albert Almora played CF and batted second in the order, going 0-3 with a 1-3 comebacker to the mound, a P-2 foul out to the catcher, and a strike out (swinging). He caught one fly ball (basket catch, 'natch).

Jorge Soler played RF and batted third, getting three Plate Appearances and reaching base twice on a walk and a line single to left-center. But he was also picked-off 1st base (and he was totally frozen on the play, too, didn't even move, almost like he was distracted or not paying attention).

2013 #1 draft pick Kris Bryant played 3rd base, hit clean-up, and and batted three times, hitting into a 6-4 FC to end the bottom of the 1st, before striking out (swinging) in each of his final two AB (both times on breaking balls on a 1-2 count). He also commited one error in the field (an easy one-hop bouncer hit right at him, that bounced in & out of his glove before dribbling into foul territory).

In addition, Wes Darvill (who is assigned to the Solar Sox "taxi squad," meaning he can play only on Wednesdays and Saturdays) got the start at 2nd base and went 0-2 with a walk, and RHRPs Armando Rivero and Lendy Castillo threw one shutout inning a piece.

The defensive gem of the day was turned-in by 2B Gioskar Amaya, who ranged behind 2nd base with no outs in the top of the 6th to make a diving stop of a grounder headed for CF, and then (from his knees) threw out the Wyverns baserunner trying to advance from 1st to 2nd. 

Here is the abridged box score from today's game (Cubs players only):

CUBS LINEUP:
1a. Trey Martin, LF: 1-2 (1-3, 2B, F-9 SF, RBI)
1b. Shawon Dunston Jr, LF: 0-1 (4-6 FC, RBI)
2a. Albert Almora, CF: 0-3 (1-3, P-2, K)
2b. Rashad Crawford, CF: 0-1 (4-6 FC)
3a. Jorge Soler, RF: 1-2 (BB, 1B, L-5, PO)
3b. Jose Dore, RF: 0-1 (4-3)
4a. Kris Bryant, 3B: 0-3 (6-4 FC, K, K)
4b. Jeimer Candelario, 3B: 0-1 (P-5)
5a. Wes Darvill, 2B: 0-2 (4-3, F-7, BB)
5b. Gioskar Amaya, 2B: 0-1 (F-9)
6. Yasiel Balaguert, DH: 1-4 (P-5, F-8, F-7, 1B)
7. Carlos Penalver, SS: 2-3 (1B, 3B, BB, 1-4 FC, 2 R)
8a. Ben Carhart, 1B: 0-1 (5-3, BB)
8b. Kelvin Freeman, 1B: 0-2 (K, 6-4-3 DP)
9a. Wilfredo Petit, C: 0-1 (K, BB)
9b. Erick Castillo, C: 1-1 (1B)

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Tyler Skulina: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP, 2/1 GO/FO, 33 pitches (19 strikes)
2. Rob Zastryzny: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 2 K, 1/2 GO/FO, 33 pitches (19 strikes)
3. Armando Rivero: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 2/1 GO/FO, 13 pitches (8 strikes)
4. Lendy Castillo: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 GIDP, 3/0 GO/FO, 9 pitches (5 strikes)
5. Johermyn Chavez: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 2 WP, 1/4 GO/FO, 38 pitches (18 strikes)
6. Sam Wilson: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 1/0 GO/FO, 17 pitches (11 strikes)

CUBS ERRORS: 2
1. C Wilfredo Petit - E-2 (overthrow on SB attempt at 2nd base allowed baserunner to advance to 3rd)
2. 3B Kris Bryant - E-5 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely) 
 
CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
1. Wilfredo Petit: 0-3 CS, 1 E (see above)
2. Erick Castillo: 0-1 CS

CUBS OUTFIELD ASSIST:
LF Trey Martin - Batter thrown out 7-2-4 trying to advance to 2nd base after a play at the plate on an RBI single.

ATTENDANCE: 12 (mostly scouts)

WEATHER: Sunny, cloudless, and breezy, with temperatures in the 90's 
 

Tags: 
AZ Instructional League
Jorge Soler
SK Wyverns
Albert Almora
Tyler Skulina
Rob Zastryzny
Kris Bryant
Carlos Penalver

Comments

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 6:51pm  
what's gerardo concepcion up to, btw? injured? not injured? still in ARZ? expected to play this fall/winter?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 7:46am  

CRUNCH: Gerardo Concepcion is with the rehab group at Fitch Park. He pitched in a couple of AZL games in August but then he got shut down again. I don't know the current timetable for his return. 

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 7:50pm  
anyone else watching the game on TBS get the audio of the bat crack before the video...yet everything else seems to be synched? weird stuff. ...nevermind...just checked twitter...it does seem to be a "thing"

Submitted by John Beasley  on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 8:08pm  
If the Tribe gets knocked out, maybe TheoCo can give the manager's job to Giambi. I think he's just the right guy to give the offense a little juice. Also, Jeremy can chip in with how to turn the most important run of your life into an out.

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 8:14pm  
lulz twitter... pre-game...fan confidence from indians fans after the d.young HR...a few "why is salazar starting?" during the 4th inning TB run..."why the hell is salazar starting? wtf? this was stupid!" lulz.

Submitted by Carlito  on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 9:23pm  
Alex Cobb's windup is ridiculous.

Submitted by Cubster  on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 9:28pm  
Heyman with a Girardi update article... http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyma...

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 10:26pm  
i've never cared who managed the yanks, nor wished them as much luck in their wants as this girardi thing. i think he's an awesome manager...nothing wrong with him aside from his occasionally weird pen use, really...and some of his weird double/triple switches for a guy that manages an AL team. still, i don't want to see a $3m+ manager before i want about 1/2 dozen other things involving money to happen to this team. btw, i keep throwing $3m+ around conservatively, but ultimately girardi is most likely going to command $4m+...especially with 2 of the richest teams in the game supposedly wanting his services.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 9:00am  
I seriously doubt that if the Cubs spent even $5 million on a manager they would turn around and say about Free Agent X, "oh no, we can't afford him now, because we just paid the ghost of Ron Santo 5 million!!!" The managerial salary has no impact on what they'll spend on players, I am pretty sure.

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 10/02/2013 - 10:50pm  
CLE shut out...bourn/swisher/kipnis 0-12, combined as the 1-2-3 in the lineup. yow.

Submitted by Blou  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 7:16am  
Looks like Girardi stays in NY. Which to be honest, I'm fine with. AJ Hinch, Eric Wedge, Torey Lovullo, maybe Mike Maddux, maybe Bud Black...all prospective candidates that interest me. We've been burned in the past by the insistence of hiring a "big name"...see Dusty Baker...see Lou Piniella. Girardi is a great manager and I would love to have him, but if it's not meant to be then it isn't the end of the world.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 7:46am  
AJ Hinch is a name I am not interested in, in the least.

Submitted by Blou  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 8:02am  
Why not AJ Hinch? A lot of outstanding managers had failed stops elsewhere before things came together. Terry Francona is shining example of this...he spent 4 lousy seasons managing in Philly before he was fired, then regrouped and evenually Theo hired him in Boston where he presided over 2 World Series Championships. I don't need a "winning pedigree" in a manager. What did that ever get us with Dusty Baker or Lou Piniella? A big fat nothing is the answer. Girardi would be great, but it doesn't appear he is interested in leaving the Yankees. And I can hardly blame him. AJ Hinch, Sandy Alomar Jr., Eric Wedge, Torey Lovullo, Tony Pena, maybe Davey Martinez, maybe Bud Black, maybe Mike Maddux...a lot of intriguing names.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 9:57am  
Again, Mike Maddux is not a candidate unless his grade school and high school-age children moved out of his house and took jobs to support themselves. Or - he changed his mind from his last interview with Theo from two years ago and decided he doesn't care as much about "spending time with his family".

Submitted by waveland  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 2:29pm  
how about neifi?

Submitted by VirginiaPhil  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 9:20am  
"Looks like Girardi stays in NY." Defeatism, thy name is fan-Cubbery (Cub-fannery?)! Girardi has never turned down an offer from the Cubs. They could have signed him after the 2006 season, but Hendry had never watched him play high-school ball, so he signed the home-town guy instead. After the 2010 season, Hendry said Quade had earned the job; otherwise it would probably have gone to Sandberg. Ricketts romanced Epstein and signed him, he can do the same with Girardi; and there are indications that he would like to try.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 8:56am  
IIRC..Hinch was not liked by his players, and was not a good communicator in Arizona. Why let Sveum go...for someone like that? For all of Dusty and Lou's foibles...there were some playoff teams under their tenures, right?

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 9:37am  
Hinch sounds like a stat guy w out people skills. I think Maddon is the ideal manager in that case.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 12:41pm  

W. Castillo for J. Maddon...who says no?

Full disclosure, I'm not that big a fan of Castillo, think at best he's a cheap average player and Cubs can pay market value for an average player to replace him if an opportunity arises...others may have higher opinions of Castillo's future.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 12:47pm  
I would say the Rays tell the Cub to eff off.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 12:56pm  

probably true, but maybe they have a higher opinion of Castillo than I do...they're certainly not against selling high and accumulating talent.

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:36pm  
I didn't mean the Cubs get Maddon, just saying he's the happy median between stat head and meat head.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:39pm  

sure, I'm saying the Cubs could go after him, I highly doubt the Rays are that attached if the Cubs are willing to part with some decent but non-superstar players. He's certainly fits the job description of one with experience and good player development track record.

obviously pie in the sky type stuff and I don't expect it to happen, but no one thought Epstein was coming to the Cubs either.

Submitted by John Beasley  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:54pm  
He's certainly no guarantee of success in player development, but if he isn't qualified to try, then no other recent example is, either. I'm surprised to report that I actually feel OK about this idea.

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 2:05pm  
Then screw it. ;-)

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 12:52pm  

Sveum joins Royals coaching staff.

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 2:07pm  
Dale Sveum infield coach, KC must have been impressed with how well Castro progressed. They must have their fingers crossed hoping to land hitting whisperer Rob Deer.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 2:19pm  

Barney was a gold glover and despite the mental lapses, Castro improved his mechanics and cut down his errors. Rizzo's pretty good defensively too.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 12:54pm  

Jesse Rogers shoots down Ausmus rumors.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:00pm  
Yet Rogers still does not know how Antonio Alfonsceca got six fingers on his hands.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:02pm  

Cubs claim Mat Gamel off waivers...glad they read me :)

$20 virtual bucks says he goes back on waivers at some point this offseason.

Submitted by John Beasley  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:08pm  
So the Marlins didn't claim him? That's surprising. If I remember the rules correctly, Cubs were second in line.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:15pm  

I believe so, Marlins may have their own 40-man roster issues...they also have the owner running the team at the moment, so he might not know how to use a fax.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 4:04pm  

JOHN B: The current waiver claim priority (starting on the day after the conclusion of the 2013 MLB regular season and continuing through the 30th day of the 2014 MLB regular season) is based on the standings of all MLB clubs (regardless of league except for tie-breaker) from the 2013 season (worst record gets #1 priority onward to best record gets 30th priority), with the tie-breaker being the club in the player's own league gets the claim if the tie is with a club from the other league, but otherwise the tie-breaker is the standings from two seasons ago, and if there is still a tie, you go back three seasons, four seasons ago, etc, until the tie is broken.  

POST-2013 WAIVER CLAIM PRIORITY:  

1. HOU
2. MIA
3. CHW

IF N. L. PLAYER:
4. CUBS 
5. MIN 

IF A. L. PLAYER:
4. MIN
5. CUBS

6. SEA
7. PHI

IF N. L. PLAYER:
8. COL
9. NYM 
10. MIL 
11. TOR 

IF A. L. PLAYER:
8. TOR
9. COL
10. NYM
11. MIL

12. SD
13. SF
14. LAA
15. AZ
16. BAL
17. NYY

IF N. L. PLAYER:
18. WAS
19. KC

IF A. L. PLAYER:
18. KC
19. WAS

20. CIN
21. TEX
22. TB

IF N. L. PLAYER:
23. LAD
24. CLE

IF A, L. PLAYER:
23. CLE
24. LAD

25. DET 
26. PIT

IF N. L. PLAYER:
27. ATL
28. OAK

IF A. L. PLAYER:
27. OAK
28. ATL

IF N. L. PLAYER:
29. STL
30. BOS

IF A. L PLAYER:  
29. BOS
30. STL

Also regarding Mat Gamel: 

1. He is out of minor league options;
2. He can elect free-agency if he is outrighted because he has accrued at least three years of MLB Service Time;
3. He is eligible for salary arbitration post-2013.  

So while I doubt that the Cubs will try to outright him, they very well could non-tender him on 12/2 and then (presuming he agrees) re-sign him to a non-guaranteed 2014 minor league contract (albeit for "big league money" - probably around $750K) and an NRI to Spring Training.

Also, when a club whose 40-man roster is full is awarded a waiver claim, the club must immediately remove a player from its 40-man roster to make room for the new player, and the club cannot DFA the player they just claimed even if they intend to immediately place him back onto Outright Assignment Waivers. During the season this might involve transferring a player from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL, but that is not an option once the MLB regular season has concluded. So look for the Cubs to DFA J. C. Boscan, and then outright him to the minors once waivers have been secured. And then Boscan will elect free-agency (because he has been outrighted previously in his career), although that would not preclude the Cubs from signing him to a 2014 minor league contract with an NRI to Spring Training (if there is mutual interest).  
. 

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 4:47pm  

Just as a point of information, there are four types of waivers (Outright Assignment, Optional Assignment, Trade Assignment, and Outright Release), and of those four types, the only type of waiver where the player has to be "waived out of his own league" before a club from the other league can be awarded a claim is Trade Assignment Waivers (needed to make trades involving players on an MLB 40-man roster after the July 31st trade deadline up through the conclusion of the MLB regular season).  

For example, if an American League player is placed on Trade Assignment Waivers, and five clubs from the National League make a claim and only one club from the American League makes a claim, the A. L. club is awarded the claim, even if all five N. L. clubs making claims have a worse record than the A. L. club. But that particular waiver priority ONLY applies to Trade Waivers. Otherwise, there is no distinction made between leagues as far as waiver claim priority is concerned, unless the two clubs making claims are tied in the MLB aggregated standings (like the Cubs & Twins are right now, for instance).

Submitted by John Beasley  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 5:23pm  
Thanks for the clarification, AZ Phil!

Submitted by Carlito  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 10:38pm  
Why do you think that rob? Cubs' 40 man roster jam, or because he is done? Or would it be a strategic move?

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 10:48pm  

Last man on, first man off

but that's before AZ Phil educated us all about Gamels being out of options and being able to elect free agency.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 10:57pm  
between s.baker + k.gregg + d.navarro + mcnutt + boscan + mcdonald + sweeney they should be able to find some room when it's time to take him off the 60-day DL. i imagine h.rondon's slot is safe given how he finished the season...amazingly. dunno what they plan on doing with d.bard.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:40pm  

http://muskat.mlblogs.com/2013/10/03/103-game...

Lendy Castillo added to AFL roster at some point.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 2:52pm  

Bernstein Bear saying Cubs offer will be 5/30M for Girardi.

links are always in the twitter sidebox now, so I rarely bother repeating them here.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 3:31pm  
At that price I hope he stays with the Yankees.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 3:32pm  
[ ]

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 4:44pm  

I'm rooting for an A's vs. Pirates series, but I'm guessing

LCS:

Tigers vs. Red Sox

Cardinals vs. Braves

Series:

Cardinals vs. Red Sox

Cardinals in 7

sure hope I'm wrong...

Submitted by The Joe  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 5:00pm  
I'm nearly certain this is a stupid question, but can a manager can still play - or would he have to be added to the 25-man roster?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 5:11pm  

THE JOE: For a manager (or coach) to be activated as a player, the manager or coach would have to sign a valid Uniform Player Contract (UPC) and then be added to the club's MLB 40-man roster and 25-man roster. Also, a manager or coach could not be activated as a player for the post-season unless the manager or coach was signed to a major league or minor league UPC as of midnight August 31st (and being signed to a minor league UPC on 8/31 would only matter if the manager or coach was replacing an injured player on the post-season roster). 

Submitted by The Joe  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 3:58pm  
Awesome, thanks Phil!

Submitted by John Beasley  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 5:19pm  
Now, that got ugly fast. 3rd inning, 7 in, none out, 7-0 Cards.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 5:19pm  
walk, single, homer, double, HBP, walk, walk, single + fielding error... 7 runs in...0 outs... ...and now they're removing aj burnett. hell of a leash there.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 5:22pm  

ouch Burnett....

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 5:42pm  

Rangers GM says they'll make a qualifying offer to Cruz in case anyone is interested in him for the Cubs. Cubs 1st round pick is protected.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 7:16pm  
didn't know dave mckay was fired (1st base coach)... so that's c.bosio (pitching coach), r.deer (asst hitting coach), and mckay...along with dale. this from ESPN... "He, along with manager Dale Sveum and the rest of the Cubs coaches, were let go on Monday, though McKay does have a chance at returning when the Cubs hire a new manager." ...did they clean house? are ALL the coaches gone? rowson? bell? quirk? strode?

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 7:19pm  
Joey Amalfitano?

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 7:26pm  
#yolo #swag

Submitted by Carlito  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 7:37pm  
I hope McKay stays. I think he was a pretty great presence.

Submitted by waveland  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 2:24pm  
"...did they clean house? are ALL the coaches gone? rowson? bell? quirk? strode?" it was a massacre...I heard they even shitcanned Ronnie Woo Woo

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 4:37pm  
that's a mercy killing.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 8:05pm  

all coaches were allowed to explore other opportunities, said new manager could bring them back if they wanted

Submitted by Cubster  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 9:05pm  
Mark Prior on his performance vs Braves in NLDS, 2003. http://www.redeyechicago.com/sports/ct-red-10...

Submitted by fullykräusened  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 9:37pm  
But this brought me right back. Dear Lord, bring us the 2017 World Champion Cubs with Almora, Baez, Bryant, Villanueva, Vogelbach (DH), Soler, and whoever can pitch.

Submitted by Carlito  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 10:36pm  
Gamelfest: http://youtu.be/S9ms2efekFc

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 10:44pm  
he's our very own matt adams-lite. it'll be interesting to see if they let him play 3rd in spring...or if he's going to be a 1st/LF/PH guy. i can't imagine they're counting on gamel to play 3rd after not being good at it to begin with...along with having his knee ripped up earlier this year. either way...awesome freebie on the cheap even if the plan is power off the bench + rizzo backup.

Submitted by John Beasley  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 4:15am  
Based on his amazingly horrible defensive metrics at 3B (small sample size), I'm thinking he's pretty much a 1B/LF/PH guy only at this point, but hey, he's got all winter to practice.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 6:23am  
This pretty much sums up Cubbery- "I just remember going out and [Cubs pitching coach] Larry [Rothschild] said, "We're scheduled to be on time." So I go out and play long toss, and it's looking dark. It's cloudy. It looks like it's going to rain again. So I say, "Larry, you sure we're on time?" and he said, "Yep, we're on time." So I started warming up, and I look over, and Maddux was just kind of staring at me. I'm thinking, "What does he know that I don't know? He's not warming up. The game's in 10 minutes." And then sure enough, here come the groundskeepers to roll out the tarp." Visiting team knows more about the situation then the home team.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 8:30am  

whose doing the talking there?

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 10:01am  
I'm sorry I replied in wrong place, its should be under Carlito's post That's Mark Prior talking

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 7:42am  
DUSTY FIRED. Does Theo interview a minority candidate?

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 8:39am  
I really really want Theo to hire Dusty. We need more activity on this blog.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 8:32am  

Competition:

Nats asking Yanks for permission to speak to Girardi

And as mentioned, Reds now in the mix looking for managers along with Mariners, Cubs, Nats and possibly Yankees

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 10:02am  
Yanks miss playoffs, no problem. Joe is about to become the highest paid manager ever.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 10:57am  

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/22950137-419/i...

if not Girardi, Hinch, Alomar Jr, and Acta are possibilities

 

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 1:18pm  
From Heyman article(see tweet)about Dusty-- It wasn't all about one conversation, of course. Baker quite likely started to sense that maybe his time was up in Cincinnati. Maybe that's why he said what he said. "The last couple weeks, I've been getting a rash of hate mail, racial mail,'' he said. "Maybe it is time to go." "This is really ugly," he said. "There are all sorts of references to Barack Obama. So now I know where they are coming from. I don't know, maybe people are mad at him, so they don't like the idea of blacks in authority." /scratched record

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 1:23pm  
He has a pattern of saying this when he flops.

Submitted by JoePepitone  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 2:25pm  
I agree. However, it may also be true.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 2:46pm  
Was his 16 year old son on his lap during the firing?

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 3:16pm  
He was waiting in the Uhaul with Neifi.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 3:24pm  

Mike Maddux interested in Cubs job according to ESPN Chicago.

Daughters finishing up college now, so he's ready to manage. If he doesn't get Cubs job, Mariners or Nats have to be interested.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/977...

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 3:32pm  
I think I would take Maddux over Girardi.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 6:10pm  
Wow. I am surpsed if true. He really played the Family card last time around. He might be a solid choice.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 3:26pm  

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/10/04/sources-no...

No word if Ryan put Daniels in a headlock.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 4:05pm  

W. Myers duped by RSox bullpen (Most likely)

http://deadspin.com/did-wil-myers-blow-this-p...

Submitted by Carlito  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 4:29pm  
Whoah. That's some stone cold sh#t.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 6:19pm  
dear everything that is right and just in the world, let the dodgers sweep so i can quit hearing the "tommy hawk chawp." sincerely, crunch

Submitted by Carlito  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 7:52pm  
Braves played their ASSES off in the 7th. Incredible double play in the top of the inning and clutch two out hit in the bottom. There were some icy veins on display and swung that game for Atlanta.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 7:47pm  
using b.wilson + k.jansen last night with a 5 run lead is suddenly looking not-so-wise.

Submitted by Carlito  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 7:52pm  
Damn good point.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 8:27pm  
b.wilson pitches anyway and goes 1ip 0h 0bb 2k. good for him. wonder how much he's going to demand next year...and who's going to pay it. i doubt he will be looking at the cubs or any cold-area teams...dunno, though.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 8:37pm  
d.gordon's face after (wrongfully...or not...debatable) being called out on a SB call = priceless. disbelief, shock, and surprise all rolled into one. http://gifti.me/i/CcJeb2PH.gif

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  • Arizona Phil 17 hours 30 min ago (view)

    VIDEO: Zach Davis and Rochest Cruz are (were) probably the two fastest players (sprint-speed on the bases) in the Cubs system (though not Cruz anymore, obviously). 

     
  • Arizona Phil 17 hours 45 min ago (view)

    Cubs minor league RHRP Ben Hecht (Cubs 2017 12th round pick - Wichita State) had TJS a couple of days ago. 

     
  • videographer 20 hours 45 min ago (view)

    Rochest Cruz had some success in the DSL a couple of years ago.  Too bad he didn't pan out.  Carlos Pacheco showed power numbers in the DSL two or three years ago along with a high K rate.

     
  • tim815 1 day 12 hours ago (view)

    The rush to 70 players.

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 13 hours ago (view)

    The Cubs have released OF Luis Berrelleza, INF Rochest Cruz, LHP Misael Garcia, OF Orlando Guzman, C-1B Brayan Mancilla, RHP Yander Montero, OF Carlos Pacheco, and OF John Rodriguez. 

     
  • crunch 1 day 15 hours ago (view)

    it screws up stats.  i know you play for wins/losses, but real money is on the line for players and makes agent/player homework selling their client a bit harder.

    it also makes historical comparisons difficult.

    the amount of time i've seen a fresh inning starting out...bunt guy to 3rd for an out, IBB, IBB is too high.  what would amount to a leadoff single following that can easily turn into 2 runs (1 earned) with guys on the corner...which usually leads to another IBB.

     
  • Charlie 1 day 17 hours ago (view)

    Jay Jaffe has a timely argument against the runner on second rule over at fangraphs: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-runner-on-second-i...

    I still don't know why we don't just have ties. Obviously, the Cubs could have dodged most of these situations by simply hitting a little bit during the regulation innings.

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 19 hours ago (view)

    The Cubs have signed free-agent RHSP Adrian Sampson to a minor league contract and he has been assigned to AAA Iowa, and RHP Michael McAvene, LHP Jack Patterson, and OF Donnie Dewees have been placed on the 60-day IL to open up slots for Sampson, Trayce Thompson, and Kyle Ryan on the Cubs minor league 180-man Domestic Reserve List. 

     
  • crunch 1 day 20 hours ago (view)

    well that sucked.

    2-game sweep, 2 games under .500

     
  • crunch 1 day 20 hours ago (view)

    stumbled onto this today...clip from a 2019 ESPN broadcast game with boog, chipper jones, and david ross in the booth...

    https://www.mlb.com/cut4/chipper-jones-sciambi-lau...

    boog used to call games for ATL, btw...

     
  • tim815 1 day 23 hours ago (view)

    Someone on social media was floating Yoelqui Cespedes to the Cubs in a Bryant trade.

    I was clueless if it was permitted. It is.

     
  • Wrigley Rat 2 days 10 hours ago (view)

    The Cubs have traded for outfielder Trayce Thompson, who was with the Diamondbacks at Triple-A, but is formerly of the big league White Sox, Dodgers, and A’s. The Diamondbacks are getting cash in the deal, which is a reflection of the reality that Thompson, 30, is a depth outfielder at this point in his career. Thompson is the younger brother of NBA star Klay Thompson. https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2021/05/11/cub...

     
  • crunch 2 days 16 hours ago (view)

    i'd like to point out ross feels more comfortable with j.pederson and k.bryant in CF over j.heyward.

    watching heyward not just look human in the OF, but having a bit of a hard time is rough.  he's just not getting to stuff like he used to.

     
  • crunch 2 days 16 hours ago (view)

    bryant out of the game for no apparent reason...that...doesn't seem good...

    he's "under the weather" according the clubhouse.  that's better than screwed up oblique or similar, at least.

     
  • crunch 2 days 18 hours ago (view)

    this shane bieber guy kinda sucks.  1 run in, bases loaded 0 outs.

    i hope 4-5 innings of alzolay and the 5 pen guys after him hold it down.

    ...hey wow, bases loaded 0 out turns into 0 runs...very cubs.

     
  • George Altman 2 days 19 hours ago (view)

    Baseball wants more offense, fans want more action -- limit pitching staffs to 12, ideally transition to 11 over a 3 year period. 

    Teams are asking RPs to throw only 45 pitches a week. Think about that.

    SPs who throw 175 IP/Yr will be museum pieces in 5 years.

    It's not shifts. Oh....and electronic Strike zones as soon as possible. 

     
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