I know I've very inactive as of the last 2 months or so, and I apologize. I just have been too busy as of late with school, work and other activities.
Instead of writing posts here and there, I decided to just take time off, until I'm not as busy. I love to write, but no time makes it hard. I had the blog for about 2-3 years and it has been fun.
When I have time, I will get back to writing more posts.
Thanks...
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
NO Dice-K for Fukudome Trade...
We heard a couple weeks back that the Cubs and Red Sox were talking about a trade that would send the Cubs Dice-K and the Red Sox Fukudome, per Phil Rogers. Now just yesterday Phil Rogers said this trade could be in the works. However, Peter Gammons shot down Rogers and said it's not happening.
This is from ESPNBoston.com
"Daisuke Matsuzaka’s name did not come up during the Chicago Cubs’ recent organizational meetings, according to a baseball source. That doesn’t preclude the possibility the Cubs and Red Sox had a conversation about him as part of a proposed deal for Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, as the Chicago Tribune’s Phil Rogers reported Wednesday.
But it’s a deal that doesn’t make much sense. It’s understandable that the Cubs would seek to dump a bad contract in Fukudome, who is due to be paid $13.5 million in 2011. But Matsuzaka has two years left on his deal, at $10 million per, so if the Cubs are looking to free up some money for another move, like signing free agent Adam Dunn, a Fukudome-Matsuzaka swap has limited benefit."
I honestly wouldn't get this trade for the Cubs because it takes a spot in the rotation, Dice-K has one more year more than Kosuke on his contract and Dice-K has not pitched good as of late.
So, like the report said, I doubt this happens. I give it a 1% of happening.
This is from ESPNBoston.com
"Daisuke Matsuzaka’s name did not come up during the Chicago Cubs’ recent organizational meetings, according to a baseball source. That doesn’t preclude the possibility the Cubs and Red Sox had a conversation about him as part of a proposed deal for Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, as the Chicago Tribune’s Phil Rogers reported Wednesday.
But it’s a deal that doesn’t make much sense. It’s understandable that the Cubs would seek to dump a bad contract in Fukudome, who is due to be paid $13.5 million in 2011. But Matsuzaka has two years left on his deal, at $10 million per, so if the Cubs are looking to free up some money for another move, like signing free agent Adam Dunn, a Fukudome-Matsuzaka swap has limited benefit."
I honestly wouldn't get this trade for the Cubs because it takes a spot in the rotation, Dice-K has one more year more than Kosuke on his contract and Dice-K has not pitched good as of late.
So, like the report said, I doubt this happens. I give it a 1% of happening.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Quick Hits...
Here's the latest news and notes. Also, some rumors.
Aramis Ramirez excercised his 14.6M option yesterday. He still has to file the paperwork and that has to be turned in my Thursaday at Midnight.
Ryne Sandberg will leave the Cubs organization. He will look for other jobs out there. I hope for the best for Ryno!
The Cubs will remain in Mesa, after the Mesa voters voted to keep the Cubs.
Brett Jackson has been sent him from the AZL because of an infection. He had a good run and showed that he has what it takes to make the majors.
Cubs minor league pitcher Chris Carpetner could make the Cubs bullpen out of spring training. He has hit triple digits in the AZL.
The Cubs will add pitcher Chris Archer to the 40 man roster soon.
Xavier Nady is not expected to return next season.
Rumors:
Jim Hendry likes Nick Johnson and he could be a Cub, if his mkedical records are good. They will pursue him then.
The Cubs will have their eye on Kerry Wood to be apart of the pen next season.
The Cubs are expected to make a run for Adrian Gonzalez next season and XM radio says they have what it takes to get him. The Cubs will most likely have to depart with Vitters and JJ, among others.
That's it for now....
Aramis Ramirez excercised his 14.6M option yesterday. He still has to file the paperwork and that has to be turned in my Thursaday at Midnight.
Ryne Sandberg will leave the Cubs organization. He will look for other jobs out there. I hope for the best for Ryno!
The Cubs will remain in Mesa, after the Mesa voters voted to keep the Cubs.
Brett Jackson has been sent him from the AZL because of an infection. He had a good run and showed that he has what it takes to make the majors.
Cubs minor league pitcher Chris Carpetner could make the Cubs bullpen out of spring training. He has hit triple digits in the AZL.
The Cubs will add pitcher Chris Archer to the 40 man roster soon.
Xavier Nady is not expected to return next season.
Rumors:
Jim Hendry likes Nick Johnson and he could be a Cub, if his mkedical records are good. They will pursue him then.
The Cubs will have their eye on Kerry Wood to be apart of the pen next season.
The Cubs are expected to make a run for Adrian Gonzalez next season and XM radio says they have what it takes to get him. The Cubs will most likely have to depart with Vitters and JJ, among others.
That's it for now....
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Player Profile: Jay Jackson...
Jay Jackson is a 23 year old pitcher, who the Cubs drafted in the 9th round of the 2008 draft. He has made his way through the Cubs minor leagues in a good pace, as he inches closer to making the majors. He's currently playing for the Iowa Cubs in Triple A. Who Ryne Sandberg was the manager. Will Sandberg be back in Triple A to coach him if he starts the 2011 season down there? Only time will tell us....but he was offer the position again. Jay Jackson started the 2010 season with Triple A, but as a reliever not a starter. However, he was switched to the rotation because Andrew Cashner went to the bullpen. But, Cashner is now a good pitcher for the Cubs bullpen.
Jay Jackson was alright last year, as he posted a 11-8 record with a 4.63era, 48 walks, 119 strikeouts in 157.1 innings pitched. As you can see, nothing spectacular but a decent year for him. I like his strikeout to walks ratio. Jackson has 4 or 5 pitches than he can throw for strikes and get outs. I think he will be a good pitcher in the Cubs rotation some day. When will that come? I don't know, but I expect next year some time.
I don't believe Jackson is playing winter ball because I have not seen stats on him or any news-notes on how he is doing. Maybe he just wants the time off from baseball and to relax. I think if he did play winter ball and he performs well, I think there would be a better chance for him to make the team out of spring training (Cubs).
Bruce Levine says Jay Jackson will make the Cubs sometime next season, if it's out of spring training or a mid-summer call-up. Member, we don't know because we have to see if Jim Hendry makes any moves to the starting rotation this winter (FA signings, trades, etc). Also, Ben Badler who writes for Baseball America heard from a scout that Jackson has a nice fastball with a nasty strikeout pitch.
Jackson is not considered a top prospect in all of baseball or even in the Cubs organization, but he has been recognize around the league. He has been in the rankings of the Cubs top 10 prospects, around the mid (4-7). Before the 2010 season, Baseball America had him ranked 98 in all of baseball. That's actually not too bad with everything into consideration. But, will he drop in the 2011 ranks? I think there is a good chance he will. The Cubs Reporter had Jackson ranked 6th in the Cubs organization and I have to agree with that rank. I think he fits right around their.
However, if the Cubs want a top tier pitcher like Zack Greinke, Jackon will most likely have to be included. But, I don't see that happening as Jim Hendry will be reluctant to trade top prospects and the price for Greinke will be too high. Will Greinke be in Cubbie blue to start the 2011 season? I say one out of a million. So, N0!
My prediction: He will make the Cubs during the 2011 season. I don't think he will make the club out of spring training because all 5 spots would be taken. However, I see him being a call-up because a pitcher is slumping, injured or traded. As for being a Cub down the road, I see him as a 3rd or 4th starter in the rotation and he could be one of the best. I just hope for the best for him and can't wait to see what he does this spring training.
Jay Jackson page: MILB.com
Jay Jackson page: Baseball-Reference.com
Do you think he will be a good pitcher and when do you think he will make the majors?
Jay Jackson was alright last year, as he posted a 11-8 record with a 4.63era, 48 walks, 119 strikeouts in 157.1 innings pitched. As you can see, nothing spectacular but a decent year for him. I like his strikeout to walks ratio. Jackson has 4 or 5 pitches than he can throw for strikes and get outs. I think he will be a good pitcher in the Cubs rotation some day. When will that come? I don't know, but I expect next year some time.
I don't believe Jackson is playing winter ball because I have not seen stats on him or any news-notes on how he is doing. Maybe he just wants the time off from baseball and to relax. I think if he did play winter ball and he performs well, I think there would be a better chance for him to make the team out of spring training (Cubs).
Bruce Levine says Jay Jackson will make the Cubs sometime next season, if it's out of spring training or a mid-summer call-up. Member, we don't know because we have to see if Jim Hendry makes any moves to the starting rotation this winter (FA signings, trades, etc). Also, Ben Badler who writes for Baseball America heard from a scout that Jackson has a nice fastball with a nasty strikeout pitch.
Jackson is not considered a top prospect in all of baseball or even in the Cubs organization, but he has been recognize around the league. He has been in the rankings of the Cubs top 10 prospects, around the mid (4-7). Before the 2010 season, Baseball America had him ranked 98 in all of baseball. That's actually not too bad with everything into consideration. But, will he drop in the 2011 ranks? I think there is a good chance he will. The Cubs Reporter had Jackson ranked 6th in the Cubs organization and I have to agree with that rank. I think he fits right around their.
However, if the Cubs want a top tier pitcher like Zack Greinke, Jackon will most likely have to be included. But, I don't see that happening as Jim Hendry will be reluctant to trade top prospects and the price for Greinke will be too high. Will Greinke be in Cubbie blue to start the 2011 season? I say one out of a million. So, N0!
My prediction: He will make the Cubs during the 2011 season. I don't think he will make the club out of spring training because all 5 spots would be taken. However, I see him being a call-up because a pitcher is slumping, injured or traded. As for being a Cub down the road, I see him as a 3rd or 4th starter in the rotation and he could be one of the best. I just hope for the best for him and can't wait to see what he does this spring training.
Jay Jackson page: MILB.com
Jay Jackson page: Baseball-Reference.com
Do you think he will be a good pitcher and when do you think he will make the majors?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Bruce Levine's Chat: 10/26...
I'm back! Now to Levine's chat recap. I will share information that I thought was interesting:
1) The Cubs will find out next Tuesday, if there 84M training facility will be approved in Mesa.
2) Adam Dunn is still the Cubs number 1 priority.
3) Kosuke Fukudome is likely to be traded.
4) The Cubs could look at Cliff Lee, but nothing major. Don't look for any legs on the Lee movement.
5) Levine does not even know how much the money the Cubs will have to spend on free agents this winter.
6) Levine states there's a good chance Hendry is gone after 2 years when Quade's contract is up.
7) Jim Hendry can probably fit Adam Dunn in, if Kosuke is traded.
8) The Cubs will have interest in bringing Kerry Wood back, but the Yanks are preparing a contract for him.
10) Levine thinks Brett Jackson and Jay Jackson will make the team sometime next year. While, Archer could be a summer call-up.
Next week I'll have his recap again. In the next few days, I will have another player profile; that will be Jay Jackson.
1) The Cubs will find out next Tuesday, if there 84M training facility will be approved in Mesa.
2) Adam Dunn is still the Cubs number 1 priority.
3) Kosuke Fukudome is likely to be traded.
4) The Cubs could look at Cliff Lee, but nothing major. Don't look for any legs on the Lee movement.
5) Levine does not even know how much the money the Cubs will have to spend on free agents this winter.
6) Levine states there's a good chance Hendry is gone after 2 years when Quade's contract is up.
7) Jim Hendry can probably fit Adam Dunn in, if Kosuke is traded.
8) The Cubs will have interest in bringing Kerry Wood back, but the Yanks are preparing a contract for him.
10) Levine thinks Brett Jackson and Jay Jackson will make the team sometime next year. While, Archer could be a summer call-up.
Next week I'll have his recap again. In the next few days, I will have another player profile; that will be Jay Jackson.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Player Profile: Josh Vitters....
Josh Vitters is a 21 year old third baseman, who the Cubs drafted in 2007 with the 3rd overall pick. He was 17 years old and was drafted out of high school. He's currently playing for Double A Tennessee Smokies in the Chicago Cubs minor league system. Vitters could be making the transition from third base to first base. As he is playing first base in the Arizona Fall League, but he is also third base too.
Vitters started off the 2010 season in the minors with High A Daytona posting a .291/.350/.445/.795 with 3hr and 13rbi in 28 games and 110 at-bats. Then, Vitters was called up to Double A and posted a .223/.292/.383/.676 with 7hr and 26rbi in 63 games and 206 at-bats. Before breaking his wrist and being out for the remainder of the season.
Vitters is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League and he's not doing so well. The league pretty much just started and as of right now he's posting a .222/.211/.244/.655 with 1hr and 5rbi in 4 games and 18 at-bats. Like I already mention, he's playing third base and trying to make the transition to first base. He's trying to make the transition to first base because the Cubs ordered it. His stats don't look good in the AZL, but it's still early and he's coming off a bad wrist injury. Just give him time and hope he comes around.
Vitters was once the Cubs top rated prospect, before the top spot was taken over by 20 year old SS Starlin Castro. Who is now the Cubs starting SS. He was ranked number one in the Cubs system in 2008 and 2009 and 2010 he was ranked number two. He was ranked number 43 in 2008, 51 in 2009 and 70 in 2010 in the whole minor league system for all 30 MLB teams. That is all according to Baseball America.
Vitters has gone through his share of injuries. He has suffered two injuries, in which he missed significant time. That is one reason why he's on a setback from reaching the majors.
Also, Vitters might not even be a Cub when and if he makes the majors because he could be traded. Vitters has been in trade talks for the past 2-3 years, but general manager Jim Hendry was reluctant to trade him because of his potential. If Vitters would have been included, the Cubs would have either 2B Brian Roberts or P Jake Peavy. Josh Vitters was the deal breaker in both deals. But, Jim Hendry might be more open to trade him because of his struggles in the minors. With the recent news that the Royals will take offers for P Jack Greinke. The Cubs are expected to be a team after him and most likely will have to offer Vitters in a deal with more. So, will he be a Cub when he makes the majors? That question is still to be determine.
My Prediction: He will make the majors in 2012 as a first baseman. I think he will be a Cub because I don't see the Cubs acquiring Zack Greinke and the Cubs are more reluctant to trade young players. He will get an invite to spring training in 2011 to see how he produces. Vitters still has to work on his plate ability. He strikes out a good amount, swings at bad pitches and rarely walks. However, he does have ability as he has hr power and is a guy who can hit 3-5 in the batting order. I also think he will make the Cubs because the Cubs have no third baseman or first baseman in their minor league system are are not going to spend on players anymore.
Josh Vitters page: MILB.com
Josh Vitters page: Baseball-Reference.com
So, when do you see Josh Vitters making the majors? Do you even think Vitters will make the majors?
Vitters started off the 2010 season in the minors with High A Daytona posting a .291/.350/.445/.795 with 3hr and 13rbi in 28 games and 110 at-bats. Then, Vitters was called up to Double A and posted a .223/.292/.383/.676 with 7hr and 26rbi in 63 games and 206 at-bats. Before breaking his wrist and being out for the remainder of the season.
Vitters is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League and he's not doing so well. The league pretty much just started and as of right now he's posting a .222/.211/.244/.655 with 1hr and 5rbi in 4 games and 18 at-bats. Like I already mention, he's playing third base and trying to make the transition to first base. He's trying to make the transition to first base because the Cubs ordered it. His stats don't look good in the AZL, but it's still early and he's coming off a bad wrist injury. Just give him time and hope he comes around.
Vitters was once the Cubs top rated prospect, before the top spot was taken over by 20 year old SS Starlin Castro. Who is now the Cubs starting SS. He was ranked number one in the Cubs system in 2008 and 2009 and 2010 he was ranked number two. He was ranked number 43 in 2008, 51 in 2009 and 70 in 2010 in the whole minor league system for all 30 MLB teams. That is all according to Baseball America.
Vitters has gone through his share of injuries. He has suffered two injuries, in which he missed significant time. That is one reason why he's on a setback from reaching the majors.
Also, Vitters might not even be a Cub when and if he makes the majors because he could be traded. Vitters has been in trade talks for the past 2-3 years, but general manager Jim Hendry was reluctant to trade him because of his potential. If Vitters would have been included, the Cubs would have either 2B Brian Roberts or P Jake Peavy. Josh Vitters was the deal breaker in both deals. But, Jim Hendry might be more open to trade him because of his struggles in the minors. With the recent news that the Royals will take offers for P Jack Greinke. The Cubs are expected to be a team after him and most likely will have to offer Vitters in a deal with more. So, will he be a Cub when he makes the majors? That question is still to be determine.
My Prediction: He will make the majors in 2012 as a first baseman. I think he will be a Cub because I don't see the Cubs acquiring Zack Greinke and the Cubs are more reluctant to trade young players. He will get an invite to spring training in 2011 to see how he produces. Vitters still has to work on his plate ability. He strikes out a good amount, swings at bad pitches and rarely walks. However, he does have ability as he has hr power and is a guy who can hit 3-5 in the batting order. I also think he will make the Cubs because the Cubs have no third baseman or first baseman in their minor league system are are not going to spend on players anymore.
Josh Vitters page: MILB.com
Josh Vitters page: Baseball-Reference.com
So, when do you see Josh Vitters making the majors? Do you even think Vitters will make the majors?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Changes to Blog...
Sorry for the inactivity as of lately, but I'm working almost full-time and taking 5 classes in college. I would love to write posts, but I'm usually tired. However, I'm going to try and write 2-3 posts a week now.
My blog now will be more for the minors. I will have updates on the AZL and player profiles. Also, I will still have Bruce Levine's weekly chat on Tuesday. And, that will count as a post for the week.
But....I will still have updates on breaking news and only breaking news (FA signings, trades, etc). And, that will not count as a post for the week.
I hope the new changes are better.
I will have a player profile tomorrow and it will be Josh Vitters.
Thanks and sorry for the inconvenience.
My blog now will be more for the minors. I will have updates on the AZL and player profiles. Also, I will still have Bruce Levine's weekly chat on Tuesday. And, that will count as a post for the week.
But....I will still have updates on breaking news and only breaking news (FA signings, trades, etc). And, that will not count as a post for the week.
I hope the new changes are better.
I will have a player profile tomorrow and it will be Josh Vitters.
Thanks and sorry for the inconvenience.
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