The MLB announced today that it is cancelling the two game series between the Cubs and Cardinals scheduled for June 13-14 in London. Although it had been anticipated for a while due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, it's still disappointing to see it become a reality.
With it becoming increasingly likely that the season will not be getting started until July, and the fact that there is no definite end date to the social distancing guidelines the series cancellation was a foregone conclusion. Obviously it's possible to try again next year, but that remains to be seen.
The Cubs haven't played an international series since they opened the 2000 season against the Mets at the Tokyo Dome. It would've been nice to see them play the second ever London series, but it just was not going to be possible at this point.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Monday, March 23, 2020
Cubs send Jhonny Pereda to Red Sox
The Cubs traded 23-year old catcher Jhonny Pereda to the Boston Red Sox in order to complete the January 21st trade that sent Travis Lakins to the Cubs.
Pereda spent all of last season in AA Tennessee hitting .241/.336/.305 in 98 games and 398 plate appearances. Not much of a hitter, he is much more known for his defense as he won the minor league Gold Glove for catching in part thanks to him throwing out 33% of attempted base stealers.
It was hard to project him as a hitter, as he showed excellent bat control with a 12.3% walk rate and a 13.8% strikeout rate, but he hit for absolutely zero power with a .064 ISO and a 53.7% ground ball rate.
Lakins spent just 10 days in the Cubs organization before being claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles so it's disappointing to see the Cubs give up a potential elite defensive catcher for a pitcher who will never throw a pitch for the Cubs.
Pereda spent all of last season in AA Tennessee hitting .241/.336/.305 in 98 games and 398 plate appearances. Not much of a hitter, he is much more known for his defense as he won the minor league Gold Glove for catching in part thanks to him throwing out 33% of attempted base stealers.
It was hard to project him as a hitter, as he showed excellent bat control with a 12.3% walk rate and a 13.8% strikeout rate, but he hit for absolutely zero power with a .064 ISO and a 53.7% ground ball rate.
Lakins spent just 10 days in the Cubs organization before being claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles so it's disappointing to see the Cubs give up a potential elite defensive catcher for a pitcher who will never throw a pitch for the Cubs.
Monday, March 16, 2020
No baseball for at least eight more weeks
Major League Baseball released a statement saying that "Following last night's newly updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) restricting events of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks, the opening of the 2020 regular season will be pushed back in according with that guidance,"
Eight weeks would push the regular season starting in May at the absolute earliest, and with recent reports that seems to be extremely optimistic. Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports says that several GMs are bracing for a delay as "late as July,"
It seems extremely unlikely that playing 162 games is a remote possibility at this point. If the season were to start in July it would take the season into early 2021 It's impossible to speculate until we get a much clearer picture of the timeline of everything, but a shortened season is an inevitability at this point.
You can also basically throw all season expectations for players and teams out the window. This type of scenario is completely unprecedented for all of sports, not just baseball. It's impossible to know how a long layoff starting right in the middle of Spring Training will effect players.
Eight weeks would push the regular season starting in May at the absolute earliest, and with recent reports that seems to be extremely optimistic. Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports says that several GMs are bracing for a delay as "late as July,"
It seems extremely unlikely that playing 162 games is a remote possibility at this point. If the season were to start in July it would take the season into early 2021 It's impossible to speculate until we get a much clearer picture of the timeline of everything, but a shortened season is an inevitability at this point.
You can also basically throw all season expectations for players and teams out the window. This type of scenario is completely unprecedented for all of sports, not just baseball. It's impossible to know how a long layoff starting right in the middle of Spring Training will effect players.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Major League Baseball expected to announce suspension of Spring Training
As a result of the the growing panic surrounding the Coroniavirus, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that there is a "feeling of inevitability among executives that Major League Baseball will be suspending spring training as soon as today,"
This comes as a response to the NBA suspending their season after Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive for the Coronavirus. The MLS and NHL have also suspended operations and several college basketball conference tournaments have been cancelled.
It is clear that the MLB season will not be starting on time, but it is unknown how much it will be impacted by. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he could see NBA games being played in August so this isn't expected to be a short term thing.
It's hard to speculate until the MLB announces their plan on it. This type of situation is unprecedented and there are so many moving parts associated with this, including stadium availability and how little is known about the virus still.
This comes as a response to the NBA suspending their season after Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive for the Coronavirus. The MLS and NHL have also suspended operations and several college basketball conference tournaments have been cancelled.
It is clear that the MLB season will not be starting on time, but it is unknown how much it will be impacted by. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he could see NBA games being played in August so this isn't expected to be a short term thing.
It's hard to speculate until the MLB announces their plan on it. This type of situation is unprecedented and there are so many moving parts associated with this, including stadium availability and how little is known about the virus still.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Cubs cut five pitchers
The Cubs trimmed their relief corps and dropped their Spring Training roster to 39 when they cut five pitchers today.
The only player that was cut that had a shot at making the roster was RHP James Norwood, but after getting roughed up in the Spring with a 6.75 ERA in six appearances with six strikeouts to four walks, he was optioned to AAA.
Norwood has always had good stuff with a fastball that averaged 96.3 MPH, but he has struggled to throw strikes consistently including eight walks in nine and a third innings pitched at the big league level last year. He will most likely see big league action at some point in the season, but as of now he will try and throw strikes consistently out of the Iowa bullpen.
Danny Hultzen was a nice story for the Cubs last season after finally making his major league debut eight years after he was drafted due to his injury history. He responded well by not allowing a run in six appearances. The 30-year old lefty will most likely try to build a case for the big league bullpen in Iowa and very well could play a role at the MLB level this year.
RHP Ben Taylor and his beautiful mustache was brought in on a minor league deal and although he pitched well in his four Spring appearances with a 2.25 ERA and five strikeouts in four innings, he was never considered a serious threat to make the big league roster. The 27-year does have some big league experience with a 5.40 ERA in 20 games in parts of two seasons with the Red Sox and Indians. He could be a good depth piece, but pitchers like him are generally a dime a dozen.
Dakota Mekkes was at one point considered the Cubs best relief prospect, but his stock has taken a hit after a rough season in the hitter-inflated PCL. He didn't help his case in Spring Training either as he allowed five earned runs in five and a third innings with eight strikeouts to six walks. His issue with walks has always been known as he walked 34 in 49.1 innings for Iowa, he still has some work to do but he can absolutely be an asset for the big league bullpen if he can throw more strikes.
LHP Wyatt Short was never serious threat to win a spot on the big league roster, but it was nice to see him get some exposure to Cubs fans. He pitched well in the Spring allowing just two runs in six innings but walked four while striking out just three. He had an excellent season out of the Tennessee bullpen last year so it's possible he could open the season for Iowa, but that remains to be seen.
The only player that was cut that had a shot at making the roster was RHP James Norwood, but after getting roughed up in the Spring with a 6.75 ERA in six appearances with six strikeouts to four walks, he was optioned to AAA.
Norwood has always had good stuff with a fastball that averaged 96.3 MPH, but he has struggled to throw strikes consistently including eight walks in nine and a third innings pitched at the big league level last year. He will most likely see big league action at some point in the season, but as of now he will try and throw strikes consistently out of the Iowa bullpen.
Danny Hultzen was a nice story for the Cubs last season after finally making his major league debut eight years after he was drafted due to his injury history. He responded well by not allowing a run in six appearances. The 30-year old lefty will most likely try to build a case for the big league bullpen in Iowa and very well could play a role at the MLB level this year.
RHP Ben Taylor and his beautiful mustache was brought in on a minor league deal and although he pitched well in his four Spring appearances with a 2.25 ERA and five strikeouts in four innings, he was never considered a serious threat to make the big league roster. The 27-year does have some big league experience with a 5.40 ERA in 20 games in parts of two seasons with the Red Sox and Indians. He could be a good depth piece, but pitchers like him are generally a dime a dozen.
Dakota Mekkes was at one point considered the Cubs best relief prospect, but his stock has taken a hit after a rough season in the hitter-inflated PCL. He didn't help his case in Spring Training either as he allowed five earned runs in five and a third innings with eight strikeouts to six walks. His issue with walks has always been known as he walked 34 in 49.1 innings for Iowa, he still has some work to do but he can absolutely be an asset for the big league bullpen if he can throw more strikes.
LHP Wyatt Short was never serious threat to win a spot on the big league roster, but it was nice to see him get some exposure to Cubs fans. He pitched well in the Spring allowing just two runs in six innings but walked four while striking out just three. He had an excellent season out of the Tennessee bullpen last year so it's possible he could open the season for Iowa, but that remains to be seen.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Tyler Chatwood builds 5th starter edge
The biggest Spring Training battle for the Cubs has been the final spot in the starting rotation, with several guys competing each with their own merits for the spot.
Adbert Alzolay is the prospect on the cusp of big league success, Colin Rea was the 2019 PCL Pitcher of the Year, Alec Mills has been effective in short stints with the big league team, and Tyler Chatwood, the veteran who had been somewhat of a disappointment.
The Cubs cut Alzolay and Rea today, leaving the battle between Chatwood and Mills, and Chatwood seeming to have the edge as of right now.
During his start today, against a Giants lineup that features several regulars, Chatwood was excellent. Pitching three and two thirds innings of shutout baseball with four strikeouts and most importantly: zero walks. In total this Spring he has posted a 1.96 ERA in nine and two thirds innings pitched with 11 strikeouts and just two walks along with allowing two home runs.
Chatwood has been a frustrating player for Cubs fans over the first two years of his contract. His first year was an absolute disaster as he walked an incredible 95 batters in 103.2 innings to lead the league, he was pretty effective as a swing man last year posting a 3.76 ERA in 76.2 innings pitched with 74 strikeouts and keeping the walks mostly in check allowing just 37.
He has always had the stuff to succeed at the big league level, with a fastball that averaged 96.3 MPH and a curveball that has constantly ranked at the top for spin rate. His problem is that he hasn't been able to throw strikes consistently which has led to some less than stellar big league numbers.
Chatwood was already presumed to have the edge for the final rotation spot due to his previous big league history and the fact that he is owed $13 million for this upcoming season, but he is letting his results on the field do all the talking and as of now he definitely deserves the spot.
That isn't to say Mills hasn't been good this Spring. In his 4 appearances (3 starts) he has posted a 0.93 ERA in nine and two thirds innings pitched with seven strikeouts along with three walks and four hits allowed.
Mills big league numbers from 2019 look excellent with a 2.75 ERA in 36 innings along with an impressive 42 strikeouts to 11 walks, but his underlying numbers are a bit concerning. He has a a xFIP of 3.98 thanks to a completely unsustainable 90.5 strand percentage. His lack of overpowering stuff is also a potential red flag.
If Mills doesn't win the job it's possible he could serve the role that Chatwood served in 2019, which was multi-inning relief pitcher/occasional spot starter. It could be a good chance for Mills to finally prove himself in the big leagues, he has been fairly effective in his short stints, but has never gotten an extended opportunity to prove himself.
Adbert Alzolay is the prospect on the cusp of big league success, Colin Rea was the 2019 PCL Pitcher of the Year, Alec Mills has been effective in short stints with the big league team, and Tyler Chatwood, the veteran who had been somewhat of a disappointment.
The Cubs cut Alzolay and Rea today, leaving the battle between Chatwood and Mills, and Chatwood seeming to have the edge as of right now.
During his start today, against a Giants lineup that features several regulars, Chatwood was excellent. Pitching three and two thirds innings of shutout baseball with four strikeouts and most importantly: zero walks. In total this Spring he has posted a 1.96 ERA in nine and two thirds innings pitched with 11 strikeouts and just two walks along with allowing two home runs.
Chatwood has been a frustrating player for Cubs fans over the first two years of his contract. His first year was an absolute disaster as he walked an incredible 95 batters in 103.2 innings to lead the league, he was pretty effective as a swing man last year posting a 3.76 ERA in 76.2 innings pitched with 74 strikeouts and keeping the walks mostly in check allowing just 37.
He has always had the stuff to succeed at the big league level, with a fastball that averaged 96.3 MPH and a curveball that has constantly ranked at the top for spin rate. His problem is that he hasn't been able to throw strikes consistently which has led to some less than stellar big league numbers.
Chatwood was already presumed to have the edge for the final rotation spot due to his previous big league history and the fact that he is owed $13 million for this upcoming season, but he is letting his results on the field do all the talking and as of now he definitely deserves the spot.
That isn't to say Mills hasn't been good this Spring. In his 4 appearances (3 starts) he has posted a 0.93 ERA in nine and two thirds innings pitched with seven strikeouts along with three walks and four hits allowed.
Mills big league numbers from 2019 look excellent with a 2.75 ERA in 36 innings along with an impressive 42 strikeouts to 11 walks, but his underlying numbers are a bit concerning. He has a a xFIP of 3.98 thanks to a completely unsustainable 90.5 strand percentage. His lack of overpowering stuff is also a potential red flag.
If Mills doesn't win the job it's possible he could serve the role that Chatwood served in 2019, which was multi-inning relief pitcher/occasional spot starter. It could be a good chance for Mills to finally prove himself in the big leagues, he has been fairly effective in his short stints, but has never gotten an extended opportunity to prove himself.
Cubs trim roster to 44
The Cubs announced a series of roster moves today, bringing down their Spring Training roster to 44 and starting to give some clarity in roster battles.
The most relevant cuts were on the pitcher side as the team optioned both 2019 Pacific Coast League pitcher of the year Colin Rea and top prospect Adbert Alzolay to AAA Iowa which leaves the 5th starter competition between Tyler Chatwood and Alec Mills. Chatwood is presumed to have the advantage due to his experience and contract, but Mills is starting to build a very solid case for that role due to his single earned run allowed in nine and two thirds innings pitched.
SS Zack Short was considered a longshot for a bench role, but he will take his excellent batting eye to AAA Iowa and continue to develop his other skills while trying to be useful as a utility infielder. I would expect him up at the big league level towards the tail end of the season.
The most significant, but expected cut, was catcher Miguel Amaya. Who was ranked by Baseball Prospectus as the 78th best prospect in baseball. He is considered an excellent defensive catcher already, but the hitting is still a work in progress. He hit .235/.351/.402 for Class-A Myrtle Beach in 410 plate appearances. He will go to AA Tennessee and continue to hone his skills, but he likely won't be big league ready till mid 2021/22.
Trent Giambrone was assigned to minor league camp and the 26-year old former 25th round pick will look to build on a solid season at AAA where he hit .241/.314/.464 with 23 home runs in 478 plate appearances in the very hitter friendly PCL. If he can continue to build on his numbers, especially with the power, he could see himself playing at the Friendly Confines by summer.
Corban Joseph, Noelle Cuevas, and Carlos Asuaje weren't considered significant threats to make the roster, and will all go to Iowa to serve as depth.
The Cubs also reacquired Michael Rucker from the Baltimore Orioles who had selected him in the Rule V draft. He will not make the big league roster, but could be someone to pay attention to in the minor leagues this year. In 34 appearances for AA Tennessee last season he posted a 4.28 ERA in 75.2 innings pitched with 89 strikeouts with just 22 walks. His issue seemed to be with hits and home runs as he allowed 76 hits with 10 of them leaving the yard.
The most relevant cuts were on the pitcher side as the team optioned both 2019 Pacific Coast League pitcher of the year Colin Rea and top prospect Adbert Alzolay to AAA Iowa which leaves the 5th starter competition between Tyler Chatwood and Alec Mills. Chatwood is presumed to have the advantage due to his experience and contract, but Mills is starting to build a very solid case for that role due to his single earned run allowed in nine and two thirds innings pitched.
SS Zack Short was considered a longshot for a bench role, but he will take his excellent batting eye to AAA Iowa and continue to develop his other skills while trying to be useful as a utility infielder. I would expect him up at the big league level towards the tail end of the season.
The most significant, but expected cut, was catcher Miguel Amaya. Who was ranked by Baseball Prospectus as the 78th best prospect in baseball. He is considered an excellent defensive catcher already, but the hitting is still a work in progress. He hit .235/.351/.402 for Class-A Myrtle Beach in 410 plate appearances. He will go to AA Tennessee and continue to hone his skills, but he likely won't be big league ready till mid 2021/22.
Trent Giambrone was assigned to minor league camp and the 26-year old former 25th round pick will look to build on a solid season at AAA where he hit .241/.314/.464 with 23 home runs in 478 plate appearances in the very hitter friendly PCL. If he can continue to build on his numbers, especially with the power, he could see himself playing at the Friendly Confines by summer.
Corban Joseph, Noelle Cuevas, and Carlos Asuaje weren't considered significant threats to make the roster, and will all go to Iowa to serve as depth.
The Cubs also reacquired Michael Rucker from the Baltimore Orioles who had selected him in the Rule V draft. He will not make the big league roster, but could be someone to pay attention to in the minor leagues this year. In 34 appearances for AA Tennessee last season he posted a 4.28 ERA in 75.2 innings pitched with 89 strikeouts with just 22 walks. His issue seemed to be with hits and home runs as he allowed 76 hits with 10 of them leaving the yard.
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