Cubs MLB Roster

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40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full), plus two players are on the 60-DAY IL 

26 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, ten players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors, two players are on the 15-DAY IL, and two players are on the 10-DAY IL

Last updated 4-17-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 13
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Colten Brewer
Ben Brown
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Mark Leiter Jr
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
Keegan Thompson
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

INFIELDERS: 7
* Michael Busch 
Garrett Cooper
Nico Hoerner
Nick Madrigal
* Miles Mastrobuoni
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Cody Bellinger 
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

OPTIONED: 10 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Luke Little, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

10-DAY IL: 2 
Seiya Suzuki, OF
Patrick Wisdom, INF 

15-DAY IL: 2
* Justin Steele, P  
Jameson Taillon, P 

60-DAY IL: 2 
Caleb Kilian, P 
Julian Merryweather, P
 




Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Cubs Win Streak Ends at 5

Submitted by Rob G. on

The Cubs five-game win streak doesn't make it to six and and the loss coupled with the Cardinals win over the Dodgers, drops the Cubs back to second place. Ryan Dempster returned from the disabled list and was nothing short of awful. 5 IP, 9 H, 3 K and 5 ER, 6 total and the error was his own. But at least he didn't walk anyone! With the Cubs catching a huge break when Roy Oswalt left in the second inning with a back injury, the Cubs just needed some decent pitching to stay in this one and they sure didn't get it from Dempster or the bullpen. 

Armchair Managing: The Cubs first comeback started in the fourth when Wesley Wright just completely lost it and missed the strike zone on 10 straight pitches and quite a few more before and after as well. He walked the bases loaded on two occasions with a sacrifice fly in-between and with lefty Mike Fontenot in the original lineup with Oswalt starting, Lou went to the bench early and called on Reed Johnson to pinch-hit and he came through with a 2-out, 2-run single. Then a nicely executed double steal put runners on 2nd/3rd but also gave the Astros the opportunity to intentionally walk Koyie Hill and force Lou's hand with Dempster due up. Lou didn't take the bait and let Dempster hit and he naturally struck out. If you're already going for the big inning by pinch-hitting for Fontenot, I think you have to do the same with Dempster there. And if Lou called for the double steal, he basically ended the Cubs inning if he wasn't going to pinch-hit for Dempster, since you know Cooper would walk Hill there. This all leads me to believe that Lou is a terrible chess player. Dempster then rewarded Lou's faith by giving up a 2-run HR in the top of the fifth that gave the Astros a 6-3 lead.

Ramirez's three-run dinger int he bottom of the fifth neutralized the damage though and then the bullpen proceeded to flush the game and first place with it.

Half-Ass Parachat Recap:

  • Miggy's 3-run HR in the first
    • well it looked like a HR, sac fly instead
  • Debating Top 10 defensive plays of the decade
    • Was Giambi safe?
      • no
  • laughing at the Astros misfortune with Roy Oswalt
  • Valverde with Fulchino is delicious
  • Transmission's date with his sister
  • Following Buehrle's quest for back-to-back perfectos and congratulations on the new record...now go die!
    • "Ryan Dempster is NOT pitching a perfect game" - Ryno
  • Finding Trans a date on craigslist
    • We wouldn't have to do this if you weren't having dates with your sister.
  • I get bored doing the Parachat recap...
    • stupid blackout rules, bring Trans back to us
And congratulations to the Angel Fan Wife on being married to me for 8 years...I imagine it's been just as insufferable as being a Cub fan sometime over the last 100. Lots of expectations, but neither of us deliver....

 

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Game Recap

Comments

Submitted by navigator on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:49 am

best parachat recap ever!

Submitted by CT_Steve on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:26 am

You're a thick gurl, and you've gone too far 'Cause you know it don't matter anyway You can rely on Trans's good lovin' Oh, you can rely on Trans's good lovin' And don't you know Don't you know...

Submitted by O.Julius on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:31 am

I rarely pull the "I just knew it" card, but I just knew when Lou failed to ph for Dempster that he was going to suck in the next 1/2 inning. I'm more upset with the Dodgers though. What's the point of best record in the league you bastards? At least the Nats are embarrassing the Brewers.

[ ]

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:31 am

That is simply unbelievable. How is it even possible for a baseball player to suffer from dehydration? It was an 82 degree night game, no less. Not exactly the Gobi Desert out there. I've played basketball for 3-4 hours at a time and managed to not get rushed to the hospital. This idiot pitches 3 innings, and can't just take a couple sips of Gatorade?

Submitted by jacos on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:36 am

I was flipping the dial last night and Dye hit a homer to put Sox up 1-0, and Stoney was recapping "with that blast Jermaine Dye has put the Cubs...I mean White Sox up one to nothing." Nervous laughter. Hawk made an angry chuckle noise and went back to the game. Classic.

Submitted by The E-Man on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:05 am

This was a "Sacrificial Lamb" game. I realize it - however unfortunate I felt that the cards lined up that I had to be there for this one. However, the baseball gods gave a break to the Cubs when Oswalt got pulled. What had me furious was KNOWING in advance that Demp was going to throw no more than 80 or so pitches, and since he was up to 68 when his AB came up with the bases juiced, what the fuck is the difference in pulling him there, as ROB G states? So - you're going to wast a go-ahead scenario to save 13-15 pitches for the bullpen? This is one more reason why I will be happy when Lou does not return next year. That is just OLD. Not mentioned: Bourne's game-saving catch on Theriot which would have put the Cubs ahead 7-6 at the time. He had an All-Star night on us.

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Submitted by The Real Neal on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:11 am

Then he pinch hits for an actual hitter, and uses a third player to replace Fontenot defensively then he double switches in Hoffpauir even though the pitcher he put in would have never come up, and Hoffpauir's defense in right costs us a run or two. Then he puts in Heilman to put out a fire, even though Heilman has been the worst guy on the team doing that this year. Finally, in the 9th, all of his pinch hitters used, in part because he used 3 for one at bat (2 on) when not using any for a different at bat (pitcher up bases loaded), and we need a walk, so he sends up Big Z, who is just about the least likely guy to take a walk on the team. Without a doubt the worst in game managerial performance by this guy since he was here.

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Submitted by VirginiaPhil on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:32 pm

"then he double switches in Hoffpauir even though the pitcher he put in would have never come up." Hoffpauir was the third batter in the Cubs next half-inning. Guzman had only faced one batter and was going to stay in the game. Lou tends not to overmanage, but sometimes he yanks guys punitively. It was out of character for Lou to pinch hit for a starting second-baseman early in the game, but I assume he was pissed at Fontenot for the missed bunt the night before. And Bradley got the hook (in favor of Hoffpauir) after another terrible left-handed at-bat in the bottom of the fifth. He came out in the top of the sixth.

[ ]

Submitted by The Real Neal on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:57 pm

You're right on that first part. So after he fucked up by leaving Dempster in, the next stupid thing Lou did was taking out Marshall, which he meant he had to use 3 players instead of 2. Hey Lou, the game is 6-6 in 6 innings and you just had a 13 inning game the night before. Try not to burn 2 players in single at bats. It's just simple math. "It was out of character for Lou to pinch hit for a starting second-baseman early in the game, but I assume he was pissed at Fontenot for the missed bunt the night before." If he was mad at him for the night before he should have started Blanco or Baker, not burned through his bench before the 7th inning was over.

Submitted by Cubster on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:02 am

Espn-1000 radio said Cubs calling up Mitch Atkins for a fresh arm in the bullpen, not confirmed elsewhere yet...nor the other roater move...they did interview Samardzija so I doubt he's going to Iowa

Submitted by The E-Man on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:43 am

TRN: Do the Houton fans believe they are playing way over their heads, or do they expect this post-asg hot streak?

Submitted by Cubster on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:33 am

from the I-Cubs site: Aaron Miles is with the Cubs on his second Major League rehab assignment of the year Miles has been on Chicago's disabled list since June 21st with a hyperextended right elbow. He joined the I-Cubs on July 16th and is batting .213 (10-for-47) with four doubles, four RBI, and three runs scored 11 games on this rehab stint. Question: what is the limit allowed (if any) for a mlb rehab assignment? Somewhere I recall it's in the 2-3 week range and Miles is at 13 days now. --- also noted in BJ Ryan's outing.. Pitches 11- Strikes 5. Kind of odd but innocuous considering a 5 pitch walk. He got a fly out (3 pitches, 2-0 count), walk (on 5 pitches), double play (3 pitches, 0-2 count)

Submitted by Cubster on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:44 am

lineup, via len and bob twitter... RJohnson (CF), Theriot, DLee, ARam, Bradley, Soriano, Baker, Hill and Wells

Submitted by Rob G. on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:43 pm

looks like Victor Martinez could be on the move as well from Indians, Red Sox and Rays seem the most interested....

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Submitted by The Real Neal on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:20 pm

Four of the six starters the Cubs could expect to face in a first round playoff series are now left handed. Wonder if this inspires the Cubs to look at doing something a little bigger than adding a reliever. It's hard to argue, even healthy, that we're better than the 3rd best team in the league now.

Submitted by Jace on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:46 pm

of Whoop-ass on Mike Hampton! That's a fun thing to see in the first inning!

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Submitted by jacos on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:49 pm

Nice start!! Bet by next inning Hampton grabs his elbow like Rodney Dangerfield in "Caddy Shack" Oooh!Oooh! Its broken.

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Submitted by Jackstraw on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:50 pm

Typical f'ing Cubs. Score a touchdown the first time on offense, then miss the extra point.

Submitted by Ryno on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:25 pm

Aramis Ramirez is a beast. And since Fonzie is going to hit now, it's cool that he can do it with guys on base.

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Submitted by billybucks on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:29 pm

I always find this a very bizarre "conventional wisdom" argument. No stats, but I am willing to bet that in less than 5% of MLB games does a catcher leave the game due to injury (or, in Michael Barrett's case, get tossed for punching a prick). Maybe less than 1%. With a 10-0 lead, on a warm, humid day, with a catcher who has caught every game for weeks, I'd be willing to roll the dice that Fox wouldn't get injured so badly he would need to leave the game in the last 2 innings. If he came up to bat, tell him not to swing so he won't foul a ball off his foot.

Submitted by billybucks on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 07:52 pm

I tip my cap to Koye -- catching every game, a day game after a night game, and he gets 2 hits. "When the hell is this offense gogin to score some......why won't they move Soriano down in the....Soriano can't hit with runners in scoring....they can't expect A-Ram to come back and be the same..." Aw, forget it.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I suspect Counsell/Hottovy will use the piggy-back extensively, with Taillon and Hendricks pitching as the "pig" (and with a very short leash) and some combo of Wicks, Brown, and Wesneski (whichever two do not start) as the "backers."  

    Keep in mind that Keegan Thompson has a minor league option available, and if Yency Almonte is not outrighted by 4/26 he cannot be sent to the minors without his consent after that date. Almonte is out of minor league options, so I am talking about him getting outrighted to the minors if he is not claimed off waivers, and if he is claimed off waivers, the Cubs save the pro-rated portion of his $1.9M salary, which helps lower the Cubs 2024 AAV.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Totally agree. The 26 man roster very rarely consists of the 13 best position players and 13 best pitchers.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Based on what Jed has done in the past, I’d say the plan is to

    -give Hendricks another few starts
    -give Taillon some runway ot get his season underway

    -Mix and match in the bullpen and see what sticks

    Jed usually doesn’t do a whole lot of waiver wire plays in-season, at least early in the season. He only reallly did that after he blew up the rosters in 21 and 22 because they needed bodies (guys like Schwindel, Fargas, etc).

    I think he’s a little handcuffed by a full 40 man in that he can’t really maneuver much with giving anyone showing ability at AAA (R Thompson/ Sanders/ Edwards etc). Brewer has the most tenuous grip there, and we will see what kind of chance he gets. Other than his spot, there isn’t a ton of 40 man wiggle room.

    I’m very curious to see what happens with Brown now that Taillon returns. Bullpen? Wicks to Iowa? 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Pro teams have to play their "big money" guys if they are healthy and not "locker room" issues.
    The Cubs wanted to deal JHey off well before they bought him out. They just didn't want to pay him to play for someone else for that long. Jed did give him 20+mil to play for LAD last yr.
    Jed might also let Kyle walk at some point this year. Similar scenario to JHey, except Jed thought Kyle was going to be good/solid in '24!!
    You'd think Smyly is in the same book as well. Same with Neris (he's a 1yr vet RP, so he's not really in this convo too much).
    That's ~35mil between those three and those three are going to get opportunities until at least late June) over younger guys even if their performance is "iffy".
    But, Jed is going to play Taillon a lot. They have to try and justify that contract and hope a veteran works out.
    So, Taillon, Imanaga, and Hendricks are locks for the rest of April and probably May.
    Assad, Brown and Wicks handle the last spots until Steele is ready.
    Now, you're question has real merit when Steele comes back. That will interesting if Brown is still good and Hendricks is still bad. But Taillon is entirely safe as long as he's healthy.

    And the bullpen moves were "money" based as well. Smyly has actually been okay. But he hasn't been clearly better than Little. Little had one bad outing. But Smyly makes 9mil. If they needed another RHRP and one of Little and Smyly had to go, it was going to Little. But that doesn't mean Smyly is one of the best 13 arms for the team. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: I think there was an issue with Luke Little coming into a game with men on base. He seems to need a "clean" inning to be dominant. So he is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AAA. Same goes for Michael Arias. He needs to come into a "clean" inning, and is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AA. Porter Hodge is a more versatile pitcher, a better version of Keegan Thompson (multi-inning RP). But Little, Arias, and Hodge (probably in that order) are the Cubs top three RP prospects (all three are Cubs Top 15 prospects).

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    So, let’s do a little war gaming. Taillon is back for tonight’s game. He pitched two rehab games, just a few innings each, and not especially sharp. Let’s face it, he hasn’t been lights out since the Cubs gave him the big contract. In other words, as flat out bad as Hendricks has been, the chances of Taillon being the savior don’t look exactly promising.

    If Taillon is equally ineffective or perhaps even worse, what’s the next move? Winning teams can often find a way to work around a dud fifth starter - kinda. Two dud starters make things much more difficult.

    I believe the biggest reason for the recent bullpen moves was dissatisfaction with the recent blowing of big leads and the recognition that the bullpen wasn’t all it was thought to be. In other words, they are exploring alternate options and configurations. If similar juggling becomes necessary (even more so than it already is), what kind of reasonable maneuvering do we think could be explored?

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Cubdom needs to prepare themselves for Wicks to be sent to Iowa for Taillon to come up.
    Ben Brown has 4 appearances. Wicks has 4 appearances.
    Ben has 16.1 IP.  Wicks has 17 IP
    Ben was a 1.1 WHIP.  Wicks has a 1.7 WHIP. Wicks does have significantly more SOs. 
    Ben has been better, though.
    I love Wicks. I think he's a fighter and his stuff has improved.
    But, Jed isn't ditching Hendricks just yet. He should. But he won't.
    Hendricks should go to the IL and Taillon-Imanaga-Assad-Wicks-Brown should be the rotation.
    Wont' happen though.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    AZ Phil,
    Did you agree with the demotion of Luke Little? He'd been pretty good up until the AZ/wild pitch appearance. I know that can't jettison Smyly (just yet) so they didn't need another LHRP. Especially with Leiter effectively being a LHRP. I still thought he deserved to stay. It's not permanent. He'll be back. Lots of moves to come with Taillon, Steele and other guys coming and going.

    Also, do you see Hodge being able to "control/command" his stuff to get a chance this year?
    Is Arias better than Hodge?   Thanks

  • crunch (view)

    just waiting to hear patrick wisdom and masterboney are spotted at the airport going in opposite directions...

    aj puk going for the marlins (lefty)...gotta imagine we'll see wisdom in the lineup.

    someone has to make room for taillon, too.

  • crunch (view)

    he's a low-level cubs star in the modern history of the cubs (c.zambrano, k.wood, r.dempster, etc), but that star has dimmed...and has been dimming since 2021.

    2024 has been ugly the whole way and we're only in mid-april.  homers aside (even though there's been 7 in 17ip) he gave up 29 hits in 20 spring innings and 31 in 17 regular season innings.

    he's pretty much only got 2 pitches at this point in his career and the mix isn't fooling anyone.  he threw a noticable amount more curves in his last start to add to the mix and it didn't help his issues.  he don't have many moves left to break out.

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