The Latest Cubs Talk from Spring Training

Here is the latest CUBS talk-

- Dale Sveum is committed to Bryan LaHair at 1st base but Anthony Rizzo could still push LaHair.

- John Gaub is hoping to make the Cubs team out of Spring Training. The Cubs could go with three lefties in pen which could help Gaub chances.

- Ian Stewart will not platoon with anyone. In fact Dale Sveum does not believe in platoon situations but will get everyone a chance to play.

- Sveum believes you can stick with one lineup and he plans to do so with minor changes to get players days off and playing time.

- Although Sveum has not announced an official lineup it looks like David DeJesus will be the lead-off or get every chance to keep the spot.

- Dale also said LaHair would likely bat clean-up although Soriano could find himself in that spot as well. It would then make sense to put Castro in the 3 or 4 spot in the lineup.

- Starlin Castro reported to camp today.

- Bleacher Nation has the latest on Starlin Castro found here.

- Tim Sheridan has more great pics from the Boys of Spring found here.

- Cubs Den has a good write up on Junior Lake’s future which is found here.

- Please check out CubbiesCrib as the lay out player profiles on every player on the 40-man roster. It takes a lot of work for something like this so please check them out!

- Bleeding Cubbie Blue has a great write on Ian Stewarts expectations found hereand Bryan LaHair found here.

- Also “We Are Baseball GMs” has a write up on trade options for out of options players which include the Cubs. You can read it here.

Until Next Time…

BOY! Do We have Some Updates!

- First things first the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox have settled the Theo Epstein compensation. Lots of info here so here it is.. (plus so Hoyer and McLeod notes)

• The Cubs sent right-handed reliever Chris Carpenter and a PTBNL for Theo Epstein and a PTBNL.
• The PTBNL will be announced no later than April 15th.
• Theo and Ben Cherington have decided on a list of players to choose from.
• The PTBNL are not significant in any way according to sources.
• No money will be switching hands.
• Bud Selig had no hand in the decision. This agreement was agreed upon by the GMs and that is it.
• McLeod and Hoyer's compensation should be decided very soon but will not be significant according to sources.
• The Padres will likely received a low A ball player. No one on the 40 man roster or on the 25 best Cubs prospects list.

- In my honest opinion this is close to the compensation the Red Sox should receive for a top notch GM. I am saddened to see Carpenter go because I think he is going to be a good late inning guy but relievers are a dime a dozen. I feel better giving him up rather than Dolis or McNutt.

- Jeff Samardzija want to start and did not like the report of the possibility of heading back to the pen. I just don't see room for him in the rotation and with Carpenter gone I think he maybe the guy going to the pen.

- Blake DeWitt accepted his assignment to AAA and will have a chance to make the team out of Spring Training as a non-roster invitee.

- Marmol came to ST 15 pounds lighter and with one less pitch. The Cubs coaching staff told him to lose the cut fastball. Finally someone said it!

- BleacherNation has a great breakdown on how much the Cubs will have to spend on the draft found here.

- The Cubs signed Nate Robertson to a minor league deal. Just adding to the rotation depth.

- The Cubs are expected to discuss an extension with Garza but that does not mean he will be with the team before the deadline.

- Jorge Soler has not been declared a free agent.

- James Russell hopes and so does the Cubs that he will fill the Sean Marshall role in the bullpen.

- The starting rotation for the Cubs will be as followed by Opening Day (unless a trade happens). Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster, Paul Maholm, Chris Volstad, and Travis Wood. I am just calling my shot.

- Add the Astros to the list of teams that like Jorge Soler.

Until Next Time...