Friday, February 24, 2012

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…

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

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...