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

The Candy Man Can Do

Jeimer Candelario singled and doubled and knocked-in a run, helping the Cubs defeat the Angels 3-1 in AZ Instructional League action this afternoon at Diablo Park Field #3 in Tempe.  

A 17-year old switch-hitting corner infielder who was born in New York City and raised in the Dominican Republic, Candelario has had an impressive Instructs so far, hitting 298/366/459 while playing mostly 3B and occasionally 1B (as he did today).

Signed by the Cubs for a reported $500K bonus during the International Signing Period in 2010, Candelario had a smashing pro debut, hitting 337/443/478 for DSL Cubs #2 during the 2011 regular season (he ended up tied for second in the league in both walks and RBI, and was 4th in OPS, 5th in doubles, 6th in OBP, and 7th in batting average), and while it’s not likely, it’s also not totally out of the realm of possibility that he could open the 2012 season at Peoria.

Candelario is an advanced hitter, especially from the left side. He has a large frame that could eventually translate to plus-HR power as he fills out. He already has plus bat speed from the left-side, with solid gap power. The only question is if he has the glove to play 3B, or if he might have to move to another corner (1B, LF, or RF) somewhere down the line.

With Candelario playing 1B, 16-year old switch-hitting Venezuelan bonus baby Mark Malave saw his first action at 3B.

A 6’3 wide-body who received a reported $1.6M signing bonus at the start of the International Signing Period this past July (and who probably would have been a highly-sought after HS recruit as an offensive tackle had he grown up in the U. S.), Malave will likely get playing time at C-1B-3B over the next few years while the Cubs figure out if he can remain a catcher and/or if he has the bat needed to play corner infield. He has raw power and a good eye at the plate right now (although inability to make consistent contact is an issue), and even if he remains a catcher, having the versatility to play 1B & 3B will come in handy on days he is not catching.

Here is the abridged box score (Cubs players only):

LINEUP:
1. Rubi Silva, 2B-DH: 1-4 (1B, 2-U, 3-U, F-7, R, RBI)
2. Danny Lockhart, SS: 1-4 (2B, 3-U, 1-3, K, R)
3. Jeimer Candelario, 1B: 2-4 (4-3, 2B, F-9, 1B, RBI)
4. Dan Vogelbach, DH #1: 1-4 (2B, K, P-5, 3-U, RBI)
5. Jeffrey Baez, DH #2: 0-4 (K, 5-3, 6-3, 5-3)
6. Mark Malave, 3B: 0-3 (K, 4-3, 6-3)
7. Shawon Dunston, Jr, LF: 0-3 (4-3, 3-U, 4-3)
8. Neftali Rosario, C: 0-3 (K, F-9, K)
9. Garrett Schlecht, RF: 1-2 (BB, 1B, L-5, R)
10. Trey Martin, CF: 1-2 (4-3, 1B, BB, SB)
11a. SLOT WAS SKIPPED 1ST TWO TIMES THRU BATTING ORDER
11b. Carlos Penalver, 2B: 0-1 (K)

PITCHERS:
1. Luis Liria: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 20 pitches (13 strikes), 4/2 GO/FO
2. Austin Reed: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K, 32 pitches (22 strikes), 0/2 GO/FO
3. Tayler Scott: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 32 pitches (24 strikes), 4/1 GO/FO
4. Starling Peralta: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 GIDP, 31 pitches (19 strikes), 3/0 GO/FO
5. Jose Arias: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 12 pitches (11 strikes), 1/0 GO/FO

ERRORS: 1
P Starling Peralta - E-1 (throwing error on sacrifice bunt attempt allowed batter to reach base safely)

CATCHERS DEFENSE
Neftali Rosario: 0-3 CS, 1 PB

ATTENDANCE: 18

WEATHER: Sunny with a gentle breeze and temperatures in the 90’s

Comments

Az Phil: can we get some color on Vogelbomb's double? and Arias' 12 pitch inning?

[ ]

In reply to by Cubster

Submitted by Cubster on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 5:35pm. Az Phil: can we get some color on Vogelbomb's double? ============================================ CUBSTER: Took an outside pitch to the opposite-field, smoking a line-drive laser into the left-center alley. It was all he could to keep from trying to stretch it into a triple.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

Submitted by The Real Neal on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 5:37pm. If Candelario not a US citizen? If so, shouldn't have been draft eligible? ============================= REAL NEAL: RHP Tayler Scott was born in South Africa and his parents moved to the U. S. (Scottsdale, AZ) when Tayler was in HS so he could work with Pitching Guru Tom House. Tayler Scott WAS eligible for selection in the Rule 4 Draft and could not be signed as an "International" player. Albert Pujols was born in the Dominican Republic but attended HS and JC in the U. S. (Missouri), so he was not considered an "International" player and was eligible for selection in the June Draft. Jeimer Candelario (and fellow Cub minor leaguer RHP Jose Rosario, too) were born in New York City but moved to the Dominican Republic as children and did not attend HS in the U. S., so they were considered "International" players as far as MLB Rule 4 is concerned. Where there would be a problem is if a top U. S. HS baseball prospect is moved by his parents somewhere outside the Rule 4 Draft limits (that is, outside the U. S. or Canada)--sort of the opposite of what happened with Tayler Scott--to avoid the Rule 4 Draft and so he can sign when he is 16. If that were to happen (and I think Bryce Harper had actually considered trying that prior to going the GED-to-JC route), the MLB Commissioner would probably say that the player cannot avoid the Rule 4 Draft. And then there probably would be litigation.

j.verlander threw 133 pitches tonight...the world weeps...his 133rd was 100mph. his arm was supposed to fall apart after 2009.

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In reply to by Charlie

leverage is an illusion...florida had all the leverage and gave up 2 guys they didn't want to lose even if was off-seasons for the kids. everyone knew getting involved that something would have to be given up...to change that assumption mid-game would be a dick move. but yeah, they should play as much hardball with negotiations as it takes. i hope it doesn't cost talent the cubs could have used to snag a 3rd/RF/SP/1st...amongst other real needs of the team. theo's neat and all, but he's far from immune from bad moves.

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In reply to by Charlie

funny, all the Boston folks think they have all the leverage. the truth probably lies in the middle. while they certainly probably don't want to have to deal with Epstein as a lame duck GM and the circus that would certainly occur if he came back, they do have him under contract for a season and are under no obligation to let him go. on the other hand, the Cubs having to explain why they couldn't close the deal on Epstein would be its own circus and then having to settle on the ugly step sister for GM would be its own issue. it'll get done...

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In reply to by Rob G.

"Jackson, Jackson and Cashner sounds good." "Sounds good for what, our three Rookie of the Year candidates?" "Well, you are getting the GM who breaks curses, I guess just Brett Jackson and Cashner so Theo has something to work with." "How about $65K and we draft someone for you in the Rule V?" etc, etc.

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In reply to by Rob G.

I feel Theo is a game-changer, an impact performer as GM. If not the top performer at his job, then certainly in the team photo. What he can bring to the organization is worth money and players. Personally, Boston could have anyone (ideally 2 players only) except Castro and Garza. I have to agree with Rob G. that the current Cubs system doesn't have any potential stars/superstars from the 2010 draft and prior. Sure, I would prefer to keep B. Jax and McNutt but I wouldn't let that stop this deal. Look, like him or hate him Ricketts swung for the fences on this hire and is very close to putting it over. Until this move, I wasn't sure Tommy could find his ass if he bent over looking between his legs. Let's see if he can bring it home.

How would you assess Scott, Urban, Jensen, Dickson, and Henrie? I'm especially curious about Dickson and Henrie because they didn't pitch until instructs. Thanks as always, AZPhil.

NLCS down to a best of 3 does bringing in Theo mean we as Cubs fans have to sit through a Cardinals World Series run? the torture never ends...

http://www.wgnradio.com/shows/gregjarrett/wgnam-dave-kaplan-inside-tom-… Kaplan saying what Ricketts said to convince Theo 1) commitment to spending on draft and amateur signings 2) payroll will remain the top in the division 3) other revenue streams to help reach #2 (spring training complex, Wrigley, etc) 4) help me make this single best organization in baseball Ricketts wants 2 things, win the World Series and make it the best experience for their fans. sure sounds nice at least...

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In reply to by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree

There isn’t a deadline for the negotiations, which may run into the weekend. However, MLB discourages teams from making announcements during the World Series, so both sides likely will want to have a resolution before Wednesday. reiterates that MLB doesn't want to set a precedent with a major league player being part of the deal (although Lou was traded for Randy Winn...maybe that's not considered an executive)

for Thursday taken from a tweet Josh Vitters (1B): 1-for-4, RBI, BB; Trey McNutt: 2R, 1ER, 2H, 3BB,0K in 2 IP (53 pitches,23 strikes)

Certainly they can pick from any of these on my list: Hill, Baker, Berg, Sori (duh), Samardzjia, LeMe, DeWitt, Vitters, LaHair, almost the entire AAA team, Clevenger, Jay Jackson, Ha, Cashner I have always liked Wilkens pick of Cash, but, honestly he may have chronic shoulder problems the rest of his career. Maybe not, but this would be the higher-risk option if the Sox want the higher-rated, everyday prospects and the Cubs could manage to hold on to a few building block youngsters.

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In reply to by Rob G.

Boston is a hotbed for high end doctors with several major university hospital programs competing for business such as Mass General (Harvard). The whole Curt Shilling proximal biceps tendon controversy (spaghetti-gate) with Dr. Craig Morgan makes the Red Sox and their medical staff somewhat interesting to say the least but I'm not sure taking a trainer or a strength coach would amount to much. Certainly Theo's unlikely to bring a doc from Boston to Chicago. Hmmm, maybe Northwestern is open to recruiting a higher end replacement for doc Gryzlo? http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3237261

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2011/10/14/red_so… The quality of those prospects could be tied to how many front office staffers are allowed to accompany Epstein to Chicago. ~snip~ Once Epstein’s move becomes official, the Red Sox will name Cherington as his replacement. Cherington has been guiding the baseball operations department for much of this month as Epstein dealt with the Cubs and worked out the details on a five-year, $18.5 million deal. The Cubs’ farm system is largely bereft of talent, but there are several players who could interest the Red Sox. Outfielders Brett Jackson and Matt Szczur are highly regarded. Righthanders Alberto Cabrera and Jay Jackson are possibilities. Chicago’s top pitching prospect, Trey McNutt, dealt with injuries this season but could be on the table. There are no indications that the Red Sox will be able to unload a bad contract on the Cubs - ahem, John Lackey - as part of the compensation package.

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In reply to by The E-Man

It's pretty common that when higher up front office guy changes organizations some players wind up following him over. I wouldn't be shocked at all if a guy like Geo went in trade to the Sox for some prospects. Wasn't the Padres GM a Red Sox guy? The good thing is that now we have a GM who understands what the smart front offices value in players, so he won't undersell because of a low BABIP.

AZ PHIL: Of the 2010 draft class, which players that you've seen do you believe have "starting MLB" aplomb? Of those, do any, in your estimation, have a shot at top-tier makeup? Thanks.

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In reply to by The E-Man

Submitted by The E-Man on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 11:25am. AZ PHIL: Of the 2010 draft class, which players that you've seen do you believe have "starting MLB" aplomb? Of those, do any, in your estimation, have a shot at top-tier makeup? Thanks. ================================== E-MAN: From the 2010 class, Matt Szczur should be a front-line MLB OF in either CF or LF. He will probably be a #2 or #7 hitter. Reggie Golden has the potential to be a power-hitting middle-of-the-order MLB RF, but he is VERY raw and is several years away, and he could just as easily flame out in "A" ball. RHP Ben Wells is a potential Top-of-the-Rotation starter. He's a Cubs Top 15 Prospect right now, and could be the Cubs #2 pitching prospect (behind Trey McNutt). LHP Eric Jokisch could be a back-of-the rotation MLB starter. RHR Aaron Kurcz should be a quality MLB reliever with a mid-90's fastball & killer-slider. He could be a set-up guy or a closer, or a solid middle-reliever at the very least. RHP Kevin Rhoderick should be a decent MLB reliever. (Kurcz and Rhoderick could arrive at Wrigley Field as early as sometime next year). 3B Dustin Geiger is a ways away, but if he develops some HR power as he fills out and tightens up his defense he could be a solid MLB regular. He was one of the youngest players in the Midwest League in 2011. Also RHPs Matt Loosen and Dallas Beeler have quality arms and MLB-potential. And Micah Gibbs has made strides in improving his hitting and throwing at Instructs. He already is the best receiver among the catchers in the Cubs organization, and if he can continue to build on what he started at Instructs, he could develop into a solid MLB back-up catcher within a couple or three years. With Luis Flores on the Restricted List while serving a 50-game PED suspension and not eligible to be reinstated until May, Gibbs could start the 2012 season sharing the catching duties at AA Tennessee with Michael Brenly.

Hearing red sox asking price is "significant" for theo. And why not? He did win 2 WS titles. Also, #cubs are more motivated ~snip~ Hear red sox-cubs talk is now about minor leaguers going to boston. No talk of theo's guys going to chicago, but it's fluid

Hmm so hi Cub Reporter people! Anyone know if something big happened? Cause suddenly I'm excited again. If Rickets were willing to eat some of the salary I'd be perfectly happy to take Lackey and see if he can turn it around. Stat wise there is nothing to indicate his fall off before coming to Boston so maybe it is all the mental pressure of divorce and/or whatever else. I feel like both Crawford and Lackey's #s justified the signings (even if Crawford's contract was for too much and too long) and I'm really not down on Theo at all because they didn't succeed in Boston. The best value he can bring us is a revamp of our system at all levels allowing us to become an actual professional organization with knowledgeable people from minors to majors.

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In reply to by Paul Noce

The more I've read about Lackey, the less interested I am. First, the last few articles I've read claim neither team is talking about including Lackey. However, I also read that in 3 of the last 4 seasons he's had arm pain that was dealt with by limiting his innings. I hadn't read that before, but then again, I don't follow the AL that closely. Also, Lackey was one of the beer/fried chicken/video game scandal where the Red Sox rotation spent their time during games in the clubhouse eating fast food, drinking beer, and playing games. Supposedly they all had shockingly gained weight by the end of the season and had very negative attitudes. I'm not very interested in him after reading that.

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In reply to by Paul Noce

well no one's interested in him, it's just whether it's fair compensation to get Theo. I might add they were probably drinking beer, eating fried chicken (didn't Wade Boggs do that every game?) and playing video games while they were going 90-3 or whatever it was.

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In reply to by Rob G.

I think the change in culture will come from a better understanding of what contributes to a baseball team winning consistently, and then building an organization based upon that better understanding.

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In reply to by Rob Richardson

that's such a pile of shiiiii...oh, look who wrote it. people forget about signing alex coras when you got another 30-40 million to spend to distract from it... besides, pretending hendry is something he isn't is just a tool to blindly dismiss him. at the same time, pretending theo is something he isn't only sets him up for disappointment. too many people think stats vs. scouts is polarizing rather than complimentary...it's not a war...or drama...

Sullivan tweet reminder that today is the 8th anniversary of Alex S. Gonzalez 8th inning error.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

Nomar didn't come until most of the way through 2004, if I remember correctly. My main point, really, was that AGonz was better than anyone should have reasonably expected him to be (which still wasn't that good) and that reminding us all that he made an error in the playoffs without reminding us that the organization had no better option than him at that position creates the illusion that this slight overachiever who was still just a gap filler is to blame for the failure. He was no more responsible than anyone else at that team. Probably less responsible than many. (And Bartman deserves 0% of the blame.) Edit: Even with the way it turned out, I thought the Nomar trade was pretty brilliant. It was a gamble, and even though they lost, they still kind of won--certainly didn't lose very much except the expense of paying Nomar and maybe some cheap production from Brandon Harris years later.

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In reply to by Tito

Looking through his splits for that season, the only good one that stands out as a "pressure" situation is "high leverage" where he hit .242 .324 .581. I do remember he had a couple of early season game winners, and rode that way of fan happiness throughout most of the season.

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In reply to by Rob G.

More from Pete Abraham's twitter posts: "John Henry said he didn't support the Crawford signing" -- Way to throw your player and front office under the bus at the same time. Someone needs to tell the Red Sox owner that he still has Crawford under contract for 800 more years.

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In reply to by Rob G.

I had never heard of Carmine before, interesting http://www.projo.com/redsox/content/Reynolds_Moneyball_Brad_Pitt_09-27-… It’s no coincidence that there’s a story in this week’s Sports Illustrated — the one with Brad Pitt on the cover — about the Red Sox and their own version of “the new moneyball,” titled “It’s How the Red Sox Live and Die.” It comes complete with information about the baseball bunker one floor beneath street level inside Fenway, a baseball computer program called Carmine that “is the virtual brains of the Boston operation,” and the Sox having a virtually unlimited payroll to make the most out of this moneyball template. “I can’t believe Billy is letting him write this book,” Epstein said of Lewis in 2002, as reported in Sports Illustrated. “He’s handing out the blueprint.”

Vitters 2 for 2 (.382) so far today, Lake (.321) with a home run. Vitters tied for league lead in RBI with 10; Lake in the lead with 6 SBs.

beats S. Korea in first game of the day 3-1 B. Jackson 1/2 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB, 1 SF, 1 IBB they also play Venezuela which is about to start, there was a rainout this week.

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In reply to by Rob G.

win 7-4 over Venezuela as well. believe they play Canada tomorrow in the Bronze medal game this is the IBAF World Cup, still have the Pan-Am games after this

I heard Kaplan do a sports update during the news on WGN radio about an hour ago and said he heard the compensation talks could go into next week.

Rival GM: "Cubs should just keep saying no (on compensation for Theo). What are the Red Sox going to do -- bring Theo back? No way."

Just spoke to a GREAT source on the Theo compensation talks. Red Sox are asking for an insane package of players. Cubs are saying no way.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

Submitted by The Real Neal on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:17pm. Law has an anti-hard on for any Cubs prospect. I think he tried to get a job with the Cubs and they made fun of him or something. ============================= TRN: Perhaps Law didn't get along with Tim Wilken and the Old School scouts when he was with the Blue Jays, and so now he feels good dissing Wilken's work whenever possible.

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In reply to by The Real Neal

I don't get all the Trey McNutt love. He has been ineffective in double A since he tried to pitch there at the end of 2010. I said before that when internet scouts give someone that they have touted an "injury mulligan," they are giving themselves a mulligan. McNutt reminds me of Jay Jackson, who also hit his head at AA, though not quite as hard. So I wouldn't cry if the Cubs gave up McNutt, although I think they should have a rule against trading anyone 21 or younger in the previous season. That would protect McNutt, Vitters, Cerda, Watkins, Lake, Szczur, Ha and a bunch of pitchers including Jokisch, Antigua, Kirk, Struck, DelValle. You just don't know what you're giving up. At least with Beliveau (24) and Dolis (23), they would know what they were trading and could price them accordingly.

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In reply to by Paul Noce

Submitted by Paul Noce on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 12:37am. I'm thinking Brett Jackson is Jim Edmonds with less power, pre-knee problems. ====================== PAUL N: I believe Brett Jackson has been undervalued by a lot of the so-called experts. I would compare B-Jax to Grady Sizemore circa 2007. He is a 20/20/20 guy who can play CF. Jackson will have more strikeouts and a lower batting average than a lot of MLB players, but he will also walk a lot and rack up lots of XBH.

[ ]

In reply to by Cubster

It makes the most sense for the Cubs to pursue a cash exchange, but if they need to throw in Jeff Baker or a medium-ceiling, low-level pitcher, then so be it. so his idea is that Cubs should give up nothing of value for something of great value...cool. /maybe he was just trying to be sarcastic with that last line and I'm missing it. this is the same fella that wrote that fangraphs article the other day that the first step for Theo should be to get rid of all the Cubs bad/overpaid players.

From Kaplan's Blog, 1:50am CST (Kaplan is more obsessed than I thought)from one of his sources:
"Larry Lucchino is one of the most unreasonable people I have ever dealt with and because of his frayed relationship with Theo Epstein he is looking to make a point at the expense of Theo's happiness and his desire to go to Chicago. I didn't believe that ownership group for one second when they said that they wouldn't stand in Theo's way if he wanted out of Boston. They are furious that he wants out and they are trying to make a point. Theo helped bring them two World Series titles and they have no loyalty to him and his happiness. They messed with Terry Francona and that was just an incredibly pathetic move and now they are trying to make life very tough for Theo," he said.
Guy sounds like a prick if any of this is true. I am wondering what the "Plan B" is as I stated yesterday? Has there been any phone calls to other candidates? Hmmm...

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In reply to by The E-Man

I obviously have no idea what his contract looks like, but I wonder if he is guaranteed the position of GM on the team and if there's any stipulation on his duties. Could they reassign him if they wanted? Name Cherington to a position above him or just circumvent him with Lucchino voiding all his decisions and letting Cherington do the job. I can't imagine Cherington would want to work under those circumstances or screw Epstein over like that, but I suppose there are some dick moves the Red Sox can still pull out of their playbook.

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In reply to by Paul Noce

"In the end, a deal gets made. Cubs owner Tom Ricketts would lose all credibility in Chicago if he can't get his franchise savior in place." This was an interesting and useful perspective by P. Abraham but he couldn't resist going a little overboard at the end. Ricketts hasn't spoken one word about Epstein, or had one word leak, since he answered "I don't know" a couple weeks ago to the question, Can you get him? I don't see that his credibility concerning Epstein is at issue at all. There is a number of other prospective GMs around who would make Cub fans very happy. The real issue is Ricketts's credibility as a genial, laid-back midwesterner (not midwest as in Chicago, but as in Nebraska) playing hardball with a shrewd bunch of yankees--you'll excuse the expression. I am somewhere between hopeful and confident that Ricketts will hold his own.

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In reply to by Jumbo

Yes, but it could have been an initial conversation with Theo and Sox Exces, like "Theo, do you want that job" or among the ownership group "Do we want to extend or lose Theo?" etc. I seriously doubt that Rickett's called him up at work and asked him if he wanted the Cubs gig prior to getting permission.

I wonder if there is any possibility that if they have to give away a plethora of top prospects to get this done, do they just walk away and sign Theo when his contract runs out? The team is not going anywhere, anyway, in 2012.

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.