Aaron, or anyone for that matter - what are some good sources for injury updates? I know there are some places to find info across the league, even out of the Dominican - friend was telling me about it, i just don't know what they are.

Anyone else headed to AZ for the first week? I will be in Mesa for a real brief family vacation...just so happened my dad has a conference there and invite me, so I'm taking the wife and daughter down. I'll be there the 1st and 2nd and will definitely be hanging around the practice facility at least one of those days or as long as my little girl can take it.

Neil, ever think of producing t-shirts or caps or some sort of attire that could help identify fellow Faithfuls in a crowd?

JC ... Will Carroll at Baseball Prospectus is the best.

http://baseballprospectus.com/health/

Scout.com is good for the minors.

Are you leaving on the 2nd? Let me know.

As for the t-shirts. I have thought about it, but I do not know how many people would be interested.

I would welcome feedback and thank you for bringing it up.

Thanks Neil. Figured BP was the best but I'm not a paying subscriber.

I will be in Mesa on March 1 and 2 and leaving the afternoon of the 3rd. I know, too quick, but better than nothin.

JC, you are leaving the day I arrive.

Enjoy your trip. A buddy of mine is out there right now. Said it is beautiful.

Re Theriot...I'll echo Neil's take that Hendry doesn't appear to have a Theriot trade on the horizon...at this point.

I did hear on the radio today that Theriot and his agent are pretty dug in.

And I've wondered if that would effect his play...but he is a pro.

I agree that Theriot's time with us is limited...(with Castro and Lee on the horizon)...but disagree that he should be traded in the very near future.

Theriot brings an intangible spark to this particular team that I think would upset the applecart...(much like DeRo last season)if traded at this point.

But I do think it's really possible he'll be traded this off season.

As far as Fuld goes...his main value besides defense...is the third lead-off option. I know the sample size was small last year...but it was enough to make an impression on Lou.

You're right...there's a lot of combinations we can have on the bench.

The one thing I think we can bank on...is that if the opening day bench

doesn't perform well...there is a ton

of different options we'll have in the minors...and I really expect a lot of movement there throughout the season.

Since Neil brought it to our attention

I've checked Tim Sheridan's Boys of Spring.com daily...it's a great site

for ST news.

It is hard to leave comments with just 140 characters ... but it could be fun during the season.

Neil...sorry if you've already answered, but I was wondering if you're down there in AZ right now. I seem to recall your comment about Bryan LaHair's monster shots out of the park. I was wondering if you had more of an update on how certain players look this spring?



We all know about Sotos and Z's weight losses, but I was wondering about how other players look, and if you think we might see any surprises from the offensive end of things come roster crunch time.

The locks appear to be:

Soto, Lee, Theriot, ARAM, Soriano, Byrd, and Fukudome.

Hill is the back-up obviously for Soto, then it's between Baker/Fontenot for 2B and/or bench role altogether if Castro makes the team. Nady is the other lock, but I've heard varying reports regarding his health. Some reports have him opening the season on the 15-day DL, while others have him starting right away. It is my personal belief that he will open on the DL due to the seriousness of a second TJ surgery, I don't think they'll want to rush things too much.

It also appears that Tracy will open up with the team, even if he is not over his injuries, or doesn't impress in ST. The reason is simple...There's no legitimate back-up for ARAM. Sure, Baker can play there, but if Fontenot struggles and/or is traded or doesn't make the team, then he's got to be the starting 2B.

So, locks for the bench are: Hill, Baker/Fontenot, Tracy, and Nady.

If Castro makes the club, he's the starting SS, and Theriot moves to 2B. In either case, Baker still is on the team, but if Theriot is the 2B, I will venture a guess that it almost assures a spot on the team for Blanco. So, then, the bench becomes: Hill, Baker, Blanco, Tracy, and Nady.

If Castro does not make the roster, then I think the Cubs just might be content with having Fontenot as the emergency shortstop.

If you can't tell, there's a HUGE number of variations that could take place.

I think the best possible scenario for the Cubs, is Nady being healthy, Tracy returning to his form of over 3 years ago and also being healthy, and Castro making the team.

With the final roster spot in that scenario, they'd almost be forced to go with either Fuld, Snyder, or LaHair for the bench. My personal opinion is that Snyder would be the ideal fit if he has a good spring. He has above average speed, above average defense, and above average power, plus, he can play all 3 OF spots. LaHair can only play 2 of them, plus 1B, and while he has above average power, he doesn't have speed. Fuld has 2 of the 3 qualities in above average speed and plays all 3 OF positions, but lacks power. Thus, you almost would have to go with Snyder wouldn't you? The Cubs need a power bat off the bench, and if Nady replaces Fukudome as we all expect, then you need another power lefty bat in there.

An additional question I have is what exactly would happen if Snyder and LaHair don't make the team. Are they free to sign with anyone? If they're on the 40-man, and they're out of options, they'd be free to sign with anyone, and generally speaking, if they sign a minor league deal, I believe they're free to sign with anyone as well (just as Bako was free to go last year). However, if you're signed as a "minor league free agent", I wonder if you're exposed to waivers as well, or if you simply just go to AAA of the team that signed you.

Neil, do you know the answer to that question?

Anyway, all that being said, I fully expect a bench of either:

a) Hill, Baker, Nady, Tracy, and Fuld

*Fontenot is starter at 2B

or

b) Hill, Baker, Nady, Tracy, and Blanco

*Castro makes team, Theriot is 2B

**if it's this option, I believe you can fully expect Baker to get a HUGE amount of reps in the OF this spring, and expect them to get Tracy a few reps out there too, as he's played there before. They can get away with either of those options, because Nady, Byrd, and Fukudome are versatile enough to play all 3 OF positions, even though Fukudome hasn't played LF.

I think it's possible they might go with Blanco instead of Fuld in the first scenario, given the fact that Castro wouldn't be on the roster for added SS depth.

It's also quite possible if Castro makes the team, they might opt to go without Blanco, as Theriot would be the starting 2B, with Baker as the back-up, meaning Theriot could just switch to SS, and Baker go to 2B in a pinch if Castro struggles.

Anyway, that's what I think will happen, and though it is not the ideal roster, I still think if everyone remains healthy, we can be competitive.

And I don't know if anyone else has thought about this, but what if the Cubs and Theriot have a contentious battle in arbitration? I think the Cubs would have no choice but to deal him. Am I right? And, in my opinion, that's absolutely the most ideal scenario that could be conjured up for the offseason. Think about it...Theriot no longer should be playing SS with his poor defense, and yet, 2B appears to be set with Fontenot and Baker, and offensively, I don't think we'd miss a beat from what Theriot could give us. PLUS, even if Fontenot and Baker fail, we have LOOOOOOOOOOONG list of guys like Camp, Barney, Tony Thomas, Flaherty, etc. that could factor in the equation.

Long-term, trading Theriot is the best thing, and more importantly, the right thing to do for both him and the club. Barney can't remain at AAA forever, and he's already proved himself in the field and the plate thus far in the minors. Blanco was clearly the best defender we had last year, and his offense seemed improved in the winter leagues. It probably wouldn't be the worst thing to open the season without Theriot.

Sorry for the rambling post...I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has heard anything regarding Theriot and the possibility he might be traded in the event Castro and others are ready in ST.

Aaron, I am not in Arizona yet ... leave in two weeks. The updates I posted were from Tim Sheridan's blog, Boys of Spring.

I have not heard anything about Theriot being traded and with the way Hendry talked about him, I do not think he will be traded anytime soon.

As for LaHair and Snyder, both signed minor league contracts and will be sent to Iowa if they do not make the big league camp.

Players on minor league contracts are not exposed to waivers unless they added to the Major League roster (40-man roster).

The Cubs will be able to add them to the 40-man roster during the season.

Wouldn't Blanco having no more options basically be guaranteed a roster spot or traded?

Good point, Woody...Lou at one time this winter, mentioned he had Blanco already penciled in for a spot.

I can'tremember where I saw it...but it caught my attention...and stuck with me.

Suzy, I do not have a link but I heard/read the same about Blanco several times.

http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2010/02/2010cubsroster.php

I mentioned that yesterday as well.

You are right, Lou has said that about Blanco.

Woody, yes pretty much. He could be placed on waivers then re-sign a minor league deal with the Cubs. But after the way he played last year it is doubtful he would make it through.

With the way the 40-man roster is currently constructed, I do not see a way Blanco does not make the Opening Day roster.

Let's try my twitter idea ... Levine indicated Park is still on Cubs radar, Theriot's arb case might free up money. Stay tuned.

Austin,

I thought the exact same thing about the ESPN piece. I don't think Soriano misses playing 2B, I think he just misses being young and not on the DL all of the time. Ho-Hum

HOW DUMB IS PEDRO GOMEZ?

"The scout thinks that his detriment (statistically) is because he really misses playing second base!"

How did he do in Washington the first year he played LF? How does 40-40-40 sound?

This is why I hate everything ESPN says and do not take anything they say worth a dime. How these guys get paid to do what they do is unbelievable. Neil, I think you should send them your resume.

Austin, thank you for the compliment. It is hard to keep all of the info straight, I will tell you that.

Actually Neil, I really don't know how you do it so accurately...Sometimes I get lost just reading it.

As far as twitter goes...we'll see...I don't think I can talk in 140 characters...let alone communicate.

Aaron will be lost. (No offense, Aaron,

I enjoy your posts.)

I saw that about Park...I'm on the fence about him.

I think twitter is a lot easier with that box around and the counter. Might be fun during the season. Aaron might have problems.

Heyo. Here we go!

I am still waiting for an update on Zambrano that has something, ANYTHING, to do with his fastball or slider or...you get the idea. I'm so tired of hearing about him HITTING! So What!

When will Z and the Cubs figure out that he can win far more games on the mound than in the box. Come on. Really, shouldn't he be spending his extra time with the pitching staff and not in the cage?

All it takes is 1 guy (milton bradley) to screw up a team and that guy is gone, if everyone stays healthy the cubs will be back on top.

And all of the guys in camp early is VERY encouraging!!!

Cloycub...I share your anticipation forthis season.

For what ever reason...the Cubs were not a likeable TEAM last year...It was hard

to root for Milton...I/we groaned when Miles came in...and Soriano seemed indifferent to adjustments.

This is a team we can root for...it's a new day.

Welcome back Cloy.

Wrigley sells, The Cubs sell! Nuff said. But as David put it, the product has to be there. The expectation is no longer finish above .500 and it will be a success, those days are gone.

What I have always loved about the Cubs is in most of their losing seasons they showed hustle, played the right way, and played hard. They lost because they simply were not as talented. I could respect that. I had a hard time watching last year, it was a team that at times seemed uninterested, lackadaisacal, and well... weak. Balls rolling under legs in the OF, chucking balls into stands, RISP = RIP, Weak swings at bad pitches, and LONG taters at critical times.

Those days are gone Too!

New season, and hopefully a new "Fire". Play like Men, Win Like Brothers, Lose like Family and never give less that 110%. That's all I ask!

Go Cubs Go!!

David, I don't dispute that at all.

BUT....

From a business standpoint, I think the decision to raise ticket prices was likely a good one for the Cubs. If the Cubs put a quality product on the field that contends, I expect they'll sell as many tickets as they would have with the lower prices. When we stop paying to see games, the ticket prices will stop going up (and prices would even come down) ... as long as we keep paying, the prices will keep going up.

5 years really? unbelievable, Wow! You guys know how I feel...the CCO just keeps getting better with time! "and Carrie Muskat should fear Neil" really, The Ricketts are bringing back Stoney... and Neil did his internship with Chip in Atlanta back in the late 90's and Chip just tells Stoney what to do...so , Muskat can not only hear Neils footsteps but can feel him breathing down her neck![just ask Len or Bob] "Not that I have any animosity against that dudette"

Neil Just make sure not to leave us alone with Shaun and Brian...I think they are breathing down your neck man. :]

Agustin, it is hard to believe it has been five years ... and the start of the fifth full season.

I know one thing, our dog is not looking forward to the season starting. I keep telling him soon and believe it or not, there is a look on his face.

We also have a new cat, the poor thing has no idea.

Thanks for the laugh, it was a long day.

Re: Rich Hill...If anyone can fix Hill...it's Duncan...BUT if you read the fan comments and whole article in St. Louis...there's no guarantee that he can fix Hill. They are comparing him to the Cards signing Matt Clement (now retired)

a few years ago.

The Pictures from "The Boys of Spring"

are refreshing...wish I were there.

Suzy, I believe Rich Hill has Ankiel Syndrome, and Duncan could not fix him. It's a mental thing, not a mechanics thing. At least for the Cubs sake, I hope!

I'm one of those people that is usually last to use "new rechnology"...Since Tweeting is so prevalent...I'll sign up.

Boseph, I don't think this team will ever

fall into the shambles the Bears have become...since Halas died...the McCaskey's have made mistake after mistake.

This is a good team...but not great.

Going forward the Cubs have 2 major areas of concern.

1)transitioning from older to younger

(without loss of talent)

2)If the Cubs are not careful...the fans will turn on them because of price gouging.

Although I am a diehard Cubs fan...

ultimately I am a baseball fan....I've always attended both Cubs and Sox games.

Sox...usually when the Red Sox or Yankees

are in town.(Being from Boston...I love to root for the Bosox...and Boo the

"Evil Empire".

The thing is...Wrigley is the ultimate to

me...but the Sox might end up getting more of my gameday admission dollars simply because they are more affordable.

The Ricketts have to understand they are not the only ones with "cash crunch" issues. It will be interesting to watch attendence figures this year.

As a salesperson in professional life,

I completely understand and agree with

the principle of "Whatever the market will bear".

But there will come a price point of diminishing returns...and the Ricketts/

baseball should keep that in mind.

The Bears really put the Cubs into perspective for me. For as bad as the Cubs were last season, it was just last season. Lou took the team to the playoffs TWICE before last year, and still managed to end with a winning record last year. And Hendry, for all his mistakes last season (really, he's to blame for it not working since he dismantled a winning team), has typically been solid at achieving players at a steal when he has a player targeted (he still can't sell worth a damn, but he can buy low).

Meanwhile, the Bears have horrendous head coaching, running schemes that opposing offenses constantly picked apart, and would take average performances over horrible teams as a sign that "everything is right with the team", and have a horrendous GM, with no eye for talent, and rather than sign bad contracts for good players signs bad contracts for bad players.

I'm not a "this year's the year" guy or anything like that: when we're a month into the season, we'll know how good the team is (well, I take that back: if we lose the first game of the season, we know we'll make the playoffs :P). But last year, and this year, could be worse (granted, if this team completely and utterly fails, they'll be worse than the Bears, but they have a long way to go).

Man, I foresee multiple 140 character posts from Aaron on TT. lol Good to see guys are getting there early and have the itch. Theriot just agree already, go reprove you are our 2B.