There will be eight players added to the Cubs' active roster over the next several days, now that the September 1 roster-expansion date has arrived.
Gordon Wittenmyer has the list, and all eight have been major league Cubs at one time or another already during 2009:
The Cubs plan to recall outfielder Micah Hoffpauir and right-hander Justin Berg from Class AAA Iowa and reinstate infielder Andres Blanco from the disabled list when rosters expand today.
Right-hander David Patton is expected to rejoin the active roster from the DL on Wednesday, and four more I-Cubs are to be recalled as the Class AAA season winds down: infielder Bobby Scales and right-handed pitchers Jeff Samardzija, Jeff Stevens and Esmailin Caridad.
I'd quibble with Gordo's description of Hoffpauir as an "outfielder", but the activation of Andres Blanco is good news. It means that we have likely seen the last of Aaron Miles in any games this year, unless some upcoming game goes deep into extra innings. As Josh tweeted yesterday, Hoffpauir is now the Iowa Cubs' all-time career RBI leader (281 RBI). This isn't necessarily a positive thing; it likely means a player has spent way too much time in the minor leagues. Also, with Jason Dubois swapped to the Mets and, as also noted in Josh's tweet, Chris Robinson leaving Iowa for the Canadian national team, Jake Fox is likely to be the Iowa team leader in RBI this season with 53, despite playing only 45 games there. (Not to mention that Fox is also tied for sixth on the major league Cubs with 39 RBI.)
Try to enjoy the rest of the season.
0 recs | 101 comments
Why won't...
They leave Shark out of the spotlight for a while and let him work? If he’s not completely ruined, he soon will be!
cubsluver22 - September 1, 2009
He's not being called up till the Iowa season is over.
I suspect he won’t see much work this month anyway.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
Should the Cubs put him in the rotation
and shut down Wells? See what you have with Samardzija here, and if a month in the rotation can benefit him.
nji232 - September 1, 2009
Maybe.
See what happens by the time Shark arrives (which likely won’t be for another week).
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
If/When (See not all negative) elimination is a foregone conclusion,
I like this idea. I’m not convinced Shark can start, but he might as well start a couple on normal 5 days rest to see what he can do with a set routine.
Might also consider shutting down Z and Harden. Z’s arm needs rest and want to make sure Harden is healthy for next year if he accepts arb, or nets the two picks.
N Oakley - September 1, 2009
not if
we’re still contending, hell, no.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2009
Were not
Contending Now
cubsluver22 - September 1, 2009
yes
we are.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2009
only in your world
cubsluver22 - September 1, 2009
we're contending ...just like the Mariners.
santoswoodenlegs - September 1, 2009
The Mariners are 9 games out of the AL wild card lead.
That’s quite a bit more than 6 games.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
But six is still a shitload
especially for an as-of-now very listless offense.
stuartscottslefteye - September 1, 2009 via mobile
six games back
five in the loss column. It’s not likely, but it’s doable. You don’t send up the white flag when you’ve still got a chance.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2009
Amen!
eths - September 1, 2009
Contending-yes
Competing-no
Mapmaker - September 1, 2009
Well, then we should definitely do it!
Worf - September 1, 2009
Yeesh. How jaded am I.
I like Blanco and Scales, but usually September call ups trigger some excitement to see one rising stars batting and fielding.
I guess I’ll have to try to see if Berg, Caridad and Stevens show more promise.
N Oakley - September 1, 2009
We don't have anyone...
… who’s close enough to be ready for the majors next year to be recalled, except for some of the guys (Cashner, Gaub) who are going to the Arizona Fall League. There’s no reason to start the arb clock ticking on those guys this year.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
I'm fully aware. More realization that my usually reasons
for September callups to create interest aren’t even here this year.
N Oakley - September 1, 2009
I've needed more Bobby Scales in my Cubs world
His pinch hit homers will be appreciated by this Cubs fan.
nji232 - September 1, 2009
How many more hits does Bobby S. need to prove BLou wrong?
- Wait Al, I may have found my holy grail.
N Oakley - September 1, 2009
He took care of that before going down IIRC
nji232 - September 1, 2009
TWSS
daver - September 1, 2009
Bobby Scales
Finally, someone who shares my opinion of Bobby Scales. Maybe his perserverance and love of the game, as well as, his talents will rub off on our lacadaisical Cubs. Sometimes, I think they flip a coin to decide whether they’ll play well on a particular day.
uniquepat - September 1, 2009
This is funny
nji232 - September 1, 2009
nji232
Is that good funny or bad funny? Just curious.
uniquepat - September 1, 2009
Would have been nice to see Robinson
with the questions out about the Cubs future catching corp….it would have been nice to see Robinson come up for the last month. He put up good numbers in Iowa and he is 25.
Crazy Uncle Lou - September 1, 2009
My main concern for next year is Soto
The Cubs looked like they had the catcher position finally solidified and he has a terrible second year. You can see how the offense misses his bat in the middle of the order.
If he doesn’t come back strong next year it will really hurt the team.
Mapmaker - September 1, 2009
I'm okay
with Soto being let go if he can’t get his sh^t straight during winter ball.
jthack - September 1, 2009
They'd have to go out and get a catcher, then.
Kelly Shoppach would be a useful acquisition. They were after him in July for a time.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
so that was the Catcher you were alluding to back then?
Bill Potter - September 1, 2009
Yes.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
The Cubs could probably still get him in the off-season if they wanted
His offensive year has been as bad, if not worse, than Soto’s.
Bill Potter - September 1, 2009
Maybe a change of scenery would benefit Shoppach.
He is only three years older than Soto.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
I think that's the type of live body the Cubs need to bring into camp
Someone who may not beat Soto for the job, but someone who can push him from Day 1.
Bill Potter - September 1, 2009
I hope you don't mean this shit
eths - September 1, 2009
Maybe
If he actually got in shape, he’d regain his all-star form.
propheteer - September 1, 2009
I'd be pleased even if he wasn't an all star.
80% of Barret with the bat and 80% of Miller behind the plate is valuable.
N Oakley - September 1, 2009
Anythings would be better than the .214 he's currently hitting. That's shocking
Mapmaker - September 1, 2009
Only in comparison to last year's numbers
I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it again (many times over) – all I want out of a starting catcher is a .220 average, the ability to call a game that keeps the opponent’s score low, and the ability to throw out 35% of base-stealers. Soto was a very pleasant surprise last year because of the way he smacked the ball around. Now that he’s regressed to a “normal” catcher’s average, everyone wants to crucify him.
At the moment, Hill is a better bat, and he’s proven he can play as many games in a row as needed. Keep him starting until his knees hurt or he goes on a 0-10 cold streak. Use Soto as a Sunday catcher until the season ends (one way or another) and then crank up the competition for the starter’s job in Spring Training next year.
Clutch16 - September 1, 2009
or we could have wells be the sunday catcher
i hear he has experience doing that
jesus christos - September 1, 2009
CHECK OUT THE BIG BRAIN ON MAPMAKER!
stuartscottslefteye - September 1, 2009 via mobile
If Aaron Miles sees the field now
Except in a 15-0 blowout, then Pinella should be given a Code Red.
Worf - September 1, 2009
We should hire you to follow him with the paddles.
N Oakley - September 1, 2009
Amen, Worf.
Tangled Up In Blue - September 1, 2009
There are a few folks in the Cubs organization that deserve a Code Red this year
jthack - September 1, 2009
Lou can't handle the truth!
salparadise23 - September 1, 2009
he likes
mountain dew?
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2009
>Try to enjoy the rest of the season.
I can’t make any promises, Al! Good to see Scales back, at least…
EllenTim - September 1, 2009
ack
eths - September 1, 2009
Al:
Try to enjoy the rest of the season.
I will and as depressing as things may seem right now, something (even if it is small) will happen. And maybe even something big will happen!
Bobby Scales being called could be a start. I really liked earlier this season him.
eths - September 1, 2009
When they'll play/contribute.
Hoff will hopefully get all of Miles’ LH PH ABs (though I still think Lou would use Miles when he needs a “get on base” PH
-and yes I realize he won’t, but Lou apparently doesn’t-instead of power) and Blanco will get some 9th inning defensive replacement innings. But other than that, I wouldn’t expect any of these guys to play in any game that isn’t already decided until the Cubs are officially eliminated.We will see more of Heilman (instead of anyone) coming in with men on base. We will see more Miles PH ABs (instead of Scales or Blanco). We will see more of Fonty looking generally lost at the plate (instead of Scales or Blanco).
Lou will ride his veterans until, and even past, the bitter end.
fsuapollo - September 1, 2009
Sounds like Dusty.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
BOBBY SCALES TO THE RESCUE!
DO DO
DO DO DO DO DO
DO DO
DO DO DO DO DOOOOOOOOO
DUM DUM DUM DUM DUM DUM DUM
DAH DAH DAH DAH DAH DAHHHHHHHHH
dtpollitt - September 1, 2009
Zelda FTW
dr stabbingworth - September 1, 2009
I'm sure glad
Hendry didn’t trade Harden and Hielman. The former is a type-A FA, and I was curious if the Cubs would receive a “high” draft pick for compensation if they lost him in FA. Would the pick be better than what the Twins were offering?
propheteer - September 1, 2009
Two draft picks, actually.
And the Cubs probably determined that was better than anything they’d be offered.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
OK, thanks.
Probably a better scenario then.
propheteer - September 1, 2009
Unless he accepts arbitration, then we are screwed and have to pay him at least $10 million
Itchy - September 1, 2009
That would be a gift
He could still be traded for good prospects at that point.
dr stabbingworth - September 1, 2009
Agreed, I think he's worth 10
N Oakley - September 1, 2009
Not prospects as good as two #1 picks
which is what you’d receive if he left as a type A free agent. Good chance to start re-stocking the farm system.
Itchy - September 1, 2009
That's a screwing
That we could live with.
vonde6 - September 1, 2009
Ryan Theriot needs a break.
He’s put up a sub-.600 OPS over the last 14 days. And I really don’t like him in the leadoff spot. The lack of a bona fide backup SS could very well come back to haunt the Cubs in the waning weeks as Theriot wears down.
Depending on which way the wind blows, I’d like to see Lou play a more defense/small ball lineup with Fuld and Blanco getting some starts.
daver - September 1, 2009
With Blanco activated as of today...
…. Theriot could get that rest.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
And hopefully Domer
gets to and stays at the top spot.
blackhawk24 - September 1, 2009
no
lou has a tendancy to put players in the same slot in the lineup of the person theyre replacing
jesus christos - September 1, 2009
Wouldn't that be nice?
Clutch16 - September 1, 2009
That Fox stat...
completely blew my mind.
Chris Dobbertean - September 1, 2009
Stat I'd like to see
Cubs left on base this year compared to last year at the same point.
doofus cubs guy - September 1, 2009
I don't want to see that stat.
I already know it’s really ugly and will only depress me.
cowsarecool220 - September 1, 2009
I too would have
like to seen Robinson behind the plate, other than that good to see Scales the rest, Blah.
Grockcubs - September 1, 2009
I will enjoy the rest of the season IF Sam Fuld
Gets two starts a week.
Doggie Stalker - September 1, 2009
He may if Soriano gets extended rest
Mapmaker - September 1, 2009
Lou can not afford to sacrifice Soriano's consistency in LF
Fuld brings too much quality defense and energy to the position
LAcarl519 - September 1, 2009
Hey Carl be in LA
Starting Thursday . if you want to drop over in Hollywood let me know
e mail Maddux2014 at gmail.com
Doggie Stalker - September 1, 2009
FYI small sample size but Fuld has 11 walks to 8Ks
and I checked his Iowa stats where he had over 300 ABs and same thing, significantly more walks than strike outs. Good eye and plate discipline but apparently Lou like Dusty thinks walks clog the bases.
Doggie Stalker - September 1, 2009
Why aren't the Cubs bringing up another catcher?
I can’t remember a September where they didn’t bring up one, particularly when adding to the pitching staff.
cowsarecool220 - September 1, 2009
Because Jake Fox can catch in an emergency...
… and Koyie Hill, clearly, can play every day if needed.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
I'm so glad that
Blanco and Hart were given time to completely heal before they were activated.
/sarcasm
Devin B - September 1, 2009
Hart?
you mean tha General? Hard is a pi-rate.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2009
Patton*
Devin B - September 1, 2009
Oh, that Hart
vonde6 - September 1, 2009
i missed andy white
jesus christos - September 1, 2009
We all did.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
I miss Hank White
Doggie Stalker - September 1, 2009
I don't have a problem with having Koyie Hill here as backup.
He’s done a good job.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2009
Hill has been excellent but I think Hank was a great influence on Geo
and I like to think he would have kicked his butt and gotten him on track.
Doggie Stalker - September 1, 2009
now it is time for me to go to my cousins house before i go to the game
and on that note, i leave you to stare in awe of my latest rendition of the Cardinal’s Holy Trinity (cue church music)
Be at peace, my brothers.
jesus christos - September 1, 2009
why...
why are St. Mark, St. Albert and St. Matt STANDING ON BABY HEADS???
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2009
somes attempt at humor
is rather sickening!
cubsluver22 - September 1, 2009
lighten up
francis
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2009
Why do you keep calling me names
And saying I will not give you my number and such. Stick to baseball and baseball talk.
cubsluver22 - September 1, 2009
no, I won't
get a milkshake with you.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2009
Starved for attention?
Go seek some in the real world!
cubsluver22 - September 1, 2009
Odd
They all have the Manny thing going on with the hair.
truelinkfence - September 1, 2009
Must be the women's fertility drugs.
Ron Trauma - September 1, 2009
"Qui sedet super cherubim"
I’d guess this was originally meant to illustrate the “condescension of the Redeemer,” given the break in the clouds (“Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters”).
Caledonia - September 1, 2009
I had a Mad Hungarian
Autographed baseball when I was a kid. Have I been blessed?
truelinkfence - September 1, 2009
+100
I can almost hear the heavenly choir singing…
vonde6 - September 1, 2009
Good to see the Cobra back...
carmen_fanzone - September 1, 2009
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