2015 Cubs Minor League Camp Rosters

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Fri, 03/13/2015 - 8:07pm

Dylan Cease, James Farris, Scott Frazier, Michael Heesch, Barret Loux, Brad Markey, James Pugliese, Starling Peralta, Alex Santana, Jen-Ho Tseng, Michael Wagner, and Ben Wells threw "live" BP today, as Cubs minor leaguers had their first "full squad" workout of 2015 at the Under Armour Performance Center at Riverview Park in Mesa, AZ.  

2015 CUBS MINOR LEAGUE CAMP - SPRING TRAINING ROSTERS (last updated 3-14-2015):


NOTE: ROSTERS AT MINOR LEAGUE CAMP ARE FLUID. Minor League players are often initially assigned to a squad one or even two levels above where they will ultimately be assigned once the regular season starts. Minor League Camp roster assignments are based on several factors, including the player's position as it relates to the specific needs of the organization, and the player's age, amount of professional experience, and previous season's performance (including any time spent at a post-season Instructional League). As players are sent to Minor League Camp from the Major League squad during the course of Spring Training, there are corresponding roster moves made at Minor League Camp as players are either moved down a level or released. Occasionally a player or a pitcher will be moved up a level during the course of Minor League Camp, but such an occurrence is rare. 

* bats or throws left
# bats both


IOWA: 30+1

AAA

PITCHERS: 16+1
* Jeffry Antigua
Frank Batista 
Matt Brazis 
Zach Cates 
Blake Cooper
Fernando Cruz
P. J. Francescon  
* Austin Kirk
* Jeff Lorick
Matt Loosen
Barret Loux  
Trey McNutt (INACTIVE - 2014 shoulder surgery)
Yoanner Negrin  
Felix Pena
Carlos Pimentel
Ivan Pineyro
Tony Zych

CATCHERS: 3    
Ben Carhart
Willson Contreras
Taylor Davis

INFIELDERS: 6
Stephen Bruno
* Wes Darvill
Ryan Dent
Jonathon Mota
Elliot Soto
* Dan Vogelbach

OUTFIELDERS: 5
John Andreoli 
* Kevin Brown
Anthony Giansanti
Jae-Hoon Ha
* Rubi Silva


TENNESSEE: 30

AA

PITCHERS: 16
Justin Amlung
Francisco Carrillo 
* Gerardo Concepcion 
* Tyler Ihrig
Michael Jensen
Juan Carlos Paniagua
Steve Perakslis
Starling Peralta 
Austin Reed
Jose Rosario
Andres Santiago
Tayler Scott
Tyler Skulina
Daury Torrez 
Ben Wells
* Rob Zastryzny 

CATCHERS: 3
Cael Brockmeyer
# Victor Caratini
* Jordan Hankins (ex-INF)

INFIELDERS: 6
# Jeimer Candelario
Dustin Geiger 
Shane Kennedy 
* Danny Lockhart
Carlos Penalver
Tim Saunders (reinstated from VOLUNTARY RETIRED LIST)

OUTFIELDERS: 5
Jeffrey Baez
* Pin-Chieh Chen 
* Jake Hannemann
* Billy McKinney 
* Bijan Rademacher 


MYRTLE BEACH: 31

Hi-A 

PITCHERS: 16 
Paul Blackburn 
James Farris
David Garner
Trevor Graham 
* Michael Heesch 
Lars Huijer 
Jonathan Martinez
* Jordan Minch 
Jeremy Null
James Pugliese 
Jasvir Rakkar
Jake Stinnett
* Tommy Thorpe 
Jen-Ho Tseng
Duane Underwood
Michael Wagner

CATCHERS: 4
Gioskar Amaya (ex-INF) 
* Justin Marra
Will Remillard (LIMITED ACTIVITY - back?) 
Mark Zagunis

INFIELDERS: 6 
David Bote
# Varonex Cuevas
* Jacob Rogers 
Gleyber Torres
*  Jason Vosler
Chesny Young 

OUTFIELDERS: 5
Yasiel Balaguert 
* Shawon Dunston Jr 
* Kevin Encarnacion 
Trey Martin 
* Charlie White


SOUTH BEND: 65+1

Lo-A

PITCHERS: 40
Adbert Alzolay
Pedro Araujo 
Jordan Brink 
Jesus Camargo 
Marcelo Carreno (LIMITED ACTIVITY - post-2013 shoulder surgery) 
Jesus Castillo
Dylan Cease 
Trevor Clifton 
Josh Conway 
Oscar de la Cruz
* Andin Diaz
Greyfer Eregua
Scott Frazier 
Tanner Griggs
Zach Hedges  
Luis Hernandez
Corbin Hoffner
John Michael Knighton  
Erick Leal 
Daniel Lewis 
Mark Malave (ex-C) 
Dillon Maples
Brad Markey
Trey Masek (LIMITED ACTIVITY - 2014 shoulder surgery) 
Ryan McNeil
Yomar Morel
Erling Moreno (LIMITED ACTIVITY - 2014 ??? surgery)
James Norwood 
* Ariel Ovando (ex-OF)
* Jose Paulino
Hector Perez
* Anthony Prieto 
Brad Renner
* Carson Sands
Alexander Santana
* Justin Steele
Ryan Williams 
Austyn Willis
* Sam Wilson 
Jose Zapata

CATCHERS: 6
Tyler Alamo
# Eric Castillo
* Alberto Mineo 
Tyler Pearson 
Jhonny Pereda 
Roberto Vahlis


INFIELDERS: 12+1
# Roney Alcala
* Danny Canela (LIMITED ACTIVITY - ???) 
# Frandy de la Rosa 
* Andrew Ely 
* Bryant Flete
Jesse Hodges
Carlos Jimenez
Joey Martarano (INACTIVE - attending college) 
Adonis Paula
* Carlos Sepulveda
Ho-Young Son
Alex Tomasovich 
Tanner Witt 

OUTFIELDERS: 7
Charcer Burks 
* Rashad Crawford
Calvin Graves
Eloy Jimenez
* Ricardo Marcano
Kevonte Mitchell
Shamil Ubiera

MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FIELD STAFF: 
FIELD COORDINATOR & CATCHING COORDINATOR: Tim Cossins 
PITCHING COORDINATOR: Derek Johnson 
ASSISTANT PIICHING COORDINATOR: Mike Mason 
HITTING COORDINATOR: Anthony Iapoce 
ASSISTANT HITTING COORDINATOR: Tom Beyers 
INFIELD COORDINATOR: Jose Flores 
OUTFIELD & BASERUNNING COORDINATOR: Doug Dascenzo 
LATIN AMERICAN FIELD COORDINATOR: Dave Keller 
MENTAL SKILLS PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Josh Lifrak 
MENTAL SKILLS COORDINATOR: Darnell McDonald 
LATIN AMERICAN MENTAL SKILLS COORDINATOR: Raymond Fuentes 
IOWA: Marty Pevey (Manager) , Mike Cather (Pitching Coach), Brian Harper (Hitting Coach), and Leo Perez (Assistant Coach)
TENNESSEE: Buddy Bailey (Manager), Storm Davis (Pitching Coach), Desi Wilson (Hitting Coach), and Guillermo Martinez (Assistant Coach)
MYRTLE BEACH:  Mark Johnson (Manager), David Rosario (Pitching Coach), Mariano Duncan (Hitting Coach), and Chris Gutierrez (Assistant Coach) 
SOUTH BEND: Jimmy Gonzalez (Manager), Brian Lawrence (Pitching Coach), Jesus Feliciano (Hitting Coach), and Osmin Melendez (Assistant Coach) 
EUGENE: Gary Van Tol (Manager), Anderson Tavares (Pitching Coach), Ricardo Medina (Hitting Coach), and Terrmel Sledge (Assistant Coach)
AZL CUBS: Carmelo Martinez (Manager), Ron Villone (Pitching Coach), Oscar Bernard (Hitting Coach), and Ty Wright (Assistant Coach)
MESA REHAB: Rick Tronerud (Pitching Coach) and Nate Maldonado (Assistant Coach)
DSL CUBS: Juan Cabreja (Manager), Armando Gabino (Pitching Coach), Claudio Almonte (Hitting Coach), and Carlos Ramirez (Assistant Coach)
VSL CUBS: Pedro Gonzalez (Manager), Eduardo Villacis (Pitching Coach), Franklin Blanco (Hitting Coach), and Antonio Valerio (Assistant Coach) 
MINOR LEAGUE TRAINING COORDINATOR: Nick Frangella 
ASSISTANT MINOR LEAGUE TRAINING COORDINATOR: Chuck Baughman
ATHLETIC TRAINERS: Scott Barringer (Iowa), Shane Nelson (Tennessee), Peter Fagan (Myrtle Beach), Jonathan Fierro (South Bend), Mike McNulty (Eugene), Toby Williams (AZL Cubs), Jose Alvarez (DSL Cubs), and Arnoldo Goite (VSL Cubs)
MINOR LEAGUE STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COORDINATOR: Doug Jarrow 
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACHES: Ryan Clausen (Iowa), Mike Megrew (Tennessee), Jason Moriss (Myrtle Beach), Ed Kohl (South Bend), Ryan Nordtvedt (Eugene), Sean Folan (AZL Cubs), Tomas Sanchez (DSL Cubs), and Manny Estrada (VSL Cubs) 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

EXTENDED SPRING TRAINING: TBA 

NOTE: The Extended Spring Training (EXST) group (AKA "Eugene/Mesa") is formed during Minor League Camp.  This group will consist of players who are the replacement cadre for the full season affiliates, players deemed not ready for full-season leagues, and injured players.  

PITCHERS: 
TBA

CATCHERS: 
TBA

INFIELDERS: 
TBA

OUTFIELDERS: 
TBA 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


CUBS LATIN AMERICAN AFFILIATES

NOTE: Latin American Cubs minor leaguers who do not attend Minor League Camp in Arizona have their Spring Training at the Cubs Dominican Academy beginning in March. Players who have Spring Training at the Dominican Academy are eventually assigned to either the Cubs Extended Spring Training squad in Mesa in April and/or to one of the two Cubs Foreign-Rookie affiliates (DSL Cubs or VSL Cubs) when they commence league play in May.

DSL CUBS: 39+1

SS-FR

PITCHERS: 17+1
Assael Aquino
* Wander Cabrera (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Luis Escanio
Luis Guillen (INACTIVE - Restricted List) 
Jeffry Hernandez
Junior Marte
Jose Morel
* Pablo Ochoa (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
* Jesus Perez
* Chris Pieters 
Eury Ramos (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Santiago Rodriguez 
Andri Rondon
Aneuris Rosario
Pedro Silverio
Jesus Tejada (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Deibi Torres
Dilson Vasquez

CATCHERS: 4
Eric Gonzalez
Johan Matos 
Richard Nunez 
Raymond Pena (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)

INFIELDERS: 10
Jenner Emeterio
# Humberto Garcia 
# Fidel Mejia (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Rafael Mejia (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Jose Paniagua
Jhonny Pena
# Yeiler Peguero (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Tony Rijo (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
# Miguel Ruiz 
Franklin Tineo 

OUTFIELDERS: 8
Luis Acosta 
# Roberto Caro 
Yovanny Cuevas (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Wander Felix (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SRRVICE)
# Robert Garcia
Jose Jules (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SRRVICE)
Samir Lara (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Luis Ubiera


VSL CUBS: 39

SS-FR

PITCHERS: 23
Jesus Arias 
Andres Arteaga (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Harrinson Bermudez
* Andres Bonalde (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Alejandro Colorado
Enrique de los Rios
* Riger Fernandez (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Emilio Ferrebus (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Hector Garcia (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
* Yapson Gomez 
Jose Leidenz
Gabriel Lima
Ivan Medina
* Angel Mejias
Bryan Molina (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
* Alex Pacheco 
* Eugenio Palma
Moises Ramirez
Juan Rengifo 
* Carlos Rodriguez 
Julio Sanchez
Freddy Tineo (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Mauro Vides

CATCHERS: 2
# Martin Hodwalker
Gustavo Polanco (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)

INFIELDERS: 9
Jhonny Bethencourt (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Wladimir Galindo 
Francisco Garay (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Danny Gutierrez
Fidel Matos
# Andruw Monasterio 
Rafael Narea (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)
Henry Pedra
Miguel Rico

OUTFIELDERS: 5
* Luis Ayala 
Moises Colasante
Jose Gonzalez
Luis Hidalgo
Jose Rojas (SIGNED FOR FUTURE SERVICE)


Tags: 
Cubs Minor League Rosters

Comments

Submitted by John Beasley  on Fri, 03/13/2015 - 9:52pm  
Good stuff, AZ. Always appreciated. Would you care to venture a guess on an Opening Day roster for South Bend?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:19pm  

JOHN B: Really too early to say, but I would guess the starting pitchers will come from among (alphabetically) Trevor Clifton, Josh Conway, Erick Leal, James Norwood, Jeremy Null, Carson Sands, and Jake Stinnett, and the starting lineup will be something like: Crawford CF, Torres SS, Baez RF, Canela 1B, Brockmeyer DH, Hodges 3B, Ely 2B, Burks LF, Marra C.  

Submitted by Hagsag  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 5:18am  
PHIL, who is Tanner Witt?

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 7:45am  
I'd also like to know who TBA is. He appears to be quite versatile.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:06pm  

HAGSAG: I believe he came from the Frontier League. 

Submitted by bigsky33  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 10:00am  
Phil, nice job. I see Kevin Brown is now on the AAA roster. Is he a case where he is assigned higher and will eventually be moved down? Do you have a feel as to where he will end up to start the season? Montana Bob

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:05pm  

BOB: Minor League Camp assignments are based uponm several factors, but in Kevin Brown's case, it probably would be they had an outfielder slot open on the Iowa squad and they felt that Brown has the maturity and experience necessary to work at that level at Minor League Camp. He also probably is considered a good role model for some of the younger players (get with the program and you get rewarded). 

Once the cuts start coming from the big club (probably beginning next week) it will be hard for Brown to remain on the Iowa roster. He could go down two levels very quickly. 

Submitted by bigsky33  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 6:42pm  
Thanks Phil. I kind of figured that based on your write_up. I am kind of hoping he lands in AA with the Smokies.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 10:24am  
Hey Phil - this is great. Wondering what your thoughts are regarding Stinnet and Carson Sands? Legit MLB-quality pitching prospects? Thanks!

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:00pm  

E-MAN: Both Stinnett and Sands are legit starting pitcher prospects. Stinnett threw three innings of "live" BP today versus Myrtle Beach and looked very good (weak contact & quite a few swings & misses). 

Submitted by jacos  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 11:35am  
Happy 3.14 day http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlKymkfPHsM/Tw3qVAV...

Submitted by Cubster  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 12:17pm  
The doink HR... http://m.mlb.com/video/v13109513/jose-canseco...

Submitted by Cubster  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 2:53pm  
Bryant 2 run HR on 1st pitch he sees today in Vegas.

Submitted by crunch  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 2:56pm  
wish it was televised...at least the chc/mil game is being televised out of MIL.

Submitted by jacos  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:08pm  
Yeah but it was oppo So spend a few weeks in aaa to work on pulling the ball

Submitted by billybucks  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:36pm  
2nd HR in 2nd AB....amazing. What happened to Rizzo?

Submitted by jacos  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:37pm  
Ok 2nd hr today went out left center Need to wrap it around that pole, son.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 2:56pm  

More "live" BP at Minor League Camp today (Saturday 3/14):

THREE INNINGS (45 pitches): 
Josh Conway 
James Norwood 
Ivan Pineyro   
Jake Stinnett
* Rob Zastryzny


ONE INNING (15 pitches):
Justin Amlung
* Gerardo Concepcion 
Francisco Carrillo
Tanner Griggs
Lars Huijer 
* Tyler Ihrig 
Daniel Lewis
* Jordan Minch 
Juan Carlos Paniagua 
Duane Underwood 
 
Generally speaking, pitchers who throw three innings of "live" BP at this stage of Minor League Camp atre being primed to be starters.
 

Submitted by crunch  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:21pm  
if d.underwood was moved off the starter track that's a shame this early in his development.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:27pm  

CRUNCH: It's possible Underwood was supposed to go three but was shut-down after only one inning. I say that only because the "starters" pitch first and he was one of the first guys to pitch today.  

Submitted by Cubster  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:37pm  
Bryant another HR this time to Left-Center. Putting on a show for the home crowd. He was practicing on pulling the ball this time.

Submitted by Cubster  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:38pm  
and Kyle Hendricks pitched 5 no hit, no run, 3K innings in Vegas.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 3:50pm  
So Bryant is scratched from the lineup due to shoulder fatigue? Then hits two?

Submitted by Cubster  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 4:08pm  
So Bryant is scratched from the lineup due to shoulder fatigue? Then hits two? --- Yes. Per Muscat.

Submitted by crunch  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 4:08pm  
yeah... this whole "bryant maybe not breaking with the club" thing is going to be epic media masturbation pretty soon.

Submitted by crunch  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 4:07pm  
the brewers are totally crapping themselves vs the cubs...embarrasing amount of time between out 1 and out 2 in the top of the 3rd...cubs up 8-0, 7 runs in the inning. welly continues his tear...2-2 so far. someone trade for him already...or see if he can play some LF or something.

Submitted by Charlie  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 4:53pm  
Eat the loss on D. Ross. It wasn't a good move.

Submitted by crunch  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 4:43pm  
a.rivero ended up pitching today vs oak... ...not very well. 0.1ip 2h 2bb 0k 1er cubs had a team-combined no-hitter going into the 8th when he took over, btw.

Submitted by crunch  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 4:49pm  
another sczuzurzurzusuz HR...off j.broxton...3rd of the spring.

Submitted by Charlie  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 4:54pm  
I wonder if any eye witnesses can comment on whether there have been any changes to Szczur's swing that are helping him find some game power.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 1:10am  

R. Theriot hit 5 HR's in a month in 2009.

Submitted by Charlie  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 12:55pm  
I... completely forgot about that. Also: Sep. 7, 2006, 11-3 win vs. Cincinnati, Theriot went 3/5 and hit two of his 3 homeruns for the season, both solo shots. May 13, 2009, 6-4 win vs. San Diego, Theriot went 2/3 with a walk and two of his seven homers for the season (five out of the 7 came in May, as you note), both solo shots. I remember finding both occasions funny.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 8:30am  
Last year he seemed like a slap hitter. This year when I saw him - about the only rookie I wanted to see that I actually got to see a lot of when I was in AZ other than Russell, he *seemed* to be staying back on the ball just a twitch of a second longer. But I can't say for sure - I bet AZ knows, I think he always liked Szczur and has certainly seen a lot of him at various points of his career. It's a very smooth swing overall, I'll say that. Kind of an anti-Baez swing. But.... it's Arizona. He is hitting the ball really hard, but he's not the focus of pitchers' attention right now like he would be in game situations. So although I don't think he's getting helped by Arizona air, he's got the advantage of surprise right now. I doubt pitchers try less hard on one player than another, but I think it's safe to assume they think they can get away with certain pitches with Szczur that they really can't anymore. Lots of scouts hanging around, so the word is getting out. Let's see if he keeps it up all spring. I sure hope he does because he's one of my favorites.

Submitted by Charlie  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 10:42am  
Re: both O&B and Rob That's very reasonable and no fun. I'm certainly not hoping he'll turn into a power hitter, but if he could get to say 10-ish HRs per season and a reasonable number of doubles, he'd be a more interesting 4th-outfielder type.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 6:45pm  

O & B: When I first saw him at Spring Training in 2011 (he skipped post-2010 AZ Instructs to play college football), Matt Szczur showed average HR power in BP, and in fact he hit 10 HR in his first 134 minor league games (but with only 36 walks). But then he intentionally cut-down his swing and became more of a "slap hitter" after the 2011 season in order to play the role of a traditional lead-off hitter and take better advantage of his plus-speed (he was rated the fastest player in the Cubs system by Baseball America in 2011), and as a rssult he hit only 10 HR in 390 games 2012-14, but he also ncreased his walk rate, drawing 145 walks in those 390 games. He became a somewhat less-aggressive hitter in the process, though, as he tried to work the count and draw more walks.   

So he probably does have the inate combination of plus-speed, above-average baserunning skills (including base-stealing), at least average HR power (probably 10-12 HR spread over a full MLB season if he were to play every day), and plus defense (albeit with just an average arm) to be a first-rate MLB 4th outfielder, or maybe even a platoon OF or an everyday CF on certain MLB clubs, depending upon where he ends up.

BTW, Szczur has one minor league option left, but it's a "4th minor league option," and it will go away and can't be used if he doesn't use it in 2015. So even if he spends the entire 2015 season in the big leagues, his last minor league option will disappear after this season, and he will be out of minor league options this time next year. 

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 7:01am  
Thanks, AZ Phil - correct me if I'm wrong but I think you've been calling this almost ever since you first saw him, 4th outfielder type of guy.

Submitted by John Beasley  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 7:08am  
I like Szczur for the same reason I like Alcantara. They control the strike zone, have a good eye, bring good speed, have a little pop, and are competent in nearly every facet of the game to make me feel like the floor is high enough to be an MLB player for a period of years, even if they never reach their respective ceilings (a couple All-Star games for Mendy; a regular MLB starter for Szczur).

Submitted by videographer  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 4:51pm  
Matt Szczur with another HR today.

Submitted by crunch  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 5:08pm  
bryant is 9 for 20 with 6hr and 1 double. .450/.522/1.400 avg/ob%/slugging (3 walks) blah blah sample size...blah blah spring training...a'ite, sure.

Submitted by Jackstraw  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 5:30pm  
Those are "It's clear he only needs six weeks at Iowa" numbers.

Submitted by billybucks  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 6:07pm  
So Bryant misses the first 2-3 weeks of the season. Wrigley in April is a miserable place to hit -- wind howling in off the lake, wind chills in the 30s or lower -- it's the reason a lot of Cubs pitchers have good home ERAs until Memorial Day. Bryant missing a few weeks of miserable hitting weather, when small ball is usually required, in return for an extra full year in his prime? OK. Any news why Rizzo left the game so Bryant could go off?

Submitted by QuietMan  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 7:16pm  
Carrie Muskat @CarrieMuskat · #Cubs plan in Vegas was to have vets get at least 1 at-bat. That's why Fowler and Rizzo lifted. Nothing to worry about

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 9:51pm  
MVP MVP MVP.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 8:39am  
Shut the f*** up. Unless you want an endless succession of knee surgeries. Thanks.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 10:30am  
:)

Submitted by Ryno  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 9:23am  
I would agree with your sample size argument if it weren't for the fact that Byrant is continuing to do what he did all of last year...

Submitted by The E-Man  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 7:27pm  
Weather & your Cubs What will be very interesting to see is just how detrimental the bleacher-less park will affect the fly balls. You got that fact PLUS early-season cold/wind, etc. How will our new Maddon come up with ways to score runs?

Submitted by jacos  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 8:50pm  
How about the giant video board in left?

Submitted by Newport  on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 10:45pm  
Would less wind make it better or worse for hitters? I would imagine the video boards are going to reduce wind, especially from blowing in. Maybe that is Theo's money ball hack. Make the park more hitter friendly and load up on sluggers.

Submitted by Cubster  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 8:50am  
How about the giant video board in left? --- How did the Giants get their own video board in Wrigley Field?

Submitted by Newport  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 9:14am  
Sponsorship. It's all about the $$$$$$$.

Submitted by jacos  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 11:22am  
I loathe you ; / )

Submitted by Cubster  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 3:23pm  
Carafe's Sunday Notes, Cub related stuff: Kris Bryant gets the lead photo, a longer discussion about attracting kids to Baseball:
Fans love home runs, and they’re down since steroids were taken out of the game. But even before steroids there were power hitters. There is hope on the way with players such as the Cubs’ Kris Bryant.
Updates on Nine: 1. Daniel Bard, RHP, Cubs — Is he cured of the yips? Early reports are that the former Red Sox is throwing hard and without the yips that have troubled him the last two years. The Sox considered bringing him back this offseason, but the Cubs decided to give him another chance. And now, they may be glad they did. 2. Jon Lester, LHP, Cubs — The Red Sox spent a lot of time with Lester on the back fields in spring training trying to get him over his fear of throwing to bases. The Cubs will have to address the problem if it arises again. It’s strange that with all the sophisticated scouting out there that teams didn’t make Lester throw to bases by bunting on him. One team already is looking forward to testing him.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/03/14/...

Submitted by John Beasley  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 3:39pm  
Re Lester: I'm sure "one team" is Cincinnati. They're going to try to exploit the hell out of him.

Submitted by crunch  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 3:46pm  
deno finally hits his 1st HR of the spring...off cueto. also, they're not showing the game on WGN-A (WGN America)...this is a change for them doing different sports programming for WGN(regular) vs the national calbe WGN-A.

Submitted by Cubster  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 3:55pm  
odd, mb.com's game day isn't functioning for the Cubs, stuck in pre-game mode. Game in the top of the 4th They have had some issues this spring. At least the web version. I haven't checked the mlb app.

Submitted by crunch  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 4:14pm  
dino's hit a HR and t.wood is looking awesome through 5, throwing a shutout with 4K. that's pretty much the important highlights. also, k.gregg is in to pitch the bottom 5th for the reds...ha.

Submitted by crunch  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 4:19pm  
in the short time i've gotten to watch a.russell, he seems to have an extremely good eye picking up fastballs vs breaking stuff and doesn't even try to swing at a lot of breaking stuff. he doesn't always make the best contact vs the fastballs he offers at, but it's a hell of an eye (and body/mind control) for a kid that age to not only know he loves to feast on fastballs, but what's most likely a fastball and what's not what he's looking for. that's a hell of a tool for a young kid.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 5:53pm  
Baez, meantime, swung, hard, at a pitch that bounced in front of the plate, and was outside by a good margin, too. Kinda hard to blame that on the style of his swing.

Submitted by crunch  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 6:00pm  
the way he swings he'll never be able to adjust (or easily stop/check) his swing when it starts. a lot of the time it seems he's made up his mind he's going to swing as long as it's looking like it's going where he wants it regardless of the type of pitch. he holds his hands all screwed up, loads up his shoulders all screwed up, and unleashes pure fury. it's not a crappy swing, but it's a very all-or-nothing swing. that said...it's that action along with the explosive speed of his arms/wrists that makes his power so deadly. either his timing needs to develop or his pitch selection...or both...or he needs to adapt...or whatever.

Submitted by The Joe  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 9:16pm  
So, does he...ahem...swing on a plane?

Submitted by crunch  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 9:37pm  
i f'n knew that might happen...hah. seriously though, his wrists are so strong/quick and there's so much motion in his shoulders that he can move the bat. he's not locked-in...he's got a lot of moving parts up top, but it doesn't stiffly lock him up.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 5:58pm  
"Silva is supposed to have a strong outfield arm, isn't he? He had sixteen outfield assists at Tennessee last season." http://www.thecubreporter.com/comment/220345#... Yes, I'd say so. And a major league tag today on the other end of the throw by our young catching prospect, Schwarber.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 6:13pm  

More "live" BP at Minor League Camp today (Sunday 3/16):

THREE INNINGS (45 pitches) 
Paul Blackburn
Trevor Clifton 
Erick Leal 
Jeremy Null 
Daury Torrez 

TWO INNINGS (30 pitches)  
Andres Santiago 

Torrez got drilled for two HR (Candelario and Hankins) in his seciond inning of work.

As I have mentioned before, pitchers who throw innings in "live" BP at Minor League Camp are being primed to be starting pitchers for "full season" teams.   

Submitted by Hagsag  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 9:32am  
Can someone explain this? I tried to watch the replay of the Cubs/Reds game of yesterday at 5:00 am on MLB TV, but it was blacked out. This shit is totally nuts!!

Submitted by jacos  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 9:37am  
Do you have MLB network?

Submitted by Hagsag  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 11:25am  
Yes I do have MLB network.

Submitted by jacos  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 12:56pm  
it's on there, but I'm guessing you are not by your tv. Game on at 3 central today Lester on the bump

Submitted by jacos  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 9:38am  
Zach Wheeler tommy john surgery. /Wood-Prior flashbacks

Submitted by crunch  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 9:54am  
it's probably a misdiagnosis. he's never thrown over 120 pitches since he signed and only thrown exactly 120 pitches once...wait...i bet it was that time he did throw 120 pitches that started all of this. death to terry collins!

Submitted by Rob G.  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 2:40pm  

8 players cut today; P. Johnson, A. Rivero, H. Cervanka, C. Black, L. Watkins (injured before camp), C. Villanueva, D. Roach, R. Lopez

Submitted by WISCGRAD  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:07pm  

No surprises there.

Submitted by jacos  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:17pm  
Kid is scuffling Bryant K's on three pitches

Submitted by Ryno  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:28pm  
DFA Bryant.

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:32pm  
Who?

Submitted by Carlito  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:58pm  
I hate the modern use of the word scuffling that started with sports announcers substituting it for struggling about 6 years ago. 1. a short, confused fight or struggle at close quarters. "there were minor scuffles with police" synonyms: fight, struggle, tussle, brawl, fracas, free-for-all, scrimmage; More 2. an act or sound of moving in a hurried, confused, or shuffling manner. "he heard the scuffle of feet" It is not a subtle difference between a fight and an internal struggle to me. The fact that it is now totally synonymous with struggle drives me batty. If the batter started wresting with the umpire and the catcher jumped in. Fine. That's a scuffle. Btw no one else seems to care so ...

Submitted by JoePepitone  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 7:27pm  
I guess the way I hear "scuffling" being used is in a metaphorical sense, using the second definition you list above. I get a picture of someone scuffling his feet in a confused or uncertain manner rather than striding ahead confidently, as one would when they are performing well. In that way, the term makes some sense to me. It certainly doesn't bother me nearly as much the now ubiquitous use of the term "unbelievable" as a synonym for "amazing" or "spectacular". Unbelievable means not worthy of belief -- and if you are telling me it's not worthy of belief, then don't expect me to believe it. Words mean something. Use the ones that mean what you intend to say. And get off my lawn!

Submitted by Carlito  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 8:13pm  
I wish that was the case. You give them way too much credit. I hear it used all the time as a direct substitution for 'struggling' and I think it makes the announcers sound stupid. I cringe every time. I think of a scuffle as involving two or more people in kind of a fracas and it's a stretch to think they are saying they are dragging their feet or fighting to get hits or something. 'He really scuffled last year, batting just .231." You'll hear it every day during the season. Was never used that way prior to, say, 2007 or so. I'd love to find the origin or announcer who started doing it. If it didn't basically rhyme with struggling I think it wouldn't bug me as much.

Submitted by Charlie  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 8:40pm  
Carlito, I'm scuffling to identify your point. Ah, life. Every day brings a new way to be just the worst.

Submitted by Carlito  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 8:43pm  
Exactly. That sounds ridiculous.

Submitted by Carlito  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 8:54pm  
The origin of the word is Swedish 'skuffa' which is to push or shove. Another popular definition: to struggle or fight in a rough, confused manner.

Submitted by jacos  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:34pm  
castro with first brain fart of the year

Submitted by jacos  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:44pm  
error changed to coughlin, bad throw I guess

Submitted by jacos  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:45pm  
lot of first pitch swinging today

Submitted by Rob G.  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:56pm  

Lester gives up a bomb vs. Kemp in 3rd.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 3:58pm  

http://m.marlins.mlb.com/news/article/1128296...

McKirahan doing well in Marlins camp, Rule 5 pickup over the offseason.

Submitted by crunch  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 4:30pm  
was afraid of him getting snagged (him and hunter cervenka)...more afraid of either sticking with the teams that picked them. both have good stuff, even if it's only working out of the pen. there's still time for mckirahan to fail. cervenka's been failing for the cubs quite nicely...wait, that's not nice.

Submitted by crunch  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 4:17pm  
lester is totally shitting himself on the mound today. hurrah for spring.

Submitted by Carlito  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 4:25pm  
There goes the 0.00 ERA.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 6:14pm  

bet this didn't come up in Trestman's interview with the Bears

— “I don't know that I’m the only one who has the sense of Tim [Tebow]’s ability to be developed and become a very good player in the league. I believe in the right environment Tim Tebow will figure this out. He doesn't have explosive arm strength, but he has more than adequate arm strength to throw the ball in the NFL and make all the throws.’’ — then-CFL head coach Marc Trestman, who trained Tebow before the Senior Bowl, April 2010

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2015-03...

Submitted by Rob G.  on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 6:28pm  

http://chicagofootball.com/2015/03/16/chicago...

speaking of Bears, some offensive line depth added

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  • crunch 1 hour 18 min ago (view)

    steele, wieck, and strop called up.

    btw, strop is a "replacement player" in this move and isn't subject to 40-man roster waiver rules

     
  • crunch 1 hour 45 min ago (view)

    cubs covid...chris young tested positive.  j.adam, d.winkler, and b.workman are now on the "injured list"

     
  • Charlie 2 hours 10 min ago (view)

    Sorry that I couldn't access things for opening day and then got busy for the next couple series. Glad to have a baseball routine to share with you all again!

     
  • Sonicwind75 2 hours 41 min ago (view)

    Guessing I'm a little late to the game on this; but just read Chafin's twitter about wanting to buy a cheap car to drive around Chicago. He seems like a good dude. 

     
  • Arizona Phil 19 hours 7 min ago (view)

    RHSP Duncan Robinson (June 2019 TJS) has retired. 

     
  • Arizona Phil 19 hours 28 min ago (view)

    Rex Brothers and Tony Wolters reached five years of MLB Service Time this weekend, so Brothers now cannot be sent outright to the minors without his consent (he is out of minor league options) and Wolters (who has a minor league option left) now cannot be optioned or outrighted to the minors without his consent. 

     
  • Arizona Phil 20 hours 24 min ago (view)

    It's not good to play bad teams early because they have the confidence and energy they won't have later in the season after they realize they suck and all is lost. 

     
  • crunch 1 day 4 hours ago (view)

    as of the end of this game (game 9) there's only 1 player on the team hitting more than .250 (j.marisnick).

    bryant, baez, contreras, marisnick are the only guys hitting more than .200.

     
  • Cubster 1 day 4 hours ago (view)

    Two awful days of baseball.

    On top of that, Dexter Fowler (Angels) tore his ACL and will undergo season ending  reconstruction surgery.  

    He's a hero in my Cub/heart no matter how the remainder of his career goes, but at 35 yrs, he will have a rough road ahead.

     
  • crunch 1 day 5 hours ago (view)

    these bats are killing me.

    they need more than a waffle maker to feed these bats.  julio zueleta needs to be hired for batting coach and the ricketts need to toss some serious loot into the fruit budget for him.

     
  • crunch 1 day 6 hours ago (view)

    lefty goose goosage reporting in...

     
  • crunch 1 day 7 hours ago (view)

    torn acl...ow

     
  • crunch 2 days 43 min ago (view)

    career high for zach davies, 7 runs given up...only took 1.2 innings.

    neat-o.

     
  • Cubster 2 days 2 hours ago (view)

    Ex Cub Dexter Fowler, now with Maddon's Angels goes on the DL with a knee sprain. 

     
  • crunch 2 days 3 hours ago (view)

    AAA exhibition game @south bend rained out.

     
  • Cubster 2 days 4 hours ago (view)

    Coach Craig Driver tested positive for Coronavirus and was sent back to Chicago. Apparently, no other Cub tested positive. No word about symptoms so it sounds like it was picked up in whatever the regular testing protocol covers  including Wed, Thursday and Friday which were negative for the "traveling party".

     
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