I've decided to take the drive down to southern Arizona for this afternoon's game (and the time in the headline is correct; first pitch will be at 3:10 CT, not 3:05 as most of the games are). With the White Sox' move to Glendale, the Diamondbacks and Rockies, the two remaining teams training in Tucson, now have the right to opt out of their deals there and move elsewhere within the next couple of years. As soon as they can get a complex built in the Phoenix metro area (and the D'backs and Rockies are expected to share one), they'll move.
So this may be my last spring visit to Tucson, though the Cubs will likely make a handful of trips down there for whatever time is left for Tucson spring baseball, which has a history dating back to 1947 when the Cleveland Indians first trained there. This also means today's game recap will be delayed while I make the two-hour-plus drive back to the Phoenix area.
Today, Ryan Dempster takes the mound for the Cubs against the Rockies' Ubaldo Jimenez. Yesterday, instead of pitching in the major league game as expected, Carlos Marmol, Aaron Heilman and Neal Cotts got their work in during a minor league game at Fitch Park. And don't worry about Marmol's bad outing on Thursday night, says Lou:
Piniella said the rough outings by Cub pitchers, including Marmol, in Thursday's game won't be considered in evaluations because of the windy conditions.
That probably applies to Sean Marshall, too, who didn't have his good command on Thursday night and as a result, issued five walks. And Lou says he'll still be announcing who the closer will be tomorrow. You may see Gregg pitch in today's game, since he hasn't thrown since back-to-back outings Monday and Tuesday.
Otherwise, I wouldn't expect too many of the regulars to make the trip to Tucson, since most of them played both Thursday night and Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, Bruce Miles' blog yesterday contained this interesting note:
In a procedurual move today, the Cubs outrighted outfielder Brad Snyder to Triple-A, taking him off the 40-man roster, which stands at 37. The Cubs claimed Snyder off waivers from Cleveland last September.
Snyder has some talent (and actually played in yesterday's game after being outrighted), but again, as after the move outrighting Richie Robnett on Tuesday, I wonder what the purpose of having three open spots on the 40-man roster at this stage of spring training would be, except to make room for possible outside-the-organization acquisitions. I've heard around camp that nothing's going on right now, but that could change before Opening Day.
Today's game is on WGN radio with Pat & Ron, also on broadcast radio in the Denver area on KOA (and on Denver TV via FSN Rocky Mountain), on XM 177, and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 172 comments
Heh
Hope Lou feels better!!
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 28, 2009
interesting......
that Lou get sick only two days after Dome’s return
Clutche - March 28, 2009
No
Interesting he gets sick on the day they have to take a 2 hour bus trip with the B team.
JohnM - March 28, 2009
Apparently, Lou really is sick.
Al Yellon - March 28, 2009
My friend had it while we were out there..........
sick for 3 days and lost 8 lbs.
Clutche - March 28, 2009
Wow, that sucks.
Glad I’ve been able to avoid it. Better stay away from the Cubs dugout.
Al Yellon - March 28, 2009
It was going around our hotel
bought Lysol and sprayed the room…which isn’t a bad idea under normal circumstances
Clutche - March 28, 2009
It's a small world............
A picture you posted from the Oakland game at Muni from behind the 1st base dugout has the back of my head in the frame…good job!
Clutche - March 28, 2009
Seriously?
Wish I’d known you were there, in the section right in front of me, no less.
Al Yellon - March 29, 2009
Yes..........
I wish I’d known…. it would have been nice to meet you
Clutche - March 29, 2009
I believe Brad Snyder was out of options
and that is why he was outrighted. I think Robnett was also out of options and that is why has was also outrighted.
cowsarecool220 - March 28, 2009
Thanks for that.
That makes sense.
Al Yellon - March 28, 2009
From Sullivan's article:
From your lips to God’s ears, Ozzie.
Goodie1969 - March 28, 2009
No reason to keep your 40-man roster at 40 if you don't have to.
Could just be the Cubs thinking they don’t have 40 guys worth protecting (or don’t need to per MLB rules & regs in this regard). And obviously having a few open spots gives you flexibility should an acquisition opportunity arise but I wouldn’t take it to mean such a deal has to be close at hand. I like the idea of running lean.
Re: outrighting Snyder – does that mean he has to pass through waivers, i.e. someone else could claim him? Or is he still Cubs property.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
Snyder gets the chance of hooking on another MLB roster
He has to agree to a minor league contract.
No long term it is best to fill your 40 man roster for it is part of the budget and motivation as well as being able to move players with option years easily.
Now with three spots open it allows for alot of spots open to acquire a player or two on waivers or add a minor league contract like Taguchi plus an addition to the roster
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
Oh, and FWIW...
Got this via an e-mail from one of the more “radical” bleacher bums… ;-)
Seeing as how I don’t have cable, I have no idea as to its validity but if you have the MLB Network on your system, check it out at 4:00 CT and maybe you’ll get lucky.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
Game on MLB Network
I’ve got Tivo and it will record all Cubs games. It is listed on the to do list for this afternoon. MLB will also have one of the games from New Yankee Stadium next weekend as well.
cubfred - March 28, 2009
this seems odd that the mlb tv feed on direcTV doesn't start until an hour late
and what I find on that station instead is a bunch of junk (a recap of 1995). who makes these programing decisions? the used car salesman from Milwaukee?
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
Game is on MLB network at 4:00 PM central
Tim M - March 28, 2009
Sweet!
I didn’t think it was on.
Anyone here know if and when Comcast is gonna launch an HD channel for MLB Network?
TheRamZamDLEE - March 28, 2009
For those in Colorado, today's game on FSN-Rocky Mtn!
just made my day!
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
Thats the FSN we get in Utah too.
Hopefully i’ll get it.
BradB311 - March 28, 2009
here's hoping for you...already set up two TV's in my office
watch MIZZU and UCONN and Cubs-Rox
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
gasp!
The Shamwow guy got arrested for beating a prostitute! http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0327092sham1.html
Look at the mugshot haha!
Chanman25 - March 28, 2009
saw this on Obermann last night
Keith had fun with him talking about his “nuts” from his latest commercial with the chopper.
actually Keith said there was an altercation where Shlomi didn’t like this tongue being bitten off….and then professional woman didn’t like getting punched….
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
a classy story from a class act
Emelie - March 28, 2009
Allegedly the woman charged a $1000 a date but didn't like being french kissed in public
and Shlomi didn’t like not knowing her reaction to his tongue in her mouth in public—-chalk it up to more miscommunication with men and woman at a place where liquor is sold in open containers.
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
Are we talking about the same Keith Olbermann...
who was so bad at sportscasting and commentaries that he decided to become a “political analyst” (and I use the term generously) and failed enough at that to be reprimanded by his own news network during last year’s election campaign?
northernsails - March 28, 2009
last week's Real Time with Bill Mahr had a take off on this whiole thing
with a product that combined the ShamWow with the Snuggie. The fake infomercial ends with the lazy guy peeing on himself while watching TV. Seemed about right for a merger of these two products.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
You can here Ron in the background... but his language isn't blue
Emelie - March 28, 2009
er... hear
Emelie - March 28, 2009
watch now R Johnson has a broken wrist
hello Taguchi
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
this is scary yikes
Emelie - March 28, 2009
Oh no... I do hope Reed's OK
Emelie - March 28, 2009
he is up at 1B but looks like a big welt on his lower arm
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
the last thing we need is an injured RJ
Emelie - March 28, 2009
forget the Reed part - the last thing anyone needs is an injured Johnson...
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
I was very careful about how I worded that ;-)
Emelie - March 28, 2009
He got nailed
I thought he broke it for sure
D-rose - March 28, 2009
yikes...RJ ok??
Chanman25 - March 28, 2009
yeah
he went to first laughing
D-rose - March 28, 2009
well we don't want a Soriano-like injury of last season for him
Chanman25 - March 28, 2009
apparently
Emelie - March 28, 2009
dempster with a walk
the first pitch didnt make it half way to the plate
D-rose - March 28, 2009
what's that guy's name? I'm hearing "Spillboard"
Emelie - March 28, 2009
pronounced SpeeelBorg
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
thanks
Emelie - March 28, 2009
C'mon Demp!
Emelie - March 28, 2009
Dempster just doesn't have his control today
at least so far
D-rose - March 28, 2009
not at all
Emelie - March 28, 2009
3-2 pitch from Dempster
was straight down the middle at like 89 mph
D-rose - March 28, 2009
3-1 ... dangit demp
Emelie - March 28, 2009
If you want more LH bat at 1B would you trade (hypothetical)
Derrick Lee for (contract 09-10: $13M annually
Todd Helton (contract 09-10:$16.6M/year, 11:$19.1M plus club option or buyout $4.6M
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
I think it's just you and me rattling around today, Ivy
Emelie - March 28, 2009
yes we are....but so what
I am working on my book and just keeping track of the NCAA game but watching Cubs mostly.
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
what's your book about?
Emelie - March 28, 2009
nope. not worth the added expense and year.
if they do nothing, Cubs are free to get a new 1B in 2011. That means their worst case scenario is two more years of DLee at 1B. Assuming Lou is not a total stubborn mule about batting him third, that’s a pretty good worst case.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
Dammit Dome
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
And a few lurkers like me =)
cavebear - March 28, 2009
hi there mr. bear!
Emelie - March 28, 2009
Dome still anemic
Emelie - March 28, 2009
he moves his head too much
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
interesting observation...
Emelie - March 28, 2009
I hope he turns it around..
Not sure I expect him too, but it would be nice. “Fukodome is my homie” had such a nice ring to it.
cavebear - March 28, 2009
sure does
Emelie - March 28, 2009
I get bashed.............
but from day one I said Dome’s done and Hoff will be the pleasant surprise of the season……so far I’m on target
Clutche - March 28, 2009
How are you on target when the season hasn't even started?
That’s really just a rhetorical question.
Acapulco Taco Pie - March 28, 2009
said SO FAR............
Clutche - March 28, 2009
can't have a "so far" when the season hasn't started.
ST doesn’t really count.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
so why have ST?
That’s rhetorical……EVALUATION of talent
Clutche - March 28, 2009
MLB Network is firing up the game now on DirecTV (Florida)
flachimesa - March 28, 2009
that hour delay business stinks, though
Emelie - March 28, 2009
incredibly stupid decision.
i guess that penetrating one hour special on the 1995 season was more important than providing a live feed of the Cubs & Rockies. Go figure.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
I would have much preferred being splayed on the couch
rather than sitting in my office.
Emelie - March 28, 2009
not. gonna. touch. that. one.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
lol!
Emelie - March 28, 2009
Hoff sure is batting well
Emelie - March 28, 2009
That's my boy
Clutche - March 28, 2009
you sound surprised?
he has a sweet swing
Clutche - March 28, 2009
I'm taking a wait and see on everybody
Emelie - March 28, 2009
that was a long/loud out. good throw to second.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
ok - all caught up.
definitely got some ADD going here. NCAA on one tv, Sox/Dodgers on other tv and Cubs on the radio. Trying to prep for draft, update a web site, and follow along here on the computer.
Oh, and Hoff can hit a little.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
you lazy bum!
Emelie - March 28, 2009
OMG Hoff did it again
Emelie - March 28, 2009
seems like Al will have to say some good things about him again (gritting teeth)
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
We'll see....
I’ll give him credit though, he’s slowly coming around!
cubswynn - March 28, 2009
Gritting teeth is right.
Was happy to say nice things about Hoffpauir’s hitting. Not so happy to see people still think he can play the outfield.
Al Yellon - March 28, 2009
He can play decent 1b though
Nowhere near DLee caliber, obviously, but he can field that position from what I’ve seen.
northernsails - March 28, 2009
Yes, I will agree to that.
Hoffpauir is a capable defensive 1B. If we needed one, we’d have one.
Al Yellon - March 28, 2009
trying to come up with something...
ummm…no such thing as ‘enough hitting’?
northernsails - March 28, 2009
Great!
If we could just invent such a thing as “NL Designated Hitter”, we’d have the perfect guy for it!
Al Yellon - March 28, 2009
He will play more than you think
Clutche - March 28, 2009
We'll see.
Al Yellon - March 28, 2009
You're coming around Al
Clutche - March 28, 2009
If and when he fulfills the PH/part time role well...
… I’ll be happy to say I’m wrong.
Al Yellon - March 28, 2009
My man
Clutche - March 28, 2009
Finally figured out what ESPNHD stands for
Erin Says Pretty Nice Hoff Dinger
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
There are a lot of candidates for the "d" word, doncha think?
Emelie - March 28, 2009
well, another common term for home run is dong, but you never know when SWL is gonna show up...
…and I didn’t want to risk a situational picture.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
I think the Rockeis fielders are getting antsy from all the walks
they may call a bathroom break this inning is taking so long.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
lol!
Emelie - March 28, 2009
who cares about the Rockies...
that inning was getting difficult on me too!
We need Dempster to settle down. Not his best day, so far.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
yeah, but better now than in a couple of weeks.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
true.
i remember one spring when Clement was total dog meat, and once he got out of the thin air, he was lights out in April-June. Of course he ran out of gas in the hot weather, if I remember correctly, but the point was his performance in the thin air was not indicative of what he would do once he got to Chicago, etc…
I think Marmol’s slider will work much better once he gets out of the desert. I know he has said he is throwing a lot more fastballs than he would in the regular season due to the thin air in the desert. Many of these guys may not be throwing to their normal pitching pattern in this thin air…especially guys who use breaking balls as their out pitch.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
These guys have NO respect for Soto.
they are treating him like he is Piazza’a son.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
Ha! Take that Z!
triple by Dempster…
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
stand up 3-bagger by Demp
bragging rights for months
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
to left/center...that ain't easy!
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
woo hoo Demp! Making up for lousy pitching! You go, man!
Emelie - March 28, 2009
Miles is having a good weekend
6 hits in two days, just need a 4th infielder like Uribe to sit alongside him and the infield will be ok
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
meh. Either he needs to be good enough that we don't need the likes of Uribe or Aurilla...
…or we shouldn’t have signed him to begin with.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
no we need to have a back up that is versatile so Lou can use Miles
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
huh? use Miles how?
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
the stopper Glendon Rusch is in.
nice to see him back in the game.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
Al just tweeted that Demp will throw the 5th
Emelie - March 28, 2009
as in purposely give up the lead?
that truly is “inside info”
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
I guess that's better than pleading the 5th
or drinking the 5th…
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
after I posted I was waiting for these comments ;-}
Emelie - March 28, 2009
RJ Da Man!!
Emelie - March 28, 2009
hmmm need to amend my thoughts on Cub OF arms
we have four cannons in the OF….don’t run on the Cubs
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
cannons
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
you're missing one...
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
thinks she set off cannons?
there she blows! the sailor man in his perch said
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
shark looking good
Emelie - March 28, 2009
tell you what I think
Samardz makes this bullpen better, I see why Pinella thinks he is the #4-5 in the role with Gaudin as the swing.
So then the question is do they keep the Patton discovery and find returns for Guzman Vizcaino? Maybe tomorrow or Monday we find out. Bako-Vizcaino package anyone?
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
Problem is, if you keep Shark with the big league club, you've boxed yourself in if you don't deal Guzman/Vizcaino
Sure most teams could use a reliever, but Guzman is out of options, and Vizcaino has a high price tag – limiting Cubs’ leverage.
Start Shark in Iowa, keep Patton, and ride Guzman Vizcaino until you are able to swing a deal for them. A good deal. Then you bring Shark up.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
that i understand
I think one can be dealt this week, fear Vizcaino is a lot of weight
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
Shark's definitely throwing well enough to make club, but he has options
and it could serve Cubs better if he starts season at Iowa.
tell you what – it’d be a damn good feeling knowing you’ve got an arm like Shark at AAA ready to come up and either start or relieve.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
Question did Fukudome hit any ball out of the infield today?
I am wondering?
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
No sign of hope yet for Dome... sigh
Emelie - March 28, 2009
he just needs a little home-cooking and some lovin'...
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
I wish they had those here
Much as I hate MacDonalds that would actually entice me in
Emelie - March 28, 2009
you're talking about the sandwich, right? ;-)
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
you scamp
Emelie - March 28, 2009
Good. Geo was getting a little worried there
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
hmm... placement and inference in that photo is a bit, might I say, obvious?
keep ’em coming!
Emelie - March 28, 2009
hey, I just post them - I don't interpret them... ;-)
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
there is hope but the problem is production
that is the bottom line in competitive sports
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
as for which catcher is traded...
why do we think Hendry trades the one Lou wants the LEAST? the one with more value as trade bait may be the one who goes. Unless the marginal value of either is significant, the decision is likely to be made based on who can produce the better trade (which will be a fact in Hendry’s hand). Which can produce better for the 2009 season as a back up catcher and pinch-hitter is still to play-out.
the FACT to determine who stays is trade value, it seems to me. the guy with the lower trade value stays. If the trade value is marginally different, then Lou’s preference (as to who he wants as the back up) will come into play.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
no that is not what you do
you keep what is best and find what others are willing to deal value to you. The thing is Bako could go FA and a team that wants him might not get the chance, that is the risk in the open market.
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
Gotta paraphrase my good friend Alan Iverson again...
“We’re talkin’ ’bout a backup catcher!”
I can’t envision a team out there holding their breath in fear of losing out on the likes of Bako (or Hill) for a back up catcher slot. The # of ABs and/or innings played isn’t significant enough for a team to get all strategic here…
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
that's why you are not a GM.
what if your guy who is having the best ST (let’s just assume Koyie Hill) can be part of a trade that helps to fill another important hole on this team. You don’t do that and just suck it up and keep Bako? Maybe another team really needs a back up catcher and they like that he is a switch hitter so he may have better trade value with the right team.
I am just saying the final decision on catcher is more dynamic. it is not linear.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
so then tell me what you want in return?
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
and by the way
stop the damn personal insults….
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
and finally I think the deal is all but done
SF telegraphed it yesterday with their turnaround of Paulino. I think the last scouting was done and tomorrow or Monday a deal will be done.
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
if a deal is all but done, then why bother picking up Paulino to begin with?
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
not sure and why I wondered but possibly
they were going to unload the lefty anyway and picked up Paulino where then they really wanted Bako or Hill, eye of the beholder stuff and Hendry said hey I am willing to deal so they then traded Paulino to someone who wanted him anyway.
Maybe Philly didn’t want the prospect and wanted someone now, who knows….
but they telegraphed that Holm is not the man.
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
well, more power to Hendry if he can take advantage of other GMs
but I gotta believe most baseball people would rather have Paulino than Bako or Hill.
The only scenario I can come up with is Philly didn’t want to trade within their division, so Florida did an end-around. Regardless, I don’t think this impacts any deal with Cubs. I don’t know much about Holm, but if Bako or Hill is appreciably better than him, sounds like he shouldn’t have been in camp to begin with.
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
I am not insulting you (and don't mean to).
I am not a GM either.
I won’t suppose what holes or trades will be made. I think there have been plenty of posts on BCB about the holes that can be filled. I felt my only contribution was to say that the GM will make a final decision on catcher beyond the value to the Cubs as a player.
this aspect of the decision didn’t seem to come up much. I promise you I am NO GM.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
fine....I never wanted to be a GM anyway
not until I was 40 years old but then seems that has more job security than anything else in today job market.
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
just head straight to the Commissioners Office!!!
at least I am sure you would have started this game on time on MLBTV, right?
let’s all hug now…
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
you know I have met this commissioner
talk about a gifted life…..part of Milwaukee’s Big Three…Herb Kohl, Mitch Fromstein and Bud Selig, high school buddies and college roommates…
Herb goes retail, Mitch goes temp and Bud goes car sales and then Herb buys the Bucks (backed by Mitch), Bud buys the Brewers (backed by Mitch) and now Bud runs MLB.
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
crud. Rockies lead.
Emelie - March 28, 2009
seems like we went to the Wells once to often :-(
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
oops, "too often"
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
crapola. crappy crap crap
Emelie - March 28, 2009
the bus to Iowa is warming up
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
this is quickly turning into a football score.
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
vroom vroom vrooom
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
better one
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
on the bus
Wells, Blanco II, Samardz, Taguchi, German, Snyder, Fuld, Hart, Fox, Scales,
Ivy Walls - March 28, 2009
Lets go Taguchi
So Taguchi will make the Cubs,.
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/3/5/852764/So20Taguchi20Pic/letsgosost.wmv
Taguchi99 - March 28, 2009
All our base need to be clogged
Emelie - March 28, 2009
three plunks?
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
dang it's the 9th oh well
Emelie - March 28, 2009
you can soon "splay" on the couch and watch the hoops
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
not a hoops kinda gal
have a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory netflix disc to while away the splay
Emelie - March 28, 2009
the original is better
Gene Wilder puts Johnny Depp to shame
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
and I'm a Depp fan
ballhawk - March 28, 2009
that's the one I've got :-)
Emelie - March 28, 2009
I'm off to the gym.
I wish you all a good night!
LAcarl519 - March 28, 2009
have fun!
Emelie - March 28, 2009
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