Castro Could be to the Majors Soon...

Bruce Levine chimes in with a interesting story. He said top prospect Starlin Castro shortstop could be on his way to the show soon.




According to him, the Cubs have been keeping a daily tab on him in Double A. Randy Bush is with the Smokies right now keeping an eye on him and giving GM Jim Hendry daily reports on how he is doing. They will decide (Hendry and Bush) when to sit down with Cubs management to talk about the call-up for Starlin Castro.



If Castro does get the call, the Cubs will move Theriot to 2B and insert Castro in at SS. That leaves Jeff Baker, Mike Fontenot and Chad Tracy as one to be traded. Everybody thinks Fontenot is the odd man out. I would say he should be because of his age compare to Baker and Tracy is cheaper.



Levine also mentions Castro could stop at Triple A to get a littler more work in but won't be there for long.



I just can't wait to see this kid come up and play. The Cubs will also finally have a true leadoff man.



I guess time will only tell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update on 2 Cubs Top Prospects...

I will have the Cubs top pitching prospect and hitting prospect. Both are playing in Double A and are playing lights out ball:


Hitting Prospect Starlin Castro:


In 72 at-bats Castro is hitting .361 with 1hr, 16rbi and 4 stolen bases. Castro is in a little slump going 0-11 in his last at-bats but slumps happen to every ball player in the majors and minors. I still think they have to call him up but with Theriot getting a base a lot lately and Fontenot and Baker playing a good platoon role. He has not spot on the team so now he will stay in the minors for a littler longer than expected.


Pitching Prospect Andrew Cashner:


There was a report out there earlier that the Cubs could call him but that was shot down by Pinella and Hendry, saying "he is not ready". Cashner is 1-1 with a 3.33 era in 24.1 innings pitch. He has been used in the starting role in the minors but the Cubs see him as a relief pitch (closer or set-up man). He has the stuff to be a relief pitcher and could be a dominate one as well. So should the Cubs bring him up as the set-up man? I am, one that does not know but would like Zambrano to go back to the starting rotation.



Bruce Levine said that it might not be long for either of them to get the call to come to the majors and I can't disagree anymore.



Only time will tell.

Recap of Yesterdays Game...

The only reason I am doing this is because I was there. As you already know, the Cubs killed by beating Milwaukee 12-2.

Things that I saw when I was there and what was good or bad:

1) I know Ramirez is struggling with the average but is hitting the ball with more authority.

2) The Cubs need to find more playing time for the youngster Colvin.

3) How can you call up Castro when all your players are hitting. Like Theriot who went 5-6.

4) I know Wells did not walk anybody but his command was shaky at best.

5) Kosuke's cleat got stuck in the sand down the right field line. That is where I sat, right by the railing so I could see.

6) The Cubs can hit the ball hard, far and hit a lot when they are in a grove at the plate.

I will do one more of these when I go to the Cubs game at Wrigley on July 4th when they face the Reds.

Lilly Activated...

Finally, Ted Lilly is making season debut today against the Brewers. Well he is out of the game right now. Line for today: 6 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs and a couple walks. If you saw the game, you can tell he was rusty with his command.

The best part of the day was the player who got sent down. With no surprise, Jeff Samardzija got sent down. I am so pump, he deserves to get sent down. He should go back and play football. So that 5 year 10 million deal the Cubs gave him is pretty much wasting in the minors. Another bone head move by Hendry.

Pretty much Big Z took his spot in the pen and he will do better no doubt. He can't do worse.

I guess time will only tell.

Football Game Coming to Wrigley...

Yes there is a football game coming to Wrigley but a college football game. Northwestern vs. Illinois. I think the game in November 20 or 21.

2 years ago, Wrigley Field hosted the Winter Classic (Blackhawks vs. Red Wings) and now this.

I can tell you one thing, Wrigley Field will need new sod after that. With possibly snow on the ground and the wet conditions.

The good thing is, Wrigley use to be the home for the Bears so they know how to play there then. Because the dimensions would make it hard.

I am one person who would love to see the game on the date and can't wait for it.

I guess we just wait and see how everything plays out.

Big Z to Bullpen...

Yes that is right, Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano will go into the bullpen come Friday. He will be the Cubs 8th inning guy-set-up. Since the bullpen sucks and everybody knows that, this was a move that had to me made, Lou said.


Other statements Lou said. "This is a significant move not a panic move" "He got's nasty stuff and Z is fine with it" He said more statements but I can't recall them. Also this statements might not be right on the head but close to it.


My thoughts on the move: I am fine with it for now but won't like it if it was full-time. It is good for a temporary purpose until they can trade for a relief pitcher-8th inning guy.


I guess time will tell of how this move is.

What to do with Samasrdzija...

Where should I start? Ummmmmmm I know, how bout this, HE SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He should not be in the majors and should be in the minors or unemployed. He should go back to football where he was actually good. When he comes in, he either walks the batter or gives up a hit. To me he only has a fastball that he throws right down the plate or high over the player. And the batters eyes light up and then they kill the ball.

He came in the games yesterday and just need to get 1 out but he walks the first batter, gives up a stolen base and then a double where the runner scores. Then he gets taken out.

If they still play him, maybe they will call me to come into the game. I can't do any worse than him, only better.

Like I stated before, he should be sent down when pitcher Ted Lilly returns from the DL on April 24th.

I guess we should just wait until Aprile 24th then to see if he gets sent down.

My Thoughts on Lefty Lineup...

As you already know, Lou Pinella change the lineup against lefties. If you missed it, here is the lineup:

1) CF Marlon Byrd
2) 2B Jeff Baker
3) 1B Derrek Lee
4) RF Xavier Nady
5) 3B Aramis Ramirez
6) LF Alfonso Soriano
7) C Geovany Soto
8) SS Ryan Theriot
9) P Pitcher

My thoughts:

1) Marlon Byrd is not your ideal #1 hitter but he is hitting the ball lately so this could be a good way to jump start the offence. Theriot was not getting on base lately. The ideal move would be to call up top prospect Starlin Castro who is hitting .357 for Double A this year.

2) I actually like the move to bring Baker up to the 2 hole.

3) You have to keep Lee in the 3 hole. To easy.

4) Maybe with Ramirez getting moved down to the 5 hole. It will help him start hitting and maybe Nady will show power in the 4 hole.

5) Soriano should stay. Best position in the lineup for him.

7) Soto is hitting the ball and deserves to move up in the lineup.

8) I think the 8 hole is the best poition for Theriot. He can get a hit and then the pitcher puts down a sacrafice bunt.

Those are my thoughts on the new lineup. Lets see what happens in todays game vs. the Mets.

Lilly Set to Return...

According to Bruce Levine P Ted Lilly is set to return on April 24th in Milwaukee. He will have his last rehab start tommorrow and if everything goes well, that will be the date he comes back.

Lilly is recovering from offseason knee surgery and has been on the DL since the season open.

Now the questions for Pinella are, who gets sent down and who goes to the bullpen?

I will take my guesses, Jeff Samardzija gest sent down (he better get sent down) and Gorzelanny goes to the bullpen.

Here is why I say that, Samardzija can't thow srikes and when he does. It is right over the plate and easy to hit. Sillva has outmatch Gorzelanny and deserves to stay in the bullpen.

I guess we just have to wait and see.

EX Cub Update...

These players are from the last season not 2 years ago.

P Rich Harden is 0-0 with a 2.79era in 9.2 innings but has walk 8.

RP Aaron Heilman is 0-0 with a 3.18era in 5.2 innings.

U Jake Fox is batting .111 with 1hr and 3rbi in 18 at-bats.

RP Kevin Gregg is 0-0 with a 0era in 4.1 innings.

OF Milton Bradley is batting .147 with 2hr and 8rbi in 34 at-bats.

2B Aaron Miles who was traded in the offseason was move aroung 2 times and was eventually release by the Reds. He is still a free agent.

As you can see all the players the Cubs lost so far aren't a big deal right now but is still early. I will have updated all season long on ex Cubs.

Will Starlin Castro get Called up in 2010...

Every Cubs fan and even me wants to know, will top prospect SS Starlin Castro get the call to come to the majors this year?

Right now Castro is playing for Double A and is batting .356 with 1hr and 7rbi. He is 10-28 in the early season. He also gots 4 stolen bases. If a guys hits like that for some time, lets say a month. Can you still keep him down in the minor league? I say that is not fair for Castro and he should get the call up.

I think he will not be moved up to Triple A Iowa before being called up for the Cubs because they want to give the time to Darwin Barney in Triple A. It will be a Tyler Colvin move where he has still yet to play in Triple A but right now he is in the majors.

I think he gets called up a little bit before the all star game or a little after the all-star game. Or if a starter gets injured Mike Fontenot or Ryan Theriot. I also think either Mike Fontenot or Jeff Baker will be traded to make room for him to get the call.

Even though Mike Fontenot and Ryan Theriot are hitting the ball, his defence can win like 5 more games than what Theriot gives the Cubs. So that will help them make a run to go back to the postseason.

If he is not called up before September, he will be at least be a September call-up but to me that is to late.

Starlin Castro Stats:

So when will he get the call? We just have to wait and see.

What to do with the Cubs OF Situation...

There has been a lot of questions of how the rotation is going to be in the Cubs outfield. While Soriano is only playing like 6 innings now, Tyler Colvin is coming in for Soriano and will Nady take an outfielder spot.

The outfielders on the roster are Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd, Kosuke Fukudome, Xavier Nady and Tyler Colvin.

This is what I would do:

I would bench Soriano for a couple days and give him time to get his head in tone and take more batting practice. Then start him with like 3 days off and see what he does. If he does not produce bench him but if he hits keep playing him. But still take him out in the 6th or 7th as a defencive replacement. Jim Hendry should be shopping him and trying to get something in return which will take forever.

When Soriano is off, I would play Xavier Nady in LF. This might be a surprising move but I would send Tyler Colvin down to Triple A and recall Sam Fuld from Triple A. Here is why I would do that, I think Colvin needs to play everyday and not be a defensive replacement for either Soriano or Nady. Sam Fuld is also a better defender than Colvin.

If I had to send a outfield out tomorrow, it will be Nady in LF, Byrd in CF and Fukudome in RF. With Soriano and Fuld on the bench.

That is how my outfield rotation would go.

What will the Cubs do in the 8th Inning...

In 7 games so far, the Cubs are 3-4. In the 4 losses they have, 3 have come in the 8th inning of the game. So how will the 8th inning go now?

Going into the season, the 8th inning was going to be righty Esmalin Caridad and lefty John Grabow. But those 2 lost the 3 games in the 8th. 2 for Grabow and 1 for Caridad.

Yesterday Jeff Samardzija cam in the 8th and pitch a 1-2-3 inning but I hope he is not it. Pinella did say lefties James Russell and Sean Marshall will come in down the stretch in late innings. Marshall has been pitching lights out and Russell has pitch good so far in his rookie season.

But when Ted Lilly returns (his date is now set for April 24th at Milwaukee) who will get sent down. Justin Berg, James Russell, Jeff Samardzija or Esmalin Caridad. In my opinion, I say the 2 that should stay up are Russell and Caridad. I have faith in Caridad because he only walk 1 batter all spring training and I think he will come around. And Russell because he has done nothing so far to get sent down. So who will it be Jeff Samardzija or Justin Berg (my choices). I say the decision will come down to whoever plays the worse from here to when he returns. My pick is Samardzija will get sent down but if Berg does not play a lot, it has a good chance to be him.

I guess we just have to wait and see.

Will Soriano get Benched...

Before todays game manager Lou Pinella was pondering the decision whether to bench starting LF Alfonso Soriano. I think Pinella is thinking about it because he missed a fly ball yesterday that should of been caught and probably lost the Cubs the game. Also he was not hitting. But Pinella inserts him in todays lineup verse the Brewers.

Going into todays game Soriano has hit .143 with 3 hits in 21 at-bats. But in todays game Soriano went 2-3 with 2 singles. So maybe he got the memo to start playing good.

If the Cubs bench him, what would that do to him mentally? I say it might have a little effect but it might also help him too.

After todays game I say he will be back in there on Wednesday but also Nady played good today so who knows.

So now with all the outfielders hitting, how the rotation go in the outfielder now?

We just have to wait and see.

Ted Lilly on Another Set Back...

Yesterday it was announce that P Ted Lilly had another setback due to stiffness in his back. That injury has been pothering him for about a week now. He was suppose to pitch a minor league game on Friday but had the back pain and was then suppose to pitch Sunday and the same issue came up.

Before the season started Ted Lilly return date was set for April 19th but with the 2 latest set-backs. I don't think he will return by then. I say he returns anywhere from from the end or April to early May. I think they will take a easy on him until gets fully healthy because the Cubs will be in contention time he comes back.

The good news is, the set-back has nothing to do with him arm.

I guess we just and to wait and see of how everything goes.

If I was Pinella...

This is what I would do if I was the manager of the Chicago Cubs:

1) I would not take a pitcher out of the inning if he is pitching good because the batter is the opposite of his pitching arm. Unless the batter kills the pitcher. Pinella always does that and I dislike that.

2) Let the pitchers pitch 100 pitches if they are pitching good and not take them out.

3) Play the hotter hand and not the player who is getting paid the most money.

4) Call up Castro and move Therot to 2nd. If Theriot is not hitting, make him platoon with Fontenot.

My Starting Lineup with the team they have right now:
1) SS Ryan Theriot
2) LF Tyler Colvin
3) 1B Derrek Lee
4) 3B Aramis Ramirez
5) CF Marlon Byrd
6) RF Xavier Nady/ Kosuke Fukudome
7) C Geovany Soto
8) 2B Mike Fontenot/ Jeff Baker
9) P Pitcher

That is what I would do different to the Cubs.

Fire LOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have not been a Cubs fan to say fire Lou Pinella over the last year or so but now I am getting really pissed at his dumb ass moves he makes during games.

For some reason in the 8th inning of the ball game yesterday he puts John Grabow in the game who is suppose to be the lefty specialist instead of the set-up man Esmalin Caridad who is a better guy to go into that positing. You most likely no already, Grabow gave up a 2-run homer which was the game winner for the Braves and Pinella then put Caridad in for one batter and he struck the batter out.

He does not let Marshall pitch more tham a couple innings when he is the Cubs long reliever. That could of loss them the game on Monday because of not letting Marshall pitch more.

He still is playing Mike Fontenot over Jeff Baker which I think was a mistake. Fontenot make a bid mistake in the field yesterday and can not hit with runners in scoring position.

Kosuke should be the lead off man, Theriot still does not have a hit on the season and that is not good for a leadoff man.

So if Pinella changes this, the Cubs will win lots more games but if he does not he will not be managing pass May. Sandberg new manager.

I guess we just have to wait and see, if he changes stuff up.

Tomorrow I will have: If I was the manager of the Cubs...

Answers from Yesterdays Post...

If you missed my questions, you can find them here:

1) I do not think Kosuke will hit like he did yesterday because he always starts off hitting and then goes into a majore slump.
2) I do think Big Z will be a 15+ game winner in 2010 because he never pitches good on opening besides last year.
3) I think Byrd will be a good pick up because he is good in the clubhouse, good at defence and puts up average numbers with the bat.
4) I think Smardzija will be in the majors until Lilly returns from the DL and then gets sent down.
5) I don't know if Berg was the right decision but maybe yesterday he was nervous and it got to him. But I think Thomas Diamond could of been a better decision.
6) I do expect the Cubs to keep hitting the ball hard for the whole season. If they do that, Cubs will win the division.
7) I am not big on the Cubs pitching but anything has to be better than waht they did on Monday. If the Cubs are still in the race come the trade deadline, expect Jim Hendry to trade for a pitcher.
8) I do not expect Soriano to slump again and put up the same numbers as he did in 2007.
9) Its Lee, there is no way he has lots of errors. I expect aroung 6 or 7 errors this year.
10) YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS they will. They suck and are only there to get paid not to get the call right.

Those are my answers and I really like them and I hope I am right.

Thoughts After Game 1...

Will these happen during the 2010 season:

1) Will Kosuke keep hitting like he did yesterday?
2) Will Big Z be this bad?
3) Was Marlon Byrd a great cheap pickup?
4) Will Samardzija be up in the majors much longer?
5) Was Justin Berg the right decision out of Spring Training?
6) Will the Cubs bats keep hitting the ball like they did yesterday?
7) Will the Cubs pitching be this bad all year?
8) Will Soriano slump again this year?
9) Will Lee have a lot of errors this year?
10) Will the umps screw up on another play that goes against the Cubs in the 2010 season?

I will answer this questions tomorrow. I guess only time will tell.

What I would do after Just 1 Game...

I know it is only 1 game but these have to happen because if they don't it will be a long season. They still can make the playoffs but will make it more sure if they make these moves.


1) Send Jeff Samardzija down or just plain out release him. His trade stock has fallen big time and since he has been a Cub, he has done nothing besides give up runs, walks, walks and more walks. He also can get hit off because he only has 1 pitch and that is a fast ball.


2) Call up top prospect SS Starlin Castro. I know he is probably not ready but I can not stand Ryan Theriot's defence. He is so bad at defence, every time a ball is hit there I never want to watch. He can not throw from short to first, he has no range and routine groundball are not for sure outs. If he does not hit, there is no need for him to play. If Castro got the call, it will improve the defence big time and make the pitchers even better.


Well in this game, the umpires did not help at all. They missed a big play in the outfield where there CF Nate Mcclouth dive for a ball and missed it but the umps call it an out and Ramirez saw the ball hit the ground and stayed at second. But with the umps call it a catch, Ramirez got doubled off. The replay clearly show the ball hitting the ground and the game would of totally have a different outcome. So should there be replays on those calls? I was against that but if this is only the 1st game of the season, I say yes then because this is going to drive me nuts if they keep missing calls like that.

At least in this game, the Cubs bats came alive and were hitting the ball with authority unlike last year where the could not buy a hit. That is why I am looking forward to this season.

I know probably those first 2 steps I would do won't happen but would be nice and should in my opinion.

Trade Scenario: Cubs, M's...em out good,

This is not real and just a trade that could help both teams.


Cubs get: Player To Be Named Later.

M's get: 2B Mike Fontenot.


Reason for trade for the Cubs: Every Cubs fan would like to see 20 year old SS Starlin Castro make the team along with me. If the Cubs trade Mike Fontenot, this can open up a opportunity for him to start. You move Theriot to 2nd where I think he would play way better defence and put up the same numbers as he always does on offence. Then you can insert Castro right in as the starting SS and Baker would be the primarily utility guy.

Reason for trade for M's: Fontenot would be a perfect fit for the utility role. When he was the Cubs utility guy 2 years ago, he was the best at it. He also plays pretty good defence, above average. He would help the M's out good by backing up Figgins and Lopez. Now he can be more attractable because he can play short now.

If the M's are not open to a trade for him. This can work for any team that is in need of a utility guy.

3 Players to Watch for in 2010...

These players will be major league players:


1) SP Carlos Zambrano: Will Big Z be immature this year or be a more calm Big Z? Coming into spring training, he said he will keep his emotions to himself. Zambrano is a big key to the Cubs success in the 2010 season after only winning 9 games in the 2009 season. Zambrano has change his pitches this year and is trying to work with a new method. So he can win more games and strike out more batters. I expect Zambrano to have a bounce back year by winning 18 games and posting a 3.66 era.


2) 3B Aramis Ramirez: Will Ramirez stay healthy during the 2010 campaign or re-injure his shoulder? Since he decided not to get surgery on his shoulder, he is more gullible to injuring it again. If he makes a dive, he has a really good chance to injure the shoulder again. But I expect him to be fine during the 2010 season. The Cubs need his big bat during the season if they want to go back to the playoffs. I say he will hit 29hr, 114 rbi and bat .306 and play 144 games.


3) LF Alfonso Soriano: Will Soriano recover from his knee surgery and produce way better in 2010? I say yes, he kind of has to. He will not bat leadoff all year and will stay in the 6th hole to drive in runs. Like last year, I think he was not hitting because of his knee injury but with his knee being fixed, I hope it will help. I say it will help and he will get back to hitting home runs. I say he will hit 33hr, 99rbi and bat .269 in 127 games.

Thoughts on the 3 key players that need to be big for the Cubs in 2010?

3 Prospects to Keep a eye on...

These are players that Cub fans should watch for in 2010. Players in the minors. I will state when or if he will get called up in the 2010 season.

1) SS Starlin Castro: Every Cubs fan would like for him to come up as soon as possible. Even be in the majors out of spring training. Castro has top of the order speed, a good throwing arm and above average defense. When he does in fact get the call to come to the majors. he will be the Cubs starting SS and leadoff man. They would then move Theriot to 2nd. A move that has to be made and probably is overdue. Prediction: He will be called up before the 2010 trade deadline and will be the Cubs starting SS.


2) 3B Josh Vitters: People say he could be the starting 3B when Ramirez leaves after next season (I do not see him opting out after this season.) Or he could be move to 1B when Lee leaves, if he does sign an extension after 2010 season. Vitters is not the best contact hitter but does have power for a middle of the order bat. He plays average defense and a little bit above average speed. I say when he does get called up, he will be there 3B and bat anywhere from 3-6 in the lineup. Prediction: I say he will get the call to come up in 2011, not his year. He could be a September call-up this year or even maybe if someone gets injured. But would have to be playing good in the minors.


3) P Andrew Cashner: People do not know what he should be, a closer or a starter but all people do know he will be in the majors with the Cubs at some point in his career. As of right now, I do not think Cashner is going to be a ace. He has some command issues, well at least in spring training he did. I think he could be a good number 2 pitcher. He has a good fastball with OK second pitches. Prediction: He will be a 2010 September call-up.

Honorable Mentions: OF Brett Jackson, P Jay Jackson, OF James Adducii, and SS Hak-Ju Lee.

Those are some names to watch for down the road.

Bold Predictions for the 2010 Season...

These can happen any time during the 2010 season:

1) OF Kosuke Fukudome is traded before trade deadline.

2) SS Starlin Castro will be starting SS before July.

3) 2B Mike Fontenot is traded in 2 months.

4) P Carlos Zambrano wins 20 games this season.

5) The Cubs have 5+ All-Stars.

6) The Cubs score 900+ runs.

7) The Cubs add a top OF or SP near or at the trade deadline.

8) The Cubs only get 1 starter injured in 2010.

9) Carlos Marmol saves 45+ games in 2010.

10) The Cubs will 90+ games and a divison title in 2010.

Thoughts? I know not all these and probably most will not happen but I hope these all happen.