PHOENIX, Arizona -- The Cubs played to their second 8-8 tie this week, this time with the A's in front of the smallest crowd of the spring, 4,137. Most of us were wearing Cubs blue, and if you were listening on MLB Audio you probably heard the loud cheers for Geovany Soto's two homers, the first a grand slam.
Why does this 8-8 tie result mean nothing? Because while the major leaguers were still in the game, the Cubs raced out to a 6-1 lead. Carlos Zambrano was pulled with one out in the fourth -- apparently, this is Lou's plan, because Ryan Dempster will only go three tomorrow -- and Luis Vizcaino came in and gave up a single and a homer to Travis Buck (whose girlfriend, or at least a woman he knew, raced down the aisle next to me when Buck came in after the sixth inning and said, "Travis! Call me later!" Buck nodded affirmatively).
Now, Vizcaino was probably being showcased. That didn't work out too well, did it? It made the score 6-3, and here's what I'm thinking. If the Cubs simply release Vizcaino, someone will probably pick him up for the minimum salary (and thus, assume his $500,000 buyout for 2010). That would mean the Cubs would be on the hook for $3 million -- not chump change, but in essence, it would be the equivalent of eating $3 million worth of Jason Marquis' contract, which a lot of us said would be worth it. I haven't heard anything, but this would allow the Cubs to keep both David Patton and Angel Guzman, which I think they want to do.
Speaking of Guzman, his line today -- two hits hits and an unearned run -- reflects the inability of the minor league infielders who replaced everyone except Aaron Miles to make plays. Two of the hits should have been inning-ending double-play balls, but neither Kyle Reynolds (who was charged with an error) nor Starlin "Vocal Band" Castro (no afternoon delight from him) could make the plays. The same thing happened to Neal Cotts; Micah Hoffpauir couldn't make a play on a ball that Derrek Lee would have handled easily, and that helped open a five-hit inning off Cotts, who got several ground balls that should also have easily ended the inning. (Cotts did wind up striking out the side).
Again in the 9th, Jeff Samardzija was victimized when Hoffpauir made an error, which, after a sacrifice, led to the run that tied the game at 8.
Essentially, then, none of the A's last five runs should have scored, and I believe wouldn't have scored, with competent major league defense. So you can't judge Guzman, Cotts or Shark's pitching by their numbers; I thought all of them threw well today. And honestly, I'm not crazy about Lou pulling the regulars this early in late-spring-training games; starting Monday they're going to have to go nine, why not now? And why only three innings for Z and Dempster, when next week they're expected to go seven? This is the same kind of thinking that, I believe, got the Cubs to lose their edge after clinching the Central last September.
Anyway. Alex Maestri, rewarded with a major league appearance after a spring in the minor league camp, threw well, striking out the side in his inning of work. The three victims were all major league players: Orlando Cabrera, Matt Holliday and Eric Chavez. Maestri showed good poise on the mound and has a nasty little curveball. If he can develop a third pitch he might turn into a nice setup man in the majors. I expect (and Josh77, correct me if you think different) that Maestri is ticketed for Double-A, but he could be promoted to Iowa quickly if he shows well there. Another minor leaguer of note, Brandon Guyer, who homered in last year's "Road to Wrigley" game and (shameless promotion coming!) is profiled by Josh in the Maple Street Press 2009 Cubs Annual, came in to play right field and smacked a double down the line. Guyer can hit; he's a long way from Wrigley, but if he hits like that and stays healthy, he'll be high on the prospect list by next year, if not before. Finally, Jason Waddell, a 27-year-old lefty who Lou likes, threw a scoreless inning -- if he's at Iowa, watch for him to be a recall later in the year.
Derrek Lee, Ryan Theriot and Aramis Ramirez all had a pair of hits before being replaced -- Lee looks like he's got his swing going real nice, and the Cubs must have pre-arranged with the A's to use the DH rule after Z, who threw 3.1 nice innings, was removed from the game. It confused the MLB.com boxscore people, who had the pitcher batting in the #1 spot until Kosuke Fukudome, who pinch-hit for Maestri, came up a second time and walked.
The final Arizona spring game of 2009 will be tomorrow; Dempster will face Cleveland's Anthony Reyes. Expect the regulars to play only a handful of innings and then head for the airport to fly to New York. The game will be on WMMS (Cleveland) and at the MLB.com Mediacenter. Reminder, tomorrow's game starts an hour earlier than today's, at 12:05 Arizona time, 2:05 CDT.
0 recs | 103 comments
As far as I know
Maestri is headed to AA and he’s moving back to the bullpen, where he belongs. He could end up in Iowa though, with Roquet getting traded today.
I feel like a proud scout after today, as Maestri is a guy I’ve been touting since I saw him in Boise in 2006. His breaking pitch (slider, curve, whatever) sounded like it was major league quality today as he caught all three major league hitters looking. I do think he has a future as a set-up man in the majors. If there are injuries, he could be up this season. He could also end up as trade bait, which would be hard to see but I would completely understand it.
I’m proud of touting Guyer too, although I haven’t been promoting him nearly as long.
Josh Timmers - April 1, 2009
Thanks for the update, I knew you'd have more info.
I liked what I saw from him today — really nice curveball.
Guyer’s a keeper. He just turned 23 and could be in the majors within two years at the latest. Where’s Guyer headed?
And I heard nothing about Roquet being traded, and there’s nothing on the Cubs website. What’s up with that?
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
Roquet to Oakland
for a PTBNL. They were talking about it on the Oakland broadcast today.
Guyer is probably headed for Daytona and would be looking at a promotion to Tennessee by the All-star break if he does well there. He’s certainly got all the tools to be a star but as I said in the Maple Street Press annual, he plays so hard that he has a hard time staying healthy. He’s got to learn that he’s never going to run through that wall. He’s probably got to dial down the intensity just a tad.
Josh Timmers - April 1, 2009
Here's
the link. I’ll add that the Oakland broadcaster and beat writer (who was in the booth) were wondering if Roquet’s name was an April Fool’s joke.
Josh Timmers - April 1, 2009
According to Bruce Miles' blog...
the Cubs also released Ed Campusano today.
Odd that there’s nothing on this deal on either the Cubs or the A’s website, though.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
Good Old MiLB.com
has already got Roquet listed as a Sacramento River Cat though.
Sounds like there was just too many pitchers at Iowa, which would indicate that Maestri would stay in AA. I haven’t counted them though.
Campusano is no big loss. He’s 26 (and would be listed as 27 this year if he was born two weeks earlier), has missed a season to injury and he’s never pitched above AA. And he pitched pretty poorly there last year too.
Josh Timmers - April 1, 2009
Buck went to ASU...
…I bet he has lots of “girlfiends/women he knows” in the valley. ;)
ErnieBanks - April 1, 2009
LOL
Probably.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
Buck's girl
Was she a cutie?
Cub Fan Mike - April 1, 2009
Kind of.
Honestly, I didn’t get a real good look, she ran up the aisle pretty fast.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
I couldn't agree with you more, Al, RE:
I hope the starters go the distance for the remaining three games. However, I sort of understand the thinking behind pulling the starting pitchers early. They may need to do a side session later on, but why risk any injuries right now?
chilango2 - April 1, 2009
I can understand not having pitchers go too long in NYC, where it may be cool and rainy.
But today and tomorrow in AZ? Why aren’t Z and Dempster going 7?
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
He has a date with his AZ girlfriend
or so I hear…
chilango2 - April 1, 2009
This is probably the funniest thing i've ever read.
God love spring training. Where else do you get stories like that? :-P
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 1, 2009
two years ago in Houston for a Cubs game
an Astro had just dealt with a DUI while with Round Rock. My seats were right by the Astros bullpen, and my friend who traveled for the game with me happened to work for Round Rock. He yelled down to the player, asked him about it, the player nodded that it had been taken care of. I did not harass the player for it, nor can I remember who he was off hand (a nobody who did not stick around)
Cubbie-Tim - April 1, 2009
Speaking of the 2009 Cubs Annual...
Was watching WGN Midday News today and the promo teaser told me that coming up in Sports, the editor of the 2009 Cubs Annual will be here to talk about the upcoming season. I’m thinking – cool, they got Al on a remote hookup from Mesa. So imagine my surprise/disappointment when they come back from commercial and it’s Jim Walsh talking with WGN’s Steve Sanders.
Al, what’s up with that? I know Jim is the big cheese at MapleStreetPress, but you were the editor of the Cubs Annual, right? My guess is you didn’t want to (or couldn’t) appear since you work for a competing station? Totally understand that – just thought it wasn’t right that Jim is introduced as the editor of the annual.
Here’s link to Midday news – video clip should still be there.
ballhawk - April 1, 2009
They did ask me to appear, but...
… since I’m not in Chicago, I couldn’t do it. I offered to go to a Phoenix TV station and do it by satellite, but they wanted a guest in the studio. Jim is the publisher — I imagine they introduced him as such.
Thanks for posting the link. Here is a more direct link to the interview itself.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
a couple of pitching issues
i had read that we had found a “6th starter” somewhere down in AAAAA. jeez how did heilman lose @ least the 6th starter position. some of our starters show some real fragility issues and i cannot understand how heilman has been elbowed out of starting consideration despite a very fine ST>.. this is not fair; and if aaron’s track record w/the mets is any indication; will lead to aaron’s psychological breakdown…
brian custer - April 1, 2009
Agree on releasing Vizcaino
Paying him 3 mil not to pitch for us might be using money more wisely that paying him that much to pitch for us. Everybody has to be pulling for Patton at this point and lousy spring or not I’d still rather have Guzman over Vizcaino.
Although I did read somewhere that Lou doesn’t want to put any pitchers on waivers, which of course could just be bluffing in hopes of “forcing” a small trade of some sorts.
BucknerKongCardenal - April 1, 2009
actually this would be the best move for the Cubs
Bullpen: Gregg, Marmol, Heilman, Cotts, Guzman, Patton and then what…
that is just six, or 11 pitchers
Ivy Walls - April 1, 2009
Marshall will pitch out of the 'pen for the first couple of weeks
Clutch16 - April 1, 2009
Bullpen
Neal Cotts? Lets be honest, he’s not good. And he certainly doesn’t have the pitching chops to be relied upon as the only lefty in the pen.
Angel Guzman? He’s been living off the “promise” label for a longggg time and hasn’t done jack scratch in the majors.
David Patton? While I nice story I’m not going to put faith in a Single-A pitcher being a much used and reliable bullpen arm.
Luis Vizcaino? Overpriced immovable aging journeyman who can’t be relied upon for much of anything.
Chad Gaudin? I sorta like the guy, but fact he has awful and has no business being anything more than a mop-up man.
Aaron Heilman? This is a guy who melted under the bright lights and pressure of New York and was classified as being soft. He also bitched and moan the last two years in New York. So sorry if I don’t feel good at all about him being the top option in the 7th inning.
BLou - April 1, 2009
Heilman had two good years in NY.
Last year he was injured. I think he’ll be fine.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
So you saying our entire bullpen is pretty much worthless...
other than Gregg and Marmol (who you tell us will have to be used in 125 games this year and throw 130 innings and develop arthritis and be out of baseball)
santoswoodenlegs - April 2, 2009
Don't agree on Guzman or Heilman but Cotts.......
Blows! I get VERY nervous whenever he enters a game. Would much rather have Heilman be our fifth starter with Marshall our lefty out of the pen, and ship Cotts off to some other sucker
BoVandy - April 2, 2009
Disagree.
I’m gonna stick up for my man Neal Cotts here: That’s a gross oversimplification. Yes, absolutely, he hasn’t shown the same dominance that he gave the White Sox in 2005. But I think last season was a step in the right direction for Cotts.
Granted, he gave up a lot of hits. But his BABIP was .350 – that’s way above the approx. .300 level that most pitchers hover around, which may mean he had a lot of bad luck. (Sabermagicians, feel free to chime in here if I’m mistaken.)
Now add in the fact that he had 10.85 K/9 and a 3.31 K:BB (that’s really good – in 35.3 IP he struck out 43 batters and walked only 13). Plus, he stranded 80.6% of runners – that’s an eyelash more than he stranded in his “award-winning” 2005 season (80.5%).
I’m pretty comfortable with Cotts in the bullpen. In fact, he’s my pick for breakout performance out of the bullpen. There, I said it.
daver - April 2, 2009
samardzija; bottom line
what the hell happened to him this spring????
brian custer - April 1, 2009
Crapped the bed
Perhaps he put too much pressure on himself; it will be interesting to see if/when he gets called back up.
Or maybe he has a hot shawty waiting for him in Iowa.
lamentir - April 2, 2009
And the Indians are going to finish where?
Anthony Reyes & Carl Pavano in the top end of the Indians rotation and Al picked them to be first in the AL Central.
DrCrawdad - April 1, 2009
The AL Central is bad
Don’t be surprised to see the Kansas City Royals challenge for division supremacy this season. Every team in that division is significantly flawed. I still sorta like Detroit despite all of their issues. Jim Leyland is too damned good of a manager. I also see monster seasons coming out of Curtis Granderson and Miguel Cabrera. Key is going to be Justin Verlander and Rich Porcello in that rotation. And they need to get Jeremy Bonderman back healthy.
BLou - April 1, 2009
Still not as bad as the NL Central
Perhaps for the AL and when you consider just how good the AL Central has been in recent years, but still nowhere near as bad as the NL Central the last few years.
Cliff Lee has a 12+ ERA this spring. No, he’s not that bad but neither will he repeat last season either (22-3). Westbrook is out till maybe the All-Star break. Carmona had a great ‘07 and then was seriously hampered by injuries last season. Carmona’s had a great ST, so we’ll see. I think a realistic observation of the Indians would say that they have very real question marks on at least 1 of their top two pitchers. Then they are depending on Carl Pavano for #3? We’ll see about Al putting them at #1. I think the Twins would be a better bet, even with Mauer out.
I agree Tom.
As far as Detroit, have a listen to this Detroit Tigers observer. He doesn’t share your view of Leyland.
DrCrawdad - April 1, 2009
broken link
Here you go:
Detroit Tigers observer
Cleveland Indians broadcaster
DrCrawdad - April 1, 2009
You also seem to think the Cubs are a majorly flawed team
I assume that’s you as CrawdadBoxes: http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/TVS0OEFORLM3GUF56
Just curious, how many wins do you have the Cubs pegged for in 2009? And how many do you think they’d have if they played the Sox schedule in the AL Central?
madcow256 - April 2, 2009
Casting a critical eye...
… when it comes to the White Sox, the scrutiny is interesting here. Focus on the faults and potential faults, gloss over (or give a cursory mention to) the strengths. Interestingly the Cubs faults & potential faults get glossed over. For example, Al begins an analysis of the starters by examining 3 & 4 and gives only a cursory mention of the Sox 1-3 starters.
The ‘09 Cubs have a great offense. The Cubs pitching has question marks. Zambrano is a terrific pitcher. But don’t you think there should be discussion of his 2nd half performance last season and how that might effect this season?
This Cub club reminds me a bit of the the 2004 Cubs. Going into the season, well it wasn’t a season as much as a prelude to the Cubs World Championship. The hype machine was going full blast. The Cubs starters were being ballyhooed as the best rotation in the history of baseball. Anyone who dared question those narratives was pummeled. The Cubs finished in 3rd place.
DrCrawdad - April 2, 2009
Dr: what is your specialty?
LAcarl519 - April 2, 2009
Perhaps the news coverage is making it seem like we have no faults
But hanging around here there’s a new doom and gloom topic every day, at least during spring training so far. I think most people here agree the Cubs are the class of their division and likely to win it with 90+ wins, but you can’t tell based on the Dome, Miles, Theriot, DLee, Soriano, etc criticisms. I agree with a few of your points about the team, but in general I think when looking at any of the major league teams with that same level of scrutiny, the Cubs fare better than all but maybe 3-5 of them. Nobody’s without their flaws, even the billion dollar Yankees.
Regarding the 2004 team, I agree they received too much praise, however they did actually finish with a better record than the season before, and barring 2 major injuries to their aces would probably have made the playoffs. We remember the season because of the collapse and drama but overall it was actually a better year for the team.
madcow256 - April 2, 2009
and with a manager who accepted declining
mental preparation each year (more base running mistakes and fielding errors each year Mr Toothpicks ran the team), it was inevitable that the Cubs were getting less out of their talent each year. this only become evident in hindsight, but became obvious to even the supporters of Dusty in the end.
That is the sadness of 2004: that end of year collapse was painful to watch.
LAcarl519 - April 2, 2009
Leave speculation to the speculators
I don’t speculate on wins/losses. I gave it up in 1970. I now leave that to the experts.
DrCrawdad - April 2, 2009
Since when are #3 and #5 considered "top end"?
Cliff Lee and Fausto Carmona are the “top end” of the Indians rotation. Pavano is listed as #3, Scott Lewis #4 and Reyes #5.
ballhawk - April 1, 2009
Correct.
Lee and Carmona = real good. The Tribe also addressed their bullpen issues.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
Buehrle and Danks and Floyd = very good
DrCrawdad - April 1, 2009
And do you think the Indians 1-3 starters are better than the Sox 1-3?
DrCrawdad - April 1, 2009
Yes
Honestly no bias either. Cliff Lee is one of the best pitchers in the AL. Fausto Carmona was in 07, but was injured last year, look for him to be good again this year, and Pavano is decent, but an injury risk. All in all, the Indians definitely have a better 1-2, but the Sox might have a better 3-4-5.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 2, 2009
Personally, I think in a tight race
(which I think the AL Central will be) it comes down to which team gets the most out of their 4 and 5 starter and which team’s bullpen is the strongest.
cowsarecool220 - April 2, 2009
About the same
Danks was a TOR last year, but I wonder about workload increase and how that impacts him. That said, if we assume Danks stays level/gets better and Cliff regresses, they should be similar for 2009. Buehrle has had a nice uptick since 2006, with his K rate going up. That said, I doubt it goes up much more, and I think he’ll be what he’s been for most of his career, a solid middle of the rotation arm. Carmona is still more stuff, albeit good stuff, than projection, but I have confidence that he can be Buehrle level. Floyd is a bit overhyped – he eats innings, but last year, he was basically an end of the rotation starter that got lucky. He can get better, but I doubt he jumps up that much in one year. While Pavano/Reyes/Lewis isn’t pretty on paper right now, I have faith one of them can put up number 4 starter type numbers. So, yes, I think they are about similar, with the upside going to the Indians due to Carmona and to a lesser extent, Reyes, and with Westbrook returning post-ASB.
___________
I think the best AL Central rotation is in KC. The best one-two punch (in Greinke/Meche) and enough arms to try at the back end. That said, all the rotations are fairly close.
toonsterwu - April 2, 2009
+1
I didn’t think that was possible with Lee and Carmona in the same rotation.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 1, 2009
Ok, Pavano & Reyes anywhere in their rotation.
DrCrawdad - April 1, 2009
I think
The Cubs should at least give Vizacino a chance in the majors. Before last year, he was a pretty decent guy out of the pen. Let’s get to the regular season, and see how he does there. If he still stinks, then you release him.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 1, 2009
Dont' worry, they will...
There is no chance the Cubs are going to eat Vizcaino’s salary. Especially given the level of uncertainty that surrounds this bullpen cast. Vizcaino will be given a full shot to see what he can do.
BLou - April 1, 2009
Don't you listen?
Releasing Vizcaino means that the Cubs will essentially eat $3 mil. of Marquis’ salary, which is reasonable… Besides, why would you think they will give him a chance, according to you: “Luis Vizcaino? Overpriced immovable aging journeyman who can’t be relied upon for much of anything.”
The sky is not falling Chicken Little.
Jimmyeatworld - April 1, 2009
Right.
There have been quite a few teams that have eaten large salary numbers this spring, particularly the Tigers with Sheffield. I think it’s entirely possible the Cubs eat the $3 million.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
I wouldn't be completely mad if they got rid of him
I just want them to give him the chance. He’s had decent numbers in the past, and he’s not that old, at 33.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 1, 2009
He's been pretty bad the last two years.
Case in point, today: the runs allowed by Guzman, Cotts and Samardzija were largely the fault of the minor league defense behind them.
Vizcaino, on the other hand, gave up a solid single and a long home run to the first two batters he faced.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2009
That's entirely true
07 wasn’t all that bad, but those years were coming off 3 sub 4 ERA years. That’s what I want from him.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 1, 2009
07 wasn't all that bad?
His K:BB was less than two (1.44). In 75.1 innings pitched, he struck out only 62 and walked 43. That’s not good. And though ERA is deceiving with relievers, he had a 4.30 ERA (4.42 FIP).
His ‘06 actually was pretty good. But he’s a typical journeyman reliever – inconsistent with little to no upside.
daver - April 2, 2009
What you said is reasonable and understandable...
However, BLou loves to post for effect, and doesn’t even realize how he contradicts himself with his doom and gloom scenarios…
Jimmyeatworld - April 1, 2009
I think him and wolf would make an interesting combo
Madison Cub Fan - April 1, 2009
worf
sorry for the typo
Madison Cub Fan - April 1, 2009
I wholeheartedly agree Madison, I agree.
They deserve each other…
Jimmyeatworld - April 1, 2009
Eww
Imagine, if you will, a 1000 mile car ride with Blou driving and Worf in the passenger seat.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m visualizing a cross between the bickering spouses of Married with Children and the 80’s movie The Hitcher.
N Oakley - April 2, 2009
As long as the ending echos Thelma and Louise I'm OK with it
Emelie - April 2, 2009
Ha
N Oakley - April 2, 2009
LOL
Archie - April 2, 2009
bonus points for Emelie
Madison Cub Fan - April 2, 2009
LMAO
Cubbie-Tim - April 2, 2009
any chance there's room in the back seat for a Dr. and a Woo?
ballhawk - April 2, 2009
It's a sedan...
It’s gotta be like a ‘74 Pontiac Bonneville. So it’s got plenty of room for a couple more…
Jimmyeatworld - April 2, 2009
def Woo
he would rate above both worf and bm
Madison Cub Fan - April 2, 2009
+1000
sue369 - April 2, 2009
Unless there's a taker who is willing to pay the majority of his salary
we’re going to be spending the $3mil anyway. Why not keep the pitcher(s) we want most and envision in our long-term plans, and release the ones we don’t. We didn’t even give him the big contract in the first place, so its not like Hendry has to admit fault by releasing him.
In a sport with guaranteed contracts, no hard salary caps, and “cash considerations” involved in numerous trades, I don’t understand the fixation with evaluating a player based on the dollar amounts of his contract. Odds are if we think Vizcaino is being overpaid by $2mil/year, so do most of the teams out there. If that is the case, it would be best to consider $2mil a year a lost investment and to manage him (consider trading or cutting him) as if he were paid his true value.
Sure, I don’t like the large contracts Luis, Dome, Soriano, or Lee carry either. But the Cubs will probably never be able to find takers for them without losing some of the money invested. If that’s what it takes to build the best possible roster and set up the team for success in the future, so be it.
madcow256 - April 2, 2009
the cubs will never be elite...
until their farm system is much better. as long as big money contracts mentioned above are steps to get us through ‘til our system is significantly upgraded, we’ll be fine.
if not, grab a snickers.
tim815 - April 2, 2009
I agree
However this is partly why I think it makes sense to release a player like Vizcaino instead of someone like Guzman, Gaudin, or Patton. Nobody seems to think Vizcaino’s going to be stellar, and he certainly has no long-term future with the team. Guzman, Gaudin, and Patton could be throwing for us for years to come.
We seem to be asking ourselves a lot lately, “what would the Red Sox do?” as an organization. In this situation I can’t imagine they’d keep around a mediocre reliever over a younger prospect just because he makes $3mil.
madcow256 - April 2, 2009
wwrsd?
i’m guessing it boils down to bait.
if hendry gets
anything living for viz, he’s out. if not,
what he wants for gaudin, he’s out. if not,
a medium prospect for guzman, he’s gone.
if not, vizcaino gets the boot.
btw. we’re up a PTBNL with oakland, and one with the orioles.
any that we owe?
thanks in advance
tim815 - April 2, 2009
Was that poetry?
Archie - April 2, 2009
nah, i've just read too many
notes that are one extended runon sentence. i prefer to have my confusing posts be one thought/one line….therefore (hopefully0 less confusing.
limericks and haiku are all i can pull off.
tim815 - April 2, 2009
Waddell, Guyer, Maestri
Maestri is headed for AA. Btw, to the poster above, his main breaking pitch is a slider, a nasty one at that (probably 2nd in our system right now in terms of sliders). The chances of a quick call up is probably slim (assuming quick call up is about a month or so). Not impossible, if he lights it up, but there’s a lot of righty arms in the back end, and I think the Cubs want Maestri to work on his change/split. While you can do work in AAA, it’s easier/justifiable to keep Maestri at AA, particularly since he’s only had a cup of tea there. I’ve long compared him to Michael Wuertz – he may be a notch more consistent, which may make him more of a setup option, but he’s an ideal 7th inning guy, nasty breaking ball with decent enough juice on the fastball.
I know I’’ve been much higher on Guyer than anyone else has been. I think I’ve said it before, but he has star potential that we simply don’t have much of in the system. Granted, it’s potential, and a lot of work to do. As I’ve noted before, he was the “prototypical” Wilken pick – an athlete, with loads of tools … but also a bit raw. We’ve seen some strides, and I still laugh at some of the arguments people on here made on him last summer (basically, disregard his performance in Peoria as he was a bit older and wasn’t a top of the draft guy or something like that – his age was definitely not too old to be a concern for Peoria and he ended up puttinig up a superb line in the MWL, which is hard). He has a complete package of power and speed … if he can get consistent. He’s not going to be a defensive stud, and considering the defensive trial that may still happen for him, I would caution against people expecting too much too quick. He’ll likely start in Daytona, with a shot at Tennessee later this year. It’ll be interesting if Colvin and Guyer are both in Daytona for a bit (Colvin has been rumored headed there for a abit whenever he starts to work his way back). I would also caution against watching for just the basic numbers, particularly with the totality of circumstance involved. With Guyer, you’ll want to see what his discipline is looking like. He’s never going to have elite discipline, but it has to be controllable. I have him in the early teens for prospects, but the reality is, the difference between Guyer and the 4th prospect in our system isn’t by much (in regards to value) and Guyer offers us an asset that we lack (power) (I use 4th, because I do consider Vitters/Samardzija/Jackson to be a notch above the others, enough to really distinguish from the B-/C+ cluster of guys). In fact, in terms of upside, Guyer is probably in the top 5 in the system.
I tried to get people to focus on the smaller signings this offseason, but I understand why it gets glossed over. Those signings can be hit or miss. Bill White has already been cut. But Waddell was a good signing, and another guy to watch would be Matt Smith. They both fill needs in our system at the upper levels. Smith has a good slider that could be effective in a LOOGY role. That said, don’t rule out Jeremy Papelbon and Casey Lambert. Lambert would be a LOOGY’s LOOGY (if there was such a thing), as he boasts a moving high 80’s fastball coupled with a nasty curveball. Papelbon would be more of a “Jack of all trades” LOOGY in that, he could probably fill a lot more roles, a la what Marshall did last year, but perhaps more effective against lefties.
toonsterwu - April 2, 2009
whats a LOOGY?
And how is it related to VORP?
Orval Overall - April 2, 2009
LOOGY
Lefty One-Out GuY
Clutch16 - April 2, 2009
If Tyler Colvin...
… is headed to Daytona, the possibilities of him ever being productive in Chicago are shrinking quickly. He’ll be 24 in September.
Al Yellon - April 2, 2009
Micah will be 29 in May
That doesn’t mean he’ll never be productive. That’s why I say the Cubs trade him now, because he’s most likely in his prime and he doesn’t fit in, behind Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 2, 2009
Um...
You know that Tyler Colvin is an Outfielder, right? How is he stuck behind Derrick Lee and Aramis Ramirez?
You might be thinking of Josh Vitters. He plays 3B. My guess is that when Lee’s contract is up, the Cubs are planning on moving Ramirez to 1B and putting Vitters at 3B. Just a guess, but I don’t think that even Vitters is blocked.
Archie - April 2, 2009
Or, re-reading your comment
Are you talking about Hoffpaiur being blocked here?
Archie - April 2, 2009
if he is talking about Hoff
I am scared at the thought of him behind ARam (at 3b I presume?)
Cubbie-Tim - April 2, 2009
Yes I'm talking about Hoff
wrigleyrocker12 - April 2, 2009
WAITAMINUTE.
You mean Micah isn’t 29 years old right now?!
daver - April 2, 2009
I'm guessing they will start Colvin
in Daytona as he is coming back from surgery. I would think they want him to be in the warm weather to start the season.
cowsarecool220 - April 2, 2009
The rumor, I think based on a Fleita comment, IIRC
was that, when he began his rehab, they would start him at Daytona. That makes a lot of sense – warmer weather. I would expect him to be up at AA or AAA later in the summer.
toonsterwu - April 2, 2009
oh, roquet
somewhat disappointing in that, rocky finally showed some strides down the stretch last year, and when he’s on, his fast/slide combination is setup quality. That said, considering our system’s depth in pen arms, it’s not a big loss, particularly when considering his age and the number of righty arms on the 40 man in the minors. I do hope we got something somewhat decent for him, though, as he did have some value as a pen arm that could be contributing in the bigs later this year.
toonsterwu - April 2, 2009
just need to make it to monday..
Chanman25 - April 2, 2009
Spring training is waaaay too long
I like going to Mesa, but `09 seems as tedious as our Chicago winter has been. As Diane Keaton said in GFII:
"And I had it killed because this must all end! "
thermal54 - April 2, 2009
I am looking forward to seeing the new yankee stadium and what a billion will buy ya
drodd - April 2, 2009
Hopefully 3rd place in the AL East
That would be too delicious.
dr stabbingworth - April 2, 2009
With their aging offense
It could happen. In fact, if I were considered a baseball expert, I think I’d predict them to finish third.
Bill Potter - April 2, 2009
I like them to finish first
Reasons? Best rotation in the division (and arguably, best rotation in the game, not too worried on CC’s arm for 09 – long run, yes). Underrated pen that has a lot of parts to the puzzle. Offensive depth. Improving minor league system.
That said, it should be a fun ride with that 3 horse race.
toonsterwu - April 2, 2009
I think they're offense is overrated
they’re old and last year they were very middle of the pack in runs scored. I don’t see how they finish much above that. And on days Burnett and CC don’t pitch, they’ll need to score runs.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 2, 2009
Pretty sure
This last week is meaningless. That’s why the regulars aren’t playing much. Plus it’s been an extended spring training with the WBC. They’ve gotten their hacks in.
I don’t think any other team is playing all their regulars the full nine either, or haven’t been ever in previous ST.
It’s like football. The starters play the most in the third preseason game, then just one or two series in the final preseason game.
lamentir - April 2, 2009
The Royals played their entire starting lineup on Monday.
Granted, the A’s yanked their regulars yesterday too. I just don’t understand it, because if you’re going to get used to fulltime playing time, why wouldn’t you want to get geared up now, instead of going back to the way it was the first week of camp?
Al Yellon - April 2, 2009
Please stop all this Lou bashing. We get it, you hate him.
santoswoodenlegs - April 2, 2009
Comments like this will only put you in Al's doghouse.
daver - April 2, 2009
Oh, please.
Actually, I like Lou, I like the attitude he’s brought to the club, and in general, what he does with the team.
Some things, though, are inexplicable.
Al Yellon - April 2, 2009
Bow-wow-wow Yippie-yo-yippie-ya.
santoswoodenlegs - April 2, 2009
It must be the Dawg in you...
Jimmyeatworld - April 2, 2009
And my friends ain't leavin' 'til six in the morn...
daver - April 2, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.