Thanks to cubs.com-
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs today activated right-handed pitcher Kerry Wood from the 60-day disabled list after optioning right-handed pitcher Rocky Cherry to Triple-A Iowa following yesterday's game vs. Philadelphia. In addition, right-handed pitcher Angel Guzman was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Wood, 30, has gone 1-1 with a 1.04 ERA (1 ER/8.2 IP) in eight rehabilitation outings with Rookie League Mesa, Single-A Peoria and Double-A Tennessee from July 14-31. He began the 2007 campaign on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis and was transferred to the 60-day disabled list May 15.
Selected by the Cubs in the first round of the 1995 draft (fourth player chosen), Wood has compiled a 71-56 career record with a 3.68 ERA (461 ER/1128.2 IP) in 189 (178 starts). His 1,299 strikeouts rank fifth in Cubs history, just six behind Greg Maddux who is fourth with 1,305 strikeouts.
Wood owns a 2.25 ERA (3 ER/12.0 IP) and an 0-1 record in 11 career relief appearances, all coming in 2005. His most recent Major League action was on June 6, 2006 at Houston in a 4-1 loss in which he allowed four runs (one earned) in 3.2 innings of work.
Cherry, 27, is 1-1 with a 3.00 (5 ER/15.0 IP) in 12 relief appearances for Chicago this season. The rookie has gone 2-0 with four saves and a 5.55 ERA (22 ER/35.2 IP) in 30 games (one start) with Iowa.
Guzman, 25, landed on the 15-day disabled list June 6, retroactive to June 2, with a strained right elbow. He is 0-1 with a 3.56 ERA (12 ER/30.1 IP) in 12 games (three starts) for the Cubs this season.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Blanco has set back, Wood is strong in outing
Thanks to rotoworld-
Henry Blanco suffered a setback while rehabbing with Single-A Peoria on Sunday."I'm not ready, but we'll see how it is in a couple of days,'' Blanco said. ''It's getting better. Let's hope it's nothing serious.'' Blanco will be shutdown for a few days to let pain in his shoulder dissipate. It looks like he won't return from the disabled list until mid-August at the earliest.
Thanks to cubs.com-
CHICAGO -- Kerry Wood threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings for Double-A Tennessee in what was expected to be his final Minor League tuneup before the right-hander is added to the Chicago Cubs' bullpen.
If Wood, who has been battling shoulder injuries since 2005, feels good on Wednesday, he could be activated as early as Thursday.
The right-hander entered Tuesday's game against West Tenn with one out in the seventh, and walked the first batter he faced. Wood then struck out Rene Rivera and got Christopher Minaker to popup.
In the West Tenn eighth, Wood got the first two batters to ground out to the third baseman, and then Charlton Jimerson popped up to end the inning. Wood threw 24 pitches, 15 for strikes. Tennessee won, 5-2.
"Roles can change," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Tuesday, "but I'll use him in the middle. We'll build up some stamina, build up some strength. He hasn't been on the mound for a long long time in a Major League game. We have to get him acclimated first and foremost. We have to build some stamina for him. The middle is the best place to do that."
Wood began his career as a starter, but was very effective pitching in relief in 2005. He compiled a 2.25 ERA in 11 relief appearances, striking out 17 over 12 innings before his shoulder forced him to shut it down. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder in late August that year, and has been trying to come back ever since.
The right-hander, who struck out 20 in his fifth big league start in 1998, is hoping to make a successful switch to setup pitcher.
"No. 1, he's as good a guy as we've ever had here," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said of Wood. "He's very beloved by his teammates, a team guy. I've watched this guy pitch for 10 years, and in a lot of pain some times and a lot of discomfort. I don't think there's anybody we've had who the guys in the clubhouse or the people in the front office want to come back more than him.
"I see a different bounce in his step than I have the last couple years," Hendry said. "I think he feels good about his chances. When you're throwing a lot of strikes like he is and the next day recovery time is really good -- tonight's the last hurdle for him. If he can throw more than one inning tonight and feel good [Wednesday], we'll look at activating him on Thursday and no later than Friday."
Wood did pitch this spring, but had to stop because of discomfort and tendinitis in his shoulder. There was a point in his rehab when he thought he'd have to undergo another operation.
"I think he felt a sense of desperation that if it doesn't work this time, then I have to regroup and decide where my future is going," Hendry said of Wood. "At 30 years old, it'd be a shame if he didn't have more years in him."
The Cubs did not pursue another reliever at the trading deadline because they were confident Wood can come back and help in the final two months of the season. This could be the beginning of a new career as a closer.
"If Woody's healthy, there's no question he'll get people out," Hendry said. "Whether that starts out in the sixth or seventh [innings] and moves to later, who knows? It'll take care of itself."
Henry Blanco suffered a setback while rehabbing with Single-A Peoria on Sunday."I'm not ready, but we'll see how it is in a couple of days,'' Blanco said. ''It's getting better. Let's hope it's nothing serious.'' Blanco will be shutdown for a few days to let pain in his shoulder dissipate. It looks like he won't return from the disabled list until mid-August at the earliest.
Thanks to cubs.com-
CHICAGO -- Kerry Wood threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings for Double-A Tennessee in what was expected to be his final Minor League tuneup before the right-hander is added to the Chicago Cubs' bullpen.
If Wood, who has been battling shoulder injuries since 2005, feels good on Wednesday, he could be activated as early as Thursday.
The right-hander entered Tuesday's game against West Tenn with one out in the seventh, and walked the first batter he faced. Wood then struck out Rene Rivera and got Christopher Minaker to popup.
In the West Tenn eighth, Wood got the first two batters to ground out to the third baseman, and then Charlton Jimerson popped up to end the inning. Wood threw 24 pitches, 15 for strikes. Tennessee won, 5-2.
"Roles can change," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Tuesday, "but I'll use him in the middle. We'll build up some stamina, build up some strength. He hasn't been on the mound for a long long time in a Major League game. We have to get him acclimated first and foremost. We have to build some stamina for him. The middle is the best place to do that."
Wood began his career as a starter, but was very effective pitching in relief in 2005. He compiled a 2.25 ERA in 11 relief appearances, striking out 17 over 12 innings before his shoulder forced him to shut it down. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder in late August that year, and has been trying to come back ever since.
The right-hander, who struck out 20 in his fifth big league start in 1998, is hoping to make a successful switch to setup pitcher.
"No. 1, he's as good a guy as we've ever had here," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said of Wood. "He's very beloved by his teammates, a team guy. I've watched this guy pitch for 10 years, and in a lot of pain some times and a lot of discomfort. I don't think there's anybody we've had who the guys in the clubhouse or the people in the front office want to come back more than him.
"I see a different bounce in his step than I have the last couple years," Hendry said. "I think he feels good about his chances. When you're throwing a lot of strikes like he is and the next day recovery time is really good -- tonight's the last hurdle for him. If he can throw more than one inning tonight and feel good [Wednesday], we'll look at activating him on Thursday and no later than Friday."
Wood did pitch this spring, but had to stop because of discomfort and tendinitis in his shoulder. There was a point in his rehab when he thought he'd have to undergo another operation.
"I think he felt a sense of desperation that if it doesn't work this time, then I have to regroup and decide where my future is going," Hendry said of Wood. "At 30 years old, it'd be a shame if he didn't have more years in him."
The Cubs did not pursue another reliever at the trading deadline because they were confident Wood can come back and help in the final two months of the season. This could be the beginning of a new career as a closer.
"If Woody's healthy, there's no question he'll get people out," Hendry said. "Whether that starts out in the sixth or seventh [innings] and moves to later, who knows? It'll take care of itself."
Monday, July 30, 2007
PIE NOT GOING ANYWHERE
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/07/hendry-felix-pi.html
General manager Jim Hendry put an end to speculation that the Cubs would deal their top prospect, telling reporters before Monday's game against Philadelphia that he has no intention of dealing Pie. "Felix Pie has never been talked about," Hendry said. "He's not going anywhere in any deal. There will be no trade of Felix Pie to anyone." Hendry was referring to speculation that Pie would be dealt to Texas in a package deal. He said he has not spoken to Texas general manager Jon Daniels about a trade. Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he's OK with the roster he has. "We're comfortable with what we have," he said.
General manager Jim Hendry put an end to speculation that the Cubs would deal their top prospect, telling reporters before Monday's game against Philadelphia that he has no intention of dealing Pie. "Felix Pie has never been talked about," Hendry said. "He's not going anywhere in any deal. There will be no trade of Felix Pie to anyone." Hendry was referring to speculation that Pie would be dealt to Texas in a package deal. He said he has not spoken to Texas general manager Jon Daniels about a trade. Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he's OK with the roster he has. "We're comfortable with what we have," he said.
Could Willis Come Back to the Cubs?? Cubs not to make a trade at deadline?
This according to MLBtraderumors.com-
Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus has an interesting note in today's Rumor Mill:
"The Cubs also still covet Dontrelle Willis as "the one that got away" and--despite his not being on the market--Willis is one player the Cubs could get if Larry Beinfest suddenly changes his mind about that. Adding Felix Pie to Jacque Jones and Donald Veal would get it done, while not adding to the Cubs payroll."
Jim Hendry already tried to patch up one of the all-time classic Cub mistakes by signing Greg Maddux before the 2004 season. At least that departure didn't happen under Hendry's watch.
Back in March of 2002, Hendry traded Ryan Jorgensen, Jose Cueto, Julian Tavarez, and Willis to the Marlins for Matt Clement and Antonio Alfonseca.
Jones, while hitting better of late, probably would not be missed by the Cubs. He's still only slugging .382 in July. Veal was the Cubs' best pitching prospect heading into the season but has taken a step backward in Double A. Veal has been control problems, though his arm has been described as "electric." Lefty starters who can touch 95 can be hard to find.
Pie, though, would be the gem of the deal and the player with the best shot at stardom. Literally - BP gives him a 30-40% chance at becoming a star player. He struggled mightily in his first 139 ABs with the Cubs, but he now owns Triple A pitching. He should be the Cubs' starting center fielder for the next six years at least. Trading him for the declining Willis would create another "one that got away" situation, which seems perfectly Cub-like. Most likely nothing happens in the next two days, but we might revisit this rumor this winter.
Don't expect the Cubs to make any trades, despite some names like Griffey, Gagne and Payton being floated. First of all, Griffey Jr., while a favorite of Pinella's, would be way too expensive. If they can't sign Zambrano, imagine the outrage among fans and Zambrano himself, if they laid out big bucks for Griffey. While Gagne is coveted by various clubs at the moment, the Cubs' bullpen is in pretty decent shape. They did very well during Ryan Dempster's absence and not only is he back, but it looks like Kerry Wood might actually be close to rejoining the team. His rehab is going well and he is expected to move up to triple-A, getting him one step closer to returning to Wrigley, no longer as a starter but as a reliever. While Matt Murton was brought up from the minors the other day, Jacque Jones' resurgence in center field since the All-Star break might make any further moves there unnecessary and even counter-productive. The chemistry is unmistakably good there right now and bringing in another outfielder, just for the sake of making a trade doesn't make sense. Murton should stay and be given the job of spelling Soriano and Floyd down the stretch.
While I do agree with some of his points, what I don't agree with Hendry standing on the sidelines. Hendry is always looking for the team to get better. Acquiring players like Lee, Aram, Pierre, Lofton, etc at the deadline or during the season. Hendry is not the type to stand around as Texieria goes to Atlanta, the stros getting Wiggington, Phills getting Guchi, etc. The trade may not be a big trade but there will be a trade before the deadline.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other rumors-
The recent hot rumors have been these
1. Griffey to the Cubs
2. Dye to the Cubs
3. Payton to the Cubs
4. Willis to the Cubs
5. Gagne to the Cubs
Interesting huh??? I should point out 90% of rumors never happen lol
Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus has an interesting note in today's Rumor Mill:
"The Cubs also still covet Dontrelle Willis as "the one that got away" and--despite his not being on the market--Willis is one player the Cubs could get if Larry Beinfest suddenly changes his mind about that. Adding Felix Pie to Jacque Jones and Donald Veal would get it done, while not adding to the Cubs payroll."
Jim Hendry already tried to patch up one of the all-time classic Cub mistakes by signing Greg Maddux before the 2004 season. At least that departure didn't happen under Hendry's watch.
Back in March of 2002, Hendry traded Ryan Jorgensen, Jose Cueto, Julian Tavarez, and Willis to the Marlins for Matt Clement and Antonio Alfonseca.
Jones, while hitting better of late, probably would not be missed by the Cubs. He's still only slugging .382 in July. Veal was the Cubs' best pitching prospect heading into the season but has taken a step backward in Double A. Veal has been control problems, though his arm has been described as "electric." Lefty starters who can touch 95 can be hard to find.
Pie, though, would be the gem of the deal and the player with the best shot at stardom. Literally - BP gives him a 30-40% chance at becoming a star player. He struggled mightily in his first 139 ABs with the Cubs, but he now owns Triple A pitching. He should be the Cubs' starting center fielder for the next six years at least. Trading him for the declining Willis would create another "one that got away" situation, which seems perfectly Cub-like. Most likely nothing happens in the next two days, but we might revisit this rumor this winter.
I honestly don't see this happening and I don't see Hendry trading Pie for Willis. Now if the deal included maybe Pagan/Murton, Veal, and JJ I would do it in a heart beat. Like I said the asking price for Willis has to come down considering the year he is having.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
This according to MLBRUMORS-Don't expect the Cubs to make any trades, despite some names like Griffey, Gagne and Payton being floated. First of all, Griffey Jr., while a favorite of Pinella's, would be way too expensive. If they can't sign Zambrano, imagine the outrage among fans and Zambrano himself, if they laid out big bucks for Griffey. While Gagne is coveted by various clubs at the moment, the Cubs' bullpen is in pretty decent shape. They did very well during Ryan Dempster's absence and not only is he back, but it looks like Kerry Wood might actually be close to rejoining the team. His rehab is going well and he is expected to move up to triple-A, getting him one step closer to returning to Wrigley, no longer as a starter but as a reliever. While Matt Murton was brought up from the minors the other day, Jacque Jones' resurgence in center field since the All-Star break might make any further moves there unnecessary and even counter-productive. The chemistry is unmistakably good there right now and bringing in another outfielder, just for the sake of making a trade doesn't make sense. Murton should stay and be given the job of spelling Soriano and Floyd down the stretch.
While I do agree with some of his points, what I don't agree with Hendry standing on the sidelines. Hendry is always looking for the team to get better. Acquiring players like Lee, Aram, Pierre, Lofton, etc at the deadline or during the season. Hendry is not the type to stand around as Texieria goes to Atlanta, the stros getting Wiggington, Phills getting Guchi, etc. The trade may not be a big trade but there will be a trade before the deadline.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other rumors-
The recent hot rumors have been these
1. Griffey to the Cubs
2. Dye to the Cubs
3. Payton to the Cubs
4. Willis to the Cubs
5. Gagne to the Cubs
Interesting huh??? I should point out 90% of rumors never happen lol
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Payton trade looks close???
According to the Balt. Sun-
An industry source confirmed yesterday that the Orioles and Chicago Cubs have engaged in significant trade talks regarding outfielder Jay Payton as the non-waiver deadline approaches.A Cubs scout attended last week's series against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Camden Yards. Payton started two of the three games and went 2-for-8 with two RBIs.In return for Payton, the Orioles likely would receive two mid-level prospects from the Cubs' farm system.
Not a bad player but I think the cubs could do better. Now that Ty Wigginton is off the block it does make things more difficult but there are players like Lorretta for a MI and why not make a splash and get Griffey? Then you could use Jones as a role player in the OF.
An industry source confirmed yesterday that the Orioles and Chicago Cubs have engaged in significant trade talks regarding outfielder Jay Payton as the non-waiver deadline approaches.A Cubs scout attended last week's series against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Camden Yards. Payton started two of the three games and went 2-for-8 with two RBIs.In return for Payton, the Orioles likely would receive two mid-level prospects from the Cubs' farm system.
Not a bad player but I think the cubs could do better. Now that Ty Wigginton is off the block it does make things more difficult but there are players like Lorretta for a MI and why not make a splash and get Griffey? Then you could use Jones as a role player in the OF.
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