Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

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

Theriot Called Up

Submitted by Rob G. on
The Cubs will add INF Ryan Theriot to the roster today. For the life of me, I can't find out who they're sending down although you'd assume it's between Mike Restovich or Freddie Bynum. Both would have to clear waivers, but somehow I doubt that would be a problem. If it is Bynum, you have to really question his acquisition. Hindsight being 20/20 and all and I could really care less about John Koronka, but why give up a pitcher with options left for a guy who doesn't seem to do anything better than a guy we already had. Theriot doesn't have Bynum's speed, but since scrapping switch-hitting, he's been hitting the ball much better and he's always been considered a superior defender. A matter of fact, in his draft class he was considered the second best defensive shortstop behind the A's Bobby Crosby. I don't think it would be impossible for a guy with superior defensive skills to be able to pick up the outfield spots if needed, which is about the only thing that Bynum seemed to have an edge on. Go figure. Some other quick notes: -For those displeased with Mr. Hendry, Jay Mariotti's got your back. - I have a heavy man-crush on Bruce Miles. Speak it, brother! He also came up with the nickname, "The Riot" for today's newest Cub Ryan Theriot, which just rules. - Under no circumstances whatsoever are hitters hitting in the low 200's allowed to watch their home runs. I'm looking at you Aramis. I'm amazed someone hasn't drilled him yet for gawking. In the grass is always greener compartment, if the Cubs pulled a miracle trade of getting Miguel Cabrera and dumping Aramis (in separate deals of course), I would not shed a single tear. - If you haven't read this already, former Cub 1st round pick Matt Clanton was released over the off-season and had some choice words to say about Jim Hendry and the organization. According to Clanton, Jim Hendry once said this to him:
ëThis [organization] is not a democracy. It is a dictatorship. You shut the f--k up.í
No truth to the rumor that Hendry then made him drop and give him 20 in the mud right afterwards.

Comments

Submitted by aaronb on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:36 pm

I wonder if Clanton pulled the Richard Gere " I've got nowhere else to go" routine after Hendry said that.

Submitted by cubbiechris on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:51 pm

I'd like to see that Jim Hendry fire on some of the current Cubs. Hell, why not just step down and manage the team...

Submitted by Andrew on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:51 pm

What's even more discouraging than the fact that the Cubs might have mistreated a first-round pick is that they never even called to see why the first-round pick pulled himself out of his college playoff game.

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:04 pm

they knew what clanton did...they didn't envision the crybaby they got, though. clanton's crybaby work ethic and "above the coaches" attitude wasn't something they thought would carry over to the bigs. a lotta his whining was based on the assumption he wanted to protect himself for his future career...not because its a personality trait that won't leave him. a guy who's used to doing it on their own in their own way can get really bitter when they let go for one minute to let someone else meddle in their career. hi corey patterson. most people call this learning...and sometimes you get hurt learning. injuries, even to top prospects, aren't that uncommon in any organization.

Submitted by Mpls_Stephen on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:10 pm

I have a Theriot (read- theory; a stretch I know) that Bynum is done...maybe some team will claim him off waivers and good-by(num). Hopefully this will light some fire and see that the GM is sick and willing to start shifting the roster...via trades eventually, and guys won't be so lackidazical. Today's game isn't a must win, but damn we need to win this game. For those wanting to be optimisitc, it's only the first week of May, and we're only 6 games out. It is ugly but thankfully no team has started to run away with this divison.

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:14 pm

rotowire seems to think it's Restovich getting the boot, but it's just a guess on their part, fwiw

Submitted by Andrew on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:15 pm

I'd guess it's Restovich, as well, simply for the fact that Dusty seems immune to giving the guy a start. Who knows, though.

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:19 pm

Theriot is actually hiting 282/328/309 right now btw, Trib has it wrong. 5 SB/1 CS as well. As you can see, he's really going to be a spark. :)

Submitted by cubswinthepennant on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:31 pm

My nickname for him is "There I rot" --as in the minor leagues. If you've seen him play a few times you come away with the impression that he has been ready for the big leagues since he was in diapers. Obviously I like him a lot, and hope he does well enough to stick in Chicago.

Submitted by jacos on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:32 pm

God forbid, but if Walker goes down, who plays first? Neifi?

Submitted by Andrew on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:34 pm

What? Why would you think Walker is going down?

Submitted by RobR on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:47 pm

Can someone give us the gist of this week's under the knife article?

Submitted by MoJo on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:58 pm

Why doesn't Hendry get Choi back? He's doing well enough in Pawtucket, although having only 3 homers is troublesome. At least against righties, Choi at first and Walker at second has to be better than Hairston or Perez having to play second while Walker plays first. And this would keep Mabry for pinch-hitting or spelling Jones.

Submitted by Cubster on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:06 pm

under the knife: there is a play by play on the game: first 2 innings...fastball, serious heat innings 3-4: he broke out the curveball inning 5: worked on the changeup here and it seemed to be OK 66 pitches, top speed 94 Scott Nelson (Director of Baseball Ops) was the highest ranking Cub brass in attendance

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:09 pm

Can someone give us the gist of this week's under the knife article? Honestly nothing at all.... Wood looked good in his rehab start, one more and he should be good to go. Unclear how much the Prior food poisoning set him back. That's really it.

Submitted by chifan3887 on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:36 pm

Why doesn't Hendry get Choi back? Mojo, The reason for that is Dusty's nickname for him is Heenoplay. Rob, I think Koronka was out of options to.

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:45 pm

#17 of 17: By chifan3887 (May 8, 2006 04:36 PM) Rob, I think Koronka was out of options to. - CHIFAN3887: John Koronka is not out of options. He has two left. However, if he were to be outrighted to the minors, he would have the option to become a free-agent, because he has been outrighted once before in his career (when Texas returned him to Cincinnati, after he had been selected in the 2002 Rule 5 Draft but failed to make the Rangers 2003 Opening Day roster).

Submitted by aaronb on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:48 pm

why do we need Koronka and JVB on this team when we have Jose Reyes?

Submitted by H. Vaughn on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:51 pm

Miles: Weíre playing baseball here, not competing in the decathlon. Bruce rocks. I'm not sure I agree on trashing Pie's future by throwing him to the wolves, but he's spot-on calling out Pierre and Jones for their woeful performances.

Submitted by 433 on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:53 pm

Not sure why, but that Clanton story amuses me. If it's true that Hendry did in fact say that -- and it's possible I suppose -- I'd love to know what triggered that kind of freak-out response from Hendry. It probably wasn't something like "Um, Mr. Hendry, I was just going to make a quick suggestion, could we have extra pillows on the bus?" No, it was probably something like "I am better than half the pitchers on the major league roster, ask anyone, so I better be called up soon." A haiku for matt goodbye matt clanton bad arm, bad stuff, worse judgment have fun on your couch

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:57 pm

well I doubt Clanton was pining for a promotion since he pitched a grand total of like 5 games. My guess is that Clanton wanted some insight on his rehab process and what not and Hendry wasn't in a listening mood. If it's even true.....

Submitted by aaronb on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:59 pm

goodbye matt clanton Matt harrington is at best buy ask him for application

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:00 pm

#9 of 19: By cubswinthepennant (May 8, 2006 03:31 PM) My nickname for him is "There I rot" --as in the minor leagues. If you've seen him play a few times you come away with the impression that he has been ready for the big leagues since he was in diapers. Obviously I like him a lot, and hope he does well enough to stick in Chicago. -- Like CWtP, I happen to like The Riot a lot. The player he reminds me of is David Eckstein, because he is a royal pain to the opposition. And he hustles his ass off, too. He has no power, but his bat control is absolutely unbelievable. I have seen him literally foul off one pitch after another, one time ten straight foul balls. And he is one of several players in the Cubs system who may be a little short on talent, but who are fundamentally sound (Casey McGehee, Buck Coats, Mike Fontenot, and Adam Greenberg are a few of the others). And Theriot is a good defender, too, with above-average speed. But again, he has no power. But then neither does Pierre. Maybe Dusty doesn't want to play just "small ball," maybe he wants to play invisible ball. I don't know if Theriot will get a chance to play much with the Cubs, but I'd rather see him play 2B than Hairston or Neifi, that's for sure. (Of course, I'd much rather see Todd Walker play 2B and Tony Clark or Craig Wilson play 1B, but I guess that ain't gonna happen...).

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:00 pm

Miles' on Walker/Neifi:
Hendry also gave utilityman Neifi Perez a two-year, $5 million contract when no such market existed for this kind of player.
Incidentally, Todd Walker makes $2.5 million for one year. If Perez ìsavedî the Cubs last year, how do you term what Walker is doing this year?
And to think Hendry spent most of the winter trying to trade Walker. Maybe they owe olí Todd a ìthank youî and an apology.

Submitted by MikeC on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:03 pm

The buzz is Restovich is gone to make room for Theriot. Not Bynum. Nothing official I have seen yet. So could be wrong.

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:05 pm

even with walker's current ugly slump, walk is definately saving the team...or at least he's arisen to the occasion without bitching, missing a beat, or overblowing his contribution. for all the grief given hendry for trying to trade him its pretty obvious he was looking something that's of use...not just a salary dump or looking some A-AA ball semi-prospects.

Submitted by MikeC on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:13 pm

I agree with that Crunch. I never bought into the fact that because he wasn't traded, no one wanted him, thus he sucked. What was likely going on was that Hendry wanted some actual value in return, but nothing peaked his interest, so he hung onto him.

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:13 pm

BTW, here is a fun fact: Did you know that Ryan Theriot scored the winning walk-off run for LSU in the 2000 College World Series National Championship game? Not only that, but did you also know that Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot were the SS-2B combo at LSU that year? And that Ryan Jorgensen (sent by the Cubs to Florida in the Dontrelle Willis deal) was LSU's back-up catcher? And that Colorado Rockie Brad Hawpe played 1B? Just thought you might like to know that...

Submitted by Horatio on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:20 pm

Why not just bring up Fontenot and Theriot at the same time and have the all "-ot" middle infield. The fact that a pud like Bynum gets Major League AB's while good guys like Ryan and Mike languish in the minors is a big reason why the Cubs continue to be a joke.

Submitted by dc60123 on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:20 pm

jay mariotti grasper of the obvious bandwagon jumper. jay mariotti read him at your own peril sucks like a hoover. jay mariotti in love with his own big mouth go back to denver. not that i have any strong feelings for him one way or the other. and since he writes for the competition, it is thoroughly astounding that mariotti not once fires any bullets toward the tribune for prolonging a contract with hendry before some positive, quantifiable results were produced. what is the opposite of "failure to launch"? could it be "premature extension"? a plague on both their houses.

Submitted by Horatio on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:21 pm

nice haikus

Submitted by arm on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:29 pm

Bynum is a complete joke. I had some hope for him when the trade was made. He has some speed and I thought, well, maybe he can on occasion get the bat on the ball and beat out an infield hit or two. It is painfully obvious that this guy cannot bunt or perhaps I should say that he apparently graduated from the Korey Patterson school of bunting. When I saw him the other night, what was it, Saturday, trying to sacrifice the runner to second, I thought, gee, I might have as good a chance to get a bunt down if I closed by eyes. And now Theriot has been called up. Oh, great, another weak hitting infielder joins the circus, ie, Hairston, Perez . . . . I am just waiting for the day, and it probably will come soon, when ARAM needs a rest and Dusty sends out this infield: Walker, Hairston, Neifi, and Theriot. Murton, Pierre and Jones in the outfield. Blanco behind the plate. There are triple A teams that would consistently beat that line-up. Is the season over yet? Sigh.

Submitted by CUBBY on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:30 pm

faithful members of the BYNUM SUCKS club...what? there aren't any other than me? well then shame on all of you for not realizing this guy is a BUST after looking at his plate presence in his first 5 or so AB. (and i didnt even realize he was a defensive disaster until after his adventures out there). oh, and we're going to beat SD today. i know this for a fact. ive told it to myself a hundred times yesterday, realizing that i havent done so yet since our streak began. well, im fucking tired of it. get ready for the dubya brothers.

Submitted by Wes on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:40 pm

So I was poking around a bit to see if I could get to the bottom of who's being sent down, and I came upon this following bit of information: KC: Activated pitcher Denny Bautista from the 15-day disabled list; designated pitcher Joe Mays for assignment. Sounds like a Jim Hendry kinda guy doesn't he?

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:41 pm

amusing note from Wood's rehab stint...
The final out was quickly recorded on a sharp grounder to first that Ryan Norwood could not handle (the ball caromed to the second baseman who tossed it back to Norwood for the out).
An interesting little anecdote about the Norwood bobble and the type of interaction that took place between Wood and the minor leaguers:
Before the game, the players were smoking and joking around when Norwood said to Wood, ìI donít want to put any pressure on you, but weíve won our first three games and are going for the sweep.î
Norwood also mentioned the recent dominance and scoreless streak of the Chiefs pitchers.
Wood asked, ìWhat position do you play?î
ìFirst base.î
ìHow about this,î Wood quipped. ìJust catch the f-cking ball.î
No word on whether Wood berated Norwood in the dugout for failing to comply with his orders.
---- apparently Wood had a little BP show as well as he hit 2 out

Submitted by Chad on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:04 pm

That Norwood kid is a real SOB. He's lucky Wood didn't throw at him during his warm ups. That would have been kinda cool to see. The Norwood kid, throwing his warm up grounders to the infield and WHACK! Wood beans him.

Submitted by Wes on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:11 pm

Cubs website has added Theriot to the 25 man, but they haven't taken anyone off. There's 26 names.

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:13 pm

you gotta think that whole exchange was dripping with sarcasm

Submitted by Mpls_Stephen on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:22 pm

You think with all the time that he spends vacationing with the minor league teams, Wood would have learned to build some commeraderie with the kids he's playing with. Dairy, "Stoney was right." "I throw no good, I get hurt." "I'm still a big deal." Kerry's Haiku

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:27 pm

it was probally pretty casual...not everything is so dramatic.

Submitted by cubswinthepennant on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:30 pm

These are Jacque Jones' career numbers versus RHP: .294 .341 .489 But do you know that he has almost the same splits playing nights (without regard to which side the pitcher throws from)? .286 .337 .473 Night .259 .302 .412 Day And this year? .292 .338 .523 RHP .302 .333 .488 Night The Cubs could finesse the JJ situation by playing him in night games and against weak RHP in day games. His numbers would no doubt go up and then he could be moved much more easily.

Submitted by arm on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:43 pm

Jones is an albatross who will remain around our necks for at least a couple of years, until we simply release him. Jones could have hidden in a place like St. Louis and ridden on the coat tails of Rolen, Albert, and Jimmy E. But here in Chicago we actually need some production out of our right fielder. It kind of makes a person long for the days of Jeremy Burnitz, who could at least hit the cut-off man on the fly on shallow fly balls and who was capable of a big hit now and then. Our outfield has got to be the least productive bunch of guys in the major leagues.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:44 pm

JJ is going nowhere for now, same with Bynum. For that to happen Hendry would be admitting he made a horrible FA signing and robbed on a trade. Remember Hendry has 3 years of job security now, so the Cubs are going to have to live with his mistakes as he figures he has 3 years to fix them all.

Submitted by Wes on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:53 pm

Does anybody else think that this whole transaction is a little odd? Rumor has it that Hendry is going to make it official later. "A spokesman in the Cubsí front office only said that General Manager Jim Hendry would announce the move prior to the Cubsí 9:05 p.m. CDT start against the Padres." http://cubs.scout.com/2/528992.html

Submitted by dave in pittsburgh on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:54 pm

Cub fans are SICK when instead of the box score they parse haikus instead.

Submitted by chifan3887 on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:01 pm

Maybe Theriot is going to take Guzman's spot and Rusch will make a spot start for Guzman before Wood makes his return.

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:03 pm

possibly, but that means they would have decided between Hill and Guzman already and neither one has made a good case for themselves yet.

Submitted by Halkitzmiller on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:32 pm

I was looking at John Kornoka's stats so far (in Ameriquest Field no less) and he would look good in the CUbs line-up. However, he stunk here. HE goes to Texas and days late, he find something. He might never be more than a Rusch type (yikes), but what is it that the Cubs couldn't teach him? Is Larry Rothchild the most overrated pitching coach (I geniunely don't know)? I also can't spell today. I think I miss John Kornoka's wife more than anything. Hottest Cubs wife of all. This what I am reduced to talking about these days. Finally, Freddie Bynum needs to go far, far away. With Jose Macias, god bless them, but stay away.

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:47 pm

speaking of Koronka, another decent outing so far: 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:52 pm

very odd deal for the mets to voluntarily enter into these negociations so early in the year with a 40 year old. man...what a story...seriously. the guy who's ALWAYS been overshadowed by maddux/smoltz goes to NYM...stumbles into mediocracy...then he discovers a newer/swifter slider midseason last year and it turns him into a deadly K machine.

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:32 pm

J. Pierre cf R. Cedeno ss T. Walker 1b M. Barrett c A. Ramirez 3b M. Murton lf J. Jones rf J. Hairston Jr. 2b

Submitted by dave on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:36 pm

not sure what I think about moving Ramirez down. I think he is breaking out of his slump (or maybe I hope). Then again, hopefully it will give Walker and Barrett some good pitches to hit.

Submitted by MikeC on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:15 pm

Well it's official we have the dumbest franchise on the planet. Apparently the Cubs feel they are a little thin on middle infielders and dont need any back up OFer's. Neifi, Hairston, Bynum, Theriot, Mabry, Blanco. Apparently Hendry missed the class on balancing the roster and roster construction.

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:41 pm

#53 of 57: By Rob G. (May 8, 2006 07:47 PM) speaking of Koronka, another decent outing so far: 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K ---- ROB G: And as if it isn't a bad enough trade already, the Cubs still owe the Rangers a PTBNL in the deal, too.

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 05/08/2006 - 05:56 pm

And as if it isn't a bad enough trade already, the Cubs still owe the Rangers a PTBNL in the deal, too. oh crap, I totally forgot about that. Brilliant. We can send them Clint Brannon back.

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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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