Concepcion, Rizzo, LaHair, and More...

Gerardo Concepcion was called up to Peoria in the past couple days and they did not waste time to see how he will fair. Concepcion was roughed up in this first start giving up 5 runs in the first inning but then calmed down to pitch another 4 innings. He gave up 8 hits, 5 ER, 1 homerun, 1 BB, and 2 K’s. I talked to a person at the game and he says he has a nice fastball and all his pitches have good movement but control will be an issue right now.

The Cubs front office is coming around to the idea of having both Rizzo and LaHair here in by summer time. One source said LaHair actually could see more time in the OF in the next couple of months to see how he does defensively. The Cubs are hoping he can handle one of the two corner spots and continue to hit because that will determine their moves by the deadline.

If and when the Cubs do bring up Rizzo and BJax they may have a lefty problem if they decide to have LaHair starting in LF (Soriano trade, released, or benched). 6 potential lefties in the lineup! Check it out-

1. Brett Jackson CF
2. David DeJesus RF
3. Starlin Castro SS
4. Anthony Rizzo 1^st
5. Bryan LaHair LF
6. Ian Stewart 3^rd
7. Steve Clevenger/Welington Castillo/Geovany Soto C
8. Darwin Barney 2b

• Wood will not be back this weekend when he is eligible to return from the DL.
• One source told me today that the Dodgers have been scouting Soriano for the past week (unfortunately he has not been on one of his famous hot streaks). MLBTR reported recently that Colletti could be looking to add another bat before July 31^st. The only way Soriano makes sense for the Dodgers is if the Cubs pick up a ton of money left on his contract and they are not sold on Juan Rivera starting in LF for them anymore.
• Carlos Marmol’s role as closer is secure for now.
• The Cubs may have an in house alternative to Marmol named James Russell who looked like he has the makings of a great reliever.
• The Cubs DFA Rodrigo Lopez and he cleared waivers and was sent to AAA Iowa for added depth.