There's more...
For the first time in several years, I won't begin a post at the beginning of spring training with some sort of optimistic words about how Cubs management is gearing up for one more run at a division title with the remnants of the 2003, 2007 or 2008 division championship crew.
That is, obviously, because that crew is broken up and gone. Only Kerry Wood remains from the 2003 NL Central champs, and he had to leave and return to still be a Cub. The only other 2012 Cubs who played on either 2007 and 2008 title teams (or both) are Ryan Dempster, Alfonso Soriano, Geovany Soto, Carlos Marmol, Jeff Samardzija and Reed Johnson.
Beyond those seven, here are the only holdovers from 2011 (not including September callups like Bryan LaHair) likely to make the Opening Day roster this year: Marlon Byrd, Matt Garza, James Russell, Randy Wells, Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney and Jeff Baker. Chris Carpenter, who spent some time on the roster before Sept. 1, also has a shot.
Counting LaHair, who seems likely to be the Opening Day 1B, that's 16 returnees, leaving nine open spots -- that's a lot, and of course Carpenter and LaHair weren't on last year's Opening Day roster.
So we are truly seeing a turnover not seen since... well, I'd say since the offseason between 2002 and 2003. Which was also the first offseason under a new GM, Jim Hendry (though not a complete changeover in management, as Andy MacPhail was still around).
Before you accuse me of trying to compare this season, possibly, to 2003, when the Cubs surprisingly won a division title after losing 95 games the year before, I know that's not going to happen in 2012.
What I would like to see is improvement, and I think we're going to get that. When I say that, I'm not even necessarily talking about wins, although I think we'll get that too. What I want is to see better fundamental baseball, tighter defense, better situational hitting, better bullpen management, accountability when players don't hustle.
And I think we'll get that from Dale Sveum and the new management team. Yes, I know. I thought we'd get that from Mike Quade a year ago, and it didn't take too long to show that Quade and his minor-league coaching staff was way over its collective head.
That shouldn't happen here. Sveum has coaching experience on playoff teams, and took over a Brewers team in 2008 under weird circumstances and guided them to a wild-card berth. Jamie Quirk has been a bench coach on a World Series team. Dave McKay has many years coaching under Tony La Russa. It's a far more experienced staff.
As far as players are concerned, we have a lot of "who knows?" guys. Ian Stewart could be a sleeper, if he can somehow get back to his 2009 level. Travis Wood and Chris Volstad could be useful starting pitchers. Carlos Marmol was really good in 2010 -- if he could get back to that level and stop blowing saves...
I know, I know, I'm dreaming. But isn't that what this time of year is all about? Renewal. Spring coming. Warm weather and baseball. If we can't hope now, when can we?
Play ball, already. Been waiting too long.
0 recs | 104 comments
Even if almost every pitcher and catcher has already reported
It’s still a very, very good day.
Brett Taylor - February 18, 2012
They're all
in the best shape of their lives.
timh815 - February 18, 2012
Can't wait for opening day!
Slinger182 - February 18, 2012 via mobile
Don't need opening day quite yet.
ST games are a good way to break into the season for me.
SandalsNoPants - February 18, 2012
Five greater words...
Chicago Cubs win world series. But yes, pitchers and catchers report are good words as well.
wrigleyrocker12 - February 18, 2012 via mobile
Happy Pitchers and Catchers Day!
katie casey - February 18, 2012
Happy Pitchers and Catchers Day everybody!
How is everyone now that baseball is starting up again
MMA42 - February 18, 2012
THAT WAS THE BEST OFF-SEASON EVER
Here’s to hoping the 2012 season is at least competitive.
dtpollitt - February 18, 2012
Agreed.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
Smiley is going for the Tony Campana look. I like that.
katie casey - February 18, 2012
Heh.
Hadn’t noticed that. But yeah.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
Ha! This just gave me a brainstorm.
I just got a case to hold some of the autographs and stuff from the fantasy camp including my jersey signed by Paul’s team, his trophy, etc. I just placed his cap that was signed by Tony Campana up above the jersey and pinned it on a slight angle. :)
Sorry RJ, I still ♥ you, but I’ve got a new favorite player this year.
katie casey - February 18, 2012
Saw a game at Dodger Stadium couple years ago, when RJ was on the team
Walking around before the game, I noticed huge photo-posters of the players on pillars all around the concourse. That’s nice, I thought, but kept walking. Until I saw the one of Reed. Souvenir time! No, I didn’t steal it…
But I did ask my brother to take my picture with “Reed”. And just before he clicked, I said “hang on a sec” and then flipped the brim of my cap up. Unfortunately, the lighting wasn’t that great so it really didn’t turn out that well. But I figure 10 years from now when both Reed and I are at the Keith “Zonk” Moreland Cubs Fantasy Camp, I’ll tell him about it over a beer…
ballhawk - February 18, 2012
Well said, Al
Though I haven’t been as INTO Spring Training in recent years (when the late part of the Hawks’ season began meaning something again) it’s still a great day!
And hey, ya know what? I’m actually quite excited I don’t have to worry about the true health of a key pitcher’s arm, who might have gained/lost significant weight, will the recent big name free agent pick up (likely waaaay overpaid) really live up to their contract, etc etc? It’s kinda nice not having question mark after question mark up and down the roster; with MILLIONS AND MILLIONS and multiple years invested in those question marks.
HawkVision - February 18, 2012
Life is good.
I voted in the range of 75-79 wins. I actually consider that optimistic, but the fact is we have a positive change in management and coaching, a deeper rotation, and I would argue for stronger years out of Soto, Byrd and Marmol, who are all reported to be in good shape this year. Offensively, I don’t think we’ll miss Pena that much, but we will miss Aramis.
If the 2012 Chicago Cubs are going to do better than this, I will point to three guys who have to break out in order for it to happen:
Ian Stewart, Travis Wood and Randy Wells.
Wells has shown flashes of a guy who can win 15 games and devour innings. Travis is promising.
Stewart? I dunno. I live in Colorado. The real fans here are glad to be rid of him. He is probably our biggest question mark, and a subtraction there will be devastating for a team that’s weak in the middle of the lineup.
KO Stradivarius - February 18, 2012 via mobile
Refreshing.
It is has been stripped down for sure. I am sure Ramy and maybe Z will have good to decent years and there production on the field will be missed. But they had to go. I wish Soriano could have been moved however the contract is to much of a burden. “Cash and Marshy” were moved for rotation depth and hopefully a 1st basemen for the next 12 years.
I personally like all of the moves. I like the rotation depth. And I hope the talk of accountability is actually enforced. I hope the emphasis on fundamental baseball is actually executed. I hope Campana has a role and I hope Rizzo is the starting 1st basemen by July 1.
There are a ton of question marks. I truly have no expectations. So if it is a 90 loss team or they surprise and win 84 games I am on board like every other year.
Go Cubs, lets have some fun.
Grockcubs - February 18, 2012
Sounds like a cancelled TV sitcom.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
And stay tuned for "Demp and Cassie"
immediately following “Cash and Marshy” – right here on ABC.
DKT - February 18, 2012
Marshy, Marshy, Marshy
katie casey - February 18, 2012
To muchy remindy me of Quadeeeeee.
Stoppee plesaeeeee.
jpeters407 - February 18, 2012
...
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
YAHOOO....
Endrick - February 18, 2012
I agree
T.P. Grant - February 18, 2012
I can't stop watching!!!!
make it stop………………………
VegasCubFan - February 18, 2012
it never stops
T.P. Grant - February 18, 2012
It's Here! (With apologies to Lerner and Loewe)
Tra la! It’s March!
The lusty month of March!
That lovely month when p&cs go
Blissfully afield.
Tra la! It’s here!
That thrilling time of year
When tons of wicked little hopes
Merrily appear!
It’s March! It’s March!
That gorgeous holiday
When ev’ry maiden prays that her lad
Will be a cad!
It’s mad! It’s gay!
A libelous display!
Those dreary vows that ev’ryone takes,
Ev’ryone breaks.
Ev’ryone makes divine mistakes
The lusty month of May!
Whence this fragrance wafting through the air?
What sweet feelings does its scent transmute?
Whence this perfume floating ev’rywhere?
Don’t you know it’s that dear forbidden fruit!
Tra la la la la! That dear forbidden fruit!
Tra la la la la!
Emelie - February 18, 2012
O the Ignominy of Cut and Paste
well, at least you got the idea ;-)
Emelie - February 18, 2012
It used to be one of my favorite days of the year, along with my birthday.
Now it’s just another day. I need to find a summer hobby for the next few years.
chilango2 - February 18, 2012
pitchers and catchers neat
But nothing compares to opening day one of my favorite days of the year.
Madison Cub Fan - February 18, 2012
Opening Day should be a national holiday.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
What I hope to see....team baseball and not individual star baseball
Looking at how the Bostonians have constructed this roster on the fly, it appears that platooning will be the order of the lineup.
3B: You mentioned Stewart but I don’t think Stewart see’s many RH starting pitchers. 2009 he hit .351 wOBA against RH’s, & 2010 .345 wOBA. (Forget last year total wash out). Baker he .353 wOBA in 2011, .409 wOBA in 2010 and .339 wOBA in 2009. It is a natural platoon.
2B: Barney hit .318 wOBA against LH starters, not sure on the splits but in AAA Cardenas hit .356 wOBA as a left hand hitting 2B.
LF: Soriano in 2011 Fonzi hit .339 wOBA against LH starters, .404 wOBA in 2010, .254(?) in 2009, while BJackson had a .404 wOBA in AAA and .372 in AA last year (again no splits).
CF: Campana had a .280 wOBA against RH’ers and Sappelt .367 wOBA in AAA (again no splits).
Catcher: While I don’t think a strict L/R platoon would be in order with Geo he did hit .421 wOBA against LH starters 2011, .458 wOBA in 2010, and .345 wOBA in 2009, while Clevenger hit .449 wOBA in AAA and .366 wOBA in AA again no splits in 2011.
Overall if you are going to have a club where there is no set lineup but you platoon to the offensive strengths of the club and focus on getting as many left handed bats against pre dominate right handed starters, you will have to have a roster with 14 position players, who are versatile. In the OF, except for FONZIE, Campana, RJohnson, DeJesus, Sappelt, BJackson, can play all three OF positions, (Byrd excluded, I just see him traded either in ST or by May 31), but even Byrd can play all three positions.
On the infield, Stewart, Baker, Barney and Cardenas can play multiple positions (probably Castro as well).
So in turn if you have a platoon oriented lineup than you have to go with 11 pitchers, where two things are necessary—-starting pitchers have to be able to go deeper in the game…7th or 8th inning. And the bullpen must also be effective and not merely specialists. Furthermore the closer has to close at a high rate.
Ivy Walls - February 18, 2012
BTW a correction and more comment
I meant Stewart not seeing much LH starting pitching.
DeWitt might have gotten a real wake up call not being picked up and now a AAA player, he could make the club and if he improves defensively play 2B after all.
Ivy Walls - February 18, 2012
You've got a lot of apples and oranges comparisons in there
As well as a handful of “platoons” that just won’t happen.
I would be fine with bringing up Jackson and having a straight L/R platoon with Sori. Now, does anyone think that is going to happen? Sori has, by most indications, been a good teammate. But that possibly (probably?) changes if you cut his ABs by ~60%.
The CF platoon only is even remotely in play if Byrd is dealt. Even then, it would be rather counter intuitive to have the RH hitting Sappelt face righties while the LH hitting Campana faced lefties. I think you’d need a lot more data to build a track record for anyone to go with that kind of ‘against the grain’ platoon.
The catcher spot I could see a bit… but Geo surely isn’t sitting against all RHs. If management thinks their best catcher needs to sit against RH pitchers, then you may as well just deal him. But I would be fine with Clevenger starting 3 out of every 10 games… to help Soto stay healthy as much as anything split related.
2B could happen, though I’d still like to see how Barney develops. And I still have reservations about Cardenas. I find it head-scratching that he would be cut lose by an A’s team so generally devoid of talent. Even if they felt they had a surplus at his position, why not trade him for an A ball pitcher? IMO, DeWitt simply doesn’t have enough talent for a ‘wake up call’ to matter. He’s got a little pop, but no other tool that is above average and a couple that are well below. Even with the Cubs “starved” for power, he’s just not worth it… and doesn’t fit the “Theo mold”.
3B will likely be a platoon… but I was also surprised you missed the other “obvious” platoon: RF. I would think RJ will be out there against most LH starters with DDJ taking a seat.
fsuapollo - February 18, 2012
Clevenger starting 3 of every 10 games
… would be 48 starts. That’s a lot for a backup catcher.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
Can you imagine the carnage around here
if someone said planning 48 starts for Koyie?
Mulhollandmania - February 18, 2012
Apples and Oranges
Koyie Hill has been proven to be a TERRIBLE major leaguer.
Clevenger is younger and could become better.
Nunyabidness - February 18, 2012
...
jesus christos - February 18, 2012
whats on her lip??
Hammer - February 18, 2012
Just a little Rebecca Black
cubzfan - February 18, 2012
dont know who that is
Hammer - February 18, 2012
Should have asked this yesterday...
ballhawk - February 18, 2012
por que??
Hammer - February 18, 2012
it's the day to get down
jesus christos - February 18, 2012
yesterday was Friday
Google “Friday Friday” and play the Rebecca Black video if you dare…
ballhawk - February 18, 2012
don't do it
jesus christos - February 18, 2012
wow that fu king sucked
Hammer - February 18, 2012
That gif is so yesterday
RiskyBusiness - February 18, 2012
Well I originally had "2 to 3" in there.
So I should have stuck with that.
Still, here’s Soto’s career starts:
‘11: 119 (43 starts for the back-up)
’10: 97 (65)
’09: 92 (70)
’08: 131 (31)… also worth noting here that many people felt Soto was being overworked this season and he’s only had one relatively healthy season since.
That’s an average of 52 starts a season for ‘other catchers’.
Soto, like most other catchers, is prone to damage. And we shouldn’t be thinking his durability gets stronger as the years / innings pile on. (This is a big part of the reason I’m all for trading him, particularly if he bounces back.)
So I would say the Cubs ought to be planning on the back-up catcher starting at least 40 games and very possibly more.
fsuapollo - February 18, 2012
Yeah, maybe.
I’d like to see Geo get 125-130 starts. If Clevenger can prove that he can handle the pitching staff and not have a huge dropoff in offense, then maybe it’d be worth having him make 48 starts.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
I agree. I'd love for Soto
to be healthy and productive enough to make that many starts, leaving “Clevenger” (or other back-up) with ~32-37 starts. It’s just that that combo has only happened once (four years ago)… so I’m not sure we should be counting on it.
fsuapollo - February 18, 2012
I think i recall club house confidential
showing a graphic of clubs that used platoon’s the least and Cubs were on that list.
Mitchener - February 18, 2012
That's what happens when you have a bunch of one dimensional players.
Thanks Jim!!!!
Nunyabidness - February 19, 2012
It's a beautiful thing.
scottsdalecubs - February 18, 2012
I played on the field during Cubs fantasy camp
BOOYEAH!!!
VegasCubFan - February 18, 2012
as in the one that groundskeeper in the picture is fixing up
VegasCubFan - February 18, 2012
Cool.
Gotta do that sometime soon.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
why not next year?
Madison Cub Fan - February 18, 2012
Money, for one.
But who knows, maybe a year from now I’ll be able to afford it.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
Although we thought it was worth every penny,
there are some extra expenses that you might like to be aware of if you are saving for this.
Obviously, transportation is a big one. For us that meant a flight and rental car. You can probably get away without a car if you want by getting rides to and from Fitch.
There were also things that Paul needed to get because he hadn’t played in ages. Some guys may already have these things. For example, you need to bring your own cleats and mitt. Paul also needed a catcher’s mitt since he chose that as his position, batting gloves, baseball t-shirts for under his uniform and a bat. They do supply bats, but he wanted his own. He used it to when he went to the batting cages to practice a little before going (another little expense). Then he needed an equipment bag to put all this in.
The guys apparently pitch in for tips for the clubhouse guys. If you use the trainers a lot, you may want to tip them. Besides extra spending money for dinner, beer etc. during the week , the teams each treated their coaches one night to a nice dinner, typically a good steak place.
Then you may want to bring stuff to have autographed and a bunch of sharpies. We bought a dozen major league balls. That wasn’t cheap. It wasn’t necessary, but I’m glad we did. Then they have a professional photographer and you may want to order photos and videos.
All this stuff starts adding up, so I can see it being difficult if you aren’t expecting it.
katie casey - February 19, 2012
Thanks for the tips.
Al Yellon - February 19, 2012
No problem.
Here’s another one. Randy sends a sheet with some stretches when you sign up. Paul says he thinks they helped him a lot.
katie casey - February 19, 2012
Yeah, I'd definitely need those.
Al Yellon - February 19, 2012
Paul's team did too! Here they are.
katie casey - February 18, 2012
Hellz yeah!
VegasCubFan - February 18, 2012
Relocated to Philly but
excited to have paid for this season’s MLB. Last year I didn’t spend it. I do get to see a few games anyway. I also didn’t buy tickets when the Cubs came through Philly. I think I was correct in last years penny pinching private protest. This year I know they won’t be World Series Champs but hoping to not have to hang my head in shame when I go see the Cubs in Philly.
Rainman9856 - February 18, 2012
Change is good.
I personally think 75 wins is about right. But here’s hoping change could get us up to .500. And if we could get on a little roll in the second half, maybe we catch fire and hustle out 85 wins. Wouldn’t that be something? It will be a nice change to see good defense. Maybe more one run games go our way. Spring is a good time to dream huh?
mrcubsfan - February 18, 2012 via mobile
75 would be a pleasant surprise
More likely they will struggle to win 70.
lookingdeadred - February 20, 2012
Anybody coming to the Cubs/Rangers
spring training games in Vegas? March 17 and 18
VegasCubFan - February 18, 2012
I'll be at the Cubs-Padres game on 3/26 at Hohokam
and the Angels-Rangers game on 3/24 at Surprise.
EalyEagle - February 18, 2012
Stop by and say hi.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
and Hammer reports to Goodyear Ballpark
March 3rd. For 7 days a week of “work”
Can’t wait.
Hammer - February 18, 2012
See you there on 3/25.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
Cool
Get a hold of me on here before then. If I am working promotions or something that day – maybe we can get you on field between innings. How about spinning in circles five times before putting a golf ball?
Hammer - February 18, 2012
Heh.
Sure, why not? I’ll email you.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
Hope Springs Eternal
EalyEagle - February 18, 2012
Now it Begins
No false hopes or expectations this year. Nothing but the thrill, win or lose, of watching a new beginning—a beginning with a new hope that this is the first step towards the promised land. Because there is no pressure to win I think this team will be fun to watch this year. Anything beyond that will be gravy.
Luigi - February 18, 2012
any word on Soler?
Reaver - February 18, 2012
Still very young
Still very coveted.
timh815 - February 18, 2012
Seems like reports are coming full circle
Cubs all-but-signed, yankees/phils in front, yankees cant offer what cubs can, phils wont spend that much internationally, marlins are in, marlins are out, toronto/cleveland/baltimore all work him out but cant pay $27 mil, cubs still interested….
cubs again frontrunners. SOURCE: my internet searches (can find the actual links for all this commotion if anyone is interested)
CubbyBlues - February 18, 2012
Then there's this from a Yahoo Baseball Rumors blog...
Getting into a bidding war with the Yankees? That can’t end well.
Easy Ed - February 19, 2012
Cant wait to get out there and check them out next week!
AzCubfan24 - February 18, 2012
Take some photos and post them if you can.
Al Yellon - February 18, 2012
Will do! I plan on being out there on Fri and Sat.
Hope the times haven’t changed under the new regime.
I may try and get out earlier in the week too.
AzCubfan24 - February 18, 2012
Love this day!!! :)
slcathena - February 18, 2012
No Koyie, no care.
shoemile - February 18, 2012
:)
sue369 - February 18, 2012
Hell yes, today is a good day...
eths - February 18, 2012
To al and rest of the staff
So excited and regardless of how we feel in sept, I know this is always the one stop shop for anything cubs, appreciate all you do .
Les Lancaster - February 18, 2012 via Android app
Went down to Fitch today, I was so darn excited.
Saw the back of Marlon Byrd’s suv as he breezed out of the lot, and Ryan Dempster pull into the same lot. Pretty uneventful, nobody working out when I was there, but I don’t care. Beautiful day with my daughter. And pitchers and catchers reported today!
scottsdalecubs - February 18, 2012
I think it would be funny if only pitchers had to report today...
Just a bunch of guys throwing the ball but with nobody there to catch it. I say let Dempster and Woody run and pick up their own balls. Wait, that didn’t sound right…
DKT - February 18, 2012
this made me chuckle :-)
thanks DKT
EalyEagle - February 19, 2012
Nice!
DKT - February 19, 2012
Byrd's SUV?
He added to the collection, then. Last year I saw him driving out of the parking lot there in a Maserati.
Al Yellon - February 19, 2012
He was a passenger :)
scottsdalecubs - February 19, 2012
Hmm... elgato's moving up in the world then... ;-)
ballhawk - February 19, 2012
Question for those in the know
I am going to AZ for my grandfathers 80th. Next Saturday the 25th. Would I be able to watch a practice??
Hammer - February 18, 2012
Absolutely! You are going to love practice at Fitch Park.
It’s a laid back atmosphere with players circling between 4 diamonds, and they are easily accessible. I think I like this time as much the actual Cactus league games.
Arriving around 10:45 -11:00 has worked well for me in the past. There is often a hot dog stand open complete with free roster sheets. Enjoy!
scottsdalecubs - February 18, 2012
One more thing... I don't know when the team begins practice - you may be
able to contact The Cubs in Arizona to find out. I have never had a problem arriving after 10:30 on weekends though – I think they’ll be working out until 1:00 of later??
scottsdalecubs - February 18, 2012
Great thanks
Want to take my nephew – even though hes only 10 months old
Hammer - February 18, 2012
I plan on being there on Saturday as well.
Based on past years that Ive gone the workouts start around 9:30 starting with stretching and warmups. Normal activities begin around 10 if I recall correctly. I haven’t attended anything on the weekends before but I would assume that things don’t change.
They have full concessions open as well as a small souvenir stand.
As Scottsdalecubs said this is almost as enjoyable as the Cactus league games if not more. You get the move to any of the 4 diamonds freely and see whats going on. I love being able to watch BP from 10 ft away.
AzCubfan24 - February 18, 2012
Excellent - thanks
Hammer - February 18, 2012
a lot
of these players wil be going all out to impress the new braintrust.whether these players are talented enough to win games remains to be seen. i have 3 camps within 20 minutes from my house opening today.phillies jays and yankees.but i wont be going to any of them because hey they’re not the cubs.
NOMAR - February 19, 2012
Hey Al ,
thanks for keeping this off season fun and for filling in those boring days with some pretty nice retro recaps .
walterj - February 19, 2012
Thanks.
Glad baseball is back and glad you liked the retro recaps.
Al Yellon - February 19, 2012
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