OK, I was just a bit outside as Bob Uecker would say in reference to my first go round with Predicting the 25 man roster. So here is what I predicted the 25 man roster would be back on February 13th.
Pitchers
Jeff Samardzija
Travis Wood
Jake Arrieta
Edwin Jackson
Jason Hammel
Jose Veras
James Russell
Arodys Vizcaino
Carlos Villanueva
Zac Rosscup
Wesley Wright
Pedro Strop
Position Players
Welington Castillo
Anthony Rizzo
Darwin Barney
Starlin Castro
Mike Olt
Junior Lake
Ryan Sweeny
Nate Schierholtz
Justin Ruggiano
Donnie Murphy
Luis Valbeuna
George Kottaras
Josh Vitters
Ok I had 4 bad calls which included Josh Vitters, Zac Rosscup, Jake Arreita, and Aroydis Vizcaino. But not too bad for playing the guessing game back in Feb.
Now here is my prediction for the 25-man roster including the starting lineup for Opening Day.
Starting Pitchers: (note the starters may not be in rotation order)
1. Jeff Smardzija
2. Travis Wood
3. Edwin Jackson
4. Chris Rusin
5. Jason Hammel
Bullpen
6. Jose Veras CL
7. James Russell
8. Pedros Strop
9. Carlos Villanueva
10. Wesley Wright
11. Alberto Cabrera
12. Hector Rondon
Starting Lineup
1. Emilio Bonifacio 2b
2. Starlin Castro SS
3. Anthony Rizzo 1st
4. Mike Olt 3b
5. Nate Schierholtz RF
6. Junior Lake LF
7. Welington Castillo C
8. Ryan Sweeney CF
Bench
9. George Kottaras C
10. Justin Ruggiano OF
11. Donnie Murphy IF/OF
12. Luis Valbuena IF
13. Ryan Kalish OF
Notes from my new 25 man roster prediction:
- I still think it is possible that Nate Schierholtz and Darwin Barney both get traded but I think Barney being traded is a give in. There are several teams looking for depth, upgrade, or a replacement in the middle infield. Barney will not be on the Chicago Cubs roster by Opening Day.
- Chris Rusin wins a rotation spot. They guys has been effective from last year to this spring. This could also build his trade value plus most managers love to have at least two lefties in the rotation.
- Bonifacio starting? Oh yeah he is a legit leadoff guy the Cubs want and he bring something special to this team.
- Olt wins the 3rd base job. He will not get the playing time he needs at Iowa with Christian Villanueva starting there. Keep in mind Olt could play 1stin Iowa but that does not help him get reps at 3b that the Cubs want. He will get those reps in Chicago plus his bat will keep him on this team.
- Ryan Kalish is the surprise this spring and he will nail down the 5th outfielder spot.
- Hector Rondon and Alberto Cabrera win a bullpen spot over Justin Grimm and others. Grimm has options and Cabrera does not. I also think Rondon nails down a spot.
Now let’s see how close I am to being correct.
Until Next Time…
