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

A Guess at What the 2014 Cubs May Look Like

There's a lot of talk lately on what the Cubs future will look like and many of us are curious on just how young the Cubs will look in 2014. TheJedi have already hinted that a lot of youngsters will break camp with the team in 2014, but they say a lot of things and doesn't necessarily mean it's true. That being said, let's take a quick look at some possible options for the 25-man roster next year. Per usual, trades are nearly impossible to predict, so I don't really bother.

Catcher
Incumbents: Welington Castillo/Dionar Navarro
2014 Potentials: Castillo/Navarro/Saltalamacchia/Flores
Big Name Free Agent that Cubs won't be pursuing: Brian McCann
Castillo's no world-beater, but he seems solid at the plate and it'll be his age 27 season next year. The offensive numbers aren't particularly earth-shattering, a way too high strikeout rate north of 22% and a walk rate under 10%...plus his pitches per plate appearance is just 3.79 this year, which if he qualified puts him well near the bottom of catchers. He also has a nasty habit of getting injured a lot.

Navarro will be playing at age 30 next year, so I expect a strong push for a reunion, maybe on a very reasonable 2-year deal.

If the Cubs do surprise and go the free agent route (and not knowing whom will be non-tendered), the 3 that show up as 30-and-under are Brian McCann, Jesus Flores and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. I really don't expect the Cubs to make any overtures on any of them, but if they were, Saltalamacchia would seem to be the best bet. We know Theo already liked him enough to get him for the Red Sox, he brings some left-handed power and he possesses that wonderful ability to make a pitcher work,  seeing 3.94 pitches per plate appearance. Of course, he also K's over 30% and is more likely to hit .220 than .270 and that's not going to help with bringing runners in. 
So a long shot to say the least...

Best Guess: Castillo/Navarro reunion

1st Base
Incumbent: Anthony Rizzo
2014 Potentials: Anthony Rizzo
Big Name Free Agent that Cubs won't be pursuing: Justin Morneau (I guess)

Not much to analyze here, Rizzo will be playing first and batting in the middle of the order next year and hopefully doing much better than a .251 Batting Average on Balls in Play.

Only Guess: Anthony Rizzo

2nd Base
Incumbent: Darwin Barney
2014 Potentials: Barney, Arismendy Alcantara, Javier Baez, Donnie Murphy, Bobby Scales
Big Name Free Agent that Cubs won't be pursuing: Robinson Cano

This one could be interesting. Barney is eligible for arbitration and while he encompasses just about everything wrong with the Cubs offense (lack of everything that is required of a major league hitter such as power, taking walks or hitting the ball farther than 120 feet), he is a gifted defender. But not that gifted to that he'll keep the Cubs from pursuing an upgrade.

Where that upgrade comes from is the big question though. I've seen a lot of folks handing the job over to Alcantara, but he's still in AA and hitting .268 this year...yes that comes with a .343 OBP and a little more pop than Barney, but I don't know what the expectations would be by people for a 22-year old that skips AAA. Alcantara should start the year in AAA and maybe in June or July if he's tearing it up, get a look with the major league club, but more than likely, we don't see Alcantara in Wrigley until 2015 I'm guessing, if ever, because a Castro/Baez up the middle sounds far more appealing to me. Also, at best he's probably cheap major league average regular at second base, don't get too excited folks and if a trade opportunity arises, I wouldn't worry much about blocking him.

Now if the Cubs let Javier Baez try some new positions this offseason, I see him as a much more realistic possibility to take most of the AB's at second base next year. It's clear he's a special hitter at this point and even if he has some growing pains, he could inject this offense with a major upgrade. Now of course, the Cubs are going to be mindful of his service time and more likely he's a regular at 2b, 3b or SS in 2015, but let's say I wouldn't be the least bit surprised.

The free agent market starts and stops with one name and that's Robinson Cano. It being his age 31 season next year, I don't see the Cubs handing out any 7-10 year deals worth north of $150M though. If for some odd reason Cano really likes Wrigley and is willing to take 4/100 type deal, that's about the only way that'll happen.

Best Guess: Barney starts the season there, but does not finish with Baez or Alcantara taking over

Shortstop
Incumbent: Starlin Castro
2014 Potentials: Castro/Javier Baez
Big Name Free Agent that Cubs won't be pursuing: Does Rafael Furcal count?

It's been a tough year with the bat for Castro undoubtedly, but he'll still be just 24 next season. The Cubs will rightfully stick with him and even if they are having internal discussions about whether they want to move him out of the way for Baez, they'll wait until Castrol raises his value considerably.

Only Guess: Starlin Castro

Third Base
Incumbent: Luis Valbuena
2014 Potentials: Valbuena/Mike Olt/Kris Bryant/Javier Baez/Christian Villanueva
Big Name Free Agent that Cubs won't be pursuing: Michael Young (sure)

What was once a position of weakness is suddenly overflowing with potential talent. Now who takes the job will be the interesting part. it should go to Mike Olt, but we all know of his struggles. No one knows his winter plans yet, but suffice to say he better show marked improvement before getting to spring training and then put together a pretty solid spring to win the job.

Villanueva has heated up in AA, but he'll most certainly start off in Iowa looking to take over for injury or ineffectiveness. Never say never and all, but he's certainly the most likely to get traded at some point in the future between him, Olt and Bryant.

I'm probably getting ahead of myself on Bryant and Baez, but Bryant was a pretty special college bat and pretty special college bats don't necessarily need a lot of time in the minors. Once Bryant shook off the cobwebs, he tore up the Northwest League and now the Florida State League, it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Southern League and Pacific Coast League are mere speed bumps to the majors. He won't start in the majors next year, but I wouldn't be surprised if he finishes there.

Take that last sentence and apply it to Baez as well.

Best Guess: Valbuena or Olt to start the season, potentially Bryant or Baez force their way onto the team

Left Field & Center Field
Incumbents: Junior Lake & Brian Bogusevic
2014 Potentials: Schierholtz/Lake/Choo/Bryant/Soler/Nelson Cruz/Corey Hart
Big Name Free Agents that Cubs won't be pursuing: Curtis Granderson and Jacoby Ellsbury

Well if the Cubs spend money this offseason, it'll be on left and center field and starting pitching I'm guessing (also potential they sign a right fielder and move Schierholtz to left). I know there's this plethora of minor leaguers just bubbling near the surface to pop, but they're not quite here yet and unless they're tearing it up in AAA this year, there's no sane reason to count on them in 2014. Guys like Szczur, Jae Hoon-Ha, Jackson aren't guys you reserve up playing time for and guys like Bryant, Soler and Almora have unknown due dates at the moment. Almora is probably the farthest away of the bunch (as much as 3-4 years wouldn't surprise me), so that means to me that a center fielder would be the most likely to get a longer term deal and the only real center fielder that should be playing there defensively that's available on the open market is Jacoby Ellsbury. At least one that I think would make much of an impact.

I'm sure TheJedi would love to have Ellsbury, but that is only if Ellsbury would take a four year deal in the 75/80 range and I don't think anyone sees that happening. But if it did, don't worry too much about him blocking anyone, even if Almora forces his way onto the team sooner rather than later, Ellsbury is skilled enough defensively to move to a corner if necessary. That being said, it's very unlikely to happen.

On the other hand, Choo is a year older than Ellsbury, but should be substantially cheaper. Can the Cubs get him for 3/45? Hell if I know, and I don't know if they'd try him in left or center field (his defense is center is a bit sketchy), but they sure would love that OBP and quality at-bats at the top of the lineup.

If the Cubs go the buy low option, I wouldn't be surprised if they make a run at Nelson Cruz on a 2 year deal. He may very well end up with something much better, but the Cubs could use that power in the middle of the order after losing Soriano. Corey Hart could be another candidate in that vein.

More likely the Cubs continue to dance on the edges of free agency and look for more David DeJesus and Nate Schierholtz types, and very well may bring DeJesus back on a 1 year deal in the $4-5M range. A look at the potential free agents though doesn't bring any obvious candidates to mind though.

Best Guess: Choo, DeJesus, Schierholtz/Lake platoon

Right Field
Incumbent: Nate Schierholtz
2014 Potentials: Schierholtz/Lake/Choo/Cruz/Bryant/Pence
Big Name Free Agent that Cubs won't be pursuing: Carlos Beltran
Lake could very well start the season in left or center, but I'm guessing the Cubs would be far happier with him as a utility player/short side platoon mate. That being said, they may wait for Lake to reduce himself to that role or for Bryant and/or Soler to force him there.

Best Guess: Schierholtz/Lake platoon

Starting Pitching
Incumbents: Samardzija, T. Wood, E. Jackson, J. Arrieta,
2014 Potentials: Beyond the 4 named above - K. Hendricks, J. Grimm, C. Villanueva, S. Baker, A. Vizcaino, P. Hughes, J. Johnson, S. Feldman, C. Rusin
Big Name Free Agent that Cubs won't be pursuing: Matt Garza
The rotation looked like a black hole two years ago and the Cubs seem to have slowly built it up with some shrewd moves. I have no idea of the five that will break with the club (well I have a good idea on 4 of them), but they have some depth in Hendricks, Grimm, Rusin, Raley and Villanueva already in the system. And to say the least, I won't be surprised if they pursue at least one free agent that they could flip again if things come to that again next July. If TheJedi really want to shake things up, trading Samardzija would do the trick. Seliing high on Travis Wood wouldn't be a bad idea either as he'll never repeat his luck on BABIP again, but the return wouldn't be as great as the one for Samardzija.

Best Guess: Samardzija, T. Wood, E. Jackson, Arrieta, S. Baker  

Relief Pitching
Incumbents: K. Gregg, P. Strop, J. Russell, B. Parker, C. Villanueva, M. Bowden, H. Rondon
2014 Potentials:Too long a list but Russell, Strop and Villanueva seem pretty likely
Big Name Free Agent that Cubs won't be pursuing: F. Rodney
There's really no point to try and guess what the pen will look like to start next year because there are too many moving parts and it certainly won't finish the season looking like that. We can certainly make a good guess that Strop, Russell and probably Villanueva will be in there to start, leaving 4 open spots. The Cubs certainly aren't going to throw a ton of money at anyone, but they'll bring in some free agents and we know they like power arms. I could see Joba Chamberlain as a good buy low option, maybe Oliver Perez (not as cheap) or even Joel Hanrahan. But it could be none of them as well. They do have Fukijawa coming off surgery at some point and the rest of the minors could produce options in Alberto Cabrera, Rafael Dolis, Zach Rosscup, Tony Zych and Armando Rivera and some other names I'm certainly forgetting or underestimating.

I, of course,  have no idea what the team will actually end up looking like, but here's 2 potential lineup options I could see happening. I could also see about 10 other options, but let's start here.

Free Agent Option
If the Cubs surprise and spend money on outfielders, presuming on shorter deals (2-3 year variety).
Choo (8), Castro (6), Rizzo (3), Cruz (9), Schierholtz (7), Olt (5), Castillo (2), Barney (4)
Bench: Navarro/Valbuena/Lake/Watkins/Sweeney or Bogusevic or Ha

Draft Pick Strategy Option
The Cubs continue to spend little and make sure to block no one.
DeJesus (8), Castro (6), Rizzo (3), Schierholtz (9), Olt (5), Lake (7), Castillo (2), Barney (4),
Bench: Navarro/Valbuena/Watkins/Sweeney/Bogusevic (maybe Ha)

If the Cubs really want to shake things up and continue to not break the bank on silly free agent contracts, their best best will be to trade Jeff Samardzija. I think they feel pretty confident in finding starting pitching on the open market and maybe Samardzija brings them back some near-ready major leaguers. Would a Samardzija for Anthony Rendon trade be possible? I have no idea, but it intrigues me. So would a Samardzija for Kolten Wong trade, but that type of inner-division trade is pretty unlikely. And yes, I would expect some other pieces to be involved in any of those fanciful propositions.

Anyway, to sum up, I really don't expect an influx of talent from outside the organization in 2014. There isn't a ton out there that makes sense right now at the positions the Cubs need and it seems the Cubs are committed to let their youngsters get their shot.

Comments

the cubs have to spend money somewhere. yes, there's some that buy into the whole "won't spend until..." thing, but there's very few GMs out there that won't spend whatever loot the ownership is willing to give them. last season they went out and blew $33+m of the payroll for 2013 on feldman, s.baker, s.harriston, navarro, ejax, and fuji...with ejax + fuji ($17.5m) returning under contract. they also gave out smaller contracts, like $1.3m to s.camp and 950K to valbuena to retain them... even with some guys due for raises (like rizzo going from 500K to $1.25m and others via arbitration) they got some loot to spend and less holes to fill (except for the pen). i wonder whether they'll try to splash on an OF'r or a SP...it seems to be the only place they're capable of making an impact signing (assuming they won't be anywhere near the cano bidding...rightfully). will they enter the ellsbury/choo bidding? will they throw $10-$13m at c.beltran for a 1 year deal in anticipation of unloading him mid-season? will they kick the tires on damaged goods c.hart looking for a deal with power upside? will they bid on stuff vs results looking to do a "ejax-type" contract looking at p.hughes? ...none of the above? ...something else? *shrug*

Thanks Rob. This writeup is a fun read in what has been a long August in pursuit of the #3 draft choice. Thought I'd never be rooting for the WSux to continue their 5 game win streak. The Cubs are 2.5 games behind them for that #3 pick.

I think they feel pretty confident in finding starting pitching on the open market
I'm a little surprised at their ability to pull in good pitchers the way they do. Somebody in the front office or scouting department or both has a knack for evaluating pitching talent. Last bit I read from Hoyer was that he really wants to put the foot on the pedal on offense. Not happy with where they are at at all. As usual, the off season will be a lot more interesting than the regular season is.

[ ]

In reply to by Old and Blue

all he said is they'd evaluate their offense and of course they want to improve, but I'm sure they'll come to the conclusion that the bulk of the improvement is going to come from within.

Other than maybe RF, they could do with improvement at the other 7 spots. But as I hopefully demonstrated in the article that improvement isn't readily available on the open market other than maybe the outfield or they have guys close enough to the majors that they can afford to wait for them.

they'll make some additions undoubtedly, but it'll more of the same in looking for buy low options with upside I'm guessing.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

If you expect better BABIP luck and a touch more power from Rizzo, some kind of rebound by Castro (at least enough to get him hitting in the .270-.280 range) and some sort of improvement from Barney, then the additions of a Choo and Olt could make this lineup look half decent. If Olt rebounds and Baez pushes his way into the 2B job, you've suddenly got an offense that could be scary on occasion. Obviously, that depends on a lot of things breaking right. I'm also looking forward to Vizcaino finally making it back to the mound. I like Arrieta, too, if he can find a bit more command. I'm thinking we've got approximately a .500 team next year, and one that won't sell off all of its pieces at the deadline.

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In reply to by Rob Richardson

I doubt the front office goes that way. They practically made him the face of the franchise after his errorless streak last year. In addition, they have to figure out 3B and two outfield spots. If Alcantara had a season of AAA under his belt or Watkins were pressing the issue, things might be different.

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In reply to by Charlie

CHARLIE: If the Cubs build from within and don't sign or acquire significant free-agent position-players, I think the most-likely projection 2015+ is that Castro moves to 2B, Baez plays SS, and Alcantara is the super-sub IF-OF.

Barney could project as the Cubs #1 utility infielder 2015+, except he will be first-time eligible for Salary Arbitration post-2013 and will likely get about $2.5M for 2014, but that's too much to pay for a utility infielder, and once he's making that kind of money, it's almost impossible to cut his salary without non-tendering him. And once he's non-tendered, he can sign with anybody, and why would he want to stay with the Cubs and be a $1.5M per year utility infielder 2015 and beyond when he could probably find an everyday MLB SS or 2B gig someplace else?  

So I think Barney will be the Cubs starting 2B again at the start of next season, and then he will be actively shopped at the trade deadline. If he's having a bad year and has no trade value, he'll just get non-tendered post-2014.

I would be VERY surprised if Barney is still with the Cubs in 2015.

 

[ ]

In reply to by Arizona Phil

Beyond your own opinion of Castro's defensive skills and where he might be better, is there any other indication that you know of that says Castro will be moved to 2b and that Baez is significantly better at SS to warrant the move?

Because when it comes to the history of the majors moving the major leaguer off his defensive spot for the up and coming minor leaguer is a very rare thing and usually only when it's a significant age difference (veteran obviously slowing down) and particularly skilled defensive player coming up (I haven't seen anyone really indicate that of Baez...no one is thinking he's gonna be better than Tulo with the glove for example).

The examples are numerous, but Manny Machado is playing 3b right now is one. Profar not playing SS right now is another.

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In reply to by Rob G.

I remember watching Frankliin Font and Ryne Sandberg work with Starlin Castro on Field #5 (the half-field infield) at Fitch Park in 2008 (Minor League Camp, Extended Spring Training, and Instructs), and he was clearly better at 2B than SS. Font even said that, and Sandberg said that Castro reminded him of himself at 2B. Castro also has the kind of personality you often find in second-baseman, somewhat quiet and passive. Sort of a two-guard in basketball, waiting for someone to pass him the ball so he can take a shot, but otherwise just staying out of the way. 

Javier Baez (on the other hand) has the skills needed to play SS (just like Castro does), but (unlike Castro) there is no indication that shortstop isn't his best position. Baez is like a point guard in basketball or a quarterback in football. He's kind of bossy and aggressive and likes to run the show, which shortstops often do. He's combative and feisty, too, and when I have seen him play 3B (in the AFL last season), he looked disengaged, distracted, and sullen, like he doesn't want to be there. 

Baez is kind of like the kid on your little league team who is just so much better than everybody else that you let him play wherever he wants and hit wherever he wants in the lineup, and then you get out of his way and let him destroy the other team. 

Baez clearly very much wants to play shortstop. And maybe you weren't aware of this, but Javier Baez can do whatever the fuck he wants. 

 

[ ]

In reply to by Arizona Phil

Another thing about Javier Baez that Cub fans better be prepared for is that he does not suffer fools easily. He reminds me a little bit of Jimmy Piersall that way. I have seen him yell at teammates on the field when they make a mental mistake (not physical errors, though), and he seems obsessed with winning, even in Extended Spring Training games. He's super-competitive, sort of like Michael Jordan in that sense.

The Cubs probably should not bring him up when they are punting a season, either. Baez does not handle losing very well. He takes it pretty hard.  

[ ]

In reply to by Arizona Phil

I wasn't doubting any of your own observations on the matter or even that it may very well happen down the road, just wondering if there was anything you witnessed or heard directly from current Cubs personel that would indicate this defensive preference. Because the current publicity from the current guys in charge is that it is Baez that they'll tinker with...

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/19069/cubs-to-ponder-pos…

He's combative and feisty, too, and when I have seen him play 3B (in the AFL last season), he looked disengaged, distracted, and sullen, like he doesn't want to be there.

I don't see any of that as a good thing for what it's worth. Stamping your feet because you're not getting your way is plain and simply chilidish. If he really wants to play shortstop, don't make 40+ errors in a season.

For all the crap Castro gets on his defense, he's at the very least cut down on his physical miscues...15 errors this year, down from his normal high 20's. You put Baez there and you could very well be going back 2 years worth of development and starting over with all of Baez's physical mistakes having to be worked on.

[ ]

In reply to by Arizona Phil

sure, but 2-3 blown-out-of-proportion-by-the-media mental mistakes aren't nearly as damaging to a team as 15-20 physical errors.

But back to my original points, the actual Cubs decision makers don't seem inclined to be following this line of thinking and if the immediate defensive gain for the team is zilch (a tradeoff of Castro's mental miscues for Baez's physical), than the 24-year-old incumbent isn't going to be the one moving.

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In reply to by Rob Richardson

possibly, but I'm not sure I agree.

The Cubs brass are about creating value for their players and as we saw with Garza, they'll wait for it. Unless Castro becomes a clubhouse distraction, they won't move him just to move him, awating for what should be the inevitable bounceback season. And then if he does put together a good season, why would they move him?

Baez's bat can play anywhere and yeah, he might play SS in the majors, but he's got a lot of work to do to get there in my opinion. I think most would agree that a Castro/Baez middle infield is better than a Baez/Alcantara middle infield and despite all the prospect depth talk, there's actually not a ton at SS/2B beyond those 3 at the moment.

Now obviously if he continues to hit like Neifi, all bets are off, but they'll probably bench him before trading him.

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In reply to by Rob G.

castro is cheap until 2017 compared to the market at large (5m/6m/7m 14-16)...and arguably cheap in 2017 (9m). i can't imagine them trying to dump him unless he continues to underperform or some mystery 2nd baseman bursts onto the scene. even if they move him to 2nd, he's still a good deal as long as his bat comes around at least to his 2011/2012 performance levels. chances are pretty good there's more power than that in his bat, too. he's barely 23 (23 and 5 months old)...lot of guys his age are in AA or sniffing AAA.

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In reply to by Rob Richardson

dump = trade in this context...my bad. my point is money vs value i don't see them shifting him over the next 3+ seasons given how cheap he is vs his upside and possible contribution, whether it's at SS or 2nd. if a.alcantara can show he's highly adept to take castro's place then castro could be moved...or a.alcantara could also be moved for high value given that he'll cost next to nothing for 3-4 years to whatever team wants him...and under club control for 6 years. the cubs at least have options...and if alcantara doesn't pan out, they have a relatively cheap compared to market option at SS/2nd with castro over the next 3 seasons to flesh it all out.

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In reply to by Ryno

At first I was going to disagree with this post strongly. But then I reinterpreted it to mean that once Castro rebounds there is a strong chance that clubs will inquire about him and that TheoJed might believe other GM's overvalue Castro and what he brings to the table and thus deal him for what they see as greater value than he actually provides. As opposed to my first reading, which was that the post claims TheoJed is the type of regime that is so stubborn they will only accept one type of player because they operate on ideals instead of pragmatism.

If Castro wasn't on the team (or wasn't struggling so bad), do we think that Baez is hitting his way to a September call up?

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In reply to by Rob Richardson

a call-up would certainly affect his service time, there's nothing magic about September in that regard....if anything, it wouldn't burn an option though, but as you said AZ Phil can set us straight.

Sure there's deadwood on the 40-man, but the point is that you'd be starting all his major league clocks for a rather pointless cup of coffee.

Roto/Rosenthal reporting DeJesus has been claimed off waivers from unknown team. Today's thunderstorms are related to someone f*cking with DeJesus and we all know you don't F*ck with DeJesus. Nor Kim. https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/370573101005672448 it's the RAYS! (per Jesse Rogers in his first scoop!) Good thing they changed their name a few yrs back. Could you imagine the uproar if DeJesus was a Devil Ray?

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In reply to by Cubster

interesting claim btw, only 3 teams the Rays would be preventing DeJesus from going to...Red Sox, Tigers and Rangers and doesn't seem like any of them had a need. So for a very budget minded team, they must have really wanted him or felt one of those other 3 were interested.

In an interesting twist of fate if those earlier Braves rumors were true, with Heyward out 4-6 weeks, J. Upton nursing a hamstring injury that takes him in and out of the lineup and BJ just generally sucking (see what I did there), they probably have the most use for DeJesus at this point.

Both Alberto Cabrera and Rafael Dolis will be out of minor league options next season so that could affect the make-up of the 2014 bullpen. A player who is out of minor league options is essentialy a de facto "Rule 5 player" as far as the 25-man roster goes. 

10-12 year old kid (who bothered to bring a glove to the game) catches a r.zimmerman HR...the bleacher assholes start boo'ing the kid for not throwing it back until he gets sick of it and actually throws it back onto the field. stay classy.

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In reply to by Ryno

i'm sure someone gave the kid a replacement ball...and i dunno if they still do it (because a lot of the oldtimers have been driven out of the bleachers), but they used to give a certificate to those that threw a ball back. but yeah...it's just a kid...let him keep the ball he caught with his glove he brought to the game...especially when it comes to a team that looks like they're on their way to 100 losses.

At eh beginning of the year I stated here that I thought Castro would get moved to 2B, or be traded at the time (or before) Baez is made a member of the 25-man squad. I am glad AZ PHIL is coming over to my way of thinking. :) I also believe that in spite of what they are saying publicly, Castro is not fitting in with the TheoJed Way and I am really puzzled why they were in a rush to extend him so quickly. It kinda sucks he is not having a better year as I feel strongly that they would have traded him for some serious munchies, like the way they did with NOMAH.

and on that note, Castro ends a 29-game errorless streak with a throwing error...Cubs get out of it though.

every time i see j.lake swing i wonder when he's going blow out his oblique...or hips...or knees...it's like having a skinny sammy sosa around. he's big on those j.burnitz style upper-cut "reverse lumberjack" cuts, too...only they're not as smooth. his follow through looks like he's about to throw his shoulder out of joint.

after 2 rain cancelled games in a row, daytona is moving into hour 1 of rain delay for a scheduled double-header. daytona baseball...screwing up cubs pitching and batter development in style this month...

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In reply to by crunch

game 1 cancelled. ...and now game 2 cancelled. 3 days in a row with no games. this month has been hell on the pitching getting work and development all-around. even when they do makeup double-headers someone has to suffer in the pitching department because double-header games only go 7 innings rather than 9.

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In reply to by crunch

CRUNCH: The Cubs PDA with Tennessee, Daytona, Kane Ciunty, and Boise expire after the 2014 season, the PDA with Iowa expires after the 2016 season, and the Cubs own the AZL Cubs, DSL Cubs, and VSL Cubs, so there is no PDA for those three.   

So the earliest the Cubs can relocate their Hi-A affiliate to either the Carolina League or to the California League would be for the 2015 season.

2 castro CS on the game...dale, this isn't a running club...quit trying to make it happen.

d.murphy HR #8! TIE GAME! BOTTOM 9, 2 OUTS!

vintage WGN...missed bog's double after the pitching change during the commercial break.

meh...after 3 sacs in the last 4 inning...WAS finally gets one that ends up scoring a run. top 13th, WAS up by 1

" Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs According to Stats, Inc Murphy is the first Cub since at least 1921 to homer 8 times in his first 16 games with the club" considering no one on the 1921 cubs even hit 8 HRs, i'd like a little followup on this one.

[ ]

In reply to by The Joe

To me there are a few hidden agendas (protecting those close to him), minimizing statements (it was just a lozenge and a cream he did for a short time), cliches (trying to cope with a 'nagging injury'), patting himself on the back ("By coming forward when I did and waiving my right to appeal any sanctions that were going to be imposed, I knew I was making the correct decision and taking the first step in the right direction."), oversights (Dino Laurenzi Jr. gets about a third of a sentence), obfuscation (he alludes to a level of self delusion that seems weird for someone who only did it once). Etc etc. there have been accusations by former (univ of Miami?) teammates that his use goes back many years so as you said The Joe I don't believe a word he says. Still seems like a guy more interested in saying the right thing, and a little spin towards salvaging a career, than a guy being honest. And I suppose that concern is very real for a player in his prime. I think he still slimes ...

[ ]

In reply to by Carlito

Oh yeah, I think it's complete bullshit, but he said all the right things. After hearing how he called Matt Kemp and others and accused the collector of being an antisemite and (gasp!) a Cub fan, everything he says are just words to me...I just think it was a well written apology.

Anyone watching these Olt at bats? I haven't seen him since joining Iowa. I mean what the hell does he look like? Today another 0-3 with one K. But I mean I have NEVER seen so many ofers! The monkey and the typewriter have to apply at some point . . . He is apparently making a little contact but can't even get a blooper or a swinging bunt apparently. What's he look like? Lotsa popups? Soft grounders? It's really rather amazing the rate at which he is not reaching base.

Ortiz on Dempster hitting A-Rod (a bit of paraphrashing on my part because it was on MLB Network)

That pitch woke up a monster, you've seen how they've been playing since it happened.

Cubs have moved to a 1.5 games back of the White Sox for the 3rd spot in the draft.

Remaining schedule (3 game series unless otherwise noted):

Away
@ Padres, @ Dodgers, @ Cincinnati, @ Pittsburgh (4), @ Milwaukee (4)

Home

Philadelphia, Miami, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, St. Louis

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In reply to by Rob G.

Looks like they could make a run for Miami, then. They really need to get swept in that series. Gotta get that Murphy guy out of the lineup. EDIT: They're also going to need keep a couple of those teams at bay. The west coast trip should help. They may want to consider bringing Olt and Brett Jackson up and seeing what they can do on an every day basis.

Baseball America Prospect Hot Sheet 2. Javier Baez, ss, Cubs Team: Double-A Tennessee (Southern) Age: 20 Why He’s Here: .407/.452/.852 (11-for-27), 3 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBIs, 3 BB, 8 SO, 0-for-1 SB The Scoop: Now that Xander Bogaerts is in the big leagues with the Red Sox, the attention shifts to Baez, Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor and Addison Russell when discussing the top shortstop prospects in the minors. Baez may have the loudest tools of the group, with elite bat speed, incredible power production and a plus arm that turns hits into outs when he’s not throwing balls into the stands. Baez isn’t exactly the most polished shortstop in the group, but on weeks like this one in which he collected his fourth multi-homer game of the season, he may be the most exciting. Also this - The most unhittable pitcher in the minors is Glasnow, and it’s not really close. Opponents are hitting .148 against him this year, best in the minors among qualified starters. The next best, Cubs righty C.J. Edwards, holds opponents to a .175 average. Not So Hot Sheet Juan Carlos Paniagua, rhp, Cubs. His contract twice voided before he signed with the Cubs last July, Paniagua flunked out of the low Class A Midwest League in July (8.22 ERA, 12 walks in 7 2/3 innings) and hasn’t fared much better following a demotion to short-season Boise. The 23-year-old let in 15 runs in 4 2/3 innings this week, allowing 20 baserunners compared with five strikeouts. He now sports a 10.80 ERA through four appearances for the Hawks. http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/prospect-hot-sheet-aug-23-tyler-g…

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    LHP Blake Weiman appears to have been the last cut from the AAA Iowa roster. He is with the Tennessee group at Minor League Camp.

     

  • crunch (view)

    bruce bochy is hobbling rather badly for a guy who's had 2 hip replacements.  his gait is extremely wonky taking the lineup card to the ump.

  • crunch (view)

    yeah, for me this isn't about who's better at 3rd.  it's madrigal, period.  for me it's about who's not hitting in the lineup because madrigal is in the lineup.

    occasional play at 3rd for madrigal, okay.  going with the steele/ground-ball matchup...meh, but okay, whatever.

    seeing madrigal get significant starting time...no thanks.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Yeah I am very disappointed Madrigal is starting. He has no business as a starter. He is AAA insurance, a back up at best. Sure his defense looks fine because he plays far enough in that his noodle arm isn’t totally exposed. It comes at the cost of 3B range.

    He’s garbage, and a team serious about winning would NOT have him starting opening day.

  • crunch (view)

    in other news, it took 3 PA before a.rizzo got his 1st HBP of the season.

  • Eric S (view)

    With two home runs (so far) and 5 rbi today … clearly Nick Martini is the straw that stirs the Reds drink 😳

  • crunch (view)

    madrigal at 3rd...morel at DH.

    making room for madrigal or/and masterboney to get a significant amount of ABs is a misuse of the roster.  if it needed to get taken care of this offseason, they had tons of time to figure that out.

    morel played almost exclusively at 3rd in winter ball and they had him almost exclusively there all spring when he wasn't DH'ing.

    madrigal doing a good job with the glove for a bit over 2 chances per game...is that worth more than what he brings with the bat 4-5 PA a game?  it's 2024 and we got glenn beckert 2.0 manning 3rd base.

    this is a tauchman or cooper DH situation based on bat, alone.  cooper is 3/7 with a double off eovaldi if you want to play the most successful matchup.

    anyway, i hope this is a temporary thing, not business as usual for the rest of the season.  it will be telling if morel is not used at 3rd when an extreme fly ball pitcher like imanaga is on the mound.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    There are two clear "logjams" in the Cubs minor league pipeline at the present time, namely AA outfielders (K. Alcantara, C. Franklin, Roederer, Pagan, Pinango, Beesley, and Nwogu) and Hi-A infielders (J. Rojas, P. Ramirez, Howard, R. Morel, Pertuz, R. Garcia, and Spence, although Morel has been getting a lot of reps in the outfield in addition to infield). So it is possible that you might see a trade involving one of the extra outfielders at AA and/or one of the extra infielders at Hi-A in the next few days. 

  • 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.