The Cubs began trimming their roster as we get closer to the start of the season, they cut 15 players from their roster and bring the roster from 69 players to 54.
"Alzolay, Tseng optioned to Iowa, De La Cruz, Steele optioned to Tennessee; Duncan Robinson, Ian Clarkin, Alberto Baldonado, Craig Brooks, Carlos Ramirez, Colin Rea, Ian Rice, Charcer Burks, Evan Marzilli, Jacob Hannemann assigned to minor league camp. Scahill granted release." - Mark Gonzales of the Tribune.
None of these should be a particular surprise as they didn't really have a serious shot at making the big league roster. Most of these players will go to the minor leagues and work on theirs skills to try and contribute to the big league roster in 2019 and beyond.
Albert Alzolay should have a legitimate shot to contribute on the big league roster later in the year as long as he can prove he's healthy. He had his 2018 season cut short due to a lat issue, and was dealing with another injury early in the Spring.
Ryan Scahill was granted his release after signing a minor league deal in January. He was lit up to the tune of five hits and three runs in two and a third innings pitched. The 31-year old has a lifetime 3.85 ERA in 124 big league appearances, but his 1.44 WHIP and a 4.49 xFIP cast some doubt on his numbers. He will be able to sign with any club looking to contribute to their bullpen.
The Cubs also made a minor trade with the Kansas City Royals sending right-handed pitching prospect Stephen Ridings to KC in exchange for familiar face outfielder Donnie Dewees. Ridings pitched alright out of the Eugene bullpen last year with a 4.15 ERA in 22 appearances, he struck out 44 while walking 15 and allowing four home runs.
Dewees was the Cubs 2nd round pick back in 2015, but he was traded after the 2016 season in exchange for RHP Alec Mills. Last year he hit just .258/.310/.351 split between the Royals AA and AAA teams. He's a high contact kind of guy with just 93 strikeouts in 507 at bats. He's likely to serve as AAA depth, but could be useful in case of an injury.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Friday, March 8, 2019
Cubs beat Mariners 9-3
The Cubs picked up their ninth win of the Spring schedule defeating the Seattle Mariners 9-3.
Duncan Robinson took the mound today and gave up two runs on two hits in two innings, the big hit off him was a two-run home run by Jay Bruce. He's likely to head down to AAA, but could wind up being a serviceable depth option.
The Cubs scored all of their runs off Marco Gonzales, who got lit up to the tune of nine runs on 12 hits and two walks in three and two-thirds innings pitched.
Anthony Rizzo went 3-3 with a home run, Albert Almora Jr went 2-4, David Bote went 3-3 with a walk, and Javier Baez went 2-3. It was one of the more impressive outings for Cubs batters who just made Gonzales grind.
Jen-Ho Tseng pitched two innings today while not allowing a base runner, which was very good to see after struggling early on in the Spring.
Randy Rosario struck out the side in his inning of work, though he did allow a hit.
Allen Webster pitched two innings allowing just one hit and striking out three.
The Cubs will take on the Angels tomorrow with Alec Mills going against Griffin Canning.
Duncan Robinson took the mound today and gave up two runs on two hits in two innings, the big hit off him was a two-run home run by Jay Bruce. He's likely to head down to AAA, but could wind up being a serviceable depth option.
The Cubs scored all of their runs off Marco Gonzales, who got lit up to the tune of nine runs on 12 hits and two walks in three and two-thirds innings pitched.
Anthony Rizzo went 3-3 with a home run, Albert Almora Jr went 2-4, David Bote went 3-3 with a walk, and Javier Baez went 2-3. It was one of the more impressive outings for Cubs batters who just made Gonzales grind.
Jen-Ho Tseng pitched two innings today while not allowing a base runner, which was very good to see after struggling early on in the Spring.
Randy Rosario struck out the side in his inning of work, though he did allow a hit.
Allen Webster pitched two innings allowing just one hit and striking out three.
The Cubs will take on the Angels tomorrow with Alec Mills going against Griffin Canning.
Spring training competition watch
As we slowly get closer to the start of the regular season it will start to become time for roster trimming. The Cubs have completed 14 of their 34 games this Spring Training and it's a good time to look at some of the roster spot battles.
Backup Catcher
Since the Cubs didn't make any sort of veteran addition to the roster it's pretty much assured the job will go to Victor Caratini. He's responded with a very solid spring going 6-17 with a double and a home run. He did struggle pretty significantly in the big leagues in 2018 so if he struggles in 2018 expect the Cubs to look outside the organization for help.
Reserve Infielder
It's likely going to come down to David Bote and Cristhian Adames for the final infield position, though Bote will probably end up winning the job.
Both of them have been excellent so far in Spring Training. Adames with a video game like .524/.522/.905 slash line has come out of nowhere since being signed to a minor league deal late in January after being let go by the Marlins. He hasn't appeared in a big league game since 2017 for the Rockies, but during his big league career he has been a very light hitter with a .206/.283/.278 line, while providing slightly below average defense. It's hard to see the value he could provide, but if he's the hot hand going into the regular season than the Cubs might as well give him a shot with Addison Russell suspended.
Bote has had a very good spring as well with a .300/.529/.400 line including five walks in 17 plate appearances. Bote should have the advantage due to the fact that he's both a better hitter and a better, and more versatile defender than Adames. He had an excellent rookie year for the Cubs with several very clutch hits, and has quickly become a fan favorite. Pitchers were able to adjust to him, and he cooled down significantly, so it'll be interesting to see if he made any adjustments to his approach.
Bullpen
There most likely isn't any high leverage roles open in the Cubs bullpen, but a few situational roles are likely to be open. Closer Brandon Morrow will start the season on the shelf, but Pedro Strop will most likely take the closer duties unless the Cubs blow the bank and sign Craig Kimbrel.
One of the them is the primary lefty reliever position. That will most likely come down to Brian Duensing, Xavier Cedeno, and Randy Rosario. Duensing should be the favorite right now as Cedeno hasn't pitched yet due to a wrist injury and Rosario hasn't pitched well in his three appearances while Duensing has yet to allow a run.
Tyler Chatwood has been excellent this Spring and it might be time to actually start taking him serious as someone who can seriously help the Cubs in 2019. He has pitched eight innings and has allowed eight hits, two runs, with five strikeouts and only one walk. It's hard to say what his role could be, but if he keeps pitching like he has the Cubs need to find a way to fit him in.
Backup Catcher
Since the Cubs didn't make any sort of veteran addition to the roster it's pretty much assured the job will go to Victor Caratini. He's responded with a very solid spring going 6-17 with a double and a home run. He did struggle pretty significantly in the big leagues in 2018 so if he struggles in 2018 expect the Cubs to look outside the organization for help.
Reserve Infielder
It's likely going to come down to David Bote and Cristhian Adames for the final infield position, though Bote will probably end up winning the job.
Both of them have been excellent so far in Spring Training. Adames with a video game like .524/.522/.905 slash line has come out of nowhere since being signed to a minor league deal late in January after being let go by the Marlins. He hasn't appeared in a big league game since 2017 for the Rockies, but during his big league career he has been a very light hitter with a .206/.283/.278 line, while providing slightly below average defense. It's hard to see the value he could provide, but if he's the hot hand going into the regular season than the Cubs might as well give him a shot with Addison Russell suspended.
Bote has had a very good spring as well with a .300/.529/.400 line including five walks in 17 plate appearances. Bote should have the advantage due to the fact that he's both a better hitter and a better, and more versatile defender than Adames. He had an excellent rookie year for the Cubs with several very clutch hits, and has quickly become a fan favorite. Pitchers were able to adjust to him, and he cooled down significantly, so it'll be interesting to see if he made any adjustments to his approach.
Bullpen
There most likely isn't any high leverage roles open in the Cubs bullpen, but a few situational roles are likely to be open. Closer Brandon Morrow will start the season on the shelf, but Pedro Strop will most likely take the closer duties unless the Cubs blow the bank and sign Craig Kimbrel.
One of the them is the primary lefty reliever position. That will most likely come down to Brian Duensing, Xavier Cedeno, and Randy Rosario. Duensing should be the favorite right now as Cedeno hasn't pitched yet due to a wrist injury and Rosario hasn't pitched well in his three appearances while Duensing has yet to allow a run.
Tyler Chatwood has been excellent this Spring and it might be time to actually start taking him serious as someone who can seriously help the Cubs in 2019. He has pitched eight innings and has allowed eight hits, two runs, with five strikeouts and only one walk. It's hard to say what his role could be, but if he keeps pitching like he has the Cubs need to find a way to fit him in.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Cubs fall to Rockies 7-5
The Cubs dropped their 6th game of Spring Training to the Colorado Rockies and fell to 8-6 for the Spring.
Jon Lester took the ball for the Cubs and went 3.2 innings giving up four hits and three runs with a walk and four strikeouts. He allowed two home runs as well.
Brian Duensing pitched an inning allowing just a hit. He's likely got a spot in the bullpen locked down if he continues to pitch like he has.
Brandon Kintzler got lit up to the tune of three runs on three hits with a walk a strikeout. It's his first bad outing of the Spring so I wouldn't worry too much, but it jumps his ERA to an unsightly 10.13.
Dillon Maples and Dakota Mekkes both pitched an inning and didn't allow a run. Both gave up a hit, while Maples struck out two.
Cubs 2018 first round pick Nico Hoerner made his Spring debut and went 3-3 with a triple.
Willson Contreras went 1-3 with a booming two run double.
Cristian Adames hit a home run in his only at bat. He's up to a .524/.522/.905 line this Spring, and may have a legitimate shot at a bench role at this point.
The Cubs will take on the Mariners tomorrow. Duncan Robinson will take the mound for the Cubs, while Marco Gonzales will pitch for the M's.
Jon Lester took the ball for the Cubs and went 3.2 innings giving up four hits and three runs with a walk and four strikeouts. He allowed two home runs as well.
Brian Duensing pitched an inning allowing just a hit. He's likely got a spot in the bullpen locked down if he continues to pitch like he has.
Brandon Kintzler got lit up to the tune of three runs on three hits with a walk a strikeout. It's his first bad outing of the Spring so I wouldn't worry too much, but it jumps his ERA to an unsightly 10.13.
Dillon Maples and Dakota Mekkes both pitched an inning and didn't allow a run. Both gave up a hit, while Maples struck out two.
Cubs 2018 first round pick Nico Hoerner made his Spring debut and went 3-3 with a triple.
Willson Contreras went 1-3 with a booming two run double.
Cristian Adames hit a home run in his only at bat. He's up to a .524/.522/.905 line this Spring, and may have a legitimate shot at a bench role at this point.
The Cubs will take on the Mariners tomorrow. Duncan Robinson will take the mound for the Cubs, while Marco Gonzales will pitch for the M's.
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Cubs fall to Angels 9-2
The Cubs suffered their 5th loss of the Spring losing 9-2 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
The offense got off to a quick start in the first when Willson Contreras hit a double that turned into a little league two-run home run thanks to Mike Trout kicking the ball away.
Addison Russell continued his very good start to the spring going 2-3 with two doubles. He will start the season with a 40-game suspension due to domestic violence allegations by his ex-wife.
Nico Hoerner, the Cubs 2018 first round pick, made his Spring debut and went 0-1 after replacing Addison Russell. He has potential to move quickly up the Cubs system in 2019 after his first year was cut short due to an elbow injury.
On the pitching side Kyle Hendricks pitched just OK in his start. He went just two and a third innings giving up three hits and two earned runs with a walk and four strikeouts. He didn't personally allow the runs as Mario Meza gave up a three-run home run to Mike Trout that allowed the inherited runners to score.
Carl Edwards Jr. had a bit of a shaky inning giving up two hits, but he didn't allow a run and struck out two.
Most of the damage was done off Rowan Wick who allowed four runs in two thirds of an inning. He was acquired from the Padres in the offseason in a trade for Jason Vosler and is likely to start the year in AAA.
Tomorrow will see the Cubs take on the Kansas City Royals. The Cubs will start Jose Quintana while Heath Fillymer will get the start for the Royals.
The offense got off to a quick start in the first when Willson Contreras hit a double that turned into a little league two-run home run thanks to Mike Trout kicking the ball away.
Addison Russell continued his very good start to the spring going 2-3 with two doubles. He will start the season with a 40-game suspension due to domestic violence allegations by his ex-wife.
Nico Hoerner, the Cubs 2018 first round pick, made his Spring debut and went 0-1 after replacing Addison Russell. He has potential to move quickly up the Cubs system in 2019 after his first year was cut short due to an elbow injury.
On the pitching side Kyle Hendricks pitched just OK in his start. He went just two and a third innings giving up three hits and two earned runs with a walk and four strikeouts. He didn't personally allow the runs as Mario Meza gave up a three-run home run to Mike Trout that allowed the inherited runners to score.
Carl Edwards Jr. had a bit of a shaky inning giving up two hits, but he didn't allow a run and struck out two.
Most of the damage was done off Rowan Wick who allowed four runs in two thirds of an inning. He was acquired from the Padres in the offseason in a trade for Jason Vosler and is likely to start the year in AAA.
Tomorrow will see the Cubs take on the Kansas City Royals. The Cubs will start Jose Quintana while Heath Fillymer will get the start for the Royals.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Cubs blow out Reds 9-1
The Cubs continued their streak of hot hitting and scored nine runs to beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 and move to 7-4 on the Spring. They have scored 9+ runs in five out of their 11 games played.
Albert Almora Jr led off the game with a home run. He's off to a hot start hitting .385/.385/.692 this spring, which is a very good sign considering his second half struggles last year. Charcer Burks would replace him and go 2-2.
The real stars of this game were the pitchers. They allowed just three hits to a Reds lineup that featured Yasiel Puig, Scooter Gennett, and Eugenio Suarez among others.
Alec Mills got the start and pitched two innings allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out three. He does have one more option left so he is unlikely to start the year on the big league roster, but he can go down to AAA and be a useful replacement starter should the need arise.
Brian Duensing pitched a clean inning today and has yet to allow a run in three innings this Spring Training. He had a very bad 2018, but he's signed at $3.5 million and is one of the more experienced lefty relievers.
One of the more intriguing arms to pitch in this game was Allen Webster, who pitched two clean innings with three strikeouts. The Cubs signed him in 2018 as a reclamation project and he pitched fairly well in a limited minor league sample size. They non-tenedered him, but resigned him to a minor league deal. He's pitched pretty well in three appearances pitching five innings giving up a run on a hit and two walks with five strikeouts.
The Cubs travel to Tempe Diablo stadium to take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It will see Kyle Hendricks making his second Spring start against Angels lefty Tyler Skaggs.
Albert Almora Jr led off the game with a home run. He's off to a hot start hitting .385/.385/.692 this spring, which is a very good sign considering his second half struggles last year. Charcer Burks would replace him and go 2-2.
The real stars of this game were the pitchers. They allowed just three hits to a Reds lineup that featured Yasiel Puig, Scooter Gennett, and Eugenio Suarez among others.
Alec Mills got the start and pitched two innings allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out three. He does have one more option left so he is unlikely to start the year on the big league roster, but he can go down to AAA and be a useful replacement starter should the need arise.
Brian Duensing pitched a clean inning today and has yet to allow a run in three innings this Spring Training. He had a very bad 2018, but he's signed at $3.5 million and is one of the more experienced lefty relievers.
One of the more intriguing arms to pitch in this game was Allen Webster, who pitched two clean innings with three strikeouts. The Cubs signed him in 2018 as a reclamation project and he pitched fairly well in a limited minor league sample size. They non-tenedered him, but resigned him to a minor league deal. He's pitched pretty well in three appearances pitching five innings giving up a run on a hit and two walks with five strikeouts.
The Cubs travel to Tempe Diablo stadium to take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It will see Kyle Hendricks making his second Spring start against Angels lefty Tyler Skaggs.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Cubs beat Sox 13-4
The Cubs had one of their more convincing victories of the Spring, smashing the White Sox 13-4 and moving to 6-4 on the Spring.
Kris Bryant continued his absolutely torrid pace this Spring with a three-run home run in the second inning, if he can keep this pace up in the regular season he could be a serious candidate for his second MVP.
The biggest, and most important storyline from this game was the pitching of Yu Darvish. He went two innings walking just one and striking out three. His velocity was reportedly in the upper 90s and he was commanding his pitches well.
David Bote went 1-1 with a bases-loaded walk and a two run double. He's likely the favorite for the final bench spot as Addison Russell serves his suspension.
Although he gave up a two-run home run, the improved command of Dillon Maples has been a good sight for Cubs fans. It's a small sample size, but he hasn't walked a batter in his first three innings while striking out 6.
Tony Barnette gave up a home run in his inning of work, and that makes three runs allowed in two innings pitched. Early spring results don't really mean much though as long as he's healthy, and he should still be a favorite for a bullpen spot.
The Cubs will be taking on the Reds tomorrow. They have not announced their starter yet, but Tony Santillan will take the mound for the Reds.
Kris Bryant continued his absolutely torrid pace this Spring with a three-run home run in the second inning, if he can keep this pace up in the regular season he could be a serious candidate for his second MVP.
The biggest, and most important storyline from this game was the pitching of Yu Darvish. He went two innings walking just one and striking out three. His velocity was reportedly in the upper 90s and he was commanding his pitches well.
David Bote went 1-1 with a bases-loaded walk and a two run double. He's likely the favorite for the final bench spot as Addison Russell serves his suspension.
Although he gave up a two-run home run, the improved command of Dillon Maples has been a good sight for Cubs fans. It's a small sample size, but he hasn't walked a batter in his first three innings while striking out 6.
Tony Barnette gave up a home run in his inning of work, and that makes three runs allowed in two innings pitched. Early spring results don't really mean much though as long as he's healthy, and he should still be a favorite for a bullpen spot.
The Cubs will be taking on the Reds tomorrow. They have not announced their starter yet, but Tony Santillan will take the mound for the Reds.
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