- According to Cubs.com the Cubs signed 18 year old righty Kin Jin-Yeong with a 1.2 million dollar signing bonus. Kim can hit 92 MPH on his fastball but unfortunately he is rather a mystery.
- The players are "hungry" and "ready to go" according to Sweet Lou.
- Ryan Theriot's arbitration hearing is scheduled for Friday. I fully expect the Cubs to win that case.
- Lou makes it sound like Starlin Castro has no chance to make the team. Sounds like he will be in AAA with Sandberg to start the season. Hence the reason I left him off my 25-man roster.
- Carlos Silva is getting ready the "Mark Prior" way by throwing a towel.
- Thomas Diamond wants to prove to the Cubs he can start, he will likely be doing so in AAA.
- Angel Guzman and Jeff Gray both hit minor setbacks. Guzman hurt his knee and then had it scoped but is expect to be ready on Opening Day. Gray hurt his groin and will take it easy.
- Lou thinks Theriot will hit leadoff with Fukudome hitting 2nd and Lee batting 3rd and Aram 4th.
- Ted Lilly will undergo a MRI on this right knee after feeling discomfort the past couple of days. I hope it is nothing serious, otherwise the Cubs need to find another starter.
Until Next Time...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
My Opening Day 25-man Roster
Here is my Opening Day 25-man roster-
Outfielders-
Soriano
Byrd
Nady
Fukudome
Snyder
Infielders-
Ramirez
Lee
Theriot
Baker
Blanco
Tracy
Fontenot
Catchers-
Hill
Soto
Starting Pitchers-
Zambrano
Dempster
Wells
Gorzelanny
Marshall
Bullpen-
Marmol
Grabow
Guzman
Gray
Caridad
Gaub
15 day DL-
Ted Lilly
Carlos Silva
Carlos Silva will be caught in a numbers game and be put on the DL with a mysterious injury unless he really pitches well this Spring. Lilly of course will start the season on the DL but should be ready to pitch by the middle of April.
The Cubs will go with 4 starters and a nice young pen to start the season because they do not need a 5th starter until the 12th of April. Shark will get experience in AAA as a starter he will be there along side a nice young pitching staff consisting of Jeff Stevens, Justin Berg, Blake Parker, David Patton, Andrew Cashner, Thomas Diamond, etc.
Kevin Millar, I would love to make the team but he just does not make sense unless there is an injury to Tracy or Hoffpauir. Sam Fuld will also start the season in AAA because Snyder gives good defense at all three outfield positions, decent speed, but better power bat than that of Fuld. I am sure you will see that in ST from Brad.
The pen is very young but they are what the Cubs need. Caridad, Guzman, Gray, and Grabow all will provide good setup options for Lou and Marshall and Gaub provide nice support as well.
After laying out the Opening Day Roster it does not look that bad on paper. I think if the Cubs hang near the top of the division they are setup up well to add a player or two at the deadline.
Should be fun! Here is the lineup, rotation, pen, and bench laid out by positions.
Opening Day Lineup-
1. Fukudome RF
2. Theriot SS
3. Lee 1st
4. Ramirez 3b
5. Byrd CF
6. Soriano LF
7. Fontenot 2b
8. Soto C
9. Zambrano
Starting Rotation-
1. Zambrano
2. Dempster
3. Wells
4. Gorzelanny
Do not 5th starter until April 12th
Pen-
Marmol CL
Guzman SU
Grabow SU
Gray MR
Caridad MR
Gaub MR
Marshall LR/Spot Starter
Bench-
Nady LF/RF/1st
Snyder LF/RF/CF
Baker IF/OF
Tracy 1st/3rd
Blanco 2b/SS
Hill C
GO CUBS!
Outfielders-
Soriano
Byrd
Nady
Fukudome
Snyder
Infielders-
Ramirez
Lee
Theriot
Baker
Blanco
Tracy
Fontenot
Catchers-
Hill
Soto
Starting Pitchers-
Zambrano
Dempster
Wells
Gorzelanny
Marshall
Bullpen-
Marmol
Grabow
Guzman
Gray
Caridad
Gaub
15 day DL-
Ted Lilly
Carlos Silva
Carlos Silva will be caught in a numbers game and be put on the DL with a mysterious injury unless he really pitches well this Spring. Lilly of course will start the season on the DL but should be ready to pitch by the middle of April.
The Cubs will go with 4 starters and a nice young pen to start the season because they do not need a 5th starter until the 12th of April. Shark will get experience in AAA as a starter he will be there along side a nice young pitching staff consisting of Jeff Stevens, Justin Berg, Blake Parker, David Patton, Andrew Cashner, Thomas Diamond, etc.
Kevin Millar, I would love to make the team but he just does not make sense unless there is an injury to Tracy or Hoffpauir. Sam Fuld will also start the season in AAA because Snyder gives good defense at all three outfield positions, decent speed, but better power bat than that of Fuld. I am sure you will see that in ST from Brad.
The pen is very young but they are what the Cubs need. Caridad, Guzman, Gray, and Grabow all will provide good setup options for Lou and Marshall and Gaub provide nice support as well.
After laying out the Opening Day Roster it does not look that bad on paper. I think if the Cubs hang near the top of the division they are setup up well to add a player or two at the deadline.
Should be fun! Here is the lineup, rotation, pen, and bench laid out by positions.
Opening Day Lineup-
1. Fukudome RF
2. Theriot SS
3. Lee 1st
4. Ramirez 3b
5. Byrd CF
6. Soriano LF
7. Fontenot 2b
8. Soto C
9. Zambrano
Starting Rotation-
1. Zambrano
2. Dempster
3. Wells
4. Gorzelanny
Do not 5th starter until April 12th
Pen-
Marmol CL
Guzman SU
Grabow SU
Gray MR
Caridad MR
Gaub MR
Marshall LR/Spot Starter
Bench-
Nady LF/RF/1st
Snyder LF/RF/CF
Baker IF/OF
Tracy 1st/3rd
Blanco 2b/SS
Hill C
GO CUBS!
Levine's Latest...
Here is the latest from Bruce Levine-
- Levine can only see one of Chad Tracy, Kevin Millar, and Micah Hoffpauir making the Cubs roster. I see either Tracy or Millar making it with Tracy having the upper hand.
- The Cubs are concerned with Felipe Lopez's character. They have concerns about Lopez but had none that got in the way of signing Bradley for 3 years 30 million? Interesting...
- The Cubs are still interested and kicking the tires on Chan Ho Park but they need money to sign him and Theriot's arbitration case could effect whether he is a Cub or not.
More Later....
- Levine can only see one of Chad Tracy, Kevin Millar, and Micah Hoffpauir making the Cubs roster. I see either Tracy or Millar making it with Tracy having the upper hand.
- The Cubs are concerned with Felipe Lopez's character. They have concerns about Lopez but had none that got in the way of signing Bradley for 3 years 30 million? Interesting...
- The Cubs are still interested and kicking the tires on Chan Ho Park but they need money to sign him and Theriot's arbitration case could effect whether he is a Cub or not.
More Later....
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Cubs Notes....
- The Cubs are comfortable going into the season with Caridad, Guzman, and Grabow as set up men. I like that idea, especially if you throw Jeff Gray into the mix.
- Former Cub Rich Hill impressed Dave Duncan in Cardinals camp. He is competing for the 5th spot in the rotation. I am terrified that Duncan will work his mojo and get Rich Hill back to 2007 form.
- The most heated battle of the Spring will be the backup at corner infield spots. Tracy, Hoff, and Millar will all compete for the position.
More Later....
- Former Cub Rich Hill impressed Dave Duncan in Cardinals camp. He is competing for the 5th spot in the rotation. I am terrified that Duncan will work his mojo and get Rich Hill back to 2007 form.
- The most heated battle of the Spring will be the backup at corner infield spots. Tracy, Hoff, and Millar will all compete for the position.
More Later....
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Some Talk.....
Here is some tidbits from the online world-
- Randy Bush says the Cubs biggest off-season acquisition is Rudy Jaramillo. He feels he will get Mike Fontenot, Soriano, and Soto all back on track.
- 40 players have already reported to ST. That is a good sign for the Cubs and there should be some really good competition for the last spots on the team.
- Randy Bush says that it is not realistic that Starlin Castro makes the big leagues out of Spring because he says he needs more seasoning. Just plain stupid! If the kid hits .350 and is playing Gold Glove defense at SS how are you going tell him he needs more "seasoning"?! Give the kid every chance to win the job because Theriot at SS is brutal.
- Tyler Colvin added 25 pounds this winter working with Tim Buss.
- Bryan LaHair is showing his power but he has a lot of competition.
- Big Z broke a bat over his knee on Friday during BP, some thing never change.
- The Cubs will not add another position player before or during ST via free agency. The Cubs are still looking for a right handed set-up guy.
More Later....
- Randy Bush says the Cubs biggest off-season acquisition is Rudy Jaramillo. He feels he will get Mike Fontenot, Soriano, and Soto all back on track.
- 40 players have already reported to ST. That is a good sign for the Cubs and there should be some really good competition for the last spots on the team.
- Randy Bush says that it is not realistic that Starlin Castro makes the big leagues out of Spring because he says he needs more seasoning. Just plain stupid! If the kid hits .350 and is playing Gold Glove defense at SS how are you going tell him he needs more "seasoning"?! Give the kid every chance to win the job because Theriot at SS is brutal.
- Tyler Colvin added 25 pounds this winter working with Tim Buss.
- Bryan LaHair is showing his power but he has a lot of competition.
- Big Z broke a bat over his knee on Friday during BP, some thing never change.
- The Cubs will not add another position player before or during ST via free agency. The Cubs are still looking for a right handed set-up guy.
More Later....
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Latest From Levine....
Here is the latest from Bruce Levine and the slow rumor mill...
- Bruce says that Castro would be better at SS for the Cubs next season and moving Theriot to 2b would also improve them up the middle.
- The Cubs are looking to add a veteran set-up man to take pressure off Jeff Gray, Caridad, and Guzman. I understand the idea but I do think these guys are ready for the show.
- The Cubs will not add a pitcher around Spring Training unless it is a trade. Levine also said the Cubs have had no interest in Kris Benson.
- Keep an eye on John Gaub and Jeff Gray. I expect both to make the Opening Day roster with a good Spring.
- Jeff Samardzija will be only looked at as a starter. He has been hurt by being flipped back into a reliever then a starter. He will likely start the year in AAA unless a injury occurs.
- Levine said he would offer Lilly and Lee short extensions to stay in Chicago. I agree both on a one or two year deal would be great for the club. If I could not extend them then there is no doubt I offer them both arbitration.
- The Cubs are always looking to add depth to their roster.
- The Cubs will give young players every chance to make the team in camp but will scout other players in camp as well.
- Aram and Soriano should be ready to go when position players report according to Hendry.
Here is Bruce Levine's Opening Day starting lineup for the Cubs-
1. Fukudome RF
2. Theriot 2b
3. Lee 1st
4. Aram 3b
5. Byrd CF
6. Soriano LF
7. Soto C
8. Castro SS
9. Zambrano P
Here is mine-
1. Theriot 2b
2. Castro SS
3. Lee 1st
4. Aram 3b
5. Soriano LF
6. Fukudome RF
7. Byrd CF
8. Soto C
9. Zambrano P
Until Next Time....
- Bruce says that Castro would be better at SS for the Cubs next season and moving Theriot to 2b would also improve them up the middle.
- The Cubs are looking to add a veteran set-up man to take pressure off Jeff Gray, Caridad, and Guzman. I understand the idea but I do think these guys are ready for the show.
- The Cubs will not add a pitcher around Spring Training unless it is a trade. Levine also said the Cubs have had no interest in Kris Benson.
- Keep an eye on John Gaub and Jeff Gray. I expect both to make the Opening Day roster with a good Spring.
- Jeff Samardzija will be only looked at as a starter. He has been hurt by being flipped back into a reliever then a starter. He will likely start the year in AAA unless a injury occurs.
- Levine said he would offer Lilly and Lee short extensions to stay in Chicago. I agree both on a one or two year deal would be great for the club. If I could not extend them then there is no doubt I offer them both arbitration.
- The Cubs are always looking to add depth to their roster.
- The Cubs will give young players every chance to make the team in camp but will scout other players in camp as well.
- Aram and Soriano should be ready to go when position players report according to Hendry.
Here is Bruce Levine's Opening Day starting lineup for the Cubs-
1. Fukudome RF
2. Theriot 2b
3. Lee 1st
4. Aram 3b
5. Byrd CF
6. Soriano LF
7. Soto C
8. Castro SS
9. Zambrano P
Here is mine-
1. Theriot 2b
2. Castro SS
3. Lee 1st
4. Aram 3b
5. Soriano LF
6. Fukudome RF
7. Byrd CF
8. Soto C
9. Zambrano P
Until Next Time....
Monday, February 08, 2010
Cubs Rumors.....
- According to Carrie Muskat the Cubs are still searching for a right-handed reliever.
- CCO.com did their homework once again and has the latest info on the Cubs minor league system. I have to say I am excited about the thought of Starlin Castro and Hak-Ju Lee being our middle infield of the future and having Lee be our leadoff hitter. Kudos to ChicagoCubsOnline!
- Single game tickets for the Cubs go on sale Friday, February 19th.
Here is a little prediction fun, name your 2012 starting lineup.... Here is mine...
1. Hak-Ju Lee SS
2. Starlin Castro 2b
3. Carl Crawford RF
4. Aramis Ramirez 3b
5. Soriano LF
6. Soto C
7. Josh Vitters 1st
8. Brett Jackson CF
What does yours look like? Some notable free agents are Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalas, and Albert Pujols for the 2012 season and Adam Dunn, Derrek Jeter, Carl Crawford, Manny Ramirez, and Jason Werth after the 2010 season.
Until Next Time.....
- CCO.com did their homework once again and has the latest info on the Cubs minor league system. I have to say I am excited about the thought of Starlin Castro and Hak-Ju Lee being our middle infield of the future and having Lee be our leadoff hitter. Kudos to ChicagoCubsOnline!
- Single game tickets for the Cubs go on sale Friday, February 19th.
Here is a little prediction fun, name your 2012 starting lineup.... Here is mine...
1. Hak-Ju Lee SS
2. Starlin Castro 2b
3. Carl Crawford RF
4. Aramis Ramirez 3b
5. Soriano LF
6. Soto C
7. Josh Vitters 1st
8. Brett Jackson CF
What does yours look like? Some notable free agents are Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalas, and Albert Pujols for the 2012 season and Adam Dunn, Derrek Jeter, Carl Crawford, Manny Ramirez, and Jason Werth after the 2010 season.
Until Next Time.....
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Not Much Going On.....
Here is what we have, honestly it is not much-
- Carlos Marmol avoided arbitration today agreeing on a deal worth 2.125 million.
- The Cubs and Theriot called off negotiations and will likely go to arbitration. Theriot is wanting 3.4 million in his first year of arbitration with the Cubs offering 2.6 million. Ryan has not budged and neither has the Cubs. Theriot made 500K last season and looking for a unworthy raise of 3 million bucks. I do not blame the Cubs for not moving on the 2.6 million they offered, that is even too much I think. Theriot on the open market would likely only see a one year deal worth 2 million. He is a below average shortstop, with no range, and lacking arm. The Cubs should win the case easily.
- Kevin Gregg could have made the Cubs search for a reliever much easier. Gregg signed an one year deal worth 2.75 million to be the Jays closer. This could spark more talk between the Cubs and Jays about Frasor. I am still all for Frasor for Guzman because of the health concerns Guzman has.
- Nomar is looking to play in 2010 and I think the Cubs should offer him a minor league contract with invite to ST. Nomar could compete with Baker, Fontenot, Millar, Hoffpauir, Tracy, and Blanco for backup spots on the team. Nomar can play 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and SS and to me would be more valuable than Fontenot (who I am not a fan of).
- With Hudson only signing a one year deal worth 5 million I expect players like Adam Kennedy and Felipe Lopez to sign for less money than that. I would not be surprised if one of them fall into the Cubs lap for 2-3 million. By signing them they could then use Theriot as trade bait and start Castro at SS. I think the Cubs need to just name Castro as their starting SS wiether or not Theriot is on the Cubs..
- The Cubs are still very much interested in Noah Lowry and Kris Benson but are also keeping tabs on Jarrod Washburn.
Until Next Time....
- Carlos Marmol avoided arbitration today agreeing on a deal worth 2.125 million.
- The Cubs and Theriot called off negotiations and will likely go to arbitration. Theriot is wanting 3.4 million in his first year of arbitration with the Cubs offering 2.6 million. Ryan has not budged and neither has the Cubs. Theriot made 500K last season and looking for a unworthy raise of 3 million bucks. I do not blame the Cubs for not moving on the 2.6 million they offered, that is even too much I think. Theriot on the open market would likely only see a one year deal worth 2 million. He is a below average shortstop, with no range, and lacking arm. The Cubs should win the case easily.
- Kevin Gregg could have made the Cubs search for a reliever much easier. Gregg signed an one year deal worth 2.75 million to be the Jays closer. This could spark more talk between the Cubs and Jays about Frasor. I am still all for Frasor for Guzman because of the health concerns Guzman has.
- Nomar is looking to play in 2010 and I think the Cubs should offer him a minor league contract with invite to ST. Nomar could compete with Baker, Fontenot, Millar, Hoffpauir, Tracy, and Blanco for backup spots on the team. Nomar can play 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and SS and to me would be more valuable than Fontenot (who I am not a fan of).
- With Hudson only signing a one year deal worth 5 million I expect players like Adam Kennedy and Felipe Lopez to sign for less money than that. I would not be surprised if one of them fall into the Cubs lap for 2-3 million. By signing them they could then use Theriot as trade bait and start Castro at SS. I think the Cubs need to just name Castro as their starting SS wiether or not Theriot is on the Cubs..
- The Cubs are still very much interested in Noah Lowry and Kris Benson but are also keeping tabs on Jarrod Washburn.
Until Next Time....
Monday, February 01, 2010
Hoff On His Way Out While Millar Comes In?
- According to Jerry Crasnick the Cubs have reached an agreement with Kevin Millar on a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. The Cubs signed Chad Tracy last week so him, Kevin Millar, and Micah Hoffpauir will battle for the power bat coming off the bench and spelling Aram and Lee.
- There has been speculation that the Kevin Millar and Chad Tracy signing signals the end of Hoffpauir in Chicago. The Cubs could trade him or have him start in AAA but with the versatility of Millar and Tracy, Hoff will likely be traded. I speculate that Hoff is traded, Tracy makes the team, and Millar starts the season in Iowa.
- The Cubs may have interest in recently designated outfielder Willy Taveras. The Cubs have Sam Fuld as their current 5th outfielder but Taveras brings more speed, better glove, and arm but is a right handed bat, which may be a deal breaker. The Cubs will not claim him because of the 4 million he is owed this season but a trade could be on the horizon if the Cubs are interested.
Here is a crazy trade idea on a slow day-
Cubs get Luis Castillo, Brad Hawpe, Oliver Perez, Jason Frasor, and John Maine- 50 million take on- subtract 60 million- saving 10 million in contract value.
Mets get Todd Helton, Fukudome (Cubs pay 15 million of contract), and Ryan Theriot- 55 million take on- subtract 40 million- adding 10 million in contract value.
Rockies get Lyle Overbay (Jays pay 4 million of contract) and Carlos Zambrano (Cubs pay 10 million of contract)- 47 million take on- subtract 44 million- adding 3 million in contract value.
Jays get Angels Guzman, Micah Hoffpauir, and Mets minor leaguer- 3 million take on- subtract 6 million- saving 3 million in contract value.
Do you have a crazy trade? What do you think of mine?
Cubs lineup
Castillo 2b
Castro SS
Lee 1st
Hawpe RF
Aram 3b
Soriano LF
Byrd CF
Soto C
- There has been speculation that the Kevin Millar and Chad Tracy signing signals the end of Hoffpauir in Chicago. The Cubs could trade him or have him start in AAA but with the versatility of Millar and Tracy, Hoff will likely be traded. I speculate that Hoff is traded, Tracy makes the team, and Millar starts the season in Iowa.
- The Cubs may have interest in recently designated outfielder Willy Taveras. The Cubs have Sam Fuld as their current 5th outfielder but Taveras brings more speed, better glove, and arm but is a right handed bat, which may be a deal breaker. The Cubs will not claim him because of the 4 million he is owed this season but a trade could be on the horizon if the Cubs are interested.
Here is a crazy trade idea on a slow day-
Cubs get Luis Castillo, Brad Hawpe, Oliver Perez, Jason Frasor, and John Maine- 50 million take on- subtract 60 million- saving 10 million in contract value.
Mets get Todd Helton, Fukudome (Cubs pay 15 million of contract), and Ryan Theriot- 55 million take on- subtract 40 million- adding 10 million in contract value.
Rockies get Lyle Overbay (Jays pay 4 million of contract) and Carlos Zambrano (Cubs pay 10 million of contract)- 47 million take on- subtract 44 million- adding 3 million in contract value.
Jays get Angels Guzman, Micah Hoffpauir, and Mets minor leaguer- 3 million take on- subtract 6 million- saving 3 million in contract value.
Do you have a crazy trade? What do you think of mine?
Cubs lineup
Castillo 2b
Castro SS
Lee 1st
Hawpe RF
Aram 3b
Soriano LF
Byrd CF
Soto C
Friday, January 29, 2010
Some Cubs Chatter....
- I am sad to say that Eric Byrnes will not be a Cub at the start of the season. He signed with the M's today.
- The Cubs offered Jermaine Dye 3.3 million bucks for the fourth outfield spot. He turned it down so the Cubs inked Nady for the same amount. Dye will regret not taking that deal. Dye will now either sign for less money, retire, or wait this year out. That is my own opinion of course.
- The Jays are shopping Scott Downs and Jason Frasor and the Cubs have checked in on both. If the Cubs could nab Downs I would be pumped! Downs for Marshall or Guzman! Get it done Jimbo!
- Mark Prior is throwing off the mound and would like to make a comeback. Any Cub fans want to see a reunion? I do on a minor league deal.
- The Cubs officially signed Xavier Nady to a one year deal worth 3.3 million with extra incentives to bring it above 5 million.
- The Indians are trying to trade Fausto Carmona to make room for Orlando Hudson. That name should interest the Cubs.
- Here are my last three moves for the Cubs.
***Trade Angel Guzman for Scott Downs.
***Sign Noah Lowry to a minor league deal.
***Trade Sean Marshall and Mike Fontenot to the Mets for Luis Castillo with the Mets picking up 8 million of the 12 million left on his contract. Which would mean the Cubs only adding 2 million to the payroll in this trade.
Until Next Time...
- The Cubs offered Jermaine Dye 3.3 million bucks for the fourth outfield spot. He turned it down so the Cubs inked Nady for the same amount. Dye will regret not taking that deal. Dye will now either sign for less money, retire, or wait this year out. That is my own opinion of course.
- The Jays are shopping Scott Downs and Jason Frasor and the Cubs have checked in on both. If the Cubs could nab Downs I would be pumped! Downs for Marshall or Guzman! Get it done Jimbo!
- Mark Prior is throwing off the mound and would like to make a comeback. Any Cub fans want to see a reunion? I do on a minor league deal.
- The Cubs officially signed Xavier Nady to a one year deal worth 3.3 million with extra incentives to bring it above 5 million.
- The Indians are trying to trade Fausto Carmona to make room for Orlando Hudson. That name should interest the Cubs.
- Here are my last three moves for the Cubs.
***Trade Angel Guzman for Scott Downs.
***Sign Noah Lowry to a minor league deal.
***Trade Sean Marshall and Mike Fontenot to the Mets for Luis Castillo with the Mets picking up 8 million of the 12 million left on his contract. Which would mean the Cubs only adding 2 million to the payroll in this trade.
Until Next Time...
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