Torreyes Terrorizes Snakes at Talking Stick

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 4:57pm

Roni Torreyes singled twice, tripled, drove-in two runs, and scored another, Carlos Penalver singled twice, scored two runs, and stole a base, Jose Dore mashed a solo HR, and Paul Blackburn tossed three shutout innings, as the Cubs defeated the Diamondbacks 5-2 in Cactus League Extended Spring Training action this morning at Whirlwind Field at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Resort, east of Scottsdale, AZ. 

The game was pre-planned as an 11-inning affair, so that more innings would be available for the Cubs and D'backs pitchers who were scheduled to throw today.

The Defensive Play of the Game was turned-in by 19-year old SS (and Junior Lake clone) Francisco Sanchez, who made a sliding catch at the foul line halfway between third base and the outfield fence. Sanchez showed extraordinary speed and range to even get to the ball, and then after catching it, he quickly righted himself and showed off his plus-arm, making a pinpoint throw back to the infield.

After drawing nine walks in eight innings yesterday, the Cubs drew ten walks in eleven innings today.

Here is the abridged box score from today's game (Cubs players only):

CUBS LINEUP:
1a. Roni Torreyes, 2B: 3-4 (L-5, 3B, 1B, 1B, R, 2 RBI)
1b. David Bote, 2B: 0-1 (BB, K, CS)
2a. Shawon Dunston Jr, CF: 0-3 (P-5, K, BB, 5-3)
2b. Jeffrey Baez, CF: 0-2 (P-6, K)
3a. Mark Malave, 3B: 0-2 (4-3, BB, P-2)
3b. Luis Acosta, PH-3B: 0-2 (BB, K, 3-U)
4a. Xavier Batista, RF: 0-1 (F-9, BB, BB)
4b. Kevin Encarnacion, PH-RF: 0-3 (K, F-8, P-4)
5a. Reggie Golden, DH: 0-2 (P-5, K, BB, RBI)
5b. Yasiel Balaguert, PH-DH: 1-2 (1B, K)
6a. Jacob Rogers, 1B: 0-3 (4-3, K, K)
6b. Jose Dore, PH-1B: 1-2 (K, HR, R, RBI)
7a. Carlos Penalver, SS: 2-3 (1B, K, 1B, 2 R, SB)
7b. Francisco Sanchez, PH-SS: 0-2 (K, K)
8a. Neftali Rosario, C: 0-3 (K, 6-3, 5-3)
8b. Wilfredo Petit, C: 0-0 (BB, BB, CS)
9a. Trevor Gretzky, LF: 2-3 (K, 1B, 1B, R)
9b. Rashad Crawford, LF: 0-1 (K, BB)

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Paul Blackburn: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HBP, 43 pitches (26 strikes), 3/4 GO/FO
2. Carlos Gutierrez: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP, 33 pitches (18 strikes), 2/0 GO/FO
3. Hunter Cervenka: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 18 pitches (9 strikes), 3/1 GO/FO
4. Mike Hamann: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 19 pitches (12 strikes), 2/3 GO/FO
5. Matt Iannazzo: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 27 pitches (18 strikes), 1/3 GO/FO
6. Chad Martin: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, 20 pitches (15 strikes)

CUBS ERRORS: 1
3B Mark Malave - E-5 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely - eventually scored unearned run)

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE
Neftali Rosario: 0-1 CS, 2 PB

ATTENDANCE: 7

WEATHER: Partly cloudy & breezy with temperatures in the 70's

 

Tags: 
EXST Cubs Extended Spring Training
Roni Torreyes
Jose Dore
Paul Blackburn
Francisco Sanchez
Carlos Penalver

Comments

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 5:32pm  
Very disappointing attendance figures for today

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 6:10pm  
"Zack Wheeler recently underwent an MRI for a blister on his right middle finger." really?

Submitted by Cubster  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 7:01pm  
Maybe they were looking for a foreign body or substance...in the old days, that job belonged to the umpires. What's next Robo-MRI-umps?

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 7:51pm  
MIA seems be trying to up-end HOU as the hands-down worst team in baseball...they're well on their way to 1-8. SD and CHC seem to be fighting it out for that 3rd or 4th draft pick while the NYM seem to be pulling away from the SD/CHC grouping...still early, though. woo, pre-determined massive suckage.

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 8:08pm  
it's so misty at the MIN/KC game that they can't use the CF camera for pitches because all you can see is fog/haze...they have to use an overhead shot of pitcher/catcher for each pitch. it looks absolutely miserable out there. it's weird television.

Submitted by jacos  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 8:50pm  
Uh..yeah what ever http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/915...

Submitted by QuietMan  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 9:35am  
It’s been awful working with you. Love, Rahm.

Submitted by Ryno  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 9:06pm  
"intimidating package"? It's a goat's head. Throw it in the dumpster and stop giving these dbags news coverage.

Submitted by jacos  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 9:19pm  
Soler involved w "bat incident " during fight?

Submitted by crunch  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 9:48pm  
he rushed the opponent's dugout with a bat...neat. via J.Timmers/BCB... "The incident occurred with the bases loaded and one out in the seventh inning and Daytona leading 9-7. Soler was on first base when Stephen Bruno hit a ground ball to shortstop. Soler went into second base and got tangled up with Clearwater second baseman Carlos Alonso, who completed the throw to first base for the inning-ending double play. Soler was apparently stepped on by Alonso and words were exchanged. Both benches cleared. No punches were thrown, however. When everyone returned to the dugout, Soler grabbed a bat and charged the Clearwater dugout and went after Clearwater with the bat. He had to be pulled away and back into the dugout by Javier Baez and Daytona hitting coach Mariano Duncan. I initially reported that he had hit the walls of the dugout with the bat. That's unclear at this time. He was apparently swinging it in that direction."

Submitted by JoePepitone  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 9:59pm  
That'll earn him a suspension, I expect.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 2:03am  

Delmon Young received a 50-game suspension for throwing a bat at the home plate umpire (and hitting the umpire) in a AAA game a few years ago, so I would think Soler will probably get at least ten games, maybe even 15 or 20. And I suspect he will be sent to Extended Spring Training for a while, too.

Submitted by Charlie  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 11:34am  
What, did somebody toss and insult at Dorothy Mantooth or something?

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 1:49pm  
Dorothy Mantooth is a saint!!!!!

Submitted by Koyies Bansaw  on Wed, 04/10/2013 - 10:35pm  
Is it me or are all those pitchers (other than Blackburn) a little old to be in EXST?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 1:19am  

K BANSAW: Gutierrez (2012 shoulder surgery) and Cervenka (forearm strain) are not exactly "rehabbing," but they are being brought along slowly. Cervenka was topping out at 93-94 today so he won't be down here much longer, especially with no lefty relievers at Iowa and only one at Tennessee, and Gutierrez (who should probably be a closer or set-up guy at AAA) was throwing a hard sinker & chengeup combo that was getting a lot of swings & misses.   

Hamann and C. Martin are RH relievers who were 2012 draft picks and Iannazzo (a side-armin' lefty who projects as a LOOGY) was a 2012 NDFA, and none of them made the Kane County Opening Day roster, so they are at EXST hoping slots open up eventually at KC or Daytona.

This is all pretty typical for Extended Spring Training.

 

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 12:29am  

Marwin Gonzalez with his 2nd HR of the season tonight, Astros said he'll get the bulk of playing time at shortstop over Ronny for the immediate future.

Submitted by Charlie  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 11:35am  
I know that Epstein already said they made some mistakes last year not protecting prospects, but I sure do miss Gonzalez and Flaherty this season. Lillibridge, A. Gonzalez, and Valbuena make me nauseous.

Submitted by Hagsag  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:58am  
It sounds like the internet reports on Soler's altercation are a little bit overblown.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 6:51am  
Well, I'm hot blooded, check it and see I got a fever of a hundred and three Come on bitches, dis bat got you in a trance? I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded You don't have to read my mind, to know what I have in mind Bitches you oughta know Now you think you move so fine, let me lay it on the line I wanna know what you're doin' trying' to get into the show Now it's up to you, we can make a secret rendezvous Just me and you, I'll show you smack like you never knew That's why, I'm hot blooded, check it and see I got a fever of a hundred and three Come on bitches, dis bat got you in a trance? I'm hot blooded, hot blooded If it feels alright, maybe I'll smack down on you all night Shall I thump you on the knee? But you've got to give me a sign, come on bitches, some kind of sign Tell me, are your cleats hot mama? They sure look that way to me Are you old enough? will you be ready when I call your bluff? Is my timing right? did you save some bandages for me tonight? Yeah I'm hot blooded, check it and see Feel the fever burning inside of me Come on bitches, dis bat got you in a trance? I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded Now it's up to you, can we make a secret rendezvous? Or, maybe you think you can get away from you know who Well, I'm hot blooded, check it and see I got a fever of a hundred and three Come on bitches, dis bat got you in a trance? I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded Hot blooded, every night Hot blooded, shit now I gotta an urge to bite Hot blooded, now these new meds are driving me wild Hot blooded, I'm so hot and riled Hot blooded, I'm a little bit high Hot blooded, you're about to die Hot blooded, this ain't gonna feel like no bee sting Hot blooded, as I smack you wit dis upswing

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 11:35am  
Thanks for the Paul Rogers O&B...Likin' those 70's eh?

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 1:09pm  
Just showin' my age. As I was replacing words, I realized just what a god awful song that really was.

Submitted by Tito  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:33pm  
That's Foreigner, not Paul Rodgers, for what's it's worth.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 8:41am  
Not a good day for baseball.

Submitted by Tito  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 9:05am  
It would be tough to draw up more miserable weather days here than the last two.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 9:08am  
Man up, and move to California like some of the rest of us Chicagoans did!

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 1:16pm  
RED GLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARE

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 1:29pm  
feldman threw a sinker with a break so nasty that the home plate ump had to go to the mound take a look at the ball. if feldman was cheating he would/should have started many years ago...nothing found, game goes on.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 2:28pm  
feldman goes 3 innings without giving up a run...in a row! ...let's see if he can go for 37.

Submitted by QuietMan  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:05pm  
Crunched.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:07pm  
hey, the 4 runs are unearned...wait, who cares.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 2:37pm  
Yes, CRUNCH. This MAY be a personal record for him. Certainly a Cubs 2013 record. On another note - I'm digging this Nate the Skate guy so far. "Gritty". But with some game.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 2:42pm  
lillybridge finally gets a hit! cubs lead...0-5, bottom 3rd.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 2:44pm  
OMG! The Blind Squirrel found a nut!!!!!

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 2:56pm  
Tony Four Sacks- #3

Submitted by billybucks  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 2:58pm  
How bad was the Castro error? Two outs, two on, the pitcher up -- gotta make that play.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 2:58pm  
he should have made it...total clunker.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:02pm  
In three years he has not improved much as a fielder. I predict if not traded, Baez will be the SS moving forward. Just can't give ANY teams extra outs. The staff struggles as it is...He has now cost the team more wear on the pitchers as well as an unearned run.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:03pm  
his throwing is a lot better this year as far as accuracy...still, it's early and there's plenty of time for him to throw a few dozen wide and high.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:05pm  
You saw his crappy throw (E6) Tuesday? I disagree.

Submitted by Tito  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:35pm  
I didn't see the play, but I'm going to absolve him anyway since it was like 10 degrees at gametime (exaggerating for effect).

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:02pm  
WTF Castro?

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:03pm  
...and now it's a 1 run cubs lead. neat.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:04pm  
Nice down the middle Feldman! Whoooo!

Submitted by billybucks  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:11pm  
Crappy pitcher on the mound, the other team's pitcher grounds to short with 2 on and 2 out -- Castro boots it. Crappy pitcher then hits a guy on 0-2 -- four runs score. I'm sure Theo put another mark next to "Castro as future SS?' in his book.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:19pm  
though no one (that i know of) from theocorp has says so, i think a lot of people believe baez is the SS of the future and castro is probably destined for 2nd or 3rd...most likely 2nd.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:26pm  
So you are agreeing with my exact point of 6 posts earlier? Of course some people believe he may get traded - which I think is not a crazy idea.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:24pm  
ive just seen a lot better/accurate throwing out of castro this season, early on...i think 10 out of 10 people will say baez is the better SS and will eventually take over there.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:28pm  
I am disappointed I can't see Baez at KC this year. He looks really talented. Of course I thought that about Dumb-Head Cedeno too.

Submitted by billybucks  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:44pm  
Castro to CF eventually? He's got the speed and a good arm (but not the OBP...)

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:48pm  
not if albert almora has anything to say about it...brett jackson wants a piece of that, too.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:20pm  
...and feldman only makes it through 4.1 ip. 2 on (1st/2nd) 1 out...taka in.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:33pm  
tie game...walked the pitcher with the bases loaded...go taka. ...giants lead on a sac fly...sigh. 6-5, top 5. ...make that 7-5 with a single.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:41pm  
Feldman will be a bullpen pitcher when Garza comes back (if he does). So, let's see, Risk pitchers 2, Theo 1 ('neuva)

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:43pm  
cubs have the umps names taped up in the dugout..for some reason nelson's (3rd base) name is in red and the rest are in black text.

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 3:57pm  
crew chief?

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:00pm  
maybe...no idea...i know of no bad history between the cubs and jeff nelson...

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:04pm  

I left at 5-0, came back at 7-5 Giants...Cubbery.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:07pm  

looking at play-by-play now

Takashashi walked the pitcher with the bases loaded...

fantastic.

Submitted by Transmission  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:24pm  

it was a 3-2 battle.  Still, another small piece of my soul died, that inning.

Submitted by billybucks  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:27pm  
Speaking of walks -- coming into play today, the Cubs were dead last in the NL in walks (by a large margin -- only 15 vs. 2nd-to-last at 23) and were 2nd-to-last in OBP. Castro has yet to walk. Uh....Theo? This is the model?

Submitted by Ryno  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 7:35pm  
So tired of free swingers. It's basic math- the more pitches thrown in an inning, the greater chance for the opposing pitcher to throw a mistake.

Submitted by Newport  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 8:08pm  
ValNObuena and Rizzo seem to get it. It seems like they are taking more pitches this year, but in clutch situations, they seem to revert back to the old Cubs Way.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:31pm  
"it's still a very winnable game. the cubs are only down by 2. it just doesn't feel that way." - jd jd understands...welcome to the cubs.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:45pm  

1st/3rd with no one out in the bottom of the 8th...how shall they Cubbery this one?

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:48pm  

GIDP by Beefy, run scores though.

 

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:48pm  
you had to ask

Submitted by billybucks  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 4:56pm  
Long game on a miserable day....could be close to 4 hours. This is why I have a "not before Memorial Day" rule for Cubs tickets.

Submitted by Ryno  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 7:39pm  
Hah, that's good advice.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 5:34pm  
I know we are supposed to put up with these kids and their growing pains and all, but that 9th inning was painful. Castro must be taking hitting lessons from Soriano, and Rizzo put super glue on his shoulder, because that bat? It didn't move when some perfectly hittable pitches came softly up the middle.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 12:16am  
"jay_jaffe @jonmorosi Quentin is hit at 2nd highest rate of any MLBer in history. For him to take offense by charging mound was totally uncalled for" yeah, when it's the 3rd time the same pitcher has hit you...you're probably gonna get charged at some point. it would have happened the 2nd time if it wasn't for a teammate and an ump. either way, he's gonna get suspended for it...hope greinke enjoys the sore shoulder he got trying to block the attack.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 2:48am  
yow...fractured left collarbone for greinke... shouldn't have hit quentin...definitely shouldn't have mouthed off to quentin afterwards...most definitely shouldn't have lowered his shoulder to block a guy who's about 1.5 the size he is...

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 5:23am  
Who comes back first Greinke or Garza?

Submitted by Newport  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 9:20am  
Quentin could at least make an attempt to get out of the way of pitches, hence he gets hit all the time. Also, there is no way Greinke hits him on purpose in that situation.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 8:41am  
Soler to be given 5 days off. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cubs-prospect-ba...

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 8:44am  
Five games for a Soler flare up?

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 8:54am  
golf clap.

Submitted by Cubster  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 9:26am  
it might get worse...
In league with NASA scientists, New York Times' best-selling author Gregg Braden expects that when the earth completes its transit of the Equator of the Milky Way, sometime between 2013 and 2015, ...Jorge Soler flares will destroy power grids and damage communications systems.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 10:04am  
I knew he had a powerful stroke, but man that's impressive.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 10:22am  
I think Baez's stroke eclipses Soler's. /try the veal //shows self to the door

Submitted by Ryno  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 1:47pm  
Not enough power from Soler?

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 3:06pm  
thats just sad

Submitted by Cubster  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 12:13pm  
Per Rotoworld...
Ian Stewart (quad) is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon. Stewart has been playing in extended spring training games, most recently hitting a couple doubles on Thursday while playing four innings. He should be able to rejoin the Cubs' lineup before the end of the month.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 12:14pm  
RIP Johnathan Winters. For youngsters, he was Robin Williams before Robin Williams but Winters was funnier.

Submitted by Cubster  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 1:11pm  
Per Roto...Marlins sign Jay Jackson

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 1:51pm  
clevenger getting his first start at 3rd this year...he played an inning there late game yesterday and a few games there this spring.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 2:25pm  
Sure its a small sample size, but I like Nate Schierholtz.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 2:28pm  
our very own left handed everyday-playing reed johnson...with a better arm.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 2:40pm  
welly's catching some bad breaks on SB calls early...this is the 2nd "missed/blown" SB call going against him in the very early season. 8sb/3cs...should be 6sb/5cs...woo, the human element.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 2:48pm  
castro 1st HR on the year... 2 solo HR's (dejesus other one in the 3rd) give the cubs a 0-2 lead, bottom 5.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 3:05pm  
I also like Wellington Castillo, and of course San Dimas.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 3:08pm  
san dimas high school football rules!

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 3:24pm  
vanillawafers with 82 pitches through 7ip...nice...could be the first complete game for the cubs on the season. 7ip 2h 1bb 3k

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 3:32pm  
done after 7.1 ip...man on 1st (single)...lefty in. 92 pitches.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 3:42pm  
steve carlton?

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 3:59pm  
Thank goodness we have a new closer.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:01pm  
marmol is sitting in the pen going "damn, i can do this."

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:07pm  
fuji fail... SF 3-2 lead.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:08pm  
*bangs head on table*

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:09pm  
let the j.russell closer rumors begin.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:12pm  
Kerry Wood looked good in his last appearance.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:09pm  
alright then

Submitted by John Beasley  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:13pm  
Dinner! 3-3.

Submitted by Transmission  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:14pm  

I was not expecting that.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:18pm  
yeahvarro!

Submitted by Transmission  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:25pm  

Wow.  I was not expecting that, either.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:25pm  
CUBS WIN!!!! CASTRO!

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:25pm  
Never trade that kid!

Submitted by Ryno  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 4:29pm  
Always loved that guy.

Submitted by QuietMan  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 5:48pm  
How did Clevenger look at third?

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 04/12/2013 - 6:00pm  
he only got to make a couple of plays, one was a not-complex-yet-not-pedestrian pick and throw on the run to snag the runner at 1st. he looked good doing it. he was drafted as a SS and started his minor league career at 2nd, fwiw.

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  • crunch 8 hours 33 min ago (view)

    minor league baseball has to provide housing for minor leaguers starting 2022 (paid for by MLB parent clubs).  this is HUGE news and will make it possible for guys to stick around longer without having to quit the game just to earn a basic living.  for minor league players working in expensive housing markets this is a life saver.

    activist players from the OAK and LAA minor league teams as well as minor league player labor advocacy organizations were a huge part of making this happen.  good work.

     
  • bradsbeard 12 hours 15 min ago (view)

    Did you have any occasion to observe Pedro Ramirez? Not sure if he got into any games or not (now that I think of it, you wrote up at least one game he played in). 

     
  • Arizona Phil 17 hours 29 min ago (view)

    azbobbop: Certainly LHSPs Drew Gray and Luke Little have emerged as legit significant high-end SP prospects. RHSP Luis Devers has probably displaced Koen Moreno as the top "pitchability" SP prospect in the lower levels of the Cubs system. Tyler Schlaffer (another "pitchability" guy) also had an impressive Instructs, although Devers is a better SP prospect because he has a solid three-pitch mix and knows how to use it, while Schlaffer has just the 92-94 FB & CV (although both are solid offerngs) and isn't as polished as Devers is.

     
  • Hagsag 23 hours 39 min ago (view)

    This is the first time I have heard about the four month program in November. 

     
  • azbobbop 1 day 6 hours ago (view)

    Phil, now that instructional scare finished, which players impressed you the most and who are disappointments.

     
  • tim815 1 day 10 hours ago (view)

    Cool. Should help his trade value if the bat plays.

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 12 hours ago (view)

    TIM: Peter Matt looks very comfortable at 3B. He is a classic "four-corner" guy (1B-3B-LF-RF). 

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 12 hours ago (view)

    KKvG: I strongly suspect Koen Moreno's outing was more about getting out on the mound and throwing in a game than anything. He did get several swings & misses from his CH (which is a plus-pitch), and he uses his low 90's FB to set-up the CH.

    I didn't see any breaking balls, although it's possible I might have mistaken a CH for one.

    Koen Moreno is what scouts call a "pitchability" guy. Nothing wrong with that, BTW. MLB starting rotations are full of pitchers like that.  

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 12 hours ago (view)

    Childersb3: Not much bat speed. Just "lug-power." I actually like Matt Mervis better. 

     
  • Hagsag 1 day 14 hours ago (view)

    Thanks wrigley rat.

     
  • Wrigley Rat 1 day 16 hours ago (view)

    HAGSAG - Not Phil, but I think this info was from him in the past:

    RHP/OF (signed as a two-way player - seems to be sticking with hitting for now), R/R, 5'11 180, Age 18, SPAIN

     
  • Childersb3 1 day 19 hours ago (view)

    AzP,

    Does Bryce Ball have any real bat speed, or is he just a big guy that waves at the ball and makes contact 1of5 times?

     
  • Hagsag 2 days 7 min ago (view)

    Phil, tell me about Frank Fernandez.

     
  • tim815 2 days 7 hours ago (view)

    If Matt is "not horrible" at third, that could be useful.

     
  • crunch 3 days 7 hours ago (view)

    bonds got a standing-O after being introduced between innings at LAD @ SF.

    as he sat down, dude looked extremely genuinely happy to hear the park errupt in cheers for him again.

    it's not his first time back, nor his first set of cheers, but the park is packed and loud.

     
  • Cubster 4 days 6 hours ago (view)

    Jed's GM search wrapping up, and the winner is: (Athletic write up): 37 yr old "Carter Hawkins, Cleveland assistant general manager, deals with all aspects of baseball operations in a front office admired for its stability, creativity in turning over the roster and ability to keep churning out pitchers.

     
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