Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
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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 Get Wood, Torreyes and Sappelt from Reds

The Cubs end up getting OF Dave Sappelt and INF Ronald Torreyes along with LHP Travis Wood for LHP Sean Marshall. Torreyes sounds like the most intriguing prospect of the group, but not a bad haul for a reliever in my opinion. Follow the comments starting from here for some great quotes that Cubster found on the new guys.

Comments

I like Marshall, but this feels like a good move for us right now. Everything so far feels like part of a plan; don't ask me what plan just yet, but it all feels thoughtful, planned, etc. No complaints so far.

Would love to hear where these guys will start their seasons. Torreyes seems destined for Daytona's 2B job. Sappelt will likely be RF for Iowa with Brett in CF? I like what I've read about both guys. Wood's trade value must have been very low for these two to be included.

The trade's definitely a win for us, but I'm taking a wait and see on Torreyes. Sappelt's a 4th OF in a good scenario (I mean, since we're rebuilding for 2012, if he has to start, whatever). I know Torreyes has that great hit tool, and good speed, and plays a solid 2nd, but his ceiling isn't all that high (still don't think I'd put him top 15 in the system). I thought Altuve was one of the more overhyped stories last year (most people still think he's an average starting 2nd baseman), and I think Altuve is probably a better talent than Torreyes. The fact that I'm not as high on Torreyes or Sappelt (or even Wood for that matter) doesn't diminish the fact that this was a good trade and a "win" for us relative to the direction of the organization. The FO certainly didn't believe it could compete now, so Marshall's value to us was minimal, and in return, we get some assets to look at. I could see Sappelt fight for big league time, or be a reserve in Iowa, and Torreyes probably fits into Daytona to start 2012 (although I was thinking Silva/DeVoss/LePage would get 2nd base time there so not sure how that works out .... Silva is probably better in the OF, and I guess they could "slow-play" DeVoss and keep him in Peoria, or play both in the OF).

[ ]

In reply to by The E-Man

That's the one thing I don't like. Again, overall, the trade is a win IMO, but I would've preferred going with upside, even if it was riskier. That said, while I think Wood is a 4/5, end of the rotation, type of guy, if he sharpens up his command and if his change-up stays consistently plus, he could have a chance to be a mid-rotation arm. The one good thing about adding Torreyes is that I don't think some folks have realized how thin the MI depth charts potentially were for our A+/AA/AAA clubs. The Cerda/Watkins duo will likely fight for time with Lake in AA, and all three have big question marks. A+ shortstop options, on paper, as of now, to start 2012? It's looking like Soto/Soccorro/Valdes/Zapenas types (noted the 2nd base options above). Loss of LeMahieu/Flaherty and Co. hurts the AAA. So adding some depth and a guy who could potentially push into AA by year's end is nice.

[ ]

In reply to by Old and Blue

I saw him once this year, but in general, I'm never too enthused about talents like that. There are exceptions to the rule, but he has two above average assets, a plus hit tool and above average speed, while being solid/capable defensively at 2nd. He doesn't have an exceptional approach at the plate, so the hit tool is going to have to carry him. There are always exceptions to the "rule", but an undersized guy with an average approach, but plus hit tool is going to need to show me that he can hit upper level pitching. To be honest, he's going to need to prove himself at every stage. That's my thinking at least on Torreyes and overall ceiling, and that's me. I'm sure there are more knowledgeable folks that would disagree.

[ ]

In reply to by toonsterwu

"The FO certainly didn't believe it could compete now, so Marshall's value to us was minimal" I don't think that what made Marshall expendable was the feeling that we're not going to compete. That doesn't sound like the way Epstein thinks (which is why I thought Kaplan was off-track yesterday when he predicted that everyone except Castro would be gone). Apart from Marshall, the Cubs had four lefty relievers who earned a good shot at making the roster out of ST. Marshall was obviously the best, but he was the only one you could sell high on. With the glut of lefty relievers, they weren't going to pay Marshall to stay beyond 2012 anyway. Winning aside, the Cubs didn't need him as much as another team might. That's when you trade a guy.

[ ]

In reply to by VirginiaPhil

fair enough, but if the front office thought they could compete now, there would probably be little chance that they deal Marshall, regardless of selling high at peak value or the depth of lefties in the system. They won't come out and say it, but Epstein's history hasn't shown him to deal key assets off a team that he feels could compete the upcoming season, to the best of my recollection of his trade history. If they thought they could compete now, I don't think there's any chance that they move Marshall, as the pen becomes a big question now.

[ ]

In reply to by toonsterwu

Fri, 12/23/2011 - 12:56pm — toonsterwu The fact that I'm not as high on Torreyes or Sappelt (or even Wood for that matter) doesn't diminish the fact that this was a good trade and a "win" for us relative to the direction of the organization. The FO certainly didn't believe it could compete now, so Marshall's value to us was minimal, and in return, we get some assets to look at. I could see Sappelt fight for big league time, or be a reserve in Iowa, and Torreyes probably fits into Daytona to start 2012 (although I was thinking Silva/DeVoss/LePage would get 2nd base time there so not sure how that works out .... Silva is probably better in the OF, and I guess they could "slow-play" DeVoss and keep him in Peoria, or play both in the OF). ================================== TOONSTER: Both Zeke DeVoss and Rubi Silva got extensive workout & game reps at 2B in Instructs, and no question Silva can play there (he has no trouible turning the DP, he has a strong arm, and good range). He even got one start at SS, and looked passable there. On the other hand, DeVoss is a very poor defensive 2B (stone hands and has trouble going to his right), and looks much more comfortable in the OF (LF more than CF). Defensively I would compare DeVoss to Eric Patterson, except E-Pat has a stronger arm. I would project DeVoss as the starting LF (and he'll play some CF, too) and lead-off hitter at Peoria on Opening Day 2012, with Silva batting 2nd or 3rd and playing RF, CF, and 2B at Daytona. I would be surprised if Pierre LePage survives Minor League Camp. Sappelt should get regular playing time at Iowa, although probably not at the same OF spot every day. He will probably rotate between LF-CF-RF. BTW, with Sappelt added to the Iowa mix, and with Brett Jackson in CF and Jim Adduci capable of playing all three OF slots, and with both Josh Vitters and Rebel Ridling likely to get some starts in LF (and Vitters will probably get some PT in RF, too, like he did in the AFL), it might be hard for Ty Wright (who is basically just a LF) to survive in the Cubs organization.

Yes ... Selling at peak value and buying others at low value. Things we haven't seen in a Cubs FO. I am excited to see the old place finally gutted for a redecoration! Also the Cubs were always the idiots buying other people's hot set-up men. And they always seemed to fall short. I believe more than any other position that relievers are mercurial and streaky. To trade one who had been possibly over-worked for two seasons and who was on fire, for three intriguing inexpensive young talents. Woo woo! Veteran relievers are for contenders . . . and are always expensive. Love it!

Micah Gibbs (Peoria Chiefs 2011 catcher) twitter banter going on (including SDunstonJr) about Torreyes (Torreyes twitter site is empty)... http://twitter.com/MicahGibbs --- MicahGibbs Cubs fans welcome @RonaldTorreyes to the Cubs via the Sean Marshall trade, guy just hits, we couldn't get him out glad he's on our side now! He only scored 7 runs on you. What? Only 3 games? never mind RonaldTorreyes 9 for 10 the first 2 games but then he ran into Jokisch haha took advantage of Hamilton's speed in front of him too

Bruce Levine article with Theo quotes including stuff about Garza as an asset for trading or long term extension...
"Matt Garza is the type of pitcher you want to build around," Epstein said Friday. "He's a proven top-of-the-rotation guy, a proven performer in the playoffs. I think last year he had his best season, all things being equal
"We aren't in a situation where we have to do anything with Garza," Epstein said. "But generally we are in the business right now of taking our short-term assets and turning them into long-term assets. In the case of Sean Marshall, that ended up happening in a trade. We turned a short-term asset in Marshall into what we hope will be three long-term assets."
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7384275/chicago-cubs-add-pitc…

as the pen becomes a big question now. --- As long as we get the 2011 version of Carlos Marmol, isn't the pen a question (good 7th and 8th inning guys or not)? can't be much worse than the late 2000's with Heilman, Howry, Stevie Eyre as the main setup people. 2011: Marmol (9), Wood (8), Marshall (8), Samardzija (7), Russell, Grabow, Mateo, Stevens... 2010: Marmol (9), Marshall (8), Howry (7), Grabow (L), Samardzija, Russell, Caridad, Berg, etc... 2009: Kevin Gregg, Marmol (8), Heilman (7), Marshall (L)... 2008: KWood (9), Marmol (8), Howry (7), Eyre (L), Wuertz...

Bruce Levine calls the Chicago NL team, the Chicago Carps (bottom feeding in 2012)... Also some interesting speculation on what kind of return Garza might get from the Bluejays
Toronto’s No. 1 pick from 2010, right-hander Deck McGuire, will be the focal point of any negotiations between the Cubs and Jays. The 22-year-old pitcher was a combined 9-5 at three different minor-league levels in 2011. The Blue Jays are convinced he’s near major-league ready. The Cubs will also inquire about the availabilities of left-handed pitcher Justin Nicolino and power-hitting outfielder Jake Marisnick. Nicolino, a 20-year-old pitcher, was 6-2 with a 1.33 ERA at two minor league levels last season. He allowed just 39 hits in 61 innings. Marisnick is considered a five-tool prospect and hit 14 homers at the lower-A level last year.
http://t.co/kbt2Y25b

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

Fri, 12/23/2011 - 9:28pm — Dr. aaron bNew Agree completely. In my view Snider would be the 3rd piece in that deal. Just a throw in with huge potential upside. I'd trade Marlon Byrd for him today if the Jays are really that down on the kid. He should still have at least 1 ML option year. So who knows what 450 at bats in Iowa could do for him? ================================= DR AARON B: Travis Snider has one minor league option left, but would have to clear Optional Assignment Waivers (which are revocable) before he can be sent to the minors. Snider is still an auto-renewal player, so he would get a split contract that would pay him a much lower salary if he is sent to the minors.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

Sat, 12/24/2011 - 12:43am — Dr. aaron b Thanks Phil. What is your opinion on Sniderif I may inquire? ============================= DR AARON B: I saw Travis Snider play in the AFL quite a bit about three years ago when he was one of the top 5 or 6 prospects in baseball (that was the year Sam Fuld was AFL MVP), and he was one of the most-impressive hitters in the league. He was ropin' line drives all over the yard. But something happened to him over the past three years where he too frequently goes into prolonged slumps where he can't hit anything, and then he seems to lose confidence. He also has struggled to hit MLB-quality breaking balls and off-speed pitches, resulting in extremely high K/PA rates. The problem with a player like Snider is you see where he is at age 20 or 21 and figure he's really good now and just think how good he'll be once he matures, but sometimes prospects don't get better. Sometimes they regress. There is something they can't ovecome, it eventually becomes an achilles heel, and once it does major league pitchers are sure to exploit it. I would think the Jays are probably at the point with Snider now where they would listen to an offer, something that would have been inconceivable three years ago. (He's a lot like Ian Stewart in that respect). And if the Cubs were to acquire him, it's possible that Rudy J could help him realize his potential. He's only 23 going on 24. But right now it would appear that Snider is more of a suspect than a prospect, so I doubt that Epstein-Hoyer would give up a lot to get him.

[ ]

In reply to by The Joe

ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ ส้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้้ส็็็็็็็็็็็็็ MERRY DIPSHIT EVERYONE!

Quick poll: Which Cub veteran paid more than $3MM/year will be next to be traded by Jedstein? A. -- Zambrano B. -- Soriano C. -- Dempster D. -- Marmol E. -- Byrd F. -- Soto I vote D, then F, then B.

I get the feeling that Soto will be the next to be traded, although it may be that Hoyer would hope for a good year for him this summer to increase his trade value. I will be amazed if Soto starts 2013 as a Cub

Keith Law has a full article on the Marshall deal titled, "Reds give up a lot for a year of Marshall". KL takes a few pokes at Dusty, saying the plan is to maximize Votto before he shreds every last arm on their pitching staff. his conclusion: "Wood alone justifies this deal for the Cubs, but the chance that Torreyes becomes an everyday guy turns it into a potential big win." a subscription is needed and there is an anecdote by KL about Sean Marshall from 2003 when KL was a part of the Toronto draft room...scouts said Marshall (after his Junior year at VCU) did not having the frame to hold up as a starter and that he'd lose velocity from pitching every 5th day, but they didn't discuss his possibilities as a reliever. His take on Travis Wood...
Wood leads the trio coming back to the Cubs as a solid back-end starter with a chance to be more if he alters his pitch selection. Wood has four pitches, but his worst offering is his four-seamer, which he uses more than all other pitches combined. His 86-88 mph cutter is going to be much more effective because it moves in on right-handed batters, while the four-seamer is flat and too easy to hit in the air. His 74-78 mph curveball is sharp, a two-plane breaker with pretty good depth, and his upper-70s changeup is solid-average due more to action than arm speed. Wood was overworked by Dusty Baker -- I know, I'm as shocked as you are -- in 2010, throwing more than 200 innings across all levels despite a small frame and no history of pitching past Labor Day, and that also likely contributed to his rough 2011. Managed properly, with more emphasis on the off-speed pitches, he could be a league-average starter, and he has five years of control left, two of them at the minimum salary.
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog/_/name/law_keith/id/7384097/mlb-cin…

and regarding Sappelt...
Sappelt looks like a very good extra outfielder. He has a simple swing, short to the ball with good use of his lower half, but he can't handle center field except on an emergency basis, and his size and swing aren't going to produce the power to profile every day in left. He makes a lot of contact, however, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him hit .300 -- but without the OBP or power to make him a regular.

and Bull-Eyes...
Torreyes is a tiny second baseman -- Baseball-Reference has him at 5-foot-9, 140 pounds, and I would bet he's shorter than that -- but he has two above-average tools: hitting and running, with good bat speed and a simple swing for high contact rates. He could end up an average regular at second, but he is probably three full years away from the majors.

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.