Matao did okay today. I am eager to see if he actually makes the team out of ST.

Colvin: my man is 5/6 this ST.

Yep...day 2 Colvin is looking good...I am kind of concerned about the bullpen.

Guzman is a disappointment...(again)...I feel really bad for him...losing his brother like he did and now another injury. I'm rooting for him...not just on the team...but in life.

Hendry is not good...when trading for advertised need...I hope he doesn't screw up trying to get a set-up guy.

You're right about Matao...he might need a little work to really get in shape though.

Rip, box scores sometimes don't tell the full story in Spring Training. Mateo was not that good, kinda wild.

Neil...have you had the opportunity to watch BP sessions...which pitchers are looking good?

Suzy, the bullpen sessions are hard to catch once the games begin. The only work in the pens I have seen is prior to the pitchers coming into the games.

I have seen a lot of batting practice and other drills ... like the video I posted in the game recap.

I was impressed with the way Marlon Byrd was running the drill.

Ryan Theriot was working on one of the back fields before the game. He hit balls to all fields ... with a lot more authority than I saw on Thursday.

Casey Coleman really impressed me today. Very good command.

I pay little to know attention to runs or hits allowed in the spring. I pay attention to strikes thrown and if the pitcher is hitting his spots. Both Zambrano and Coleman did that today.

I liked what I saw of John Gaub as well. I know everyone will point to the homer, but he threw the ball well. Good velocity and command.

I am looking forward to seeing Cashner and Russell on Saturday. Diamond is slated to pitch against the Dodgers on Sunday.

Thanks, Neil.

In addition to the pitchers youlisted, I hope youget to see Dolis as well.

Have fun.

Good outing by the kids today... and Zambrano. I will have the recap and videos up asap.

A couple of notes: Brett Jackson can fly ... so can Starlin Castro. The performance from the pen was concerning. Did not like the way Jeff Stevens threw the ball in his second inning of work. Same for Justin Berg. Before every one jumps on the comment, I like to see pitchers hit their spots and throw strikes. If they are hit, so be it. Stevens in his second inning and Berg were all over the place.

Lastly, Brad Snyder can hit the baseball. His double was off the top of the batter's eye in center. He looked bad throughout the whole at bat, improved and ran the count to 3-2 before hitting the double.

Sounds like we might see some of our younger arms sooner...rather than later.

The news doesn't sound good on Guzman.

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/03/cubs-guzman-wont-be-ready-for-start-of-season.html

According to Muskat and Neil...Today's line-up:

SS Castro

2nd Baker

CF Colvin

1B Millar

RF Snyder

3B Vitters

CF Jackson

C Hill

P "Z"

That's probably one of the most interesting line-ups...if you like the young guys. Drats/no broadcasts!!!

Neil. you're a lucky guy.

Millar must feel like a dad playing catch with his 8 boys.

JC 3-6-3...that's exactly what Millar said: "I was Dad...Dad was in the lineup." lol Good call JC.

Pretty good...jc363!!! :)

Wow, I'm keenly interested in what this lineup will do today with those youngsters inserted. Would love to see them impress.

A thought..

* I'm not ready to love or hate a player after 1 ST game.

Jim,which player/comment are you referring to?

What I meant, It is too early to give roster spots to players after 1 game. With that said, It sure was great to hear about the results for the players that are on the bubble.

well, I know you asked him, but I think he's speaking of anyone in general, so like the praise being given Lee, Colvin, Byrd, Snyder, Wells, etc., just as he isn't concerned with negativity surrounding Soriano, Fontenot, and others at this point. It's only one game, and that's absolutely true.

We've had other-worldy springs before from players like Eddie Zambrano, Elvin Paulino, Kevin Roberson, and Scott McClain (just to name a few), only to have all of them flame out in the minors or majors (although Eddie Zambrano, in my opinion was never given a real shot to prove himself at the MLB level, and 6 hr, 18 RBI in 116 AB's with a .259 avg, .353 OBP isn't all that bad)

....ah, the memories. Where have you gone Mike Maksudian? LOL. Steve Buechele anyone?

And for everyone who is gaga over Starlin Castro, one of my favorite bloggers can bring you back down to earth.

http://hirejimessian.com/2010/03/05/sweet-uncle-lous-friday-roundup-the-what-the-hell-is-a-rising-starlin-edition/

JohnG...Thanks for posting...of particular interest was the one by Joe P.

re percentage of fastballs pitched to infividual hitters....Soriano ranked 2nd...for least amount of fastballs...

Gee, I wonder why?

Is that a another little cloudof dust in the dirt?

On a negative note...Just heard on the radio that Guzman saw a doctor yesterday ...and is not expected to be ready for the start of the season...

No word on the injury other then shoulder soreness.

You're right! I'm guilty, I didn't get down to the good stuff before I stopped reading that one. I got a chuckle out of how he compared our left fielder to the famous Pedro Cerrano. “Bats. They are sick. … No hit curveball. Straight ball, hit it very much.”

From now on it's Pedro Sorriano, until Rudy can get him right. I know what he needs. "Hats for bats."

Ace Mike Harkey?...maybe?

Has everyone seen this article in the Sun Times?

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/2084783,CST-SPT-bestcub05.article

You can debate most of it, except for number 1, 2 and 3. But I have a couple of questions. How come Rogers Hornsby is all the way down at 50. And where is Dee Fondy? or Leon Durham? or Kieth Moreland?

How about that picture of #10 Hack Wilson? I never realized he was such a little guy, and who is the guy second from the left? Did he put his bat in that position on purpose?

Aaron,

My comments . . .

Colvin: I hope you have to eat crow. Has a nice swing, and 25 lbs of muscle may make him a ML hitter. We'll see. Too early to tell.

Soriano (sic): what do you expect when you're short on 'roids and long in the tooth (33? or 36? or 38?)? But the ideas that the Cubs will "cut their losses" seems too far out to me. Ricketts will not want to toss $90 million away. Ditto Silva. Hey, the last two years his ERA combined was 6.84. And some expect him to win 15 this year! "Rose-colored glasses."

Theriot: Frankly I'd trade him. Not enough power to play 2B for me. But who'd replace him now? Too early for Castro: we'd ruin his confidence. And Blanco hits for even less average than Fontenot, and less power than Theriot. So give me a good option, and I'll listen.

Fontenot: he'd better hit or send him to AAA. And if he doesn't want to go, save the $900k he gets paid.

Hoffpauir has an option left, doesn't he? Keep him.

Millar has to go. NOW!

Rip,

-unless Colvin's 25 lbs of muscle is the real difference, I doubt I'll eat crow, simply based on his average-to-below average stats in the minors.

-With Soriano, it's quite possible the Cubs might end up cutting their losses, but the more likely scenario might be benching him. In either case, you're right, it'll be tough to swallow that contract, but crazier things have happened before

-Silva's a joke, and he's not likely to make the team, even given his salary. Gorzelanny is assured a spot in the rotation to start the year, because Lilly was the only lefty. Samardzija and/or Marshall is likely to grab the 5th spot, and Silva is NOT a reliever. We have better options there too. Silva was merely an addition by subtraction move to get rid of Bradley, so the Cubs are not counting on him to produce anything it would seem

-Theriot is not likely to be traded, because Hendry simply doesn't make bold moves like that, but the trade definitely makes sense. With guys like Flaherty, LeMahieu, Watkins, Hak Ju Lee, etc. coming up through the system, it appears Theriot is blocked not only at SS, but also 2B long-term, and the Cubs would be extremely short-sighted if they thought Theriot is the answer at 2B long-term. With guys like Andrus and both Escobar's (Yunel and Alcedis) proving that you don't have to be 25+years old to make your mark at SS, and AROD in the past, as well as Jeter in the past, I think it's time the Cubs make some bold moves with prospects like Castro as well

-you're right on Fontenot and Hoffpauir's options, but I don't see that happening. I believe both will demand trades, and I think the Cubs would be smart to deal them and get whatever they can at this point. I mentioned all the middle infielders coming up, but I didn't even mention guys like Tony Thomas, Barney, and Matt Camp that could step in right away if necessary. As for Hoffpauir, with Snyder, Colvin, and LaHair in the fold, and all 3 of them 3 years or more younger than Hoffpauir, it appears the Hoff doesn't have a place on the team or in the minors

-I'd say Millar might be one of the last cuts, assuming he does fairly well. He's too slow to make an impact on the bases. He's not good defensively to make a difference anywhere, so the only value would be his bat. He'd be essentially a righty version of Daryle Ward, and we don't need that, but I see him sticking around to keep the team loose

Don't be surprised if you see Millar head North. IF (A big IF) he has a good spring, he would be a good bat off the bench and a major positive influence in the clubhouse. That being said, with all the young guns there may not be room for him. (sadly)

irony is hard to detect sometimes and dry wit even harder (when written), John G, I can only hope that you are being ironic when you say you are sad that Millar won't make the team.

There is no room for him. None! It would be utterly ridiculous to fill a bench spot with him - old, no place to play, old...

No irony at all. I have always liked Millar for his positive attitude and ability to keep the rest of the team loose. I only wish there were more than 25 roster spots so there could be a place for him. Unfortunately that's not the case. The only reason I can see for not liking Millar is if you object to people who have the self confidence to stand on their own without collective bargaining.

it has nothing to do wtih liking or not liking Millar. even if there were 26 spots on the roster, Millar does not get one for "being a good guy" etc. i'm sure he's a great guy, i'd love to drink with him, but i don't want him filling a really crucial bench spot because he's funny and nice. that's all. they need hitters...or at this point solid pitchers in that 25th spot. not "clubhouse guys". i'm sick of that. the clubhouse is fine. play baseball, that's all i want to see.

good game tonight. great to see the young guys get in there and produce and have fun.

couple things:

1)I might eat crow with regards to Colvin. I'm still a little skeptical, but I have to admit, when I heard he put on 25 lbs of muscle, I got a little optimistic about his future

2)I still hold my opinion that Snyder should make the team, and he proved it, and so did Santo with what he told Hughes, just affirming that he should be given a long look

3)A lot of people on here were optimistic about Bradley's future with us last year after a strong start in Spring Training...Byrd had a similar strong start, and as such, I am holding my optimism with him (Speaking of Bradley, did you notice his comments the other day? "...I never hit more than 22 homers in my career, and all of a sudden I get to Chicago and they expect me to hit 30. It doesn't make sense. History tells you I'm not going to hit that many. Just a lot of things that try to make me a player I'm not" While I think Bradley is a moron, those comments are pretty damning to Cubs management, and I've said it all along...They simply do NOT look at historical figures when evaluating players.)

4)Wells looks like the real deal. He's not like Soto, simply being content with what he did the year before, and I love that type of attitude that Wells shows, where every year he said he's going to be like this, because he knows it could all be gone in a blink of an eye. I wish Soriano, and some other Cubs would have that same mindset

5)I still also hold the opinion that the Cubs should trade Theriot, Fontenot, and Hoffpauir, and try to get whatever they can for those guys. While I cannot speak from a scout's point of view (meaning in person at the Spring Training games), I can tell you that looking over historicals for all 3 players, and given their ages, it seems that not a single one of them will make dramatic improvements, and Theriot went o-fer, and Fontenot I've heard has looked very unimpressive in BP and yesterday, even though he got the sac fly...it appears that we might be better off with Castro at SS, Baker at 2B, and Blanco on the bench.

6)With reports of Nady blasting balls all over the place, and hearing that Soriano hasn't had a very good showing thus far, and with strong showings in camp thus far from Colvin, Snyder, and LaHair, it makes you wonder whether this might be the year the Cubs flat out cut their losses with Soriano, and send him packing. It also makes you wonder when we'll see this headline "Fukudome replaced in starting lineup by Nady"

7)I love the early reports about Z and Soto being in shape. But it still makes you mad, because you're like, "where the hell was that 'being in shape' a year ago?"

8)good to hear Lee is hitting the ball with authority in BP...and now the first game. Hopefully I eat crow on this one too, but history tells you that I won't, given his age of 34, and the fact he has only 2 seasons out of 13 with 100+RBI, and since...

9)...Soriano is NOT even close to the same player he once was, it makes it even more important that guys like Lee, ARAM, Nady, Byrd, Soto, etc., have above average seasons, which, again, aside from ARAM (and even that's a question mark due to his injuries), you're going off a LOT of hope, and not concrete facts

10)The bench should be: K Hill/W. Castillo, Blanco, Fukudome, Tracy, and Snyder/Colvin/LaHair

and the lineup should be:

Castro-SS

Byrd-CF

Lee-1B

ARAM-3B

Nady-RF

Soriano-LF

Soto-C

Baker-2B

while all right-handed, I firmly believe this is the best lineup we could run out there with the personnel we have. (well, obviously I'm saying that in spite of having Soriano on the roster, otherwise you'd love to see Colvin/Snyder/LaHair in LF to give the lineup more balance)

As with every Spring Training, the outlook looks rosy. It's all about what happens when we step off the plane in Atlanta for the first series.

One thing is for certain...this team simply cannot afford to have the likes of Fontenot, Hoffpauir (unless he really corrected his swing with Rudy over the winter, and can now hit a 94+mph fastball), Patton, Stevens, Fuld, or Parisi on the roster.

The rotation should be:

Z

Dempster

Gorzelanny (to replace Lilly and break up the righty-righty-righty in the rotation)

Wells

Samardzija (unless he has like a 6+ERA in ST, this is a make or break year, and we flat out need to know what we have with him..having him as the 5th starter on any team wouldn't be that bad...it's where most teams develop their young pitchers anyhow)

pen: Marshall (if Marshall demands trade, then Gaub makes it), Grabow, Dolis, Berg, Caridad, Guzman, Marmol

Aaron and Rip...

1)Both Fontenot and Hoffpauir have options,(according to Neil's chart)...Fontenot is earning 1 mill.

Let Hoffpauir play 1rst at AAA...I still believe he'll hit for average again given regular ab's.

Fontenot needs to move to another team.

Aaron...I like your line-up...BUT we keep Theriot this season at 2nd...until a better 2nd base option comes along...

Baker is a back-up.

I do expect Theriot to improve dramatically over last year's KO's etc.

He played outside himself last year trying to give us power when everyone else failed...Just by playing to his strength...he should improve.

Like Rip, I'd like a better 2nd base power option...but it's not there just now.

Soriano's not going anywhere. They might cut their losses when there's 2 or 3 years left on the contract....not with 5....although we might see him begin his transition to bench this year...if he doesn't hit.

Word is Patton to AA (Lou).

Parisi will make it or go bsck to the Cards.

Stevens might actually make the pen...they like him.

Reports are Silva is throwing well...

for him. If true, he makes the rotation.

(Rip) if Silva returns to Minnesota form.

without health issues and a positive attitude around him...no reason he can't approach a .500 record...especially a slider/sinkerball pitcher at Wrigley.

If not, the Cubs insist he pull "a Contreras" and pitch in AAA...until he proves he's regained his form.

If you go with Z/Demp/Wells/Silva...

and Lou is on record saying one of the LH will make the rotation...(Gorzelanny/

Marshall)...that put's Samardzija at AAA....to begin with.

Truth is...the rotation discussion would be better served by waiting a few weeks now.

There absolutely has to be a trade within the month...just to give clarity

to the Rotation...and settle ab's for our ss. Even at AAA...there isn't room for Blanco/Barnes/Castro all at once...

and Blanco/Barnes are almost the same player....with others coming up behind them.

However,until Castro is ready...I consider Blanco essential...and he will hit better this year,albeit without power,until Castro arrives...at that point Castro will be traded or released.

GO CUBS!!!

It certainly is early, but how can we not hold out hope for Synder, Colvin, LaHair, etc.

I've said it a lot lately, but I love the fact that Maddux is back. It is huge. His influence on Z will be beneficial and with Wells, it could make all the difference. Wells obviously is a competitor and wants like hell to stay on this team and improve, he proved that last year and I think everyone here agrees. The trepidation with him is whether he actually has the talent. With Maddux guiding him and teaching him how to set-up hitters and pitch to contact -- well, there is no better, and I am really hopeful for that kid.

I am not yet ready to write Soriano off, yet...I guess I should say I'm not ready to replace him Colvin or Snyder, yet. We all know he isn't close to what he was, that's a fact. I have to hold out as much hope for him as I do for Wells. The Cubs need him too much this year.

Yeah, but don't forget what Santo said yesterday (this is a lose quote), "You can't judge talent in September and ST. The competition is too diluted."

And where did the A's finish last year, and how do they project in 2010? Well, I know that they have lost at least 86 games the past three years running, and last year they were 75-87, finishing with a 7 game slide, 22 games behind LAA.

My point: don't get too giddy just yet. They played the equivalent of the Washington Nationals yesterday. : )

Rip...it's why I qualified my initial post with "meaningless". We all know ST

doesn't count and the numbers are skewed.But the fact is...Snyder can hit...he's still a longshot to make the team since Colvin(1rst round pick) and Adduci are on the 40 man roster...and he isn't.

It's too early to know anything...But

lordy,lordy...allow yourself a little exuberance that Spring is here.

Wasn't able to watch or listen to the carnage as it occurred, but the gods smiled on me and the game ended as I got done with the jobby job...so I got to hear highlights, and there were alot of them!

-Thanks again to the CCO for talkin live and those great Videos! You guys rock as always.

-Suzy, I did hear Ron say that about Snyder...made my heart warm and fuzzy, seeing as I have typed his name about 100 times this winter, now we just need Diamond to come in and be lights out :) And EY to get lost and find his way to Ho Ho Kam.

-Randy Wells, keep impressing kid, and Glasses aren't that bad, worn em since age 4...you could get some Wild Thing thick black specs...that would be sweeeet.

-Great start to the spring, cannot wait to watch these guys crush the pale Hose on Saturday...

Go Cubs GO!!!!!!!!

Ye Gods and Little Fishes!!! as my Irish grandmother liked to exclaim...no disputes from me there...Augustin.

Couple of thoughts...from yesterday's

"meaningless" slugfest.

1)Lou said the funky base-running...(Blanco/Fontenot thrown out)...was the result of him stressing the team be more

aggressive on the bases.

I guess we better practice that a lot...

because we really do not have that team speed.

2) While Colvin/Snyder may not make the

team...If they can continue to do well

in front of Lou...There will be few power outages this season. (Remember when Lou said he wish he would have brought Fox up earlier...because he really wasn't "aware" of him?

That excuse won't apply this season.

-Da Mayor from Bridgeport should issue an edict on behalf of the City of Chicago

proclaoiming Milton Bradley "personna non

grata".

Could you imagine how bad it would be if

Milton was still on the team?

Carlos Silva...no matter what you do...

I love you!!!!

Ron Santo on Snyder after he hit the HR..."Pat, one thing about that kid...

he can hit...remember me telling you about him?"

Faith and Begorra!!!...maybe the baseball god's will finally smile on us this year.

One thing is certain...[and I'll give Suzys the credit for outlining it a couple of days ago] this team is already miles ahead in like-ability- compared to last year's dark horse. Rooting for this team will be easier with guys like Byrd, Nady, Tracy and a couple of new kids around and the departure of KG,MB,AM and A.HELLMAN! oh well good morning to all!

I were Lou, and already got 25 guys that would have to play themselves out of their spots...

Bench:

Tracy

Nady

Baker

Blanco

Hill

Colvin/Snyder[if Soriano starts on the DL]

Regulars:

Soriano

Byrd

Fuku

Aram

Theriot

Castro

Lee

Soto