Roster Stuff and Levine Speaks...

ESPN Chicago thinks the back-up catcher position will go down to the wire. I think it has already been decided for the Cubs with Clevenger. He is left-handed, better polished, and is a traditional back up catcher. Castillo needs to play everyday so he needs to be either a starter in Chicago or in Iowa. Clevenger is the clear choice.

If you have not checked out The Cubs Reporter then you should ask why.

Everyone is talking about Travis Wood and his poor spring but I am still optimistic about what he can bring but it doesn’t mean he won’t enjoy his first game in an Iowa Cubs uni.

Dale Sveum sure likes his bench as it is taking shape.

Now some stuff from Bruce Levine-

· Levine suspects like most of us that the Phillies will be or already have called on Cubs about DeWitt. Levine does say he feels DeWitt is a more valuable than a marginal prospect. I disagree, because if he was so valuable then why did the Cubs put him on waivers?

· Levine says Junior Lake is about a year away from playing everyday in the majors. I can agree with that.

· Levine does not see Cubs management worried about LaHair.

· He feels Stewart will be the most improved player on the Cubs this year. I agree again!

· He sees Jay Jackson in AAA although he pitched well.

· Levine drops a BOMB and says the Cubs have been discussing trading Byrd and replacing him with Jackson. But then backs off and said it will likely happen in June or July.

· Levine has not heard anything on Soler but says the Cubs have a leg up on him.

· Levine believes if Marmol is traded the Cubs will lose 100 games and says the Cubs can’t trade away all their players because they have to keep fans interested. I completely disagree with the “losing 100 games” comment and I don’t think Marmol is one of those players people flock to see. Not to mention winning and putting a good product on the field will bring people to the ballpark more than individual players. His premise is flawed.

· Bruce thinks Shark will make the rotation and the Cubs will make Wells available in a deal with another team. I see Wells making the team or being traded now.

· He thinks Rodrigo Lopez will secure a spot in the pen. NO WAY!

Until Next Time…