Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full), plus six players are on the 60-DAY IL

Last updated 10-2-2023
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 22
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Brad Boxberger
Ben Brown
Jose Cuas
Tyler Duffey 
Jeremiah Estrada
Shane Greene
Kyle Hendricks
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Daniel Palencia
Michael Rucker
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Marcus Stroman
Jameson Taillon
Keegan Thompson
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

INFIELDERS: 8
# Jeimer Candelario
Nico Hoerner
* Miles Mastrobuoni
* Matt Mervis
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson
Patrick Wisdom
* Jared Young

OUTFIELDERS: 8
Kevin Alcantara
* Cody Bellinger
Alexander Canario
* Pete Crow-Armstrong
Brennen Davis
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman

60-DAY IL: 6
Nick Burdi, P
Michael Fulmer, P 
Codi Heuer, P
* Brandon Hughes, P
Nick Madrigal, INF
Ethan Roberts, P
 

 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Ahh…Crud-thers

Submitted by Rob G. on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:50 pm
In doing my research for this weeks organizational report, I came across this small, buried nugget at Inside the Ivy (subscription may be required to access link). Pitcher Dave Crouthers, one of the three prized players we received from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Mr. You-Know-Who, has decided to RETIRE from baseball. Reasons were not given. That's lovely, isn't it? I cannot even speculate what would cause a 25 year old, on the 40-man roster of a major league team, to just pack it up and say sayonara. I'm going to hold back on criticizing Crouthers since he may be facing some horrific personal problems that I don't want to imagine. But just in terms of baseball, could the Sammy Sosa trade be turning out any worse for the Cubs at the moment, at least superficially? What do we have to show for the trade? This current group of "we all get along" players, are 3 games under .500 with the Cardinals so far ahead of them, they need NASA to clue them in on their position. I think when all was said and done, the Cubs saved ten bucks in the deal. And now we have one less player who'll ever help the major league ballclub and the two that can, aren't all that spectacular. To top it off, Sosa's Orioles are leading the brutal AL East. Yep, this is going well. I suppose there is nothing the Cubs could have done about this most unfortunate circumstance, but it doesn't help with the bitter taste in my mouth at the moment. Of course, now that I think about it, there are a lot of things the Cubs could have done. Let's start with not making the trade, then let's move onto actually getting something in return. Couldn't we have held out for B.J Ryan? Hell, Cliff Floyd and his 12 homers and .289/.358/.556 line would have been nice. I suppose I'm just irritated cause I never liked the trade in the first place and now I don't like the trade that much more. In a related matter, this opens up a 40-man roster spot for the Cubs, which makes that talk of Raul Valdez potentially pitching Tuesday seem a bit more feasible. Sergio Mitre is a possibility as well along with Todd Wellemeyer. Mitre pitched well on Friday and actually has some extreme road/home splits. Home: 3-0 0.95 ERA Road: 0-4 7.27 ERA For whatever that's worth. Valdez so far is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 12 IP with 4 BB/8 KK. Wellmeyer, since his return from Iowa, has a 0.00 ERA in 7.1 IP with 1BB/9 K. I suppose we shall see soon enough.

Comments

Submitted by Woodstock on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:02 pm

I'm going to the game on Tuesday night. I'm almost dreading to see who they're throwing up against Clemens. On the topic of the trade, I liked Sosa as a player, hated him as a person. If they could have stood to have him in the clubhouse, then I certainly would not have pulled the trigger like that. Burnitz's numbers (for all that I'm not a big fan of having another big swinging, strikeout prone wannabe Babe Ruth on the team) are comparable to Sosa's. If you'd have told me that when the deal was made, I would have scoffed at you. I scoff well and often, might I add. If Walker comes back healthy and strong. If Wood is healed when he comes back with no more flukes. If Borowski is an effective reliever. If ARam takes his laxatives and painkillers and starts producing. If Derrick Lee continues to hit well (not like the monster he is now, mind you). THEN I see a decent run in our future. Should all of that happen, we can maybe acquire some players to fill some holes. If it turns out to be a lost season, we can all console ourselves with betting on which prospect will fly and which will flop.

Submitted by Bryan W on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:16 pm

Some internet snooping and I can't find a reason given in any print source. Even the Edwardsville Intelligencer fails to have any news surrounding its major league guy. So, we can guess and hope that nothing happened at home.

Submitted by John Hill on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:39 pm

The worrying thing is not that we don't know why Crouthers retired, but that the Cubs don't know why. It's worth noting, by the way, that the Orioles are doing well in spite of Sammy Sosa. He's of course currently injured, but before that he hit just 269/325/454. I still can't see Burnitz keeping it up, sadly. Mitre's extreme splits are partially (though by no means entirely) the result of two of the road starts being in stadiums that make Coors look pitcher friendly - Albuquerque and Colorado Springs. He gave up four of his five home runs on the year in those two starts.

Submitted by Josh S on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:44 pm

I've got an extra ticket to Tuesday night's game if anyone wants to see the Mystery Starter in person. They are terrible seats(upper deck, all the way at the end, aisle 504) but it's a free ticket if you'd like to go.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:36 pm

Couple of points: - At what point can we start calling Angel Guzman injury prone?? I think he is already there. - Cubs are now (after beating McCarthy) 6-1 over the past 3 years versus pitchers making their MLB debut. Tomorrow the Cubs face Wandy Rodriguez and guess what, he is making his MLB debut. - ESPN is showing Sergio Mitre as the starter on Tuesday.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:47 pm

The book on Crouthers was that he could be a good "relief pitcher" if he ever gets his emotions in check. The Baltimore Orioles thought he had outstanding velocity and movement but "no feel" whatever that means.

Submitted by Ienpw on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:25 pm

Pie hit his 9th HR of the year. Hill only pitched 4 innings, did he get hurt?

Submitted by David Sanders on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:39 pm

Seriously, who wins a 7-game series between the Chicago Cubs and the West Tenn. Diamond Jaxx? I take the Jaxx in 6. As soon as we get get 10 games behind the Cards (about another week?) it's time to start dealing our established veteran "stars" for youthful talent. Keep Dubois and throw Murton in the mix. Bye Corey, hello Pie. See you Dumpster, later Kid K, we'll eat 90% of your salary Remlinger, you too Latroy... etc... etc... It's gonna be time to rebuild around Prior, Big Z, Barrett, and DLee. After those guys, let the children play. First move should be to fire Dusty Baker!

Submitted by Ienpw on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:42 pm

"Mitre will be making his 12th big-league start and first this year. Mitre was 3-4 with a 4.60 ERA in eight starts at Triple-A Iowa, giving up 23 earned runs on 49 hits and 14 walks over 45 innings. Mitre has struck out 37. A roster move will be made before Tuesday's game." -cubs.com

Submitted by Matt H on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:59 pm

Well add this Couther's story to the randomness of the offseason and season. Just odd. As far as Hill goes he was hit hard that is why he only went 4. 5 hits, 4 walks (only 4 K's) & 2HR. He didn't have it. Ironically enuff, Gallagher had a rought start as well (5IP/8H/3ER) Brought his ERA all the way up to .083! :) Also of note, The Iowa team released Shane Halter for some reason. Guess he was mad now that Cedeno is back. Also, FYI the Astros are starting Wandy (?!?) Rodriguez in his MLB debut for Andy Pettite. Apparently he is a LH soft tosser who threw minimal innings in ST this season.

Submitted by aqc on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:14 pm

David Sanders, Listen to yourself! Calm down. First of all, the Cubs have 7 games with two of the worst teams in the league this week. We just made up a game on StL today. I agree the Diamond Jaxx are exciting, but they're not quite ready for prime time. Also, and I know I find myself defending Corey a lot, you do not want to deal this kid. He has more homers and stolen bases than Carlos Beltr·n, along with the same number of runs scored. I'm not arguing Corey's better than Carlos. He's not. I'm saying Corey gets an unfair rap around here. By the way, Carlos has only 5 fewer K's than Corey. And enough Kerry Wood bashing. His numbers bear out that he is one of the best in the game. And don't bore me with your 15-win rhetoric. Wood led the league in K's in '03 and has been a solid pitcher. You just don't deal that for the next Johnny-come-lately in AA to most likely flounder in the bigs. How many Rich Hill/Sean Gallagher types have we seen flame out? Too many. We're just fine this season. Walker is coming back and Borowski should solidify the bullpen. Once Kerry comes back this team will benefit. So just relax and enjoy the rest of May, 'cause then the schedule gets a little tougher.

Submitted by Ienpw on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:42 pm

aqc, . I'm saying Corey gets an unfair rap around here. Corey's 2005 VORP: 3.1, betterd by Cory Sullican, Jason Ellison, Jason Michaels, Willy Tavares, Carlos Beltran, and Damon Hollins. Corey's 2005 MLVr: -.087, which is pathetic for a guy who supposed to help anchor our offense. Corey's 2005 EqA: .238, average is .260. To put this in perspective, Ronny Cedeno, Ben Grieve and Carlos Zambrano are higher, heck even Prior is right there. Comparable players: Carlos Pena, Shawn Green, Junior Spivey, Jason Bartlett, Matt Holliday, Jose Vizcaino, David DeJesus, Placido Polanco, Angel Berroa, Orlando Cabrera, Corey's EqR: 16.9 Corey's OPS: .719 Corey's OBP: .297 Corey in May: .206/.286/.365/.651 with 5 runs in 17 games. Heck, his FRAA is only 1. Corey just hasn't been good. Period. Is he better? yes, but his utter lack of plate discipline is killing him.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:48 pm

Once Kerry comes back this team will benefit. Except that none of the reports on Kerry Wood are positive. He's completely out of shape and can't throw a baseball. Nobody has a clue when he'll be able to pitch effectively again.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Sun, 05/22/2005 - 05:56 pm

Interesting article on hitting: Predicting a Baseball's Path A batter watches the pitcher's motion plus the spin on the ball to calculate when and where it will cross the plate.

Submitted by aqc on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:25 am

So, Bluewater, how does that change my statement? Once Kerry comes back, the team benefits. Unless you think he's not coming back this year, I stand by what I said. I really doubt Kerry forgot how to pitch. Aramis Ramirez: .238 avg, 7 hr, 18 rbi, 22 r Corey Patterson: .259 avg, 8 hr, 16 rbi, 24 r I'm not saying Corey is tearing the cover off the ball. What I am saying is that players do struggle. I don't think those numbers will stay where they are for either player, but the fact of the matter is that Corey is a good player. Any potential 30-30 guy with good defense (you can bring up Saturday's game, but most guys don't get to that ball) is not bad.

Submitted by Ienpw on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:51 am

Aramis isn't killing us because he has a .319 OBP (Bad ,but not

Submitted by CubFanInGermany on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:52 am

Let's not replace Dusty. I don't see either Chris Speier or Grady Little as improvements. Quite the contrary. If Joe Torre or Mike Sciosia become available, then I am willing to say adios Dusty. I noticed in the Stars and Stripes yesterday the team batting and pitching totals. The Cubs have 172 runs scored as of Friday. The Cardinals had 220 runs scored as of Friday, a differece of 48 runs in only about 40 games. As much as the posts in this web site, including mine, have bitched about the bullpen and defense, it is the offense that has been killing us, principally low on OBP. The other way to look at OBP is that our Cubs use up their 3 outs each inning before scoring runs more often than not, whereas the average Cardinal will take a walk every now and then and thereby extend an inning and wear down a pitcher. Corey Patterson will get a hot spell later this season as that is a mathematical certainity. But he appears to have regressed in his ability to judge the strike zone. And, I now believe, that it is an ability, a talent, like hitting for power, that can be the subject of some improvement, but still starts with some innate or very early acquired ability. Corey will never be Wade Boggs and right now he appears to be losing the progress he had made on 2004. To many scouts (Hendry, Gary Hughes, etc.)think strike zone control is a skill that can be taught, so they take a great tools guys like Corey and project what they think they can become if they would only acquire "plate discipline" (a discipline being something one learns). I prefer to think of it as strike zone control ability. Corey swings at those pitches (and lets other pitches slide by for 3d strikes) because he has a hard time recognizing strikes. Also, he has made a lot of money, and gotten to the major leagues, doing things his way. Nefi Perez (who I still can't believe is performing this way) apparently got motivated to change his plate approach by last year's near baseball death experience. Perhaps something similar will have to happen to Corey to cause him to work on his weaknesses. Finally, I am sorry Sosa had such a sour ending with the Cubs, but I am not sorry I don't have to see the ghost of Sammy playing right field (even if it is just on ESPN real time scoreboard feeds - I only have access to dial up). He is not the reason the Orioles have temporary possession of first (Tejeda, Mora, and Roberts provide those reasons). Not having Sammy will free up a lot of payroll for 2006, so even the cheapskates in the Tribune company, starting with Andy McPhail, won't be able to use his contract as an excuse not to improve the team.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:17 am

Boats- What reports are you reading?? I hope it is not the same report that says to PH for you Catcher when your backup is hurt. I have heard he is cleared to start throwing and will start all over like it is ST again and should be ready in about 4 weeks, but no timetable was given.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:21 am

What are you smoking Manny? I'm the one who put the quote up here about Kerry Wood needing to start all over like it's spring training.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:36 am

In game two of the Cubs-Sox series, Dusty Baker literally ran out of position players before the game was over. This is the equivalent of throwing in the towel in boxing. Baker really screwed up, even using his emergency backup catcher Macias as a pinch runner and with two out and two on and down two runs batting Blanco for himself when he had Barrett available. Yawn. No discussion follows.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:37 am

Boats (post #13): "Except that none of the reports on Kerry Wood are positive. He's completely out of shape and can't throw a baseball. Nobody has a clue when he'll be able to pitch effectively again." This is the quote I was referring to of yours from. That is why I said what reports are you referring to? Boats: "I'm the one who put the quote up here about Kerry Wood needing to start all over like it's spring training." Also, what quote are you referring to? I think the better question might be, what are you smoking? ;)

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:42 am

It never fails. I put information in a thread. Then in the next thread someone says, I read somewhere that... This is the quote about Kerry Wood:
#15 of 23: By bluewater boats (May 22, 2005 02:41 PM) A Quote that was missed. Guess who is being talked about. "It's almost like we have to go through Spring Training. We have to get some arm strength built up before we can do anything. He hasn't picked up a ball in three weeks and the last time he threw it wasn't a productive throw. It's almost like we're starting from ground zero."

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:43 am

Boats: "In game two of the Cubs-Sox series, Dusty Baker literally ran out of position players before the game was over. This is the equivalent of throwing in the towel in boxing." A few games back, not sure which, people on here were bitching about Baker not using his bench more as he was saving them for potential extra innings or later situations, but now you are bitching he used them up to early. Another no win situation. Also, Barrett was availible to PH, so not all positions players were used up like you said. I can't beleive you are bitching about Baker not PH for Blanco when Barrett wasn't availible and Macias would have to catch. I really can't believe it. Very humorous. Another example of the anti-Dusty philosphy of blaming him for anything and everything no matter if it makes sense. ~YAWN~

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:47 am

Ahh....in a different thread. You should of said that. Thanks!! Boats: "Except that none of the reports on Kerry Wood are positive. He's completely out of shape and can't throw a baseball. Nobody has a clue when he'll be able to pitch effectively again." But again, how do you come up with this post after reading the quote about Wood. The quote seems positive that he will start throwing and start ST again, which means he should be reasy in 3-4 weeks.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:03 am

Make up your mind, was Barrett available to pinch hit (yes he was) or not? You contradict yourself. Actually on Friday, Barrett told the press that he was going to tell Baker he could start on Saturday. Instead DB made Barrett a DNP. It really looks like Dusty was trying to punish Barrett for taking himself out of the game the other day by not using him at all in the next three games. It was Dusty Baker who claimed that Barrett was unavailable except for pinch hitting. Barrett, on the other hand, said he was okay to catch and the 2nd backup catcher was already in the game...Macias... The Cubs had no problem finding a catcher, so clearly Barrett could have pinch hit for Blanco. Or he could have left Grieve at first and pinch hit Macias for Blanco. Macias has a BA twice as big as Blanco's. If I'm managing I do everything I can to tie or win that game when I already have the tying runs on base and one swing of the bat can win it. It's not the time to worry about who's gonna catch the next inning. I also don't start a game with only one catcher I'm willing to use behind the plate.

Submitted by tbone on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:04 am

Crouthers no doubt looked around the organization and retired before he blew out his shoulder or elbow. He probably figured it's inevitable, why go through the pain?

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:14 am

Dusty Baker was quoted by MLB.com dissing both Jason Dubois and Corey Patterson. "When they made me a regular, I got four hits the first day, three the second, and three the next day," he said. "Back in my day it was different than now. Now, everybody wants to win but they want extended chances. In my day, you had one or two games to make an impact. There's a whole lot more competition for those jobs. If you didn't make an impact, somebody else would get action." Do the Cubs need to make a change in personnel? If so, Baker won't say. " Someone remind Dusty who hit the game winning homerun yesterday. Hint: It wasn't Toad HellI'mworthless.

Submitted by superjimmer on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:16 am

ACQ: "We're just fine this season." How are we supposed to take you seriously with statements like this? Are you watching the games?

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:22 am

Prorating Dubois: Dubois only has 60+ at bats. If you prorate his performance over the season you can't just multiply by four because he's now a regular. However, with 1/4 of the season gone it's reasonable to assume he could get 450 more at bats. And if he continues hitting at his present pace he will wind up with ~ 41 home runs and 130 rbis. Dusty, it's way too soon to give up on Jason Dubois.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:38 am

Boats- Barrett was availible to PH but not availible to catch. Understand?

Submitted by MikeC on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:29 am

The easy part of the schedule ends this week. Last chance to salvage the season because after this week Cubs have 3 in LA, then 4 in San Diego, then Toronto, Boston, Florida, the Yankees, 4 games in Milwaukee and then the Whitesox again. The Cubs have thrown away 25% of the season on some of the worst teams in baseball. Now the Cubs get to start playing the good teams. You think it is bad now? It can get a whole lot worse. The Cubs can either sack up and start winning or they can pack their bags and mail in the rest of the season after this stretch run. No more excuses, no more crying. Just win or go home.

Submitted by tbone on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:35 am

"And don't bore me with your 15-win rhetoric. Wood led the league in K's in '03 and has been a solid pitcher" - AQC Yeah, those pitchers who win 15 games are a drag. Strikeout totals from two years ago are what's going to win the Central Division this year.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:48 am

Manny You are making my original point that Baker ran out of players before the game was over. However, he could have used Barrett as a pinch hitter and Macias could have caught the tenth if necessary.

Submitted by Bleeding Blue on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:03 am

Boats - Your Kerry Wood quote isn't bad news, it isn't even news at all. The day it was announced Wood couldn't pick up a ball for 3 weeks, everyone who knows anything about baseball knew it would take another 3-4 weeks to get his arm back in shape.

Submitted by SaxFax on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:07 am

>Yeah, those pitchers who win 15 games are a drag. Strikeout totals from two years ago are what's going to win the Central Division this year. I'll take "none of the above" for $500, Alex. Forget about the wins and the Ks. Just give us a string of solid, consistent starts every year, Kerry. That's all we ask.

Submitted by Bleeding Blue on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:12 am

Barrett said himself before Sunday's game, he could hit, he could catch if absolutely needed, but he couldn't throw because of his shoulder. So yes, Dusty could have pinch hit him for Blanco, but it would have ment having a catcher who can't throw behind the plate. I guess you think that's a good idea, particularly when you value defense so highly - Like you did during a tie game at the begining of the season. #172 of 220: By bluewater boats (April 8, 2005 03:36 PM) Looking at the Cubs defensively, they have Neifi at short and Hairston at second base which can be justified. But why is Barrett still catching? He's been out there too long. Supposedly our backup catcher is superior defensively to MB. So put him out there already. This game can be won with one stinkin' run! I want Dusty fired, I hate hypocrites

Submitted by dc60164 on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:50 am

433- ron snato mentioned the same info on saturday during the opening comments. was hard to know whether to laugh or believe or perhaps both.

Submitted by cubsnerd on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:38 am

Yeah, what's funny about that story is that they used an MRI to diagnose the problem as tennis elbow, which, from my understanding, means that a ligament is at least partially torn. How can you possibly tear a ligament sending email? Maybe it's from Carlos throwing his computer across the room when his brother critiques his performances.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:45 am

Blue: "Boats - Your Kerry Wood quote isn't bad news, it isn't even news at all. The day it was announced Wood couldn't pick up a ball for 3 weeks, everyone who knows anything about baseball knew it would take another 3-4 weeks to get his arm back in shape." Exactly...that is what I was saying that it is St all over again, which is good news as he is at least starting to throw.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:50 am

Blue (post #36)- NICE!! Good to see you tearing into someone else besides me..HAHA Seriously though you are right and I was tring to make the point earlier, but to no avail, i assume the same will happen with your points to unfortunately. Oh well, some people (not you) want Dusty fired and will use any small thing and spin it to try and blame Dusty for it.

Submitted by mr. whipple on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:27 am

Oh well, some people (not you) want Dusty fired and will use any small thing and spin it to try and blame Dusty for it. I want Dusty fired, just so you'll pipe down, Manny. It doesn't help anything that he's not a great manager. I say Bob Brenley for manager. He did more with less. His firing in 2004 was the most absurd bit of upper management logic ever exhibited. Go figre--they couldn't win games with Casey Fossum, Steve Sparks, Casey Daigle and Edgar Gonzalez in their starting rotation. That plus gambling so much on Richie Sexson sure makes it look like Brenley got the shaft for general management incompetancy. Even 2003 found the Diamondbacks so riddled with injuries and Breneley still posted 84 wins. In 3 full seasons he won a world series and the NL West. I think an argument cna be made that his 2001 world series victory was the result some of the greates managerial maneuvering ever seen. For Bobby I lobby!!

Submitted by Bob on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:39 am

Tbone: "Yeah, those pitchers who win 15 games are a drag. Strikeout totals from two years ago are what's going to win the Central Division this year." Despite Wood having Tommy John surgery in 1999 he still has six years experience where he's started more than 20 starts every year, more than 26 starts in 4 of the six years, and more than 32 starts in two of the years. Wood carried this ballclub in 2002 and 2003, where he pitched 452 1/3 IP (regular season and playoffs). Dusty just pitched his arm off in 2003. Wood went 120-plus in 14 of 35 starts, including five of six starts late in the year. He also had a 141 pitch outing over seven innings against St. Louis in May. Including the playoffs, Wood threw 4,007 pitches in 2003, the most in the majors. Prior averaged 114.2 pitches per start, the most in the majors (Wood was second at 111.3). In Kerry's 169 career starts, he's left the game with the lead (men on or off base) in 98 times. He got the win in 68 of those 98, and got the loss in 7 of those games. The bullpen has blown 30 leads of Kerry Wood, since he's been called up!! Sure the bullpen is going to blow saves, but come on 18% of Kerry's starts have been blown in his career. 31% of the games he left with the led, the bullpen has blown. So on a team with a good bullpen Kerry very well could be 85-45, instead of 68-51 with a lower ERA (due to inherited runners scoring off of the bullpen) than his current baudy 3.69 career ERA. Wood already has 1000 IP logged under his belt and 11 complete games. He's the quickest pitcher to 1000 strikeouts and the quickest pitcher to 50 starts of 10+ strikeouts. In perspective of baseball history, Wood has the second highest K/IP, trailing only Randy Johnson. In regards to active leaders in Hits/IP, Wood has the second lowest, trailing only Pedro Martinez. Yes Wood has had his injury problems with the majority associated with his surgically repaired elbow. Yet despite that, in Kerry's 6 MLB seasons, he's logged 160+ IP in four seasons, two being 200+ IP. Collecting 200+ strikeouts in four seasons, and having an ERA under 3.75 in five seasons. In 2003 (season and playoffs), Kerry pitched 238 2/3 IP in 36 starts, giving up 173 hits, 88 earned runs, 114 walks, 297 strikeouts. His total record was 16-12 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and .210 BAA.

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:53 am

Bob Brenley for manager? i seriously dont understand some of you dusty haters...bob is guilty of many of the same things people bitch about dusty for. and if dusty did what brenley did during the WS the dbacks won, you'd want his head before inning 9, game 7 was even over. its just a manager...this team is not a 100 win team with another manager or a 60 win team with dusty. you wanna complain about something that matters...how about that bullpen...how about hendry signing macias/blanco? real things...real impact players... when we get these mid-season manager firings/quiting/etc...very very very rarely do teams improve in any noticable amount. for every mckeon you got many more no impacts. its a manager...until they throw 50+ip a year or gets 200+ ab's...he's an overpaid babysitter who fills out lineup cards and makes substitutions while keeping the clubhouse frustration-free as possible. dusty's done almost EVERY suggestion this board has brought up that would "otally save this team"...and its pretty much all failed... dubois is starting, and sucking it up...the bullpen has played closer/setup/long role reversal for weeks, and sucking it up...its just not clicking and i dont see a lot of dusty out there screwing it up, i see players not coming through...i see a bullpen that cant get anything done with consistancy. the "troops" are giving it their all, theyre happy, theyre not in revolt...losses dont always mean a sinking ship.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:33 am

It's a shame we don't have a threaded discussion. There's a lot of really bizarre troll-like comments above that ignore and purposely confuse the point I was making, i.e. that Dusty Baker screwed up and actually had run out of position players before the game was over forcing him to let Blanco hit with 2 on, 2out, and 2 down in the ninth instead of a pinch hitter. There was no way that he was going to use Barrett and so he didn't. When he pinch ran Macias for Grieve he was completely out of pinch hitting position players.

Submitted by mr. whipple on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:36 am

All you Brenly haters are totally just looking for reasons to hate him. He may manage with his gut, but it was pure genius to leave Randy Johnson in in game 6 with a 15-0 lead. Kim was young and SUCKED!! Brenley wasn't to blame for his meltdown in games 3 and 4, not matter how many pitches he left him in for. Today's pitchers are just babies and pitch counts are totally arbitrary! All you Brenly haters can just suck it up because Brenly won the world series.

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:41 am

i got nothing against brenley...im just saying wanting brenley over dusty isnt gonna make a lotta people happy if the reasons they hate dusty for are true. and speaking of winning...bobby cox...some of you have no idea how similar dusty/bobby are. theyre just managers...you gotta go outta your way to just absolutely suck. psst...look over in cincinatti if you wanna see a manager who has no idea what his personel can and cannot do.

Submitted by Bleeding Blue on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:44 am

Whip: GREAT post! (you got the style down perfect) Boats: its you continue to miss the point, there was no way Dusty was going to even consider pinch hitting for Blanco even if he had 10 people left on the bench, not without another healthy catcher to take his place. Anyone who's followed baseball for more than 2 months would make the same decision.

Submitted by tbone on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:10 pm

Bob, I know Wood's stats are wonderful but if he wasn't consistently hitting the hundred pitch mark in the fifth or sixth inning he might have stuck around and won more of those games. Everyone thought he was Roger Clemens but he's Sid Fernandez: great opponents' BA, good K/IP etc. He does everything but go eight innings and win games.

Submitted by Bob on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:24 pm

Yep Graves was designated for assignment, so he'll be traded or released within the next 10 days. Bruce Levine reported today that the Cubs are close to trading for a Big OF and a relief pitcher, and something will likely transpire within a week. Bruce is probably blowing smoke but who knows.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:59 pm

Boats: "that Dusty Baker screwed up and actually had run out of position players before the game was over forcing him to let Blanco hit with 2 on, 2out, and 2 down in the ninth instead of a pinch hitter." Let me try this once again for you. Since Barrett was eligible to PH, but not play catcher, how could he of PH for Blanco (even if there were players availible to PH for him)?? The to have Macias play C? Mangers, NO MANAGERS, would of done that. PERIOD!! To expect him to do so makes ZERO sense and many on here are trying to tell you that. But you are not listening only blinded by your Dusty hatrid. Bleeding Blue wants Dusty fired as bad as you and he is even saying Dusty should not of PH for Blanco. "There was no way that he was going to use Barrett and so he didn't." Again, I have no clue where you get your flawed info. Barrett was availible to PH, not play catcher. Baker and Barrett both have said so.

Submitted by mr. whipple on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:10 pm

Crunch:i got nothing against brenley... You are not listening only blinded by your Brenly hatrid. All trolling aside, Manny's right that if Barrett couldn't catch, no manager is going to risk using a player at catcher that has no major league experience at the position. However this can be said WITHOUT SHOUTING.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:40 pm

Whip- Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so thanks!!! I SHOUTED because Blue and I were trying to explain a simple baseball ideology and he wasn't getting it, so I then emphaiszed certain words to ge teh point along. Thanks for understanding Blue's and I posts, hopefully Boats can finally understand.

Submitted by carmenfanzone on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:47 pm

Couple of thoughts: 1. Developing young prospects is little bit of a "numbers" game. If you have 10 good prospects you might get 3 good players. 2. This might be the season to see who "sticks". Bring up 10 young players and see what you have. Cedeno, Fontenot, Murton, Pie, etc... 3. Corey Patterson should be traded. Unless he's your 7 hitter, his production is a joke. Trade him. This team needs a shake up.

Submitted by carmenfanzone on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:12 pm

Couple of thoughts: 1) Developing prospects is a numbers game. If you have 10 prospects, you might get 3 that turn into real players. That said, it might be time to find out who the real players are. If you play Cedeno, Fontenot, Murton, Pie, etc...you might end up with 2 you build around for next year. By the way, this is why the Cubs are always pinning their hopes on one guy-like Patterson or Kerry Wood. They never have taken the numbers approach to developing their talent. 2) Patterson really should be traded. He's never going to understand the strike zone. Don't look back. 3) Last year was Dusty's fault. 2005 is Hendry's fault.

Submitted by carmenfanzone on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:27 pm

Another thing: Dusty was recently quoted as saying: "we're starting bench players"....That is exactly my point: keep them as bench players. Start Cedeno and Fontenot. Come off the bench w/ Perez and Hairston.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:22 pm

Look Manny, You seem to be overloaded with emotional issues but your misplaced rant at me about being one of the "fire Dusty" bunch is so overthetop it's borderline nuts. I don't advocate firing Hendry or Dusty, but when Baker makes strange moves that cost the Cubs games like using his entire bench before the game was over then he deserves to have it noted. As for Barrett, the decision not to use Barrett was Dusty's. Barrett himself felt good Friday night and was quoted as saying so by the Chicago Suntimes.
Saturday----Michael Barrett felt his right shoulder had improved enough Friday that he planned to tell manager Dusty Baker he could be the Cubs' starting catcher today. But Baker seemed to indicate he might start catcher Henry Blanco the entire White Sox series and not test Barrett's shoulder for now.

Submitted by bluewater boats on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:34 pm

Manny's right that if Barrett couldn't catch, no manager is going to risk using a player at catcher that has no major league experience at the position. However this can be said WITHOUT SHOUTING. Posted by: mr. whipple When you don't know what you are talking about...bb has this perpetual problem...it's best to just STFU. None of you blowhards knew that Barrett said he was ready to play Friday night. Apparently none of you can read. Not playing him was a coaching decision NOT a medical one.

Submitted by Bleeding Blue on Mon, 05/23/2005 - 05:24 pm

You're contradicting yourself again Boats. Which of the 4 quotes from this thread do you actually mean: In game two of the Cubs-Sox series, Dusty Baker literally ran out of position players before the game was over. This is the equivalent of throwing in the towel in boxing. However, he could have used Barrett as a pinch hitter and Macias could have caught the tenth if necessary. Dusty Baker screwed up and actually had run out of position players before the game was over forcing him to let Blanco hit with 2 on, 2out, and 2 down in the ninth instead of a pinch hitter. None of you blowhards knew that Barrett said he was ready to play Friday night. Apparently none of you can read. Not playing him was a coaching decision NOT a medical one. First the bench was empty, meaning that Barrett was unavailable. Then Barrett was available to pinch hit, but Macias should have been saved to be the catcher, then there was no one available to pinch hit again, and now Barrett was available to both pinch hit and catch? And of course, you're also ignoring that Barrett himself said on the Score's sunday morning baseball show that he could pinch hit, but he still couldn't throw. And when it comes to Michael Barrett's health, I'll trust Michael Barrett a lot more than I'd trust the Sun Times or some blabbering idoit who's been a cubs fans for all of 2 months and can't even keep his opinion consistant for one whole day.

Submitted by Matt H on Tue, 05/24/2005 - 05:51 am

Back to Crouthers...it has been confimred that the Cubs get another player from the Orioles. Possibly Chris May. We shall see.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Tue, 05/24/2005 - 05:51 am

Boats- If Bleeding Blue is agreeing with me, I must be onto something. We don't agree on much. :) I did hear that quote from Barrett, but I also heard Dusty say he would only be availible for PH duties as he was not going to risk him against a speedy team like the CHW.

Recent comments

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