Here is some news on spring training day 10:
Lou Pinella said that Ryan Dempster and Calos Zambrano will not pitch in the first week of exhibition games. Spring training added more games this year and he said there is plenty of time for them to pitch.
According to Chicago Tribune, Carlos Zambrano threw to minor leaguers with Larry Rothschild and Mark O'Neal watching closely at him.
Carlos Marmol still has not made his decision on whether to play for the Dominican Republic in the WBC. When that changes I will have it posted.
Lou Pinella said he is not going to cut anyone due to the length of spring training this year.
According to Lou, Marshall will pitch the second game and Lilly will pitch the third game in spring training.
According to Carrie Muskat, Kosuke Fukudome hit a grand slam in his first exhibition game for Japan.
Tidbits on the Cubs:
The Cubs minor league team will report to Fitch Park on March 12th and there exhibition games start on March 19th.
According to Cubs.com, the Cubs starters will throw 27-28 innings in the Cactus League, Same as the past few years.
A lot was made on Saturday about the height of the infield bu the median in Mesa, Ryan Theriot is 5'11, Aaron Miles and Mike Fontenot are both 5'8.
I will keep you posted.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Talkin Baseball, Spring Training, Ownership.....
I will start with a spring training update:
Calos Zambrano threw to live batting on Saturday mourning. He threw 25 pitches.
Alfonso Soriano work out in the offseason for the first time in his career, I guess Soriano wants to win the bid reward (World Series).
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Jeff Samardzija is going to start the first catus league game on Wednesday. After that is undetermined on who will pitch.
The Cubs are planning on stretching out guys such as Mitch Atkins, to see what he can do when he pitches and also to see what to do with Jeff Samardzija.
Carlos Marmol will now know by Sunday id he will pitch in the WBC.
Talkin Baseball: Lou Pinella joined Bruce Levine and Jonathan Hood on ESPN 1000.
Lou Pinella hinted that Kevin Gregg is going to be the closer. Pinella said the reason we brought Greg in, is to take Kerry Wood's spot as closer. I'm fine with that and now the Cubs can use Marlmol as the setup man.
Pinella said the only roles he has to still figure out are the bachup roles and the bullpen. He said the 2 main positions to figure out are CF and 2B.
Pinella said they hoped Kosuke Fukudome was in Mesa, instead of the WBC.
Len Kasper on XM radio:
Len Kasper said Pinella would leave Soriano in the #1 hole and when Soriano is not in the leadoff hole, he would use guys like Theriot, Fontenot, and Miles. Kasper thinks Kosuke is the best fit if he hits like he did last year in the beginning of the season.
As of right now Sean Marshall has the lead for the 5th starter job. Kasper also mentions that the Cubs might go with 6 starters, to rest Harden a little more.
Kasper says that Jeff Samardzija could be the long relief man in the bullpen. He also thinks that it would be good for him to start in Iowa.
Bruce Levine notes:
The Ricketts family will have to come up with 50% of there own money to finalize the deal for the Cubs.
Before the sale goes through, WGN and Comcast Sportsnet will have to rework there deals.
Levine has been told that the ownership will be finalized in late April, early March.
Levine does not think Reed Johnson is a everyday outfielder.
Levine is concerned about Carlos Marmols and the workload he has been through the past 2 seasons.
He also mentions the Cubs are still looking for a guy to back up Ramirez at 3B and Lee at 1B. He did not mention any names. The names the Cubs could be going after are Nomar Garciaparra and Valentine.
I will keep you posted.
Calos Zambrano threw to live batting on Saturday mourning. He threw 25 pitches.
Alfonso Soriano work out in the offseason for the first time in his career, I guess Soriano wants to win the bid reward (World Series).
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Jeff Samardzija is going to start the first catus league game on Wednesday. After that is undetermined on who will pitch.
The Cubs are planning on stretching out guys such as Mitch Atkins, to see what he can do when he pitches and also to see what to do with Jeff Samardzija.
Carlos Marmol will now know by Sunday id he will pitch in the WBC.
Talkin Baseball: Lou Pinella joined Bruce Levine and Jonathan Hood on ESPN 1000.
Lou Pinella hinted that Kevin Gregg is going to be the closer. Pinella said the reason we brought Greg in, is to take Kerry Wood's spot as closer. I'm fine with that and now the Cubs can use Marlmol as the setup man.
Pinella said the only roles he has to still figure out are the bachup roles and the bullpen. He said the 2 main positions to figure out are CF and 2B.
Pinella said they hoped Kosuke Fukudome was in Mesa, instead of the WBC.
Len Kasper on XM radio:
Len Kasper said Pinella would leave Soriano in the #1 hole and when Soriano is not in the leadoff hole, he would use guys like Theriot, Fontenot, and Miles. Kasper thinks Kosuke is the best fit if he hits like he did last year in the beginning of the season.
As of right now Sean Marshall has the lead for the 5th starter job. Kasper also mentions that the Cubs might go with 6 starters, to rest Harden a little more.
Kasper says that Jeff Samardzija could be the long relief man in the bullpen. He also thinks that it would be good for him to start in Iowa.
Bruce Levine notes:
The Ricketts family will have to come up with 50% of there own money to finalize the deal for the Cubs.
Before the sale goes through, WGN and Comcast Sportsnet will have to rework there deals.
Levine has been told that the ownership will be finalized in late April, early March.
Levine does not think Reed Johnson is a everyday outfielder.
Levine is concerned about Carlos Marmols and the workload he has been through the past 2 seasons.
He also mentions the Cubs are still looking for a guy to back up Ramirez at 3B and Lee at 1B. He did not mention any names. The names the Cubs could be going after are Nomar Garciaparra and Valentine.
I will keep you posted.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Spring Training Day 8 and other news
This is from spring training day 8:
According to Cubs.com, Carlos Marmol is reconsidering playing for the Dominican Republic in the WBC. For the past few weeks, Carlos Marmol was going to be the closer for the Dominican Republic. This was his quote from the report on Cubs.com. "I want to be the closer here. I need to work here. I'm not sure I'm going [to the World Baseball Classic]." Carlos Marlosl is going to talk to Felipe Alou the manager of the Dominican Republic and then make his decision. The decision should come by Saturday. The Rosters for the WBC have to be finalized by Tuesday.
Lou Pinella said when Aaron Miles play second and Kosuke Fukudome plays center, he likes this lineup, Soriano, Miles, Lee, Bradley, Ramirez, Fukudome, Soto, Theriot. So that lineup does not have a righty batting right behind another, until when Soto and Theriot come up.
Earlier this winter the Cubs sign LHP Bill White to a minor league deal, today the Cubs release him because he failed a physical. The Cubs added Brian Schlitter to the 40 man roster.
Alfons Soriano is telling everyone around him that he is going to start stealing more bases again. The Cubs just have to hope his legs stay healthy, so he will be at full strength to steal again.
12 pitchers threw off the mound this mourning in spring training phase 2. All the pitchers threw 25 pitches today.
The pitchers pitchers that stand out the most were Jeff Samardzjia, Ken Kadokura. Jeff could not fine home plate and almost smoke Ryan Theriot. Kadokura shattered a couple of bats with his moving fastball, although he got hit hard other times.
Jake Fox took grounders at third base again with coaches Alan Trammel and Ivan Dejesus (They hit him the grounders as watching him to).
The players that look the sharpest swinging today were the first baseman's Micah Hoffpauir and Derek Lee. They bath face live pitching.
This is news that does not relate to spring training:
According to MLB.com Ken Gurnick, the Dodgers sign Olando Hudson to a 1 year 3.4 million deal, with 4.6 million in incentives. So if the Cubs don't want to trade for a backup infielder, the most likely candidate is Nomar. The only bad part is the Phillie's are looking at him and if the Cubs and Phillie's offer him the same deal, he will chose the Phillie's (my opinion). I think when he played for Chicago his last time, I don't think he liked it. 2 other options for a backup infielder is Olando Cabrera and Joe Crede. It seems that both Crede and Cabrera want starting jobs somewhere and Cabrera could get a starting job in Oakland and Crede could get a starting job in San Francisco. Plus they would want a lot of money and Jim Hendry won't give them that kind of money as a backup.
According to Cubs.com, Carlos Marmol is reconsidering playing for the Dominican Republic in the WBC. For the past few weeks, Carlos Marmol was going to be the closer for the Dominican Republic. This was his quote from the report on Cubs.com. "I want to be the closer here. I need to work here. I'm not sure I'm going [to the World Baseball Classic]." Carlos Marlosl is going to talk to Felipe Alou the manager of the Dominican Republic and then make his decision. The decision should come by Saturday. The Rosters for the WBC have to be finalized by Tuesday.
Lou Pinella said when Aaron Miles play second and Kosuke Fukudome plays center, he likes this lineup, Soriano, Miles, Lee, Bradley, Ramirez, Fukudome, Soto, Theriot. So that lineup does not have a righty batting right behind another, until when Soto and Theriot come up.
Earlier this winter the Cubs sign LHP Bill White to a minor league deal, today the Cubs release him because he failed a physical. The Cubs added Brian Schlitter to the 40 man roster.
Alfons Soriano is telling everyone around him that he is going to start stealing more bases again. The Cubs just have to hope his legs stay healthy, so he will be at full strength to steal again.
12 pitchers threw off the mound this mourning in spring training phase 2. All the pitchers threw 25 pitches today.
The pitchers pitchers that stand out the most were Jeff Samardzjia, Ken Kadokura. Jeff could not fine home plate and almost smoke Ryan Theriot. Kadokura shattered a couple of bats with his moving fastball, although he got hit hard other times.
Jake Fox took grounders at third base again with coaches Alan Trammel and Ivan Dejesus (They hit him the grounders as watching him to).
The players that look the sharpest swinging today were the first baseman's Micah Hoffpauir and Derek Lee. They bath face live pitching.
This is news that does not relate to spring training:
According to MLB.com Ken Gurnick, the Dodgers sign Olando Hudson to a 1 year 3.4 million deal, with 4.6 million in incentives. So if the Cubs don't want to trade for a backup infielder, the most likely candidate is Nomar. The only bad part is the Phillie's are looking at him and if the Cubs and Phillie's offer him the same deal, he will chose the Phillie's (my opinion). I think when he played for Chicago his last time, I don't think he liked it. 2 other options for a backup infielder is Olando Cabrera and Joe Crede. It seems that both Crede and Cabrera want starting jobs somewhere and Cabrera could get a starting job in Oakland and Crede could get a starting job in San Francisco. Plus they would want a lot of money and Jim Hendry won't give them that kind of money as a backup.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Spring Training Day 7 and other notes
Spring Training Day 7:
Rick Sutcliffe will be a guest instructor until the WBC starts.
Lou says Alfonso Soriano is the leadoff man but will try people in the number 1 hole in spring training.
The Cubs will look for a backup infielder in spring training on there team or another team (Nomar or Hudson). Hoffpauir will likely not make the team if the Cubs get a backup infielder. Hoffpauir can only play first and a corner outfielder (the Cubs have 5 outfielders). I think Gathright will make the team as a backup outfielder because he can play all 3 outfields positions and has good speed to come in as a pinch runner.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Alfonso Soriano said he would move to the second base if we land Manny Ramirez. I thin there is about 0% to land him because of his price. I think if his price is around 10-15 million 1 year with a club option for a second year, I will then give it a 45%.
Lou Pineela will like to carry 14 position players amd 11 pitchers. He will be thinking about that in spring training. That means the Cubs will have 6 bench players.
Lou Pinella has not yet talk to the Rickett family but can't wait.
On other news:
According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, Jim Hendry had calls regarding a trade for Kosuke Fukudome. If the Cubs were going to trade Kosuke they will have to take on a bad contract like Kosuke's. One of the teams that were mention was the Seattle Mariners, the would of probably traded Washburn, Bedard or Johjima. If I was Jim Hendry I would of traded Kosuke for Bedard because Bedard can be a good pitcher if healthy and is also a lefty.; The the Cubs can get Marshall in the pen as the second lefty because as right now the Cubs only have 1 lefty in the pen and it is Cotts. Cotts will be the Cubs only lefty in the pen if Marshall goes to the 5th spot.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the teams that are still interested in Olando Hudson are the Dodgers (leading for Hudson), Royals (Hudson wants to play for them), and an unknown team (could be the Cubs because they were mention to Hudson). If Hudson goes to the Dodgers, it will probably be after they sign Manny Ramirez.
This is another note not related to the Cubs or baseball:
The Bulls have traded Larry Hughes to the Knicks for C Jerome James, PF Tim Thomas and SF Anthomy Roberson.
They also traded Thabo Seplosha to the Thunder for a first round pick.
I will keep you posted on the Cubs rumors.
Rick Sutcliffe will be a guest instructor until the WBC starts.
Lou says Alfonso Soriano is the leadoff man but will try people in the number 1 hole in spring training.
The Cubs will look for a backup infielder in spring training on there team or another team (Nomar or Hudson). Hoffpauir will likely not make the team if the Cubs get a backup infielder. Hoffpauir can only play first and a corner outfielder (the Cubs have 5 outfielders). I think Gathright will make the team as a backup outfielder because he can play all 3 outfields positions and has good speed to come in as a pinch runner.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Alfonso Soriano said he would move to the second base if we land Manny Ramirez. I thin there is about 0% to land him because of his price. I think if his price is around 10-15 million 1 year with a club option for a second year, I will then give it a 45%.
Lou Pineela will like to carry 14 position players amd 11 pitchers. He will be thinking about that in spring training. That means the Cubs will have 6 bench players.
Lou Pinella has not yet talk to the Rickett family but can't wait.
On other news:
According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, Jim Hendry had calls regarding a trade for Kosuke Fukudome. If the Cubs were going to trade Kosuke they will have to take on a bad contract like Kosuke's. One of the teams that were mention was the Seattle Mariners, the would of probably traded Washburn, Bedard or Johjima. If I was Jim Hendry I would of traded Kosuke for Bedard because Bedard can be a good pitcher if healthy and is also a lefty.; The the Cubs can get Marshall in the pen as the second lefty because as right now the Cubs only have 1 lefty in the pen and it is Cotts. Cotts will be the Cubs only lefty in the pen if Marshall goes to the 5th spot.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the teams that are still interested in Olando Hudson are the Dodgers (leading for Hudson), Royals (Hudson wants to play for them), and an unknown team (could be the Cubs because they were mention to Hudson). If Hudson goes to the Dodgers, it will probably be after they sign Manny Ramirez.
This is another note not related to the Cubs or baseball:
The Bulls have traded Larry Hughes to the Knicks for C Jerome James, PF Tim Thomas and SF Anthomy Roberson.
They also traded Thabo Seplosha to the Thunder for a first round pick.
I will keep you posted on the Cubs rumors.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Spring Training Day 6 and other news
Here is some news from spring training:
Rich Harden threw off the mound today for his second time and everything went right well again.
Derek Lee's daughter Jada is recovering from her vision problem. That is great news because I think the past few years Lee was thinking more of his daughter then baseball. Now maybe he can focused better.
Derek Lee is trying to keep his mind off the long ball and just play small ball. If Lee does that, he can get on base for Bradley, Ramirez, Soto and maybe Soriano.
Jake Fox is trying to make the team as a backup for third base.
According to Gordon Wittnymer, Aramis Ramirez ans Alfonso Soriano are ready for opening day.
Other News: The Cubs are once again looking at Mark Teahen because he might be traded or release by the Kansas City Royals. The Royals might have to cut budget to sign Olando Hudson. Hudson said yesterday that he wants to play for the Royals. The only way he will play for the Royals if they cut Teahen and another player and the fans in Kansas City will be very happy.
Mark Teahen can play RF, LF, 1B, 2B, ans 3B. Teahen can be a good utility guy, to give there infielders a break and to come off the bench.
This next news is not baseball or Cubs related. It is Bulls related.
The Bulls traded SF Andres Nocioni, PF Drew Gooden, C Michael Ruffin and PF Cedric Simmons to the Kings for C Brad Miller and SF John Salmons.
After the Bulls made the trade, the Kings then traded Michael Ruffin to the Trailblazers.
This year Brad Miller played in 43 games, 31 MPG, 11 PPG, 8 RPG, and 3 APG.
This year John Salmons played in 53 games , 37 MPG, 18 PPG, 4 RPG and 4 APG.
I thought that is something I will pass by.
I will always keep you posted on Cubs before anything else.
Rich Harden threw off the mound today for his second time and everything went right well again.
Derek Lee's daughter Jada is recovering from her vision problem. That is great news because I think the past few years Lee was thinking more of his daughter then baseball. Now maybe he can focused better.
Derek Lee is trying to keep his mind off the long ball and just play small ball. If Lee does that, he can get on base for Bradley, Ramirez, Soto and maybe Soriano.
Jake Fox is trying to make the team as a backup for third base.
According to Gordon Wittnymer, Aramis Ramirez ans Alfonso Soriano are ready for opening day.
Other News: The Cubs are once again looking at Mark Teahen because he might be traded or release by the Kansas City Royals. The Royals might have to cut budget to sign Olando Hudson. Hudson said yesterday that he wants to play for the Royals. The only way he will play for the Royals if they cut Teahen and another player and the fans in Kansas City will be very happy.
Mark Teahen can play RF, LF, 1B, 2B, ans 3B. Teahen can be a good utility guy, to give there infielders a break and to come off the bench.
This next news is not baseball or Cubs related. It is Bulls related.
The Bulls traded SF Andres Nocioni, PF Drew Gooden, C Michael Ruffin and PF Cedric Simmons to the Kings for C Brad Miller and SF John Salmons.
After the Bulls made the trade, the Kings then traded Michael Ruffin to the Trailblazers.
This year Brad Miller played in 43 games, 31 MPG, 11 PPG, 8 RPG, and 3 APG.
This year John Salmons played in 53 games , 37 MPG, 18 PPG, 4 RPG and 4 APG.
I thought that is something I will pass by.
I will always keep you posted on Cubs before anything else.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sring Training Day 4 and other News
Here is some news from Spring Training:
According to Cubs.com Alfonso Soriano does not care if he bats lower in the lineup.
Derek Lee does not care if he bats 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or even 6th in the lineup, He says its to early to talk about lineups.
The players playing in the WBC are Ted Lilly (United States), Kosuke Fukudome (Japan), Carlos Marmol (Dominican Republic), and Geovany Soto (Puerto Rico).
Luis Vizcaino finally reported to spring training. Vizcaino had the vista problems.
All of the players had reported to camp accept the ones that went to the WBC.
Note: The Cubs will televise on WGN 63 times and CSN 80 times in the year.
According to the Chicago Tribune Micah Hoffpauir will have the 25th spot on the team as the 6th outfielder and to back up Derek Lee at first base. Pinella said it is his job to lose.
According to Bruce Miles, Alfonso Soriano is in great shape.
Micah Atkins is another guy who will compete for the 5th spot along with Jeff S, Gaudin, Marshall, and Heilman. Pinellia said earlier Marshall is in the lead to be the 5th starter.
Jeff Stevens came out today throwing nasty curveballs and look good according to Gordon Wittnymer. Who knows he might compete for the 5th starter job.
The Cubs have invited president President Barack O'bama to spring traing. To bad Barack O'bama is a White Sox fan.
Cory Provus is leading the Cubs and to be the radio announcer for the Brewers (what a trader).
On other news, Olando Hudson:
According to Jon Heyman the Dodgers are very much interested in Olando Hudson and GM Ned Coletti said they could afford bothe Hudson and Manny.
According to Ken Rosenthal, Olando Hudson would like to play for the Royals. The Royals don't have the money to spend on Hudson, they will have to release Mark Teahen and that is unlikely,
If the Royals do release Teahen, the Cubs will be very interested in him. That is according to Hot Stove Cubbies.
The Cubs number 1 priority is to try to get Hudson because he can bat leadoff in which the Cubs really need. The Cubs want to sign him without giving up a draft pick.
The Cubs might do what the Diamondbacks are doing with Juan Cruz, a sign and trade.
Jon Heyman also mentions that the White Sox are not pursuing Hudson no more. The Teams left in the pursuit are the Dodgers, Cubs and Royals.
I will keep you posted when I here something.
According to Cubs.com Alfonso Soriano does not care if he bats lower in the lineup.
Derek Lee does not care if he bats 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or even 6th in the lineup, He says its to early to talk about lineups.
The players playing in the WBC are Ted Lilly (United States), Kosuke Fukudome (Japan), Carlos Marmol (Dominican Republic), and Geovany Soto (Puerto Rico).
Luis Vizcaino finally reported to spring training. Vizcaino had the vista problems.
All of the players had reported to camp accept the ones that went to the WBC.
Note: The Cubs will televise on WGN 63 times and CSN 80 times in the year.
According to the Chicago Tribune Micah Hoffpauir will have the 25th spot on the team as the 6th outfielder and to back up Derek Lee at first base. Pinella said it is his job to lose.
According to Bruce Miles, Alfonso Soriano is in great shape.
Micah Atkins is another guy who will compete for the 5th spot along with Jeff S, Gaudin, Marshall, and Heilman. Pinellia said earlier Marshall is in the lead to be the 5th starter.
Jeff Stevens came out today throwing nasty curveballs and look good according to Gordon Wittnymer. Who knows he might compete for the 5th starter job.
The Cubs have invited president President Barack O'bama to spring traing. To bad Barack O'bama is a White Sox fan.
Cory Provus is leading the Cubs and to be the radio announcer for the Brewers (what a trader).
On other news, Olando Hudson:
According to Jon Heyman the Dodgers are very much interested in Olando Hudson and GM Ned Coletti said they could afford bothe Hudson and Manny.
According to Ken Rosenthal, Olando Hudson would like to play for the Royals. The Royals don't have the money to spend on Hudson, they will have to release Mark Teahen and that is unlikely,
If the Royals do release Teahen, the Cubs will be very interested in him. That is according to Hot Stove Cubbies.
The Cubs number 1 priority is to try to get Hudson because he can bat leadoff in which the Cubs really need. The Cubs want to sign him without giving up a draft pick.
The Cubs might do what the Diamondbacks are doing with Juan Cruz, a sign and trade.
Jon Heyman also mentions that the White Sox are not pursuing Hudson no more. The Teams left in the pursuit are the Dodgers, Cubs and Royals.
I will keep you posted when I here something.
Spring Training and Olando Hudson
Spring Training News:
Carlos Zambrano has shaved his mustache.
The only positions players that haven't shown yep yet are Aramis Ramirez, Derek Lee, and Alfonso Soriano.
Luis Vizcaino is still not at Mesa. He is the only pitcher not to be there.
Lou Pinella said yesterday that he is going to consider moving Alfonso Soriano down in the lineup. Pinella said that he could put Aaron Miles, Mike Fontenot, Ryan Theriot and Kosuke Fukudome.
Mike Fontenot, Jake Fox and Aaron Miles all took grounders at third yesterday, One of them will have to bet the backup at third for Aramis Ramirez.
On other news:
Olando Hudson said he is going to make a decision on where to play in the next coming days, The teams that are interested are the White Sox, Dodgers, Cubs and Royals as a long shot. The Nationals have drop out of the race. Who knows those 4 teams could of offered him a deal already and he is just waiting, Before the offseason started Hudson was looking for 10 million a year and now might have to settle for 3-5 million.
I will keep you updated on spring training and rumors when I here them.
Carlos Zambrano has shaved his mustache.
The only positions players that haven't shown yep yet are Aramis Ramirez, Derek Lee, and Alfonso Soriano.
Luis Vizcaino is still not at Mesa. He is the only pitcher not to be there.
Lou Pinella said yesterday that he is going to consider moving Alfonso Soriano down in the lineup. Pinella said that he could put Aaron Miles, Mike Fontenot, Ryan Theriot and Kosuke Fukudome.
Mike Fontenot, Jake Fox and Aaron Miles all took grounders at third yesterday, One of them will have to bet the backup at third for Aramis Ramirez.
On other news:
Olando Hudson said he is going to make a decision on where to play in the next coming days, The teams that are interested are the White Sox, Dodgers, Cubs and Royals as a long shot. The Nationals have drop out of the race. Who knows those 4 teams could of offered him a deal already and he is just waiting, Before the offseason started Hudson was looking for 10 million a year and now might have to settle for 3-5 million.
I will keep you updated on spring training and rumors when I here them.
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