Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

28 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, and twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 

Last updated 3-26-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 15
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

INFIELDERS: 7
* Michael Busch 
Nico Hoerner
Nick Madrigal
* Miles Mastrobuoni
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson
Patrick Wisdom

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Cody Bellinger 
Alexander Canario
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, P 
Alexander Canario, OF 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

 



 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Cubs Ace Returns with Bat

(Click on the thumbnail for the full size image)

Just when you think it couldn't get worse, the Cubs get absolutely spanked by the worst team in baseball at home.The wind appeared to be howling straight out tonight and the Cubs managed 6 runs, Josh Willingham managed 6 RBI's all by himself, including 2 HR's, 5 Runs scored and a 4 for 4 night with a walk. Z did hit a home run though (mild applause) and Milton Bradley went 4 for 4 himself with a home run and a walk and then decided it was another good moment to take some frustration out on the fans.

"It's hard to be comfortable when you don't get a hit, you get booed every time," Bradley said. "When I go home and look in the mirror, I like what I see. My family's there, and I have people I can talk to who are supportive in spite of everything and all the adversity and hatred you face on a daily basis. I'll be all right. I always have." 

A bunch of other fun news after the jump...

- ESPN1000 reported that Crane Kenney will stay with the Cubs in the same capacity as official enabler of Jim Hendry for multiple years. Hendry and the Cubs refused to comment on the report but Hendry says he's unfazed by the recent public criticism.

''I don't really think much about it, to be honest with you,'' he said. ''We've done a lot of good things the last couple years. We're having a bad year. I just try to go to work every day and do the best I can.''

- Alfonso Soriano was a late scratch with a sore knee and looks to be headed for an MRI. The Rhodes scholar and ultimate team guy had this to say about ignoring advice that a DL trip may have cleared up the problem.

''I said, 'I don't want to take two weeks; I want to play.''

How'd that work out for you champ?

- The Cubs did announce their AFL roster yesterday, just after Arizona Phil's piece yesterday. The Cubs will send 3B Josh Vitters, SS Starlin Castro, C Welington Castillo, LHP's John Gaub and James Russell, and RHP's Andrew Cashner and Blake Parker. 4 of the top 10  picks from this year draft have also been named already to play in the AFL, including the top 2 picks - Stephen Strasburgh and Dustin Ackley.


Thanks to our pal Tim Souers for the rather appropriate graphic.

Comments

I see a wheelchair in Soriano's future. If you see the word microfracture surgery and Soriano in the same sentence be very afraid. The hop will look pretty funny while doin' a wheelie.

zambrano is presently a better hitter than pitcher...perhaps making him the ace of clubs is appropriate? 4 games/4 wins in washington to start the 2nd half seems like a long time ago. why would a "medical decision" such as a d/l trip be put in the player's hands vs training/medical staff? lo non capisco

why would a "medical decision" such as a d/l trip be put in the player's hands --- Ultimately the decision to proceed with surgery (any surgery) is in the individual patient's hands. If Soriano's medical staff advised him to have his knee scoped and he declined, it is his right...no matter how much pressure they might put on him to decide to proceed. It might be the wrong decision, but you can't force anyone to have a surgery they don't agree to. Some times the indication to proceed with a knee scope are pretty soft (ie. exam and MRI not clear as to any structural problems) and the thinking on Soriano's part might have been that as long as he could play (no matter how poorly) he'd defer the surgery until he couldn't get out on the field. Clearly he's played thru a sore knee all year and his offense has suffered because of it. It was a bad decision to defer addressing his knee symptoms rather than the band-aid they could offer from therapy/strengthening work. He did carry the team with some key HR's in April but hasn't been the same offensive player after the first 6 weeks of the season. That seems like a very long time ago. I'm sure the stat guys can show precisely where his offense changed and it will mirror where he knee acted up.

I know there's still 1/4 of the season left (damn, it's a long season), but I think if anyone needs surgery, they ought to just go ahead and do it now and be ready for next year. It is not too soon to toss in the towel on the '09 Cubs.

Happy 70th anniversary to TV broadcasts of the game of baseball. In the name of celebration, I will not force myself to watch any Chicago Cubs baseball today.

OK -- who had "Cubs 10 games out by September 1st" in the preseason pool? Fortunately, I had "Bradley will be a self-absorbed prick", which is nice.

Nice selective editing, Rob G. Bradley went out to say, ""If I give it everything I had, did everything I could possibly do and go 0-for-4 with four [strikeouts], I still feel the same way," Bradley said. "When you get beat, it's a loss. There's no gratitude in there.""

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In reply to by Dusty Baylor

He was brought here to add balance to a heavily right handed lineup, and help the Cubs offense wear out opposing pitchers. If you think he was brought in to be a 30/100 guy... well, how could you possibly think that? Did Hendry say that? Did Milton say that? Did Pinhead say that? Where did you get that idea from?

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In reply to by The Real Neal

Please read any of my posts after the MB acquisition. I have never said that he would be a 30HR 100 RBI guy. He has never produced those kind of numbers. I have never said anything like "MB will hit 30 HR's and 100 RBI's." I certainly did not expect this mediocre season. Did I expect maybe 20 HR's, 85 RBI, and something like .285/.370/.475? Sure. Yes, yes...he's got a .391 OBP...great. He is slugging .400, and is 19 points off his career batting average. He will be lucky to get 15 HR's and 60 RBI. For $7 million this year, that isn't getting the job done.

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In reply to by Dusty Baylor

I have yet to see a quote from Hendry or Lou saying that Bradley was brought in to drive in runs. Bradley was brought in to make this team more balanced. Not to drive in runs. Don't blame Bradley because the fans had inappropriate expectations. And I have no idea what outbursts in the media you are referring to. Bradley is caught between a rock and a hard place with the media. If he doesn't talk to the media, he gets attacked for it. If he talks (and is honest) with the media, he gets attacked for it. Bigger problems than Bradley: Soriano, Ramirez's injury, Soto, 2b, Zambrano/Z's injuries, Cubs bullpen. Again, Bradley has not had a good year. But he hasn't been awful either.

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In reply to by Dusty Baylor

which is the only stat that any player ever can be measured by apparently WTF? Weren't you just whining about Real Neal putting words in your mouth? I never said, or implied, anything of the sort. Besides his .391 OBP ... please point out where he isn't awful? Why would we ignore his OBP? That is basically saying something like this: "Besides where he has been good, where has he been good?" His overall offensive production hasn't been awful. Not good, but not awful. That includes his OBP. He defense has been far from awful.

I have no problem with the Bradley quote. But I also see how/why Bradley doesn't like to talk to the press. Even with Neal's additional quote added, it definitely appears to be a quote that was selectively chosen by the writer also. Bradley is honest. I kinda' like that.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

He gets pissed off when he doesn't drive in runs. He gets pissed off when umpires screw him. He gets pissed off when the Cubs lose. He gets pissed off when he busts his butt, but the fans boo him anyway. I don't have a problem with any of those things. None of those make him any different from our current manager, who has been having a worse season than many of those players he likes to blame for losses.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

He gets pissed off striking out on close pitches with runners on base...he gets pissed off for forgetting how many outs are in an inning...he get pissed off for underperforming. Bradley wants to win. He is a professional baseball player. He is having a subpar season, and should just shut his trap. If you want to be liked, produce, stop bitching in the media about the umps, the fans, life in general.

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In reply to by Dusty Baylor

That's certainly more reasonable. Here's the reasons I would boo a player: He's not giving an all-out effort I'll curse to myself if a player blows a big opportunity, but unless he's batting like John Kruk v Randy Johnson in the ASG I'm not going to boo him. But since you think comments to the media and arguing with umpires are a reason to boo players, that's cool, and you're obviously not alone. It doesn't make any sense to me, and it's counterproductive, but Cubs fans aren't really known for being logical.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

No, I didn't say that. I am saying that MB should just stop complaining, hit a few more HR's and doubles, and see how the fans treat him then. It is hard to cheer for a player with his track record of popping off, who, in the midst of a thoroughly disappointing season for both him, and the Cubs, continues to bitch about things like this. I have never booed a player for striking out with runners on...for giving up a HR to tie the game...things like that. If a player shows a crappy attitude? Blames umps...media..fans for stuff...and generally underperforms consistently? I might boo a little.

The real pain in the ass of all this...is that you can't really just pick on one player..or 2. The team has just not played up to expectations, due to injury, or whatever. Good: DLee Aram-when he's healthy enough to play Theriot Fukudome-not for what he's getting, but solid. Fox Lilly Wells Guzman Bad: Soto Soriano Bradley pick a 2B Gregg Marmol Heilman

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

Please note that I said "when healthy" for ARAM. Theriot is a SS. Generally, comparing the numbers of a SS to a RF..well, there just may be a slight difference in expectation for your SS, who makes $500K, and your RF, making $7 million. For making $500K, he looks pretty darn good out there. Theriot: 65 Runs, 16 steals, 48 RBI Bradley: 49 Runs, 2 steals, 32 RBI Is Bradley's defense at shortstop pretty good?

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In reply to by Dusty Baylor

WTF? Once again, you claim that I say things that I didn't say, after whining about others doing that to you. Bradley's been stellar out there Please show me where I said this. so Bradley' season has been fine, the real issue has been Theriot? Please show me where I said this. I never said that Bradley has been "stellar." I never said that Bradley has been "fine." I never said that the "real issue has been Theriot." Go make pretend someone else said something.

OK, who posted this on Whittenmyer's blog? By NittanyCub on August 26, 2009 12:55 AM You're ridiculous, Whittenmeyer. Only by saying that Milton Bradley has underperformed shows reflection of you to underperform your own duties as a baseball "critic." I doubt you even look at anything above RBI's, you fake. Bradley is more valuable than Raul Ibanez.

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In reply to by Tito

Manny is a NittanyCub, but don't think he's a Bradley fan. That's the first time I've seen anyone say Bradley hasn't underperformed, or more ridiculously compared his value to Ibanez. I guess maybe if you're saying 'Value from here forward', since Bradley is outperforming Ibanez in the 2nd half, .291.415.436 to .234.315.422.

Well, at least we all can agree that Bradley was brought in to hit homers and drive in runs. Everything else he's done for us is just frosting on the cake.

I didn't like the Bradley signing, I still don't, I think he's a douchebag and overpaid. That said, I don't think he's the problem with the team. He's our RF'r now and he'll do alright.

Meh... popular wisdom seems to be that Hendry will hang around. Brilliant. Not every GM can put together a $140 million dollar 85-game winner. That takes a special talent.

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In reply to by Ryno

Not every GM can keep his team healthy, either. The team with competitive ball clubs, who stay healthy tend to win, that's always been the case. Take Pujols away from the Cardinals for 70 games, or Utley away from the Phillies or Manny away from the Dodgers... well that's not a good example, but now that their rotation and closer are shaky so are they. If you look at dollars on the DL and you look at the most under-performing teams, you'll find a pretty strong correlation.

I think alot of you missed what Bradley was saying with that last quote... If I give it everything I had, did everything I could possibly do and go 0-for-4 with four [strikeouts], I still feel the same way," Bradley said. "When you get beat, it's a loss. There's no gratitude in there." He isn't saying he is giving it everything he has or doing everything he could be possibly do. He is saying "IF" he did that. Which means he isn't giving it 100% just like he famously declared he did in Texas. "My agent was saying that Jon Daniels was telling him, 'There are days when he doesn’t want to play because of his health,’ " Bradley said. "Well, you can get a healthy guy to go out there and play 162 games, but he won’t do what I did in 120." As crudely self-serving as that sounds, Bradley is mostly right. His numbers last season were All-Star quality. But that shouldn’t excuse the fact that Bradley was prone to sporadically calling in sick, including missing 10 of 11 games in early August as the Rangers lapsed from wild-card contenders to pretenders. Plus, at the same time when Bradley was randomly removing himself from lineups, Michael Young was playing nearly every day despite having broken fingers on both hands. Young never complained about Milton. That’s not Michael’s style. But his teammates certainly noticed. When asked about that Sunday, Bradley gave an unsettling answer. "If I’m being paid, and I’ve got the commitment to me that I give to them, you make more of an effort to be out there every day," he said. And Bradleys comments on the Cubs and Journalistic add on... "If you're in a situation like I am now," Bradley said, talking about his three-year deal with the Cubs, "if they want me to go out there when I'm feeling a little banged up, I've got no problem doing that because they've made the commitment to me." Well, that's nice. Bradley says he is willing to play hurt now. But just remember the foundations for his beliefs. We like our athletes to play hurt because it shows commitment to team and town. We all go to work hurt or sick or just wanting more pay. But we go. If Ben Gordon pulled himself out of Bulls games because he has minor injuries, and the Bulls haven't committed to him with the money and long-term contract he wants, then how would you feel about him? That's what Bradley said he did last year. That's your new clubhouse leader? Remember Bradley is saying if he did all those things, not that he is. Like i said before Bradley has been the same prick, slacker his entire career. You think it was gonna change with a 3 year deal? The only thing that changed is he is now financially secure because some dumbass team was stupid enough to pay 30 million for a guy who averages 50 RBI a year. And what is Bradley on pace for? 40-50 RBI. Right in check with his entire worthless career.

[ ]

In reply to by MikeC

If I give it everything I had, did everything I could possibly do and go 0-for-4 with four [strikeouts], I still feel the same way," Bradley said. "When you get beat, it's a loss. There's no gratitude in there."

He isn't saying he is giving it everything he has or doing everything he could be possibly do. He is saying "IF" he did that. Which means he isn't giving it 100% just like he famously declared he did in Texas.


wtf?

 

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In reply to by Rob G.

If I give it everything I had, did everything I could possibly do and go 0-for-4 with four [strikeouts], I still feel the same way," Bradley said. "When you get beat, it's a loss. There's no gratitude in there." He isn't saying he is giving it everything he has or doing everything he could be possibly do. He is saying "IF" he did that. Which means he isn't giving it 100% just like he famously declared he did in Texas. ____________________________________________ wtf? ___________ Sounds like the kind of logic and leaps of reasoning that one gets from a good conspiracy theorist's website. "Heh, heh. That's what they want you to think!"

4-5 comments on Soriano wasting an $18M season, 45 on Bradley who has at least contributed something...sigh. I wasn't trying to mislead anything about Bradley, the 2nd quote didn't negate the first imo. Not that I even think the first is that bad, just bad timing, per usual from Bradley. Clearly he doesn't give a fuck about the fans and they feel the same way about him...should be a fun 2+ years. (and for the record, I'm still a Bradley fan, disappointing season from a power standpoint and he can be kind of annoying, but I have a far better feeling he can bounce back next year over Soriano) Back to Soriano, the only thing that seems to have been suggested to him was that rest could clear up his tendonitis and being the trooper that he is, he wanted to play through it. Valiant effort numbnuts...

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In reply to by Rob G.

Soriano: 112 games, 19 HRs, 52 RBI, 62 runs Bradley: 104 games, 10 HRs, 32 RBI, 49 runs I can understand being disappointed in Soriano (who isn't), and obviously Miltie's OBP is far superior, but how can you suggest Soriano hasn't contributed anything when comparing him to Bradley?

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In reply to by Tito

Can we talk about defense? You're always double accruing something when you list runs, HR's and RBI's to compare players. Bradley has produced 71 runs, and Soriano 95. That's 1 run per 5.56 PAs for Bradley and 1 per 5.29 for Soriano in a sort of dumbed down evaluation. It's Bradley's fault that he hasn't driven in runs, but it's not his fault that he spent a large part of the season batting in front of ineffectual 6,7 and 8 hitters. He was available to be driven in four times last night, he got driven in once. I think it's time to put Fukudome 1st, Bradley 2nd and let the 5 to 9 hiiters sort themselves out.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

I think it's time to put Fukudome 1st, Bradley 2nd and let the 5 to 9 hiiters sort themselves out. could not agree more. the irony of this is that vs rhp, lou (probably reasonably) wants the lh hitters broken up. and vs lhp, fuky sits in favor of reed johnson (until recently). even fuld/bradley with fuky at 5 and soriano observing is okay by me.

who the FUCK gives a damn what bradley has to say to the press? seriously. it won't help him hit for power and the stuff he's saying is...well...the truth. big f'n deal. take him off your xmas card list. he's not running for office, he plays baseball. all the credibility i want out of bradley can be determined on the field and in a drug test for PEDs. what the hell you people want? a hug?

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In reply to by crunch

Yeah, I'm with you, crunch. I could not care less what MB says to the media, especially knowing that the media is only going to talk to him hoping that he says something they can spin in a negative light. He speaks exactly what is going through his mind. He lacks the filter that many others do, but he shouldn't be crucified for it.

ya know...tony gwynn gave great soundbite interviews and "did the right thing" in front of the mic. in the clubhouse he was an institution who would have a smile on his face if he went 3 for 4 and his team lost by 10 runs. on one hand gwynn did all he could...on the other, it was his personal stats that brought him satisfaction over team performance. tony gwynn...baseball media hero...clubhouse clunker.

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In reply to by Rob Richardson

unfortunately, this is pre-internet-covering-everything era. my personal source is ex teammate(s) from 2 different SD eras and a scout. the main discovery came over a lunch/dinner of bitching about egos in baseball. i dunno who's mentioned it in press off the top of my head, but i do recall reading something about it and "ah-ha"ing a friend about it at the time. -edit- Sports People; Tensions Mount LEAD: Things got pretty tense this season between the Padres' best hitter, Tony Gywnn, and some of his San Diego teammates. They accused him of being a selfish player more interested in improving his statistics than in helping the team. Since Gwynn left the team two weeks ago with a broken finger, feelings against him seem to have gotten worse. September 30, 1990 also...from SI "The 1990 season did that to Tony Gwynn. The events of last year have made him guarded, gun-shy, distrustful -- a sad transformation for one of baseball's most good-natured people. Gwynn was accused by some of his teammates and, to a lesser degree, by the media, of being selfish, overweight, a whiner and one who indulges the press. In a team meeting in late May, Gwynn was trashed by some of his fellow players. Tension increased all summer, and in early September a plastic Tony Gwynn figurine was found mutilated and hanging in the Padres' dugout. Gwynn's season ended on Sept. 16 in Atlanta when he crashed into the outfield wall and fractured a finger. He refused to come to the ballpark for the rest of the season." there's more 90s incidents right up to retirement, but these blurbs popped up in a quick internet search.

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In reply to by crunch

damn...found this in an 1999 article referring to a 1989 incident..never heard about this... "Before the Padres' game on May 24 at Shea Stadium, Jack McKeon , San Diego's manager at the time, called a meeting. "It was like the whole thing was planned," Gwynn says. "Jack (McKeon) said, 'Tempy (Templeton) has got something to say,' then he and the coaches left. Tempy said there were some things in the paper that he didn't like, and he wanted to know where I was coming from. We started yelling back and forth. So Jack (Clark) is sitting there with a Coke in his hands. He slams it across the room, it breaks open and shoots all over the place, and he says, 'Hey, everyone in here knows why we're having this meeting -- because we got some selfish -- -- in this room, and they're (pitcher) Eric Show and Tony Gwynn.' Eric was shocked. I was shocked." one of the LAST people you want to be grouped with is Eric Show...unless you're a coke dealer douchebag. Show was a f'n mess...

To recap, in order of who I hoped to get for RF Abreu 307/401/445 12 hr 84 rbi 26/32 sb Dunn 286/420/578 33 hr 89 rbi 0/1 sb Bradley 259/391/400 10hr 32rbi 2/5 sb Ibanez 284/350/574 27 hr 79 rbi 4/4 sb

Is Bradley's contract up yet? I'm tired of the drama, the polarization, the bickering, complaining... meh... give me a guy who shuts the fuck up and plays ball.

Related to Bradley's defense in RF...does it outweigh his lack of production? Meaning, has he been so good out there that having him in RF and hitting the way he has is better than worse defense from Abreu or Ibanez with more production? I'd say no.

In this utterly disappointing and failed season, the only thing I am still looking forward to this season is if the Ricketts family is going to start dropping some hints on any changes they plan on making: - Crane Kenney - BYE BYE BYE - Jim Hendry - Don't let the door hit your fat ass on the way out. Team hasn't won a playoff game in almost 6 years under his leadership - Lou Piniella - 50/50 - Wrigley alterations - Keep the historic look/feel or build a new stadium - PSL's - Wrigleyville might get burnt down, but likely won't happen w/o a new stadium As for on the field, it is such a disaster, that it would make sense to make drastic changes, but with the great long term, NTC contracts our fearless leaser signed, we will be looking at many of these same guys next year. Woo!!

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In reply to by mannytrillo

- Crane Kenney - BYE BYE BYE - Jim Hendry - Don't let the door hit your fat ass on the way out. Team hasn't won a playoff game in almost 6 years under his leadership You don't pay attention, do you? They have already anounced that Ricketts and Kenney have a deal in place for a contract extension. And being that Kenney extended Hendry, it is doubtful that he is going anywhere either.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

Thanks, I did not see that story today. Just read it in ESPN.com. Unfortunately, I guess I am not surprised, as it is the Cubs, new owner be damned. I wonder if Hendry is going to get an extension? I can't wait for another year of Hendry being the GM of the Cubs. More fat jokes and more disappointments for all!!

Well, the Cubs may be a complete disaster, but hey, we have three lefties in the bullpen!

[ ]

In reply to by Jace

Why are we fucking wasting them in the bullpen?!! Put those motherfuckin' lefties in the lineup!!

To be fair Jack Clark and Tony Gwynn never liked each other very much before they played with each other. Jack Clark was a passionate man but if you didn't do things the way he liked he would call you selfish or not plain like you. It was either Jack Clarks way or the highway. From the article you quote Crunch, Gwynn asks an important question... Why does anyone have to listen to Jack Clark? And the same article names numerous people who claim the exact opposite of Jack Clarks rants. Theres a whole bunch of stuff bout how Tony Gwynn was the exact opposite of Jack Clarks remarks and all i can find to descredit this is the same articles discussing the 1990 incident. Tony Gwynn was probably the best team mate/player you could ever have. Jack Clark i don't think alot of people can say that about him.

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In reply to by MikeC

clark vs. gwynn went beyond just clark. i can assure you that the whole "gwynn the selfish hitter" didn't start or stop with clark, though he definately had (and still does, probably) the most venom for gwynn. clark has many more in-depth and detailed rants about gwynn over the years. "Tony Gwynn was probably the best team mate/player you could ever have" i find very little truth in that vs. what i've been told by people who have shared a locker room with him over 2 eras along with other baseball people and the media gingerly covering the issue. you don't have to be a thug to be a bad teammate. jeff kent wasn't a thug...he can probably also count on 1 hand his baseball friends no matter how hard he worked on his game (which he did work hard).

I was really only comparing them using those numbers in the context of Soriano "not contributing" anything. Soriano clearly has contributed based on the numbers you used also, just not to the extent we all wish he would. My point about RF/Bradley/Abreu/Ibanez is that with all the talk about how "they're not RF's for a reason," you could probably stick either one of them out there right now and be able to put up with them vs. Bradley's allegedly better defense and his poor production.

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In reply to by Tito

you could probably stick either one of them out there right now and be able to put up with them vs. Bradley's allegedly better defense and his poor production. Hindsight is 20-20. I going to go out on a limb and guess that you (or anyone else, for that matter) didn't predict Bradley's awful first half or Ibanez's great first half. The funny thing is that people didn't want Bradley because he a) couldn't stay healthy and b) was a headcase. And neither issue has really been a problem this year.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

Hindsight is 20-20? Did you just think of that one? Of course it is. I'm going to guess you've probably used hindsight and/or second-guessed something on this board. I didn't predict anything about Bradley or Abreu, but i was against signing Bradley and would've preferred Abreu. I certainly was expecting better things from Bradley if he stayed healthy.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

I said repeatedly that we would get a player that doesn't give a shit now that he signed a big contract. He sure has played like that this year, especially the first half. I warned of being suckered by the career year in Texas where he was a DH and expecting anything close to Texas production was a fools fantasy. In fact i predicted a OPS right around his career of about .810-.820 tops. If you thought you were getting a 1.000 OPS player you were a sucker waiting to happen. Right now Bradley rests near his career norm, .791 OPS. I will gloat and say that he has lived up to everything i expected out of him except his RBI totals. Even that i expected more from him.

I don't blame MB for the recent comments, but this team reminds me so much of the '05 club - way too many whiners, and they all have rabbit ears when they play at Wrigley. Again, I wonder how they'd do in Philly...or NYC...or Boston. Really, how on earth did Wrigley get such a bad reputation over the past few years? There have always been drunkards and a--holes in the stands, this ain't tiddlywinks. Jeez, grow up and just play your game - be like Bowa, when he shut the hecklers up for good by playing well during the Cub's second half surge in '84.

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In reply to by Dmac

I think a big part of it is ticket prices. When you're dropping $100 bucks on a pair of tickets, parking a 2 beers and 2 hot dogs... Make that $110 bucks, to see your one or two games a year, and the Cubs lose you're going to tend to be a lot more upset than 20 years ago (well we won 20 years ago) 21 years ago when you could get the same thing for $40, and knew you could afford going to the games twice as often.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

Dude! That is so right, imo. Living in Houston, you do not get the "privilege" of spending the Wrigley "coinage". But - indeed, getting decent seats, plus a little food, is not cheap and when you make this investment and the team gets clobbered by the Nats, Dodgers, Cards, et. al., and the team just puts forth shit efforts, the fans today have no patience like "back in the day." Imagine if your favorite band played 4 songs, and said "GOOD NIGHT CHICAGO!". Same thing. And, as a STH, multiply this several times for the amount of money that we invest in Jim Hendry's decisions, unfortunately. It is disgusting. As ROB G said - I cannot WAIT for the PSL's.

That's a valid point - if the players want their millions, they should expect a fair amount of abuse if things don't go as well as planned. I'm not advocating personal comments of any kind, but some insults should be expected.

BTW, if people think the ballparks are rough these day, they should read the autobiographies of past players and coaches. I remember reading the one about Leo Durocher ("Nice Guys Finish Last"), and the stuff he related back in the far past with the New York Yankees, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants and later with the Cubs make a lot of this stuff look like kindergarten by comparison. Of course, Leo gave as good as he got - which is a good way for players to deal with this stuff today.

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

i remember 2 just this week tha went by Lee....

But I do agree that his height advantage can make a scoop throw for some, an easy looking catch for Lee, as well as throws above his head. Not sure about 10 inches though, I don't know his wingspan, but supposedly he only has 2 inches of height on Pujols by listed heights (not that those can't be wrong).

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

from his XM radio interviews, Schierholtz is still pretty involved with the team

Some other teams with offical presidents...

Angels, Astros, Athletics, Blue Jays, Cardials, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Giants, Indians, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, Yankees, Red Sox,  Nationals, Padres (okay, now I'm bored looking)...

some are baseball folks, some are business folks...some are probably just figure heads or part owners

McPhail was the team president for most of those years with a GM below him, other than when he stepped in for Lynch...

but I don't know what the plan is for Kenney going forward...

Best sign yet the season is over: The Cubs are leading in the bottom of the 8th and Parachat is empty.

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

If you're referring to the Court of Appeals decision, that would be the judicial branch. Personally, I don't expect anyone in the legislative branch to show evidence of having any sack at any time in the near future. Most legislators' 'sack' is removed in a secret initiation ceremony prior to being allowed to take their seat.

Not counting tonight's game. Bradley against righties: .235.399.389 DeRosa against righties: .244.323.395 Man, if we had just kept DeRosa we'd all be ordering our NL Central Champion caps now.

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

DB, many small brained people have been arguing that DeRosa was better against righties than Bradley. That's not the case. As to the runs scored - well, figure that one out. If you're on base 39% of the time, it's not your fault you're not scoring runs. As to the RBIs, you just said yesterday that you didn't think Bradley was supposed to be a big RBI man, but now you're pointing it out? Why is that? DeRosa has come to the plate with 296 people on base in front of him, 53 on third. Bradley has come to the plate with 240 people on base, only 35 of them on third. Do you think those numbers could have anything to do with the RBI gap?

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

Once again, do you follow the team? Two salient points for your irrelevant comment. First off, DeRosa played right field last year. Secondly, DeRosa was traded in part to clear room for the left handed hitting Fontainout to play second and in part to clear salary for Bradley. Have you got some sort of memory loss issue?

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

1) DeRosa played in 2008, by inning since he would move around during the game: 2B-670 innings RF-266.2 innings LF-185 inings 3B-114 innings 1B-2 innings SS-1 inning So he was the Right Fielder? Great..so we traded DeRosa for Fontenot, and cleared salary for Bradley. How's that working out?

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

TRN, agreed that this year, MB is hitting righties better. But was getting rid of DeRosa that much of an improvement? 2007: .297/.373/.437, 9 HR, 54 RBI against RHP 2008: .275/.367/.475, 16HR, 64 RBI against RHP Bradley is much better those 2 seasons against RHP, but it's not like DeRosa couldn't hit them. Perhaps a better argument was that it was a waste to get rid of DeRosa over adding Bradley's $7 million this year.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

What type of drugs are you on, and where can I get some? "Bullshit on 3 great prospects." Who called them three great prospects? None of those 3 were even in Cleveland's top 30 at the time of the trade. Except of course, the two that were in the top 30, and the third guy who's got a 2.91 ERA in A ball. The haul Cleveland got for DeRosa in June was WAY better than we got. Well, since you have no idea who we got in the trade, it's hard to understand how you made that statement.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

that's a lot of faith you're putting in prospect lists...I mean the Cubs in-between 2001-2004 had the best system in baseball. Alex Gordon was a sure-thing can't miss by everyone...on and on and on.

I understand using them as a guide to evaluate a trade, but to emphatically say Hendry failed in his trade 5 months later is...well, you know.

I'm gonna guess John Gaub is going to be in most top 10 cubs lists this year.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

If memory serves, you're the one who pointed out that he was the top rated catcher when he had a B+ ranking, I guess after the year he started out so hot in Daytona. Maybe it was someone else. Anyway, just take a look at those lists and you can see the guy, for all his good intentions and effort doesn't know what the fuck he is talking about.

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

I don't recall anything like that or any B+ ranking from Sickels for Fox. He doesn't do grade rankings mid-season as far as I recall, although he'll change them over the offseason before his book publishes. Highest Fox has ever been was a C+ and in one comment he said he's probably being generous. Maybe you're thinking Soto, which I did mention in one of my Prospect List-Mania articles and how I wasn't high on Soto before his ROY season.

As for his lists, it seem to be just as full of shit as everyone else's lists...you can find them all at Wiklfied. Maybe I'll run a comparision this offseason at some point...

No....I said I never expected him to be a big RBI guy..but that what is expected of your fifth hitter, is a big RBI guy. That being said: If they are going to hit MB second in the lineup the rest of the year, and going forward, then expectations of what he value is will change as well. I would be happy I guess with a season of .255/.390/.400 with 80 runs, 15 HR's, and 65 RBI's...if he can do that next season. MB getting on base at .390 ahead of Lee and Ramirez would be a good thing.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    they really tried to make it happen this spring, but he put up a crazy bad slash of .081/.244/.108 in 45PA.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Seconded!!!

  • crunch (view)

    another awesome spring of pitching reports.  thanks a lot, appreciated.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Here are the Cubs pitchers reports from Tuesday afternoon's Cardinals - Cubs game art Sloan Park in Mesa:

    SHOTA IMANAGA
    FB: 90-92 
    CUT: 87-89 
    SL: 82-83 
    SPLIT: 81-84
    CV: 73-74 
    COMMENT: Worked three innings plus two batters in the fourth... allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits (six singles and two doubles) walked one, and struck out six (four swinging), with a 1/2 GO/AO... he threw 73 pitches (52 strikes - 10 swing & miss - 19 foul balls)... surrendered one run in the top of the 1st on a one-out double off Cody Bellinger's glove in deep straight-away CF followed one out later by two consecutive two-out bloop singles, allowed two runs (one earned) in the 2nd after retiring the first two hitters (first batter had a nine-pitch AB with four consecutive two-strike foul balls before being retired 3 -U) on a two-out infield single (weak throw on the run by Nico Hoerner), a hard-contact line drive RBI double down the RF line, and an E-1 (missed catch) by Imanaga on what should been an inning-ending 3-1 GO, gave up another run in the 3rd on a two-out walk on a 3-2 pitch and an RBI double to LF, and two consecutive singles leading off the top of the 4th before being relieved (runners were ultimately left stranded)... threw 18 pitches in the 1st inning (14 strikes - two swing & miss, one on FB and the other on a SL - four foul balls), 24 pitches in the 2nd inning (17 strikes - three swing & miss, one on FB, two SPLIT - six foul balls), 19 pitches in the 3rd inning (13 strikes - seven swing & miss, three on SL, two on SPLIT, one on FB - three foul balls), and 12 pitches without retiring a batter in the top of the 4th (8 strikes - no swing & miss - four foul balls)... Imanaga throws a lot of pitches per inning, but it's not because he doesn't throw strikes...  if anything, he throws too many strikes (he threw 70% strikes on Tuesday)... while he gets a ton of swing & miss (and strikeouts), he also induces a lot of foul balls because he doesn't try to make hitters chase his pitches by throwing them out of the strike zone... rather, he uses his very diverse pitch mix to get swing & miss (and lots of foul balls as well)... he also is a fly ball pitcher who will give up more than his share of HR during the course of the season...   
     
    JOE NAHAS
    FB: 90-92 
    SL: 83-85 
    CV: 80-81 
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day... relieved Imanaga with runners at first and second and no outs in the top of the 4th, and after an E-2 catcher's interference committed by Miguel Amaya loaded he bases, Nahas struck out the side (one swinging & two looking)... threw 16 pitches (11 strikes - two swinging)...   

    YENCY ALMONTE
    FB: 89-92 
    CH: 86 
    SL: 79 
    COMMENT: Threw an eight-pitch 5th (five strikes - no swing & miss), with a 5-3 GO for the first out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 DP after a one-out single... command was a bit off but he worked through it...   

    FRANKIE SCALZO JR
    FB: 94-95
    CH: 88 
    SL: 83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 6th inning... got the first outs easily (a P-5 and a 4-3 GO) on just three pitches, before allowing three consecutive two-out hard-contact hits (a double and two singles), with the third hit on pitch # 9 resulting in a runner being thrown out at the plate by RF Christian Franklin for the third out of the inning... 

    MICHAEL ARIAS
    FB: 94-96
    CH: 87-89
    SL: 82-83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and allowed a hard-contact double on the third pitch of the 7th inning (a 96 MPH FB), and the runner came around to score on a 4-3 GO and a WP... gave up two other loud contact outs (an L-7 and an F-9)... threw 18 pitches (only 10 strikes - only one swing & miss)... stuff is electric but still very raw and he continues to have difficulty commanding it, and while he has the repertoire of a SP, he throws too many pitches-per-inning to be a SP and not enough strikes to be a closer... he is most definitely still a work-in-progress...   

    ZAC LEIGH: 
    FB: 93-94 
    CH: 89 
    SL: 81-83 
    CV: 78
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and tossed a 1-2-3 8th (4-3 GO, K-swinging on a sweeper, K-looking on another sweeper)... threw 14 pitches (11 strikes - one swing & miss - eight foul balls)... kept pumping pitches into the strike zone but had difficulty putting hitters away (ergo a ton of foul balls)... FB velo is nowhere near the 96-98 MPH it was a couple of years ago when he was a Top 30 prospect, but his secondaries are better...   

    JOSE ROMERO:  
    FB: 93-95
    SL: 82-84
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 9th (14 pitches - only six strikes- no swing & miss) and allowed a solo HR after two near-HR fly outs to the warning track, before getting a 3-1 GO to end the inning... it was like batting practice when he wasn't throwing pitches out of the strike zone...

  • crunch (view)

    pablo sandoval played 3rd and got a couple ABs (strikeout, single!) in the OAK@SF "exhibition"

    mlb officially authenticated the ball of the single he hit.  nice.

    he's in surprisingly good shape considering his poor body condition in his last playing seasons.  he's not lean, but he looks healthier.  good for him.

  • crunch (view)

    dbacks are signing j.montgomery to a 1/25m with a vesting 20m player option.

    i dunno when the ink officially dries, but i believe if he signs once the season begins he can't be offered a QO...and i'm not sure if that thing with SD/LAD in korea was the season beginning, either.

  • crunch (view)

    sut says imanaga getting the home opener at wrigley (game 4 of the season).

  • crunch (view)

    cubs rolling out the who's who of "who the hell is this guy?" in the last spring game.

  • videographer (view)

    AZ Phil, speaking of Jordan Wicks having better command when he tires a bit, I remember reading about Dennis Lamp 40 years ago and his sinker that was better after 3 or 4 innings when he would tire a bit and get more sink with a little less speed on the pitch.  The key for Lamp was getting to the 4th inning.