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

New Blood at the Ranch

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 

Comments

Phil, Did you happen to know the other guy in attendance? Are you brave enough to go over an introduce yourself?

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 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?

[ ]

In reply to by Arizona Phil

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!!

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).

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 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.

[ ]

In reply to by Arizona Phil

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.

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.

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.

[ ]

In reply to by blockhead25

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.

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.

[ ]

In reply to by blockhead25

"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.

STL finally loses.

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 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 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!

Begone spammer

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.

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

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.

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.

[ ]

In reply to by Green Lantern

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.

[ ]

In reply to by Green Lantern

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.

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.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

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.

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.

[ ]

In reply to by Wes

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.

[ ]

In reply to by The Joe

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.

[ ]

In reply to by Wes

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...

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

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.

[ ]

In reply to by WISCGRAD

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

[ ]

In reply to by big_lowitzki

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.

[ ]

In reply to by Wes

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.

[ ]

In reply to by Wes

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.

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.

[ ]

In reply to by Indiana JJ

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!

Craigslist can be good for last-minute tix. Just make sure it's an in-person cash transaction.

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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    Javier Assad started the Lo-A game (Myrtle Beach versus Stockton) on the Cubs backfields on Wednesday as his final Spring Training tune-up. He was supposed to throw five innings / 75 pitches. However, I was at the minor league road games at Fitch so I didn't see Assad pitch. 

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    they really tried to make it happen this spring, but he put up a crazy bad slash of .081/.244/.108 in 45PA.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Seconded!!!

  • crunch (view)

    another awesome spring of pitching reports.  thanks a lot, appreciated.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Here are the Cubs pitchers reports from Tuesday afternoon's Cardinals - Cubs game art Sloan Park in Mesa:

    SHOTA IMANAGA
    FB: 90-92 
    CUT: 87-89 
    SL: 82-83 
    SPLIT: 81-84
    CV: 73-74 
    COMMENT: Worked three innings plus two batters in the fourth... allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits (six singles and two doubles) walked one, and struck out six (four swinging), with a 1/2 GO/AO... he threw 73 pitches (52 strikes - 10 swing & miss - 19 foul balls)... surrendered one run in the top of the 1st on a one-out double off Cody Bellinger's glove in deep straight-away CF followed one out later by two consecutive two-out bloop singles, allowed two runs (one earned) in the 2nd after retiring the first two hitters (first batter had a nine-pitch AB with four consecutive two-strike foul balls before being retired 3 -U) on a two-out infield single (weak throw on the run by Nico Hoerner), a hard-contact line drive RBI double down the RF line, and an E-1 (missed catch) by Imanaga on what should been an inning-ending 3-1 GO, gave up another run in the 3rd on a two-out walk on a 3-2 pitch and an RBI double to LF, and two consecutive singles leading off the top of the 4th before being relieved (runners were ultimately left stranded)... threw 18 pitches in the 1st inning (14 strikes - two swing & miss, one on FB and the other on a SL - four foul balls), 24 pitches in the 2nd inning (17 strikes - three swing & miss, one on FB, two SPLIT - six foul balls), 19 pitches in the 3rd inning (13 strikes - seven swing & miss, three on SL, two on SPLIT, one on FB - three foul balls), and 12 pitches without retiring a batter in the top of the 4th (8 strikes - no swing & miss - four foul balls)... Imanaga throws a lot of pitches per inning, but it's not because he doesn't throw strikes...  if anything, he throws too many strikes (he threw 70% strikes on Tuesday)... while he gets a ton of swing & miss (and strikeouts), he also induces a lot of foul balls because he doesn't try to make hitters chase his pitches by throwing them out of the strike zone... rather, he uses his very diverse pitch mix to get swing & miss (and lots of foul balls as well)... he also is a fly ball pitcher who will give up more than his share of HR during the course of the season...   
     
    JOE NAHAS
    FB: 90-92 
    SL: 83-85 
    CV: 80-81 
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day... relieved Imanaga with runners at first and second and no outs in the top of the 4th, and after an E-2 catcher's interference committed by Miguel Amaya loaded he bases, Nahas struck out the side (one swinging & two looking)... threw 16 pitches (11 strikes - two swinging)...   

    YENCY ALMONTE
    FB: 89-92 
    CH: 86 
    SL: 79 
    COMMENT: Threw an eight-pitch 5th (five strikes - no swing & miss), with a 5-3 GO for the first out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 DP after a one-out single... command was a bit off but he worked through it...   

    FRANKIE SCALZO JR
    FB: 94-95
    CH: 88 
    SL: 83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 6th inning... got the first outs easily (a P-5 and a 4-3 GO) on just three pitches, before allowing three consecutive two-out hard-contact hits (a double and two singles), with the third hit on pitch # 9 resulting in a runner being thrown out at the plate by RF Christian Franklin for the third out of the inning... 

    MICHAEL ARIAS
    FB: 94-96
    CH: 87-89
    SL: 82-83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and allowed a hard-contact double on the third pitch of the 7th inning (a 96 MPH FB), and the runner came around to score on a 4-3 GO and a WP... gave up two other loud contact outs (an L-7 and an F-9)... threw 18 pitches (only 10 strikes - only one swing & miss)... stuff is electric but still very raw and he continues to have difficulty commanding it, and while he has the repertoire of a SP, he throws too many pitches-per-inning to be a SP and not enough strikes to be a closer... he is most definitely still a work-in-progress...   

    ZAC LEIGH: 
    FB: 93-94 
    CH: 89 
    SL: 81-83 
    CV: 78
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and tossed a 1-2-3 8th (4-3 GO, K-swinging on a sweeper, K-looking on another sweeper)... threw 14 pitches (11 strikes - one swing & miss - eight foul balls)... kept pumping pitches into the strike zone but had difficulty putting hitters away (ergo a ton of foul balls)... FB velo is nowhere near the 96-98 MPH it was a couple of years ago when he was a Top 30 prospect, but his secondaries are better...   

    JOSE ROMERO:  
    FB: 93-95
    SL: 82-84
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 9th (14 pitches - only six strikes- no swing & miss) and allowed a solo HR after two near-HR fly outs to the warning track, before getting a 3-1 GO to end the inning... it was like batting practice when he wasn't throwing pitches out of the strike zone...

  • crunch (view)

    pablo sandoval played 3rd and got a couple ABs (strikeout, single!) in the OAK@SF "exhibition"

    mlb officially authenticated the ball of the single he hit.  nice.

    he's in surprisingly good shape considering his poor body condition in his last playing seasons.  he's not lean, but he looks healthier.  good for him.