According to a report from the Tribune, Luis Vizcaino "appears to be the one in most danger of losing a spot" in the Cubs' bullpen. Lou Piniella told the mainstream media on Monday that it is possible that one of the "locks" in the Cubs pen could pitch "themselves out of a spot." Piniella "did not name any names" but the Tribune thinks Vizcaino's roster spot is in jeopardy.
Piniella's quote from the Tribune, "We're going to take the pitchers that are pitching the best here. I think it's probably going to be harder to earn a spot, and easier to lose it."
The Tribune mentioned the Cubs could explore a trade with the A's for Bobby Crosby if they included a prospect in a deal for Vizcaino.
Paul Sullivan reported it would be very hard for the Cubs to trade Luis Vizcaino due to his contract. Vizcaino is owed $3.5 million this year with a $500,000 buyout on a $4 million club option for 2010.
Bobby Crosby will make $5.25 million this year and is looking for a new team after the A's signed Orlando Cabrera and Nomar Garciaparra. Crosby reportedly wants a starting job.
If Vizcaino is traded it could open a spot in the bullpen for Jeff Samardzija and if he makes the team, Samardzija and Jason Waddell could be battling it out for the final spot in Piniella's pen according to the Tribune.
Stay tuned....
I don't think there is a doubt that Vizcaino is a goner....a reliver walking the bases loaded is never a good thing let alone when Lou Piniella is your manager! Vizcaino will likely be an outright relase.
I don't think it's a battle at all between the Shark and Waddell. The Shark had the experience last year...and his unique contract paying him a nice sum of money as a young player put him in the lead for the roster when camp breaks.
A few thoughts..
* The Shark needs to go to Iowa. He is Kyle Farnsworth lite.
* I hope Jason Waddell isn't another in a long list of unsong lefty relievers who do well in Spring Training then unravel in the Majors. If Marshall is going to be a starter, then we need another lefty in the pen.
* The only problem with Crosby is that he only plays SS. There is no flexability. The guy the Cubs should try and trade for is Jorge Cantu.
I agree, unless they're planning to stretch him in AAA to
make him a starter he will make the team.
Last night I was at the WBC game and wow!!!
It was as electric and loud as it ever gets. I know
many of you do no like the tournament because it
Jeopardizes our precious season in many ways. Having
said that, international competition pumps me up and good
baseball is impossible to ignore. I have to watch!
I see this teams more in to it than ever. Team PR and USA
are giving it their all.
Jimk- Motorita came through when given the chance after being replaced by a faded Bernie Williams. Motorita, yadier Molina, Ian Snell and the bullpen did it last night.
Oquendo (the manager) who is an assistant to LaRussa really sucks.
He has been the weakest link.
Oh well I'm ready for Cubs baseball!
A few WBC matchups that concern the Cubs:
Tonight (3/10) 5:30pm CST, Team Dominican plays the Dutch (a very good national team) for the last elimination game of Pool D. Winner advances to next round.
Carlos Marmol should be on the mound sometime during the game. He didn't appear the last game and hasn't exceeded the pitch limit.
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Tomorrow (3/11) 4:00pm CST, a Puerto Rico. Will Geovany Soto start?
Tomorrow (3/11) 5:30pm CST, Team USA plays either Venezuela or Italy (depends on tonight's result).
Ted Lilly is called to start the game.
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More?
http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/schedule/full_bracket.jsp?team=usa
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I didn't thought that this tournament would be more interesting than the Cubs spring training, but the fact is...
It's hell of a game. I'm excited to follow them.
I think this guy said part of me out loud:
http://jinaz-reds.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-heart-wbc.html