New Blood at the Ranch

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 4:36pm

There apparently was a change in the itinerary for the Boise Hawks, as the roster will not be announced until after today's workout, and the team will not leave for Idaho until after tomorrow's work-out.

Therefore (naturally), there was another intrasquad game today.

In addition, Cubs 1B Daryle Ward, who is on the 15-day DL with a back problem, has finally arrived at Fitch Park.

The Cubs ace LHPH took about 30-swings in a "standard" early-morning BP session (coach throwing "BP fastballs" from in front of the mound) on Field #4 and he looked OK. (He hit a couple over the fence onto 6th Place). He did not participate in the intrasquad game, however.

Also, the Cubs will be converting still another position player to  pitcher, as OF Leon Johnson (2007 10th round pick out of BYU) will become a LHP.

Johnson, who had his collegiate career interrupted for a couple of years while serving on an LDS mission in Siberia, was probably the fastest runner and best bunter in the organization, as well as being a well above-average defensive CF with a plus-arm.

The one thing he just couldn't seem to master was the art of hitting, and apparently he decided to try pitching after being demoted to EXST from Peoria last week while in the midst of a major slump.

There also were still more new-arrivals at Fitch Park today, as several more of the Cubs 2008 draft picks reported for duty.

As of today, the following 2008 Rule 4 Draft picks have physically reported to Fitch Park (others may have signed, but they haven't reported yet):

PITCHERS:
James Leverton, LHP (8th round pick out of Texas Tech)
Jay Jackson, RHP (9th round pick out of Furman U.)
Josh Whitlock, RHP (26th round pick out of U. of West Virginia)
Tommy Mejia, RHP (NDFA out of Dominican College)  

CATCHER:
Michael Brenly, C (36th round pick out of UNLV)

FIRST-BASEMEN:
Ryan Keedy (16th round pick out of UAB)
Rebel Ridling (25th round pick out of Oklahoma State U.)
Sean Hoorelbeke (33rd round pick out of Western Michigan U.)

SECOND-BASEMAN:
Jake Opitz (12th round pick out of U. of Nebraska)

OUTFIELDERS:
David Macias (19th round pick out of Vanderbilt U.)
TeWayne Willis (28th round pick out of Lincoln Memorial U.)
Kurt Calvert (32nd round pick out of U of Missouri)

Some initial observations about the new recruits...

Ryan Keedy has a nice short line-drive stroke with some power behind it and he drives the ball all over the yard, but he is a VERY slow runner. EXTREMELY slow. He's also very stiff at1st base.

Jake Opitz made a couple of nice plays at 2B, one going to his left, and another going to his right. He also roped an opposite-field RBI double into the LF corner. However, he also struck out (swinging) twice.    

Michael Brenly is a solid defensive catcher, but a better hitter than I thought he would be. He's also one big boy. (He looks like he could play left tackle for the Bears!)

David Macias brought both an infielder's glove and an outfielder's glove with him to Fitch Park, and he worked out at 2B, 3B, LF, CF, and RF. He is a versatile defender. And he's a scrapper!.

TeWayne Willis is as fast as Ryan Keedy is slow. Willis is essentially Dwaine Bacon Redux.

Here is the abridged box score from today's intrasquad game... 

NOTE: The position players who arrived yesterday (Opitz, Willis, Macias, and Keedy) played in the game, but they were allowed to bat out of turn several times to maximize their ABs. 

Also, Nelson Perez played for both squads, as he was "traded" from SQUAD "A" to SQUAD "B" in the middle of the 4th inning.

SQUAD "A":
1. Bryan Jost, 1B 1-2 (3B, R) 
2. Dwayne Kemp, LF: 0-3 (2 K)
3. Josh Vitters, 3B: 2-4 (2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R)
4. Junior Lake, SS: 0-4 (2 K)
5a. Kevin Soto, CF: 1-1 (2B, RBI)
5b. Jake Opitz, 2B: 1-3 (2B, RBI, 2 K)
6a. Nelson Perez, RF: 0-1 (K)
6b. TeWayne Willis, CF: 0-3 (K) 
7. Carlos Perez, DH-C: 1-3
8a. Jeffrey Rea, 2B: 1-1
8b. David Macias, RF: 0-3
9a. Robinson Chirinos, C: 0-1 (K)
9b. Ryan Keedy, 1B: 0-3 (R, K)

SQUAD "B":
1. Drew Rundle, RF-LF: 0-3 (K)
2. Marwin Gonzalez, DH #1: 0-2 (BB)
3. Starlin Castro, SS: 2-3 (R)
4. John Contreras, 3B: 1-3 (R, CS)
5. George Matheus, LF-DH #3: 0-2 (SF-RBI)
6. Nelson Perez, RF: 0-2
7. Cesar Salazar, CF: 0-3
8. Kyler Burke, 1B: 0-3 (K, CS)
9. Jose Made, 2B: 0-3 (2 K)
10. Roberto Sabates, DH #2: 0-3
11a. Alvaro Sosa, C: 0-2 (K)
11b. Michael Brenly, C: 1-1 (2B)  

PITCHERS:

SQUAD "A":
1. Miguel Sierra - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2. Yohan Gonzalez - 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3. John Muller- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4. Luke Sommer - 2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 WP

SQUAD "B":
1. Mark Pawelek - 3.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 4 K
2. Jose Pina - 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
3. Michael Bunton - 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4. Manolin DeLeon - 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 0 K
 
ERRORS (3):
Jeffrey Rea - E4, bobbled ground ball, allowing batter to reach base
Ryan Keedy - E3, missed catch on what should have been a 4-3 GO at 1st base allowing batter to reach base and runner at 2nd base to advance one extra base
Jose Made - E4, muffed ground ball allowing batter to reach base

CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Carlos Perez: 2-2 CS

WEATHER: VERY hot & sunny

ATTENDANCE: 2 

Tags: 
Extended Spring Training
Mark Pawelek
Daryle Ward
Josh Vitters
Rule 4 Draft
Leon Johnson

Comments

Submitted by navigator  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 4:56pm  
pitcher C'mon Cubs... FELIX PIE has a great arm!

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 7:43pm  
felix pie also has the fastest hands/wrists in the organization and one of the best in the minors, too. aka...no one's giving up on that swing for a long time.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 4:57pm  
Phil, Did you happen to know the other guy in attendance? Are you brave enough to go over an introduce yourself?

Submitted by Jace  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 5:00pm  
Okay, so what is your opinion on Josh Vitters at this point? I know he was having his problems in the field earlier, and it didn't seem as though he was hitting, either. In the last few reports, it appears that he is not making errors, and he appears to be hitting now. What do you think? Thanks, as always!

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 5:11pm  

Submitted by Jace on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 4:00pm.

Okay, so what is your opinion on Josh Vitters at this point? I know he was having his problems in the field earlier, and it didn't seem as though he was hitting, either. In the last few reports, it appears that he is not making errors, and he appears to be hitting now. What do you think? Thanks, as always!

=============================

JACE: Josh Vitters is really starting to hit, with two more doubles today. The simple solution of wearing batting gloves may be the answer to his various hand problems (blisters & tendinitis).

Vitters has plus-power that should result in high HR totals as he gets older (he's only 18), but my main concern about him is his defense at 3rd base, or more specifically, his throwing. It's like David Kelton all over again. The sooner the Cubs move Vitters to 1st base or a corner OF spot, the better. I wouldn't want to see his throwing problem get into his head and affect his hitting.

I like Marquez Smith and Jovan Rosa just fine for the Potential Future Cubs Third-Baseman (when and if one is needed), so it's not like Vitters was the only long-term future option there.

Vitters fields OK, he just can't make accurate throws across the diamond.

BTW, have you noticed how top Cubs prospect turned suspect Dylan Johnston has turned his career around after moving from SS to RF in Minor League Camp?

Submitted by rob9999  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 6:59pm  
Phil, I absolutely love this website!! You are without a doubt the best source of prospect information for the Cub organization! I do, however, question the notion that Jovan Rosa has any potential future at third base. I am a season ticket holder in Peoria and Rosa is barely serviceable at first base, let alone at third. Lansford and Marquez Smith are far superior third base prospects. In fact, I am quite concerned that Rosa's poor defensive skills may far outweigh his considerable offensive talent. Its no surprise that Rosa is a Midwest League All Star as a DH :) Is there any chance that Vitters ends up in Peoria in the near future? Or, do you see him logging a full year at Boise? Thanks & keep up the good work!!

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 5:49pm  
RHP Tommy Mejia (NDFA out of Dominican College in New York, and a college teammate of Cubs minor league 2B-SS Jose Made) also arrived at Fitch Park yesterday. I forgot to mention him in the article, although I have now added his name. (He was one of the guys I couldn't identify yesterday).

Submitted by springs  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 5:53pm  
Pawelek's numbers don't look great but he did have 4Ks. Is he still progressing back to prospect status? Also what is your opinion of Marwin Gonzalez and Starlin Castro -- they seem like people to be excited about, though they aren't the most often mentioned.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 6:17pm  

Submitted by springs on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 4:53pm.

Pawelek's numbers don't look great but he did have 4Ks. Is he still progressing back to prospect status?

Also what is your opinion of Marwin Gonzalez and Starlin Castro -- they seem like people to be excited about, though they aren't the most often mentioned.

=================================

SPRINGS: Though he gave up four hits in three innings, today may have been Mark Pawelek's best outing yet this Spring.

Why?

He threw strikes.

Pawelek has gone back to throwing the way he did when the Cubs drafted him in 2005. He has reactivated both his four-seamer and his dynamite power-slider (the reason he gets so many HBP is because his slider will sometimes clip right-handed hitters on the foot), and just lets it fly. This results in him being what would be best-described as "effectively wild," something he will probably always be. But at least now his velocity has come back close to where it was in HS, and he is pitching with a lot of confidnce.

BTW, the reason Pawelek hasn't been moved up to Peoria is because he still can't run full-speed. He suffered a sprained ankle at the very start of Extended Spring Training in April and missed about three weeks, and although the ankle no longer affects his throwing off the mound, he still can't change direction while running, and the Cubs are not willing to allow him to pitch in a "real" game if he can't adequately cover 1st base on a grounder to the right side of the infield, or back-up 3rd base or home plate.

As for Starlin Castro and Marwin Gonzalez...

I would rate Castro as a very good defender at both SS and 2B, and a decent-enough hitter but with only very occasional power. He also isn't particularly fast (he has just average speed for a middle-infielder), and he doesn't walk much. He reminds me a lot of Jonathan Mota, the Cubs back-up middle-infielder at Daytona.

Marwin Gonzalez is a big kid with power potential (he's grown a couple of inches and put on some muscle over the past couple of years). He's a switch-hitter with OK speed (like Junior Lake, he's a "long-strider"), and a versatile and athletic defender who can play all four infield positions and probably all three OF spots, too (although he doesn't play OF very often).

Gonzo's best defensive position is definitely 3B, but the Cubs use him a lot at SS and 2B because 3B is "occupied" by one of the Cubs best prospects (Josh Vitters), and Marquez Smith and Jovan Rosa are also best-suited to play 3B as well.

I would project Gonzalez as one of those valuable "super-sub" type bench guys if he ever makes to the big leagues.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 7:47pm  
imo, its not great that the cubs are letting paw. revert to his old motion. yes, its more effective and something he knows, but he was drafted for his mold/tools and his approach was seen as a weakness to a longterm future. i just hope his body can hold up to what he wants to do with it...seems the cubs are tired (for now) of playing with his motion. maybe gaining confidence is more important right now than straightening out his longterm future. you need a short term future before you worry about the long term one, i guess.

Submitted by carlosrubi  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 7:36pm  
Another day, another time I think Leon Johnson is black. My mind's messed up, man! I tell ya! By the way, you dodged my question about 22 year old righthander James Russell last week, AZ Phil. What do you think of him? In my opinion, he's the prize/steal (pitching-wise) of the 2007 draft. I compared him to a young John Lieber; an innings eater-soft tosser, with great strike-throwing abilities and fantastic control but with some homerun tendencies. He's already in AA, too. His minor league numbers through 75.2 IP are: 3-2 with a 3.23 ERA and a 22/55 BB/SO ratio and 11 homeruns allowed.

Submitted by blockhead25  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 8:24pm  
Sorry for the tangent...but speaking of Minor Leagues, Corey Patterson who is hitting .195 with a .235 OBP has had 4 plate appearances today and seen a total of 6 pitches. Dusty jokes aside, how in the hell has this guys major league career lasted so long? He's pathetically bad and makes no attempt to change his game.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 8:29pm  
great swing, CF, and running speed. that said, there's a difference between a guy who's got those tools and are young enough to mold (pie) and someone who's on the last bits of his career if he doesn't make a change or click (patterson). look how much of a chance 1-tool guys like j.gaithright get. SS/C/CF'rs have longer lives and much more rope to hang themselves with it seems. if CPat was a corner OF he probably wouldn't even be playing in the bigs.

Submitted by blockhead25  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 8:35pm  
I don't really buy the "great swing" argument. The guy doesn't get hits and his career SLG is .411 or so. Running speed is valuable....if you can get on base. This guy does not get on base, period. Good defense in center is great...on a winning team. I just have no clue what Baker thinks he is giving the Reds and how he can possibly bat a guy who watches 2 pitches in 4 at bats in the leadoff position.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 8:46pm  
"great swing" was a bit arbitrary and self-definable, my bad. throw out any indication of age and experience and watch the guy swing a bat...very fast swing...very powerful for a guy with his frame. that's all i was touching on, but "great swing" can be interpreted to mean actual production, not chance of doing something extrodinary with that swing. patterson's actual plate approach/hitting approach as a package...that's awful. true, no doubt. watching him swing a bat, though...he's got a great swing. too bad he doesn't have additional tools to refine his quick/powerful swing. the fact the guy has speed and can play CF has more to do with him employment than that, though. it's just one of the things people point to when they try to dig up a positive about his game. he's being used as a bench guy and spot-starter for weeks now...might be a different thing if freel/hopper were healthy. and yeah...there's not much excuse left this far in the season to use him in the leadoff role. he may be the fastest guy on today's roster, but that's pretty weak given patterson's performance the past many weeks.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 8:48pm  
STL finally loses.

Submitted by Raisin101  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 8:50pm  
As always, thanks, AZ Phil. Two quick questions...what do you think the chances are Vitters goes back to Peoria rather than Boise (with, say, Marquez Smith going to Daytona)? Also, I take it from your comments about Pawelek's ankle that he won't be going to Boise either?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 8:54pm  

Submitted by carlosrubi on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 6:36pm.

Another day, another time I think Leon Johnson is black. My mind's messed up, man! I tell ya!

By the way, you dodged my question about 22 year old righthander James Russell last week, AZ Phil. What do you think of him? In my opinion, he's the prize/steal (pitching-wise) of the 2007 draft. I compared him to a young John Lieber; an innings eater-soft tosser, with great strike-throwing abilities and fantastic control but with some homerun tendencies. He's already in AA, too. His minor league numbers through 75.2 IP are: 3-2 with a 3.23 ERA and a 22/55 BB/SO ratio and 11 homeruns allowed.

===========================

CARLOS: I saw very little of James Russell last year in August at Fitch Park with the AZL Cubs, and then he did not participate in the AZ Instructional League, although he was initially on the Cubs AZ Instructs roster. (Apparently he got shut-down for some reason).

So the first time I really had a chance to see him "up close & personal" was in Minor League Camp this past March, and he was just flat out great. He was the first minor league pitcher to go four innings (12 up & 12 down, too), and was (hand's down) THE best pitcher in Cubs Minor League Camp. So I wasn't real surprised when he made the Daytona Cubs Opening Day starting rotation, or when he got promoted to AA Tennessee.

Russell is a polished pitcher with an excellent change and breaking ball, an advanced approach to working hitters (his dad was an MLB closer, so he might get some of that from him), and he can spot his fastball on the corners with outstanding control.

I project him as a future MLB rotation starter, so I have him rated #5 in my mid-season Top Ten Cubs Prospects list.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 9:10pm  

Submitted by Raisin101 on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 7:50pm.

As always, thanks, AZ Phil.

Two quick questions...

what do you think the chances are Vitters goes back to Peoria rather than Boise (with, say, Marquez Smith going to Daytona)?

Also, I take it from your comments about Pawelek's ankle that he won't be going to Boise either?

===============================

RAISIN: I think Vitters will initially go to Boise, but he certainly could get promoted to Peoria if Marquez Smith moves to Daytona and the Cubs choose to leave Jovan Rosa at 1B at Peoria.

I saw Rosa play 3B last year for the AZL Cubs, and he was a much better defender at that time at that position than he was this past March (at Minor Lreague Camp) after he was moved to 1B.

I believe the Cubs should move Rosa back to 3B and just leave him there, and go with a 3B "pipeline" of Reynolds-Lansford-Smith-Rosa, and see who develops. (I've got my money on Marquez Smith).

Vitters is a different matter though, because his throwing problem could get into his head and affect his hitting (as happened with David Kelton a few years ago).

Vitters actually is an OK fielder, it's throwing accuracy that causes him problems. (Same thing happened with Dylan Johnston at SS before he was moved to RF, BTW). Which is why I believe Vitters should be moved to 1B sooner rather than later (2008 AZ Instructional League would probably be the ideal time to do it), and if the Cubs do in fact do that (move him to 1B), Vitters would not block anybody else of significance in the organization between Fitch Park and Wrigley Field (and nobody of significance would block him).

That said, if Vitters were to remain at 3B for a while longer, he could put up some monster power numbers at Boise, and it might even be good for his ego to spend some time there whomping on NWL pitchers before moving onward and upward. Because the Northwest League is a BIG TIME hitters league (especially for power hitters).

As for Pawelek, I don't know where he will end up. He's pitching well enough right now to be a rotation starter at Peoria, but the Cubs (logically) should keep him at Fitch Park on a "rehab assignment" throwing sim games until his ankle is 100%, if running is indeed so important.

But then maybe the Cubs were just using the ankle problem as an excuse not to promote him to Peoria. I guess we'll find out tomorrow where the truth lies!

Submitted by navigator  on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 11:53pm  
Begone spammer

Submitted by Raisin101  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 1:35am  
Thanks, Phil. It's a shame but I'll be in a meeting out of town all day and won't be able to see Boise's roster till Saturday or even Sunday.

Submitted by Q-Ball  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 6:26am  
AZ Phil, speaking of position players converted to pitchers, I noticed Richard Parker is tearing it up at Peoria. Legit prospect?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 8:46am  

Submitted by Q-Ball on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 5:26am.

AZ Phil, speaking of position players converted to pitchers, I noticed Richard Parker is tearing it up at Peoria. Legit prospect?

================================

Q-BALL: RHP Blake Parker is a legit relief prospect. I would expect him to get promoted to Daytona fairly soon.

Submitted by Green Lantern  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 9:06am  
entirely off topic, but does anyone know details about standing room/day of game tickets at wrigley? I'm moving back to Chicago (lakeview to be precise) next week and am willing to waste lots of time being at the park way before the game/waiting in line to get into Wrigley for home games the next couple of months. 1) what time do SRO go on sale? (8 AM maybe?) 2) (more importantly) approx what time do i have to be in line to have a shot to get them? 3) any other day-of-game ticket tips anyone has? can't wait to leave norwalk, CT and get back HOME.

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 9:59am  
I'm not sure what time it opens, but you can get SRO pretty much all day at the Box Office. On Wednesday I stopped by at 9:30 and at 3:00 and they had SRO and obstructed view singles available both times. However, quite often they'll release extra tickets the day of the game, and they're usually really good (I believe they're tix reserved for players/employees that don't get used). Last year we got 4 seats about 10 rows behind home plate the day of the game and were sitting in front of Gary Hughes (Special Asst to GM). They don't always release those tix at the same time though. They'll often tell you to check back later because the people at the BO don't really know when/if tix are getting released. Kind of annoying, but if you're in the area and you have the time, it's worth it.

Submitted by nohit  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 10:57am  
If the game is sold out and you need tickets, beware the scalpers. I've seen people get taken pretty badly. There is a licensed ticket broker on the east side of Clark, just a block or so south of the ballpark, called "The Main Event". Twice I've gone to them for "emergency" tickets, and they've had fairly reasonable prices (albeit a premium over cover price). I have no experience with other licensed brokers, but these guys seemed very straight up and easy to do business with. FYI, one of my two "emergencies" was a friend being had by a scalper. The other was when my fiance (at the time) and I drove up from Champaign to see a game and FORGOT OUR TICKETS AT HOME.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 12:23pm  
if you got the tickets you forgot at home from a season ticket holder, you can have them replaced for $20 each.

Submitted by The Joe  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 11:26am  
I'm not sure of the price difference, but I'm planning on using Stubhub when I make it to Chicago. You might check that out for some guaranteed tickets.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 11:54am  
I can vouch for Stub hub. Bought tickets on line then went two blocks north of the park on Clark to pick up tickets.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 9:10am  
Saw the Iowa/Memphis game last night up close and personal. Couple of things that stood out. 1. Justin Berg has a really live arm. He stayed in the 94-92 range on his 4 seamer, and 91-89 with a lively sinking 2 seamer. Looks like a legit relief prospect to me. I don't really recall him throwing anything offspead at any point of the ballgame. 2. I heard several comments from non cubs fans in my section about how ugly Felix Pie's swing has gotten. He just seems really out of whack. The swing was REALLY long and choppy. 3. Josh Kroeger really looked like he is in a funk as well. He took some UGLY half hearted hacks at mediocre offspeed stuff on more than one occasion. 4. Koyie Hill is really lucky that he can add 5 MPH to any pitchers fastball. Because his bat makes Hank White's bat look like 2004-2006 Micheal Barrett's 5. Iowa really struggles on defense. I have a sneaking feeling that somehow Michael Barrett is to blame.

Submitted by 10man  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 9:27am  
I'm wondering now if Pie would've been much much better off without all the tinkering and adjustments done to his swing. sounds like the guy has been told so much what to do, that he doesn't know what to do anymore.

Submitted by navigator  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 10:39am  
Wow. If FELIX PIE is so "coachable" then where are the results? Two years of tinkering with his swing and it's still l-l-long. But now it's choppy too? Time to pull the plug. That arm of his belongs in someone's bullpen.

Submitted by big_lowitzki  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 10:52am  
4. Koyie Hill is really lucky that he can add 5 MPH to any pitchers fastball. Hehe. Haven't heard much of that in a while.

Submitted by ultrapeanut  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 9:23am  
A bunting Mormon? I can smell the grit from a thousand miles away!

Submitted by Stevens  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 9:45am  
Don't forget the hustle!

Submitted by Wes  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 11:56am  
Saw a quick note on the .com this morning... Apparently Eric Patterson doesn't have a passport. The last they reported was that he was spending yesterday afternoon in a scramble trying to to get one. Hope he makes it.

Submitted by The Joe  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 12:11pm  
One Patterson down, one to go. I really look forward to the day when the last Patterson is out of the organization. What a knucklehead.

Submitted by Wes  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 12:51pm  
I'll give the kid a break here. I don't have a passport either. Never needed one. Never been out of the country. Guess he never has either. Now that the Expos don't exist, this is the only time the Cubs leave the country. If he's not playing in Mexico or in the Dominican in the winter, then why would he need one? Although, if I did see a roadie to Toronto on the schedule, I might go get one just in case Lou wanted me in the show.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 12:59pm  
seems pretty harmless to me, not even sure when they started requiring a passport to go to Canada. I assume sometime after 9/11. That also seems like something someone in the Cubs organization should be making sure of...

Submitted by WISCGRAD  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 1:45pm  
I believe the new law is that you don't need one to go to Canada, but that they check you when you come back over. So the reentry is the problem. At least this is what I've heard from someone who lives in northern Wisconsin and used to fish over the border, but I haven't been north in sometime. But yeah, probably something the front office should make sure of - everyone on the 40-man should have one just in case.

Submitted by nohit  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 2:27pm  
This should not be a roadblock. Check this: Passport Requirement by Land or Sea Effective January 31, 2008 U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will no longer accept oral declarations of U.S. or Canadian citizenship from those traveling by land or sea. U.S. and Canadian travelers will be required to present: * A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license and + A birth certificate or other proof of citizenship; + Or - for youth 18 and under - a birth certificate alone Or one of the following from the list below: * A valid Passport* * NEXUS Card * SENTRI Card * FAST Card * U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Card * Military ID and Official Orders * I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for U.S. legal residents

Submitted by big_lowitzki  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 2:31pm  
Anyone know if it matters that Patterson would be working in Canada, and not just visiting?

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 2:34pm  
without bothering to do research, I can't imagine it would. I doubt they require business travelers to have different documentation than normal airline passengers.

Submitted by nohit  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 2:40pm  
Good point. It seems that there's a work permit process. I don't have time to read all of this right now, but perhaps it requires a passport: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/...

Submitted by Chris  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 1:36pm  
I can go with giving him a break here for sure. It's just that this is the same person who overslept for whatever it was he was supposed to be at (game, meeting?) during the play off run last year. It just seems like it's "always something" with him too often. I know that's unfair. If he didn't bare such a stunning resemblence to his brother maybe it would be different. Any way here's to hoping he makes it to Canada and produces some time soon.

Submitted by big_lowitzki  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 2:18pm  
Although, if I did see a roadie to Toronto on the schedule, I might go get one just in case Lou wanted me in the show. Well... he may have, but the passport process is really slow right now. If he is currently scrambling for one, that probably means he already applied, but it hasn't come in yet.

Submitted by Wes  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 3:52pm  
I meant back in the spring. Is the process really 3-4 months right now?

Submitted by nohit  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 3:59pm  
My wife and son got theirs recently. It was a 12 week wait.

Submitted by navigator  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 12:35pm  
You can get a passport in 24 hours but it's costly, $160 government fees $300 third-party hand-carry 24 hour processing fee $40 FedEx overnight $500 out the door

Submitted by SheffieldCornelia  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 1:01pm  
Methinks the Cubs would pay those fees willingly in order to have a full roster in Toronto. Patterson would probably pay the money back to the team through Kangaroo Court anyhow.

Submitted by Indiana JJ  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 12:23pm  
While we're on the subject (it seems) I'm looking into getting some tickets later in the summer and trying to stay under $100 each. I'm looking at some seats on Stub Hub in aisle 411 or 431 (Infield Upper Deck Box). Does anyone know if these are decent seats? They're in the lower half of upper deck about even with the bases. Any input would be appreciated as I haven't been to Wrigley since before 03 when you could get good seats at face value.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 12:34pm  
seatrocket.com :)

ebay works too...

one problem with stubhub is the insane fees they charge for last minute tickets...$15-$20. 

Submitted by Indiana JJ  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 12:51pm  
For the games I'm looking at Seat Rocket directs me to Stub Hub. I did go to both sites from the add on TCR though.

Submitted by nohit  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 1:09pm  
I've had good luck with ebay -- just as quick in many cases and much cheaper than stubhub.

Submitted by Wes  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 1:20pm  
I've also had no problems with buying tickets off ebay, as long as you aren't going to sit in the bleachers or go to night games against bigtime opponents (like Cards, Brewers, etc). That's when things can get out of hand pretty quickly.

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 1:38pm  
Craig's List. No fees.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 1:16pm  
FAntastic seats and tremendous perspective of the whole field of play. Not just the back of DLEE. I have seasons in the UD and love 'em. Mind you I have also been close enough to hear the ball skip on the infield grass in Bullpen Boxes, too. But, if you are in the lower half in those sections, you can't miss. NO obstructions and a completely open view. Go on the Clark/Addison patio outside behind home. Beers are cheaper and better, and, you can get a real Scalas beef/sausage there. DO IT!

Submitted by Indiana JJ  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 4:56pm  
Thanks E-Man. Good to hear. Like I said I haven't been in a while and the places I'd sat before are going for like $200+ each.

Submitted by Tito  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 2:45pm  
Craigslist can be good for last-minute tix. Just make sure it's an in-person cash transaction.

Submitted by Hook  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 3:58pm  
Here's Boise's roster info: http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/sto...

Submitted by Cubs Win  on Fri, 06/13/2008 - 4:06pm  
AZ Phil - You mentioned your "mid-year" top 10 list. Can you point me to your list or do you mind re-posting as I'm always interested in the updated rankings and performances of the minor leaguers. It seems as though our top prospects aren't exactly lighting it up this year but I'll wait until you give the update to start whining.

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  • Wrigley Rat 2 days 20 hours ago (view)

    Cubs Reportedly Sign Powerful Infielder Alejandro Rivero Out of Indy Ball: https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2021/10/21/cubs-reportedly-sign-powe...

     
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