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

Lou Names 2010 Closer

According to Lou Piniella's comments before the game, Carlos Marmol will be the closer in 2010.

"I see that, yes," Piniella said Monday. "I really do. I think he's done enough and shown enough. We have confidence in him enough going into spring training next year. It's his job. We'll leave it just at that."

Short-term memory loss is becoming a problem for our manager, who just on Saturday had this to say about his future 2010 closer.

"You know, you just can't keep walking people like that late in the game," said Cubs manager Lou Piniella, whose team fell to 72-68 as its four-game winning streak ended. "It catches up to you. And it did today.

"With Marmol, it's the walks. This young man wants to be a closer. And that's OK. But you've got to have command. If you don't have command, you can't close."

Ah Lou, your slow descent into whatever PC term I should use for you forgetting things is either going to be highly entertaining or very, very sad.

Considering the Cubs abundance of problems and likely rigid budget constraints, it's probably best they stay away from the free agent closing market that includes Mike Gonzalez, Billy Wagner, Trevor Hoffman, Jose Valverde and Fernando Rodney.

Comments

Sullivan opines in the Trib that according to the always-elusive "sources," the Cubs will shop Zambrano this offseason. I'd support that. Cubs could use the salary relief, they'd be dealing from strength (starting pitching depth) and big-market teams are always looking for another arm. To the Dodgers for Matt Kemp and a nice prospect? As for the 2010 bullpen, here is a floater: Bradley to the Indians in exchange for the prodigal Cub, Kerry Wood? Contracts would be a wash, Bradley began as an Indian and clearly has more value to an American league team. Wood has not been good, but he's been healthy for another year and is no longer young, so the "protect his career" argument no longer has meaning. So....trade Z, get rid of Bradley, and make Wood a starter once more? Why not? My other brain fart is to offer Fukudome to Seattle for the oft-injured Erik Bedard. I'd have to believe Dome would love the chance to play with Ichiro and Johjima and would waive his NTC. Bedard is a disappointment, but he sure has talent. And no more Cubs with the first name "Aaron" in 2010, please.

[ ]

In reply to by Jim Hickmans Bat

Sullivan's 'source' was likely Rosenthal's idle speculation the other day. I think it would be a good idea to very quietly gauge interest in Zambrano. My suspicion is that it will be minimal. He's got a NTC so he's not going to the American league. The Dodgers could probably afford him, what do you think about Juan Pierre in return? Not sure I get the "Bradley clearly has more value to an American league team' bit, because he's a pretty good outfielder. The reason the Indian's traded Bradley is they didn't like his attitude. The Giants would seem like a better fit. Then we would have the wonderful defense of Hoffpauir/Fox in right field, which would make you pine for Bradley's return.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

I wish there were another way to deal with Zambrano. What happens when he's traded and the team that acquires him actually gets him focused on pitching and doing his job? He has a ton of talent; Maybe he just needs a manager who will kick him in the nuts and tell him to shut up. Somehow Zambrano needs to get the message that it's not about him. Same for Bradley. I always looked back at Lou's incident with... was it Rob Dibble or something? and thought it was really unprofessional, but maybe some of these guys need a hard ass once in a while. Of course at this stage in his life I would advise Lou against getting into a fist fight with Carlos Zambrano. That's a fight he's likely to lose.

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In reply to by Ryno

"What happens when he's traded and the team that acquires him actually gets him focused on pitching and doing his job?" They'll have a player earning his salary. Ideally we would get an under performing asset back and get him to earn his salary, and also have a little money to spend elsewhere.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

unless the Cubs take on another contract or offer major salary relief, the only possible stops for Z are:

both LA's, NY Mets (don't think Yanks need another high salary pitcher, but you never know), Red Sox,  and never count out the White Sox to try and make a splash.  I don't know how Ozzie and Z get along, but they have the Venezuela connection. Peavy for Z?

I guess I could see Philly or Houston being on the outskirts of a deal, but I don't see much else out there. And chances are, Z will only approve a deal to the NL of course.

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In reply to by Jim Hickmans Bat

there's no way in hell Bradley is going back to Cleveland unless there's a regime change...

And I guess we could trade Fukudome to Bedard, but that would seem like bad business since Bedard is a FA coming off surgery this offseason.

I'm all for trading Z for something of value, problem is once you commit $16M+ a year to any deal, you're probably going to have to cough some salary relief or take on another bad contract. I'd probably try Lilly and/or Dempster first.

Derrek Lee forgot how many outs there were in the top of the 7th last night. I am eagerly looking forward to the boo birds down the first base line with their 'Outs in the inning' sign for him.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

Derrek Lee has been here 6 seasons, is generally considered a good guy in the clubhouse and on the field, and is having a very good season at the plate. Sure...just like Milton "The Real Neal's Savior" Bradley. Minus the tenure, reputation, or stats...except for OBP of course.

Theoretically the team can get better through trades, Rule 5 and its own system, and the Cubs will probably need all of those plus a free agent signing to get the bullpen fixed. No amount of money will fix our offense; either the guys we have are improved or we're sunk. At least the Cubs in theory have some tradeable pieces, most notably Jake Fox since he seems to have no future (not to mention present) here. Soto's another possibility if the Cubs are as high on Castillo as some other people seem to be. This team is already married to a lot of overpriced if useful guys for 2010, but I think there's enough wiggle room for a smart and creative organization to be highly competitive. I wonder how the Cubs will handle that.

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In reply to by Ryno

$3 million one year $4.2 million three years. Hendry should just offer him arbitration and be happy to get him for a year or get draft picks - one of these years hopefully Hendry will figure this whole 'arbitration' thing out. Right now it obviously just confuses him.

How about that Sam Fuld, huh? He's exhibit A why you don't need to spend money for guys like Freel and Gaithright.

"Maybe if I go to a different city next year," he said Monday, "if I get traded, I can do what I want." sounds like Z doesn't want to leave. heh... there's a lot more to Z in that clubhouse than we're being told...and a lot more to bradley and Z...

That's more of Real Neal's clever sarcasm aimed at the Bradley-doesn't-drive-in-runs haters, I'm guessing.

[ ]

In reply to by navigator

not sure if anyone called him a great outfielder, but BP has him at 6 runs above average in RF this year and 17 above replacement. UZR has him slightly below average. Don't have access to Fielding Bible in-season numbers...

Personally, I think he's perfectly average out there.

Do you really want to give up on Z at age 28? I personally think it would be a historically dumb move if they did. You are not going to get any decent talent back from him because of his contract and all you do is weaken the team next year. You want a major league ready talent for Zambrano? I hear Magglio Ordonez is going to hit his bench marks and get his 18 million next year. The Tigers would gladly swap out their 40 RBI OFer for Zambrano. Together we can spend over 28 million to get 80 RBI from RF. I say go for it.

2010 Schedule Released. Some highlights: Season Opener at Atlanta on 4/5 Home Opener vs. Brewers 4/12 Interleague: at Texas and Seattle, Home vs Angels and As. Both White Sox Series are on weekends again. 6 September games against St. Louis, 3 against Milwaukee. Season ends with a 7 game roadtrip to San Diego and Houston.

Cubs trying to make HoHoKam still work, asking for improvements. http://muskat.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/09/915_looking_ahead.html --- I think CM has jumble-troned the story. She might have provided a link to my article and called it a day. Paragraph Construction Police -- She should have put this sentence in a separate paragraph instead of the middle of the paragraph between two Arizona related sentences: Ricketts, the Cubs' incoming owner, also has reportedly toured Fenway Park to see how the ballpark handles a video scoreboard. --- Clearly Ricketts/Kenney are making the grand tour. Can we expect a Dominican, Venezuelan, Australia or Far East visit next?

from Aaron Gleeman which I have to agree with... Plus, he's simply no longer a No. 1 starter. During his first four full seasons in the Cubs' rotation Zambrano went 59-32 with a 3.14 ERA, but over the past three seasons he has ERAs of 3.95, 3.91, and 3.77. His strikeout rate has declined, his walk rate hasn't improved, and he's no longer an extreme ground-ball pitcher. He's just not an $18 million pitcher at this point, let alone an $18 million pitcher worth giving up legitimate prospects to acquire. http://bases.nbcsports.com/2009/09/report-cubs-plan-on-shopping-carlos-…

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In reply to by VirginiaPhil

so for 4-5 years with Rothschild, Z was great, but then suddenly his instruction ruined him? This is your theory?

Besides Wuertz for an incomplete season, is anyone doing noticebaly better w/o Rothschild?  Hasn't the story with Marmol this season been that he hasn't listened to coaching, refusing to alter his arm angle?

Lilly, Dempster, M. Clement, Guzman, Wells?

I'd take Dave Duncan over him, but otherwise it's probably just shuffling deck chairs with anyone else.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Jason Marquis's stats will make you cry. I was as much a fan of getting rid of him as anyone, but he has taken the ball every time out and had a really good year for Colorado (15-11, 3.78 ERA, 29 starts). His 195 IP dwarfs anything a Cub pitcher has done. Wuertz's WHIP over 70 IP is 1.014. He's 6-1 with a 2.96 ERA. Those two and DeRosa would have really made a difference. I am of the official view that every move made by Hendry since about June of last year has been a disaster, with the possible exception of signing Jeff Baker off the scrap heap is desperation. Bradley (OPS+ of 102) has been awful; Gregg, Heilman, Miles and Gathright have been worse.

[ ]

In reply to by dcf

Marquis hasn't done anything different other than walk one less batter per nine innings. And have a much better defense behind him. I'm sure there's some defensive stat that says otherwise, but when you have Tulo and Barmes mostly playing SS/2b behind him compared to Theriot and DeRosa/Fontentot, I think that can be a huge difference for a sinkerballer (Helton's no slouch either).  Stewart/Atkins versus Ramirez is probably a wash...

Anyway, he's having a nice year, he had one in 2004 too, better to be lucky than good. Guys with 4.5 K/9 rates just don't sustain it.

Wuertz has been fantastic, but I thought he was pretty good as a Cub besides some bouts with inconsistency. If anything, the A's put more trust into him than the Cubs ever did.

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In reply to by Rob G.

What does Lilly have to do with Rothschild? He was 31 when he came to the Cubs. I'm talking about young pitchers. Dempster was 27 and had pitched for three teams, i.e., three ML pitching coaches. Clement was 27, had pitched for two teams, and had a losing record (35-36) with the Cubs. Guzman and Wells are just up from the minors this year. Simple question: do Marmol and Zambrano look like they've been around a competent pitching coach recently? Even if I'm wrong, there's a big risk in trading Zambrano, and not much risk at all in changing coaches. Will Lilly start having problems when LR is gone?

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In reply to by VirginiaPhil

Clement was 27, had pitched for two teams, and had a losing record (35-36) with the Cubs

alright, I mean, okay, um....well that's some neat analysis

but if I coul try and zero your target here, the only way Rothschild could be considered a good pitching coach is if a player came up from the Cubs minors, untouched by the claw of any other major league pitching coach and said player improved steadily year in and year out w/o ever taking a step back? your right, I'm not sure I could hit that one...think I'd have better luck hitting a 2M gap on a trench of the Death Star with my X-wing fighter.

do Marmol and Zambrano look like they've been around a competent pitching coach recently?

Z looks like stubborn mule that doesn't listen to anyone these days, the part where I said Marmol has been asked to work on his arm angle by Larry was not made up. I belive I heard it at least 3-4 times on a broadcast and maybe once in a Muskat column. I know our resident pitching guru Wes has heard and made the same observation.

 

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In reply to by Rob G.

Zambrano has had arm-angle problems for eight years. They never go away. I guess you could say that Zambrano and Marmol have chronic problems with their arm angle. If you had a plumber who couldn't fix a leak in eight years, would you try a different one?

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In reply to by VirginiaPhil

Do you ever believe that players actually have any responsibility for their bad performances? You seem to praise players are who are good, and bash coaches when the players struggle. You never question whether or not the player refuses to make changes. And you never consider that a good player may have been helped by a coach. As for Z and Marmol... both are notorious for being stubborn asses who often choose to not listen to the coaching staff.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

My problem with Rothschild is that younger pitchers do listen to him. Someone who coaches eight years should have one success story, don't you think? Nothing fancy, just a promising young pitcher who who fulfills that promise, whether great or not-so-great. Wuertz studied under Rothschild for five years and never attained the role of setup man, which he was certainly expected to do. Marmol has made it to closer now, but he issues a walk per inning and has hit 12 batters in 68.2 innings. Last year he walked a hitter every other inning. Is he getting better or worse? Anybody else, or are they all bad apples?

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In reply to by Rob G.

You're not going to have much of a team to field if you want to chuck out all the self-absorbed a-holes. Keep Z. Get either Dave Duncan or Orel Herscheiser here to straigten his ass out. This is where Henry Blanco's absence is most apparent. I could see Zambrano playing for Milwaukee where he can run amok, enjoying his pitcher's mound and clubhouse he likes so much. Chicago-based teams are so easily sidetracked by the bullshit, TMZ-style of reporting that passes for sports coverage here. We need to get rid of these gossipy nellies that plague our sports/celebrity media. And for out teams to rise above the nonsense.

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In reply to by crunch

I work in a leaky basement (and am compensated with no health benefits and yearly pay well below the national median), but it doesn't keep me from doing my job. TCR and my incompetence do that. Seriously, though, how shitty is the home clubhouse? Shitty as in not quite 5 stars like every other, or shitty as in I hope our insurance covers hepatitis and jungle rot? Because I for one could care less unless a fairly concrete argument can be made regarding significant effect of conditions on player performance. They are handsomely compensated for playing baseball, so I don't care much whether they think the clubhouse is a good hangout or not.

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In reply to by Charlie

i've never been in it, but ive been told by former players that the AAA/AA clubhouses they're in have more room and in some cases are easily nicer. room is at a premium there and they go on the road seeing the perks of new buildings...that's one of the main issues. they go on the road and see fancy digs in visitor's clubhouses better than their own...i can't even imagine what someone coming from COL or SD thinks of the CHC visitor's clubhouse. the visitor's clubhouse i've heard described as a highschool lockerroom. -edit- and here's a picture of it... (visitor's clubhouse) http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/860807272_ac19e328f7.jpg that's smaller than i imagined, really...damn.

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In reply to by Charlie

I took a Wrigley tour last month and the home clubhouse is very nice. I think it's more of a case of the newer parks have absolutely gigantic clubhouses with more lavish shit in them than Wrigley. I will admit the visitors clubhouse at Wrigley is the size of a glove box, and the tour spokesperson said it was the original clubhouse from when the park was built, never expanded. More realistically the visitors clubhouse looked about the size of a school bus. Then put 25 players and 5-6 coaches in there to dress and wait out rain delays and you can see why they get so cranky.

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In reply to by Paul Noce

The home clubhouse is "nicer" than the visitors' (which is small and a shithold), but it looks a lot better when no one's in it. When the team is in there with clubhouse staff and media, no one's going to confuse it with a top-notch one. There are a couple of closed-off areas I've never seen, but I can't imagine they're particularly nice. If a player in inclined to not enjoy being on a team because of the clubhouse, Wrigley won't change his mind. The media room is a shithole located in a hallway next to grounds crew equipment. Would be interesting to see what, if anything, they could do with these areas if it was feasible. Not sure if it is given the way things are constructed.

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In reply to by Rob G.

when it comes to why people hate playing wrigley...it dont have jack to do with the city, the people, the fans, the food...it's getting to and from the park, day games, and the clubhouse. i'm sure some may hate the ivy and i know at least 1 pitcher who hated having to sit on the field's "bullpen". there's a lot going for it and a lot going against it...probably depends on the exact question asked or if it was one of those "like, strongly like, dislike, strongly..." etc etc

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In reply to by crunch

Seriously, though, Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time. No no seriously, I would be okay with a complete overhaul. They can rebuild around the field (which is nearly new), bricks and scoreboard. The vintage concourse is nice, but if they renovate it I wouldn't be too heartbroken.

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In reply to by Charlie

One of the things I like about this place is no politics. But as a dude who voted for Gerald Ford for some reason, what the fuck is it with this current crop of Republicans and their boorish behavior? They make the beer spiller seem like a civilized dude.

I'm pretty excited about tonight's game. Brewers vs. Cubs. Late in the season. Wow. Will Jake Fox get a shot to play somewhere? Will the Brewers do the bowling pin thing if Prince Fielder hits a home run? So much to look forward to. On second thought, there must be some nice show on WB to watch tonight.

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In reply to by crunch

Okay, thanks crunch. Now, I know you guys have probably discussed this Lou fascination with Scales in left to death. What was the conclusion on theories? There has to be some rational explanation out here. I'm not a Scales hater by any means, but, he's an infielder for God's sake. And he doesn't have enough power to fool other GMs into thinking he's another DeRosa. Please help.

sam fuld's unibrow reporting from the game with a hand cast on...might be a while, if at all this season, until we see him again. thank god for bobby scales.

speaking of scales, he's a terrible baserunner... doubled to RF to set up 2nd/3rd, Z hits one to slightly right center for sac fly, but you can see Cameron had to catch it with his back to third and he didn't tag. Fontenot still scored but he should be at 3b. He screwed up a contact play last week as well where he didn't run to third with the infield in and you know the runner was going home. Grounder to short, runner takes off for home, but he didn't take off for third...

Classic Z: 2 outs, nobody on, pitcher up. Pitcher gets a hit, then the fun begins, and stops 5 runs later. To call him a mental midget would be to overestimate his height. Another breathtaking story to follow the next few weeks -- will Bradley wind up below the Mendoza line with RISP? If he does, it sure as hell won't be his fault.

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In reply to by Rob G.

Boy do I hope that Schlitter makes it to the big leagues. Then we can look forward to post titles after blown save opportunities like, "Schlitter Schlits the Bed," "Schlitter Schlat Himself," and "After Devastating Loss, Schlitter Considers Schlitting Wrists." Does anybody know much about his repertoire? I for one hope that Schlitter Schlings Schliders.

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In reply to by Rob G.

Schlitter had 6 blown saves (to go with 22 saves) during the season, including a big one on August 20th--he was handed a 4-run lead--that halted a winning streak and sent the team into a brief tailspin in the middle of a playoff chase. The next day, August 21st, they called up David Cales, who had 14 saves and lights-out numbers at Daytona. Cales is two years younger and a better prospect. At that point, though, Schlitter started a scoreless streak that lasted through seven league games and three playoff games, and ended last night.

assuming Giants hold on... Cubs move to 5.5 in WC, still in 5th place though as everyone but Rox win. 8.5 behind Cardinals. I believe if everything goes against Cubs rest of the way, the Cards can only clinch tie this weekend. In fairytale land, if everything goes for the Cubs through the weekend, they could move within 4 behind Cardinals.

Miles calls Z a knucklehead --- As a variation on the intentional walk, when Aaron Miles pinch hits in the 6th can't we just go ahead and make it an intentional GO 4-3 and skip the charade of pitching to him. Does Lou always have to use Miles as his first pinch hitter? Miles looks worn out, maybe he should be rested a few games.

anyone listen to the postgame interview with Zambrano? Paul Sullivan started pressing Z if he would waive his no trade clause, asking him if he had heard the rumors that the Cubs would trade him in the offseason. He asked about waiving the NT repeatedly when Z wasn't answering directly. Z said something to the effect, are you the GM? Then he said if the Cubs want to trade me it's because they don't want me. As Sullivan got peskier about this Z just ended the postgame stuff saying, "Enough" Sometimes I think the reporters do this shit just to see how far they can push people. I hate them when they play that game. On the other hand, I would love to see Z ask Sullivan, "Have you ever heard the song, Short People Got No Reason to Live"? C'mon, sing after me... Either that or a cage death match between Sullivan and Fontenot

[ ]

In reply to by Cubster

speaking of Sullivan...

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2009/09/p…

Q. I was at Wrigley with my daughter for second and third games of the Nats series. So I got to see Bradley engage in what Lou Piniella calls "Muppet talk" after his big homer. Then the next day before the game I caught you on the field and asked you about the meaning of "Muppet talk." You told me, “Hey, I don’t interpret it. I just report it.” Come on, Paul. You are there every day for free. I can only afford the $500 once a year. Plus, you are smarter than your faux humility suggests. I, and all the other fans who can’t get out to the unfriendly confines, want to know. How should we understand “Muppet talk”? Bob Sigler, Omaha

Answer:  Sorry, but I generally don’t do a live version of “Ask Paul” at Wrigley, which is why I probably blew you off. Now that you’ve asked in the proper venue, I can tell you it all depends on which Muppet Milton is impersonating. If it’s Oscar the Grouch, it can mean one thing. If it’s Kermit, it can be something completely different. Remember that Lou Piniella was the one who christened it Muppet talk, not Milton. I prefer to think of it as his Garfield Goose impression, but that may be dating me.

Paul's too good to answer your in-person questions, please only engage him in the "proper venue". That's some douchebaggery.

hat tip to WV23 for the find...

 

actually it doesn't look like Carlos Beltran had the microfracture surgery on his knee...they were sending him for multiple opinions including a Dr Stedman in Colorado who is supposedly the microfracture guru but I can't find any article saying he had any knee surgery this year. http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090629&content_id=56… and this from the mets mlb site: Beltran, on the disabled list since June 22 with a bone bruise below his right knee, is still a few weeks from returning. Beltran has been resting these past two weeks, riding a bike and jogging in the pool for exercise. At least they didn't keep trotting Beltran out there all season with a gimpy knee.

here's Sullivan's take on the postgame session with Z: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-16-cubs-brewers-… Afterward, Zambrano was in no mood to discuss a Tribune report that the Cubs plan to ask him to waive his no-trade clause and shop him this off-season. After initially contacting the Tribune about the report, Zambrano's agent, Barry Praver, declined to comment, as did the Cubs. "Why, are you guys our general manager now?" he said. "I don't care. If the Cubs want to trade me, it's because they don't like me anymore. I have to move on. What else can I do? I just move on." Zambrano added he doesn't want to waive his no-trade rights, then left, saying: "That's enough."

and earlier in the article he said Z threw Bobby Scales under the bus... But Zambrano's histrionics overshadowed everything. During the five-run fifth, he showed up outfielder Bobby Scales by making faces and waving his hands when Scales didn't throw home on Ryan Braun's run-scoring single. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild came out to calm down Zambrano, but the pitcher made no eye contact during the visit.

[ ]

In reply to by Cubster

well Scales deserved some showing up on that, I watched that play and had no idea wtf Scales was doing there...

he got to the ball just as Hart (I think it was Hart) was rounding to third and it was hardly deep in LF. Now he probably doesn't have the arm to get him, but he sort of faked a throw and then went to second base. It didn't look like he juggled the ball or anything, just decided he wasn't going to risk the throw for whatever dumb reason.

all I can say is that it was pretty obvious that... after Z had a melt down inning, blew a 4 run lead, didn't get a decision and threw 39 pitches in the 5th to run his pitch count over 100... you would understand that asking him about some moronic rumor without a real source, started probably by some reporter just because it's a boring job and they need to fill up their sunday article with any shit they can concoct (wrongway phil rogers?), so why not conjure up something about Z being traded in the offseason and since he has a NTC to get traded would he drop his no trade clause... then ask the question as if it were from an important/definitive source (ala Hendry/Piniella) at exactly that ugly performance moment post-game... Sullivan would be risking getting the Michael Barrett right in the grille treatment from Z. I honestly think Z did a remarkable job of showing restraint.

Screw Zambrano, I'm really tired of his act. He might be no more than the 3rd best starter on this team, who needs his shit? On a more positive note, the Cubs are a totally different team when the 2008-version of Geo Soto shows up to play. This kid makes all the difference for the Cubs offense, they desperately need that 3rd run-producing bat, and when Soto brings it, they score runs. Me like. So the question is....does Soto need his security blanket (Blanco) back in the dugout next year? Henry's playing days are nearing an end, but I could swear I remember reading that he wants to coach once he retires. Surely the Cubs could spare a spot on the bench for him, or make him the bullpen coach or something, if that's what it takes to bring out the best in Soto.

Cubs' playoff probability is at 2.8% this morning. At this point, although in the category of a forlorn hope, I think we want the Cardinals to win against the other wild card teams (which of course they did not do last night), rather than lose and possibly come back to the Cubs in the division race.

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In reply to by dcf

Don't abandon all hope yet, the 75-68 Cubs are only 4 games back in the all-important-loss-column. The plan: Just stop losing. LOSSES 1.Colorado 64 2.San Francisco 66 3.Florida 68 4.Atlanta 68 5.Chicago 68 After the Marlins lose to the Cardinals and Colorado loses to the Giants tonite, the standings will look like this 1.Colorado 65 2.San Francisco 66 3.Atlanta 68 4.Chicago 68 5.Florida 69

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In reply to by navigator

Note to Cubs: avoid losing. Colorado has one game left against the Giants. They also play St Louis 3 times at home and the Dodgers 4 times on the road. The Cubs get a shot at the Giants (4 games) at the end of the upcoming 10 game road trip. The Giants also play the Dodgers 6 times (3 home, 3 away). The other two series on the 10 game trip are 3 game sets against the Cardinals and Brewers. The Marlins have one more against the Cardinals, and 6 against the Phillies (3 home, 3 away) and 3 at Atlanta. The Braves play the Cardinals 3 times on the road, the Phillies 3 times at home and the Marlins 3 times at home. We root for the Dodgers, Phillies and Cardinals to win against the other wild card teams. After the Giants beat the Rockies tonight, we hope they lose.

[ ]

In reply to by dcf

It still seems like a ridiculous long shot, but admittedly things do look a lot better than they did going into Sunday. Basically the Cubs still have to go 13-5 minimum the rest of the way and get a lot of help. With the Cardinals and Giants still in the way that sounds borderline impossible. The obvious part is that we have to get fat on the Brewers, DBags and Pirates.

the Cards do play the Rockies in Colorado next week...gotta figure we're rooting for an avalanche destroying both clubs...then we just have to beat the Giants in SF (I'm banking on earthquake, just before the Cubs flight leaves from Stl) ...then we're going fishing and scalping

from that sun-times link above... Rookie outfielder Sam Fuld got good news Tuesday when an MRI exam revealed no ligament damage or break in the thumb he jammed on his highlight-reel, diving catch Monday night. The Cubs are calling it a strained thumb, which is expected to sideline Fuld for about a week. --- In the postgame the reporters asked Lou about Fuld and Lou couldn't remember the medical term for his thumb injury so they all laughed when Sullivan suggested the term was "a puffy thumb" I think the term the medical staff used was a "gamekeeper's thumb" which is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb MCP (metacarpal-phalangeal joint). It gets it's name from gamekeepers who had to break the necks of fowl that hunters had shot but not quite killed. The repetitive pinch force would injure that specific ligament. It's a common injury from ski pole accidents too. When the ligament is completely torn it can tuck under the extensor tendon sheath blocking it from healing properly to the other side of the joint (so when that happens it needs surgery to repair it). If not treated it leads to an unstable and chronically painful joint when using the thumb for side pinch against the index finger. Fortunately the MRI seems to indicate that's not what happened to Sam Fuld's thumb or at least it's a minimal sprain of that ligament. As long as it's sore it might make it tough to grip a bat effectively...hence expecting him to be out at least a week seems reasonable. It's a pretty easy area to reinforce/protect with taping techniques. anatomy drawings of Gamekeeper's Thumb injury: http://www.eorthopod.com/images/ContentImages/hand/hand_ulnar_collatera… http://www.eorthopod.com/images/ContentImages/hand/hand_ulnar_collatera…

Question: How many times did Drew Barrymore blurt out, "I LOVE CHICAGO" during her stint with BB and Len? Get the answer correct, and you get a date with one of the 7 roller derby beauties that sang the 7th. I REALLY liked the one with tats all over her arm... (voting for no more singing for those plugging a movie, unless it's a Beyonce video)

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

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

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Seconded!!!

  • crunch (view)

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

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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.