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

Jeff Samardzija vs. the Astros. It's Shark Week on the DISCUBBERY Channel.

 

 

I learned the word "Cubbery" right here at TCR.
And it sure seems like we've been seeing quite a bit of the DISCUBBERY Channel this year.
When Jeff Samardzija broke a bat over his knee last week, do you have any idea how lucky we were that he didn't, you know, break his wrists?
Cubbery!
And then we wouldn't have Shark Week starting Monday night.
Jeff Samardzija is 7-10 with a 4.21 ERA, and the guys runnin' the show for the Cubs think he's one big gigantic piece of the future.
Me too, by the way.
And he'll be on the mound against the Houston Astros.
A team who, as a fan, I cannot stand and now can't stand even more.
We kind of figured the Cubs would lose 100 games this year, right?
In fact, if they lose 31 more games then...goal reached.
Because a team that loses 100 games... wellllll, you'd sure figure that team would get the number one pick in the draft, right?
Well, the freaking Astros only have to lose 22.

Cubbery.

Comments

I think Sveum found an old pair of Dusty's lineup dice in the manager's office DeJesus RF, Vitters 3B, Rizzo 1B, Soriano LF, Castro SS, Castillo C, Jackson CF, Barney 2B, Samardzija P

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In reply to by Rob G.

Dusty's lineup dice... Opening Day 2003: Grudz, Alex Gonzalez, Sosa, Alou, Choi, Bellhorn, CPat, Damian Miller, KWood game 2, 2003: Neifi, Neifi, Neifi, Neifi, Neifi, Neifi, Neifi, Neifi, Neifi Opening Day 2004: Grudz, CPat, Sosa, Alou, ARam, DLee, AGon, Barrett, KWood Opening Day 2005: CPat, TWalker, Nomar, ARam, Burnitz, DLee, Hollandsworth, Barrett, Zambrano

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In reply to by Carlito

my point is that spending money doesn't mean you can't build a system or a championship team. you can use all the tools in the toolbox without fearing the hammer will somehow keep you from using the wrench. aside from the riches of the team and national exposure...those cubs tickets aren't exactly cheap. veritek+lowe came from a 30 year old reliever under a $2+m contract in this specific case...maholm just snagged the cubs a 95+mph reliever who's a possible starter. if the cubs happened to have "lucked" into a lineup that popped this season they'd have a very cheap/strong middle rotation option to support the 2013 effort. as it is, they found another option in trade for the guy...nice pickup for both teams, imo.

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In reply to by crunch

I agree with you in theory. But even that is dependent on players available, players who want to play for cubs, not committing to bad contracts, no trade clauses etc. I think they'll step it up a hair each year ... But had to gut it this year. Still they tried to fill roster with Maholm's and DeJesus's and Reed Johnson's ... I just think its a unique situation because of total organizational rebuild of crap organization, and the level of futility, and the clearly stated goal. The long term assets will merge with the yearly plan at some point. They'll spend the big $ then, and there will be a reckoning ... But they had to start somewhere and I STILL would watch the current team over last year's roster any day.

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In reply to by Dr. aaron b

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 8:33am — Dr. aaron b The 1st round pick is protected. I sure as heck wouldn't let losing a 2nd round pick get in the way of signing a Zack Greinke. ========================= DR AARON B: The Cubs would not lose a draft pick if they sign Zack Greinke, because he was traded mid-season and only players who spend the entire previous regular season with the same club are subject to compensation (if they are tendered a "Qualifying Offer"). Same goes for Anibal Sanchez, BTW. And the Cubs 2013 payroll right now projects at around $69M (or $77M if all players eligible for salary arbitration--including likely non-tenders like Manuel Corpas, Ian Stewart, and Chris Volstad--are tendered), so the Cubs could make highly-competitive offers to Greinke and/or Sanchez post-2012 if they choose to do so. PROJECTED 2013 CUBS MLB PLAYER PAYROLL SIGNED: Alfonso Soriano - $18M Carlos Marmol - $9.8M David DeJesus - $4.25M Jorge Soler - $1M (plus second $3M installment of $6M signing bonus) Gerardo Concepcion - $500K SUB-TOTAL: $36.55M PROJECTED ESTIMATED SALARY ARBITRATION (rounded-off to nearest $250K): Matt Garza - $13.25M? Starlin Castro- $4M? (very likely “Super Two“) Jeff Samardzija - $4M? Chris Volstad - $3M? Manuel Corpas - $2.5M? Ian Stewart - $2.5M? Justin Germano - $1.5M? (possible “Super Two”) James Russell - $1.25M? Luis Valbuena - $1M? (likely “Super Two”) PROJECTED ESTIMATED SUB-TOTAL: $33M? 13 pre-arbitration players to fill-out 25-man roster: PROJECTED ESTIMATED SUB-TOTAL: $6.5M? (average $500K per player) 13 players (besides Concepcion & Soler) on optional assignment to minors: PROJECTED ESTIMATED SUB-TOTAL (not including Concepcion & Soler): $1M? PROJECTED ESTIMATED 2013 TOTAL MLB PLAYER PAYROLL: $77M? (if all players eligiblke for salary arebitration are tendered) NOTE: Although the Cubs 2012 MLB Opening Day payroll for 25-man roster was reported (accurately) as $88M, the Cubs 2012 MLB player payroll outlay is actually $120M, because of various legacy payroll obligations ($15M+ of Carlos Zambrano's salary paid to Marlins, Carlos Pena $5 deferred salary from 2011, Ryan Dempster $1.5M in deferred salary from 2011, and Carlos Silva $2M 2012 buy-out) and MLB signing bonuses and MLB salaries paid to Gerardo Concepcion and Jorge Soler ($7.5M combined total in 2012). MLB ARTICLE XX-B FREE-AGENT POST-2012: Shawn Camp (will NOT be tendered "Qualifying Offer") LIKELY OUTRIGHT POST-2012: Michael Bowden (MLB Article XX-D minor league FA if outrighted) Blake Lalli (MLB Rule 55 6Y minor league FA if outrighted) Marcos Mateo (MLB Rule 55 6Y minor league FA if outrighted) Joe Mather (MLB Article XX-D minor league FA if outrighted) Blake Parker (MLB Article XX-D minor league FA if outrighted) LIKELY 12/2 NON-TENDER Manuel Corpas Justin Germano Ian Stewart Chris Volstad NOTE: All five will be eligible for salary arbitration if not non-tendered/ Any or all could be re-signed to 2013 minor league contract with NRI to Spring Training if non-tendered) Seven slots on the 40-man roster should be open post-2012 for minor league FA, Rule 5 eligibles, and MLB free-agents MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS MOST-LIKELY TO BE ADDED TO 40-MAN ROSTER POST-2012: 1. Christian Villanueva, 3B 2. Kyler Burke, LHP (6Y minor league FA if not added to 40 by 5th day following conclusion of World Series) 3. Trey McNutt, RHP 4. Nick Struck, RHP 5. Zac Rosscup, LHP 6. Chris Rusin, LHP 7. Frank Batista, RHP 8. Logan Watkins, INF 9. Marcus Hatley, RHP 10. Justin Bour, 1B McNutt, Struck, Rosscup, Bour, and Watkins are likely candidates to be assigned to the AFL, where they could solidify their status or play their way onto the Cubs 40-man roster with a good showing.

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In reply to by John Beasley

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 11:41am — John Beasley You said five likely non-tenders but only listed four. Did you mean to put Valbuena in that category? I certainly think he should be. I agree that Germano probably will be, but this year he has almost pitched up to that level of commitment. Almost ============================= JOHN B: I keep going back & forth on Valbuena. I'm thinking now he will be tendered because he won't be making a whole lot of money. I project $1M (rounded off to the nearest $250K) for Valbuena, but it could be even $750K. He's a LH hitter who can actually play 2B-SS-3B, and with the MLB minimum salary at $490K in 2013, $750K-$1M isn't that much more. It's just a matter of whether his roster slot will be needed for one of the minor leaguers Rule 5 eligibles. Germano could be tendered, but I don't think he will be if he qualifies as a "Super Two" (and with projected MLB ST at 2+130 post-2012, he's right on the bubble). BTW, the Cubs could sign any of their non-tenders to a minor league contract with an NRI to Spring Training, but of course the player would have the option to decline the offer.

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In reply to by Dr. aaron b

stupid is stupid and Greinke has been barely above league average for 3 years now. if I'm way off on the price fine, but I doubt he gets less than 5/100 and I'm guessing more like 6/120. Don't forget Theo gave out just 3 contracts to FA's that were over 4 years; Drew, Lackey and Crawford and he regrets the last 2. (I suppose you can count Dice-K and Gonzalez in there, but they don't count as true free agents imo). Sanchez is a possibility, but it would be a max of 4 years I bet and I'm sure they'd prefer less. I don't know what his market is yet, but he seems like a 4/60 type guy at least.

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In reply to by Rob G.

Well this year, to be a little picky Rob, he was 9-3 before the trade, his ERA was a half run below the NL average, and his WHIP, BB/9, K/9 were all above average. Can't disagree though...5 or 6 years on a pitcher? Oof....for a team that's not going to contend most likely for a couple more seasons....

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In reply to by Dusty Baylor

are we randomly discarding stats? believe he was shutdown for a bit right before he was traded because he was struggling and right now he stands at a 108 ERA+. If the difference between the AL and NL is that big, Matt Garza would be a lot better this year...also, there's Z. Greinke circa 2009 that blows up the AL vs. NL thing. He can be brilliant at times, but he's just not consistent enough for the deal I expect he'll get. If you look at his career, 2009 was the obvious outlier and $20M per year is a bad risk to think he'll get anywhere close to there again (consistently).

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In reply to by Rob G.

So in 3 starts, he's struggled in the new league. So are we going to assume he'll struggle the rest of the year like this? What stats did I discard...I said "before the trade." I just don't think Greinke was slightly above average this season. Again, I can't see spending the $$ on a pitcher for that long without it being a Sabathia...Halladay...etc. You're right of course in that Greinke is inconsistent, and shouldn't command that huge of a deal.

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In reply to by Dusty Baylor

he was 9-3 before the trade Pretty sure Theo and Jed look very little at W/L records. his ERA was a half run below the NL average, and his WHIP, BB/9, K/9 were all above average. $20M/year isn't a "better than average" contract. It is an ace -- even top 5 pitcher in baseball -- contract. I, like Rob, and not convinced that Greinke is one of the best pitchers in baseball. And definitely not convinced that he will be one of the top pitchers in baseball for the next 5-6 years. Of his 6 full seasons, he really has only had one year that would deserve anywhere close to $20M a year. ADDED: For context, there are only 14 players in MLB that make $20M a year this year. And only 5 pitchers - Santana, Sabathia, Lee, Verlander, and Halladay.

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In reply to by Rob G.

As much as I love watching Chris Volstad, Justin Germano, and Brooks Raley get shelled, Both Greinke and Sanchez will be 29 next season. The Cubs are a large-market team. Pitching costs money when you don't have any. The Cubs will otherwise have a 2013 payroll of (at most) $77M, and probably more like $69M. $10M in annual salary comes off the books post-2013 when Marmol is a FA (and it's $13M+ more if Garza isn't signed long-term), and another $18M comes off the books post-2014 when Soriano is gone. If Theo is haunted by the Lackey and Crawford contracts, he should submit his resume to the Padres or the Royals. Or grow a couple.

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In reply to by Dr. aaron b

"Luis Montanez, Bobby Hill, Hee Man Choi and David Kelton . . . 99% of these guys crap out." Of course you realize that every player in the majors was a prospect at some point. Stockstill's failure rate was not typical of scouting directors. You mention McNutt and J. Jackson but not Samardzija. You mention BJax and Vitters but not Rizzo, who was pretty much an even trade for Cashner. Barney and Marwin Gonzalez (and BJax for that matter) are everyday players at the moment, while Colvin, Josh Harrison and maybe Donaldson are close. Older Cub fans recall that the 60's and 80's were good for home-growns, although a few of the better ones--Brock, Carter, Palmeiro--were traded while Maddux jumped the fence.

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In reply to by Dr. aaron b

I don't think this is wise in any sense. There is no way the Cubs would give up a 2nd round pick to entertain people like you. They will not win next year. Period. It's a fact. The goal is sustained success and a world series. But more importantly 2nd round draft picks are VERY VALUABLE in the right hands. To compare traditional Cubs 2nd round draft picks with the new administration is also not fair. But there is no way in hell they will give up a top 2 round draft pick to parade ANY thoroughbred around wrigley field when the rest of the stable is ponies . . . It just doesn't make any sense. And more importantly they have said they won't. You'll be happy as hell in 2015 if you can hang in there!

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In reply to by Old and Blue

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 1:14pm — Old and Blue The clamoring for Greinke right now reminds me a lot of the way people wanted Eric Bedard a few years ago when a lot of people thought he was on the cusp of being an ace. The problem with giving long term contracts to pitchers like these is that they are pitchers, for one thing, and a hot season or two doesn't make them worth the money that they will get on the open market. ==================== O&B: But that's true of any pitcher. By that logic, you would only give long-term contracts to the absolutely best pitchers in baseball (#1 starters who are future Hall of Famers and who have proven themselves as #1 guys over many seasons), and even then, those pitchers can tear a labrum or lose a season or two to TJS. I understand the argument that you don't want to sign a FA if if costs you a 1st or a 2nd round draft pick, and I can understand not wanting to sign an older pitcher (like a Ryan Dempster) to a big bucks multi-year contract, and I can understand why teams like San Diego, Kansas City, or Pittsburgh can't afford to sign an expensive FA pitcher. But the Cubs are a large market team with a projected 2013 payroll of only $69M-$$77M, with more payroll coming off the books post-2013 (Marmol and possibly Garza) and post-2014 (Soriano). The Cubs need starting pitchers. Greinke and Sanchez will be 29 next season. Both are free-agents. The Cubs can afford to sign both Greinke and Sanchez. Neither will cost the Cubs a draft pick.

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In reply to by Arizona Phil

Yeah, I know. I just think it's a dilemma. It's a tough decision. The Cubs really need starting pitching, that's for sure. I'm with you on not getting a big charge out of watching some of these guys get clobbered. To me, Greinke is a Bedard/Garza type. Bedard of a few years ago, I mean. Possible up and comer who is capable of a really good couple of seasons. If they can nab him for a fair price, sure, why not? Sanchez, too. If I sound a little wishy washy on the subject it's because I am. On one hand, I don't want to wait till 2015 or whatever till the Cubs "wave" of pitching produces a couple of studs (there is no guarantee that will even happen). On the other hand, I hate albatross contracts.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

I think free agency has become such a lousy crap shoot with bloated, extended contracts that I can't disagree with TheoCorp not taking part in it last year. I really wouldn't want the Cubs to take either Prince's or Pujols' contracts. Even next year, who do they go after that really makes the team a contender next year? Any signing they do, they will have to consider the fact that the player involved will want a 60 year guaranteed no trade contract. There is, I guess, a chance Hamilton could be available for fewer years than what we've been seeing lately, given his propensity for ingesting toxins. To me it makes sense to give it a year and see which of the prospects seem to really be on their way up before the team signs a free agent that could block one of them, pitchers excluded of course. But I hate the idea of long term contracts for pitchers, especially. For position players, the team will eventually just need to suck it up and take a gamble or two. But with the current condition of this team, I'm not sure even next year is the time for it. Not without a bit more home grown starting pitching.

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In reply to by MikeC

Tue, 08/14/2012 - 5:41pm — MikeC Fired McPhail but kept his clone in Hendry. It was nothing more than a shiny pebble game of look we fired this guy, now give us 5 more years under new GM to try get the Cubs winning under the same plan as McPhail. Nothing changed except titles, same coaches, farm system, philosophy. And we only spent money to increase the sale price of the franchise nothing more. It was never to win games. In the end the Cubs are kinda forced to play within the parameters of Oakland or any small market team. Sure we can spend money but we suck at it/are to cheap to do it and we have no clue how to build a farm system. At least Oakland does that correctly, something Theo is doing a good job of at the moment. =================================== MIKE C: The 2007-2009 Cubs won more games over a three-year period than any Cub team since the 1936-38 Cubs, and even the 2003-2005 Cubs won more games over a three-year period than any Cub team since the 1969-71 Durocher Cubs. And Baseball America ranked the Cubs as the #8 farm system in baseball prior to the Matt Garza trade (when the Cubs traded three of their Top 10 prospects, including #1 and #4).

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In reply to by Arizona Phil

I don't care what Baseball America said, we have always had a very poor farm system and if trading away some talent for 1 semi-good guy just completely shatters your farm system then the #8 ranking was nothing more than a fantasy. This is what i have always said. Our systems best players don't even come close to other systems best players. Take Vitters and Jackson.....our best hitting talent outside of the trade of Rizzo. Thats just sad. That is why it took a couple of our "best" to get Garza because they weren't that great as individuals. We traded 5.....5 players to get Garza that is what it took from our vast and talented, or untalented, farm system...5 players. The only person i miss from that trade is Lee.

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In reply to by QuietMan

Phil will certainly correct me with appropriate detail...but my understanding is: - the team has to call up a starting pitcher as the 26th man (in other words Raley), but that player is exempt from the normal 10-day rule (in other words they can call Raley back up). - they have to send someone down the day after to get back to 25, but it doesn't necessarily have to be the player they called up (so they can keep Raley and send Bowden back down if they wish). - the player they send down doesn't need to wait 10 days to be called back up (or they can send Raley down after his start, go with an extra reliever and call him back up in 5-6 days for another start)

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In reply to by Rob G.

Mon, 08/13/2012 - 4:12pm — Rob G. Phil will certainly correct me with appropriate detail...but my understanding is: - the team has to call up a starting pitcher as the 26th man (in other words Raley), but that player is exempt from the normal 10-day rule (in other words they can call Raley back up). - they have to send someone down the day after to get back to 25, but it doesn't necessarily have to be the player they called up (so they can keep Raley and send Bowden back down if they wish). - the player they send down doesn't need to wait 10 days to be called back up (or they can send Raley down after his start, go with an extra reliever and call him back up in 5-6 days for another start) ============================= ROB G: Starting in 2012, a club's MLB Active List limit is expanded to 26 players on any day where two games are scheduled, as long as the second game was scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. The 26-man limit is in effect for both games of the doubleheader, but the "26th man" cannot be switched between games. The club's Active List limit goes back to 25 players the next day. The only restrictions on who can be added to the club's Active List is that the player has to be on the club's 40-man roster or has to be added to the club's 40-man roster that day. The "26th man" does not have to be a pitcher, although it almost always will be. A player can be recalled as the "26th man" even if he has not spent the minimum required 10 days on optional or outright assignment prior to being called up. So for example, Brooks Raley can be recalled on Saturday as the "26th man," even though he would have only spent five days on optional assignment. However, because the Cubs would need to use the "26th man" exemption to recall him from the minors prior to his spending ten days on optional assignment, Raley would have to be sent back to Iowa on Sunday, unless he replaces another player on the 25-man roster who is placed on the DL that day. Also, once he is sent back to the minors, Raley would only have to spend another five days on optional assignment (rather than the full ten), because the five days he spent on optional assignment prior to being recalled to be the "26th man" for the doubleheader counts toward the minimum ten-day minor league assignment/recall limit (the clock does not reset). If some player other than Raley is recalled as the "26th man," that player could remain on the Cubs 25-man roster on Sunday and a different player could be dropped, since any player other than Raley would not be bound by the minimum ten-day minor league assignment/recall limit. And if another player (other than Raley) is added as the "26th man" to the Cubs Active List for the doubleheader, that player would not be bound by the minimum ten-day minor league assignment/recall limit at all as long as he is sent back to the minors on Sunday. BTW, with Raley having been sent down today, he will NOT burn a minor league option in 2012 as long as he is recalled no later than September 1st. That's because a player does not use a minor league option if he spends less than 20 days on optional assignment to the minors in a given season, and September 1st would be Raley's 20th day.

Sveum on Starlin fitting into lineup: "In a real world and a prolific offense, he’d probably be more towards the sixth and seventh spots.” castro had a closed-door meeting with sveum today and this is what he tells the press afterwards? ...cold.

There's an organization that knows how to tank a season for a draft pick.

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In reply to by QuietMan

marmol too good to keep...interesting spin on the situation. he's been great since mid-july...woo, etc. still, even with the 9+m owed him next season he should be worth something interesting in trade, though not a top prospect...and the cubs will, of course, have to pick up some loot (the top-tier closer market seems to be settling out in the 7-8m/yr range and marmol's not putting up top-tier numbers). i know jed has a thing for paying closers even if he's got 2-3 other pen guys around who could do it for a fraction of the price, but i wonder how tanked marmol's value was vs. what they perceived he could do with a bounce-back attempt in 2012. it seems this trade should have been made before the season began. hopefully he can keep up his good month...or turn a rodney and suddenly find his control.

waiting 7-8 years for it to bear fruit --- per Rotoworld...
Athletics recalled INF Josh Donaldson from Triple-A Sacramento. Donaldson will provide depth at third base while Brandon Inge recovers from a dislocated shoulder. The 26-year-old has hit just .153/.160/.235 this year in the majors and will carry zero value in fantasy leagues.

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In reply to by Cubster

Donaldson is still a good-looking prospect in my book. If he were in the Cub organization, I think he would be their starting catcher or 3B. With the A's he's being retooled at 3B while they give Derek Norris an opportunity at catcher. Catchers take longer to ripen. Donaldson's career line in the minors is .275/.365/.470(/.834). This compares favorably with, say, Josh Vitters or Welington Castillo. Donaldson's career caught-stealing percentage is 38, a couple points higher than Castillo's.

to Boise...

vitters hitting 2nd again...interesting. a lot of people put a strong contact guy in that slot...some go for the ob% and/or speed... vitters...okay. either they got a feeling for vitters or the MLB team is now a minor league team in practice trying to get maximum ABs for 2013 auditions. also, lahair is a sad panda.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

You don't have to worry about the Cubs having too much speed on the bases any time soon, Big. Only Castro has double-digit SBs (19 versus 10 CS). No one else has 7. Campana is at Iowa. The Cards, who lead the NL in runs, are a mature team with a couple of former base stealers in Furcal and Beltran. Even so, they have four everyday players with SBs in double digits: Molina (11-2), Furcal (12-4), Jay (13-2) and Beltran (10-5). Recently traded Tyler Greene had 9 SBs versus 2 CS'es. The Braves, second in the league in runs, have Bourne (31-8), Heyward (16-5) and Prado (14-2). SB totals for teams are skewed by "running prospects" like Campana (26-3) and Bonifacio (Marlins, 30-3) who steal at every opportunity but don't play every day and don't get on base enough to score many runs. Both players have fewer runs scored than steals.

Well I am pretty sad and obviously am throwing in the towel on what I was hoping was a player who just may have beaten the odds in the Majors. MIKE C was spot on, and LaHair either was truly a AAAA player, or just should play every day for some club - whether Japan, or a bottom feeder that might need some cheap power with a decent 1B, and are not competing for anything. I guess I was duped into the typical Cubby hope and valuing our guys too much - something I have been doing since 1968. So MIKE C, I owe you a beer, or some cheese fries. You were right about the guy in 2012. I am disappointed for the player, but bummed for us that he could not have held "trade-able value" and at least brought back a middling prospect for him. Fortunately, they team has a bona fide prospect at 1B. At least it looks that way this year!

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In reply to by The E-Man

I don't think I was duped by false hope. I usually don't put much hope in a Cubs prospect. History has shown me the way there. I really thought he was a good hitter. I liked his approach to the plate, I liked that he was seeing a lot of pitches, etc. I loved the story, too, of course, but he just looked really good up there. He will probably lead the Japan league in homers some day, though, so there's that.

forgot about this https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjMn1XXWev7FdFRIRDhzUjhRR1… who is winning? as for the questions, current leaders are: Most Wins? Maholm (Samardzija will probably overtake him) Most PA's in #2 spot? Castro 1st to DL? K. Wood 1st Called Up? R. Lopez Team Wins? on pace for 64 More Starts, LaHair vs. Rizzo? LaHair (82)....Rizzo at 41 with 48 games to play SB's? Campana Samardzija, more IP in pen or rotation? Rotation Best bWAR? D. Barney (4.6)..Dempster is second with 3.1, Castro is third at 2.5

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In reply to by 10man

I'm actually pretty curious about how this is going to impact the Cubs. If I recall correctly, Fleita was touted as a guy with a lot of contacts in the Latin world and who was instrumental in spreading the Cubs' positive image down there. I hope this doesn't diminish the Cubs' ability to land the Latin prospects we're going after.

Three of the Cubs Player Development Agreements (PDA) expire after this season: Daytona Peoria Boise So the Cubs will be in a position where they could switch to a different affiliate in the same league, or even change leagues. DAYTONA: A couple of years ago when the Hendry regime was in charge, I was told it was a virtual-lock that the Cubs would switch their Hi-A affiliate from Daytona (Florida State League) to a slot in the California League after the PDA with Daytona expires. There are just too many rain-outs in ther FSL. The Cubs and the Brewers are the only MLB clubs who train in Arizona with Hi-A affiliates in the FSL, and the Astros are the only MLB Club who train in Florida with a Hi-A affiliate in the California League, so a Cubs-Astros switch would seem to to be a good fit for both organizations. The Astros could place an FSL affiliate at their Spring Training facility in Kissimmee, and the Cubs could take-over Houston's Lancaster franchise (or move the franchise to a different California town). With Theo Epstein now in-charge, the Cubs still could opt to leave the FSL, but might prefer to move their Hi-A affiliate to the Carolina League (where the Red Sox have their Hi-A Affiliate). The problem with the Carolina League is that there may not be any club that wants out (as would more likely be the case with the Astros in the California League). PEORIA: It's highly doubtful that the Cubs would transfer their full-season Lo-A affiliate from the Midwest League to the South Atlantic League, but they could move their Lo-A affiliate to a different town in the MWL. BOISE: Tom Ricketts visited Boise this year and inferred that the Cubs were hoping for a new stadium or major improvements to the existing facility. If they are not satisfied that improvements will be made, the Cubs could transfer their NWL affiliate to a different town in the NWL, or they could move their Short-Season "A" affiliate to the New York-Pennsylvania League (NYP). The Cubs did have a SS-A affiliate in the NYP (initially in Geneva, NY, then moved to Williamsport, PA) for many years (1977-98).

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In reply to by Dusty Baylor

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 12:04pm — Dusty Baylor Isn't a problem in the California League that it's very difficult to judge hitters ability, since the league is sooooo easy for hitters? =================================== DUSTY B: And the pitchers get hammered, too, but scouts and Player Development guys know that and factor it in. Bottom line is, the players gotta play and the pitchers gotta pitch, and anything and anyplace is better than the rain-outs that plague the FSL. BTW, if you look at the ten MLB clubs that have affiliates in the California League, there doesn't seem to be much of a handicap as far as producing MLB players (and pitchers): Arizona Cincinnati Colorado Houston Los Angeles Angels Los Angeles Dodgers Oakland San Diego San Francisco Seattle Plus, think of the fun guys like Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, Dan Vogelbach, and Dustin Geiger will have hitting there. They will be brimming with confidence as they head to AA in 2014.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    18-year old SS Jefferson Rojas almost made the AA Tennessee Opening Day roster, and he is a legit shortstop, so I would expect him to be an MLB Top 100 prospect by mid-season. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Among the relievers in the system, I expect RHRP Hunter Bigge at AAA Iowa and RHRP Ty Johnson at South Bend to have breakout seasons on 2024, and among the starters I see LHP Drew Gray and RHP Will Sanders at South Bend and RHP Naz Mule at ACL Cubs as the guys who will make the biggest splash. Also, Jaxon Wiggins is throwing bullpen sides, so once he is ready for game action he could be making an impact at Myrtle Beach by June.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I expect OF Christian Franklin to have a breakout season at AA Tennessee in 2024. In another organization that doesn't have PCA, Caissie, K. Alcantara, and Canario in their system, C. Franklin would be a Top 10 prospect. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The Reds trading Joe Boyle for Sam Moll at last year's MLB Trade Deadline was like the Phillies trading Ben Brown to the Cubs for David Robertson at the MLB TD in 2022. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

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  • 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.