A quick run down of what happened yesterday plus the latest from the stove…
· Darwin Barney was designated for assignment and is not likely to remain on the club. There is a lot of talk that a trade is in the works where the Cubs may end up with a low level minor leaguer or cash.
· Emilo Bonifacio was activated off the DL yesterday and took Barney’s spot on the roster.
· Mike Olt was optioned back to Iowa after hitting just .139 in Chicago. Olt showed good power with 12 homers but he needs to get his confidence up and is likely to see a lot more playing time in Iowa. He will play primarily 1st base.
· In a corresponding move Tsuyoshi Wada will be called up today to pitch for the Chicago Cubs as he looks to lock down a spot in the rotation.
· Some more big news of the day is that Arismendy Alcantara is remaining with the Chicago Cubs.
· The biggest and most surprising news is that Jorge Soler who has been tearing the cover off the ball in AA Tenn. was promoted to AAA Iowa.
· Soler buddy Albert Almora was also moved up and took Soler spot on the Smokies roster.
· Then there is several media sources including Patrick Mooney that say Jorge Soler will be called up to Chicago in September if he can stay healthy. It is a big IF but that is some fantastic news for all Cubs fans.
· I am hearing Javier Baez will be called up to Chicago if and when the Cubs trade Luis Valbuena and/or Emilo Bonifacio.
· Once Javier Baez is promoted to Chicago expect the corresponding move to be Addison Russell being promoted to Iowa.
· There is some talk that Bryant could be moved off of 3rd base soon but Jed Hoyer tried to squash the talk by saying he wants more development at 3b for Bryant and already thinks he can handle the OF. Even reminding us Bryant played CF in college so he could handle RF. Where as he needs some work defensively at 3b.
· Soler could actually be moved up to Chicago earlier than Sept. if the Cubs end up dealing two of Lake, Ruggiano, Schierholtz, Coghlan, and Sweeney at the trade deadline or during the waiver period in August.
· So Schwarber is hitting “just” .296 but has a robust .424 OBP in just 33 PA with Daytona. I heard from source that Schwarber could be moved up again and relatively soon which means he could be the quickest riser in the system. This source even alluded to a Baez, Russell, and Schwarber promotion chain reaction.
· I heard from another source that the Chicago Cubs front office is perfectly fine going into next season with all the prospects they currently have now and signing free agent pitching rather than dealing their young positional talent to get the pitching they desire. I have expressed this could happen and frankly I really want this to be the route they are going.
· So now as the picture is getting clearer it seems this could be the Chicago Cubs lineup in Sept. Hard not to get excited!
1. Alcantara CF
2. Valbuena 3b
3. Rizzo 1st
4. Castro SS
5. Soler RF
6. Baez 2b
7. One of the remaining LF
8. Castillo C
9. Pitcher
Until Next Time
