Just got back from my 2.5 days in Mesa...lovely...Fitch Park is a great place. Very casual, very easy, so refreshing to NOT being tried to be sold things constantly, actually noone tries to sell you anything! it is great. just guys hitting and throwing and catching baseballs, rookies running bases, coaches standing around.

Very nice. I didn't spend A Lot of time there, at least not to me, I had my little girl, wife and parents in tow. But I did see nearly everyone. While I was watching pithcer BP through the fence and turned around to see my girl sharing snacks with another girl her age my wife said, "they know him" pointing at Big Carlos (not big Z)...i said, O, big Carlos Silva...fat. nice enough kids!

anyway, hope you are there safe Neil, enjoy, the perfect weather and endless green and blue. I'll get my photos up on the web somewhere and include a link here for you all.

And just a couple thoughts that came thru: LaHair is a BIG kid. Castro looks like I'm sure Soriano did at 19 (big and atheletic), Blanco is soo smooth at SS, Theriot's arm is soo weak, Chris Robinson is big kid and looked good in BP...

JC, thank you for posting. Please send or post the link to the photos. You can email them to neil@chicagocubsonline.com.

I am looking very forward to seeing some of the kids ... especially Snyder and LaHair just to name a few.

Carl Crawford anyone? D'Backs just signed Upton to a multi-year deal, and D'Back's brass had said even before that they'll need to trim the payroll.

maybe I misunderstood you, but I believe you're confusing the D'Backs with the Rays. Crawford and BJ Upton play for the Rays, while Justin Upton, BJ's kid brother, plays for the D'Backs.

Either way, Crawford is expected to be let go at the end of the year, or by the deadline if the Rays are out of it, as they simply cannot afford his likely $13-14+million annual salary.

im excited about Juan Yasser Serrano, now lets go get Adeiny Hechevarria or Jose Julio Ruiz, this would make our future look very bright

I don't know if you read the article or not, but as SuzyS said, it was indeed scathing. His agent is notorious for frabricating scouting reports of his players from Latin America, and this article shows how he did so with Viciendo of the White Sox and now with Serrano.

I don't think the Cubs have mastered the art of scouting in Latin America. Why? Because we have Zambrano, Marmol, Juan Cruz (who was traded), Angel Guzman, and Felix Pie (also traded) to show for their scouting efforts in Latin America, which, compared to other teams is VERY pathetic. I might be missing a few others, plus, at this point we really can't say for sure whether Pie will last in MLB. But over the course of 20 years, which is about when scouting in Latin America really started taking off, and we have just 5 solid MLB players to show for it (actually, only 4 with Pie), it's really concerning for me.

We might have "mastered" the Asian rim, but do we even have a solid MLB player to show for that? The answer is a resounding NO. Choi was the closest thing, but he already flamed out. We have Rhee and Hak Ju Lee that could blossom. But Fukudome was a monumental failure. Now, compare to other big market teams:

Yankees-Wang, Matsui, Irabu (insert joke, but he had 2 decent years with them)

Mets-Kaz Matsui, Igarashi (we'll see this year)

Dodgers-Nomo, Kuo, Saito, Kuroda

Red Sox-Ohka, Matsuzaka, Okijima, Tazawa (likely will see this year)

Mariners-Ichiro, Sasaki, Johjima (though he flamed out quickly after a good season)

Angels-Hasegawa

White Sox-Iguchi

That's just a brief sampling of major market teams with Asian players that have starred on their rosters.

With the large budget, and huge resources, coupled with huge profits, you'd think that the Cubs would've already mastered the scouting in these areas, but, no, we're being passed up by the likes of the Marlins, Cardinals, Pirates, Rays, Twins, Rockies, and Indians, all smaller market teams that have allocated significant resources of late to Latin America and Asia, and thus, surpassed the Cubs.

Is it any wonder that we still have significant player development issues?

The Cubs PR machine is almost like Congress...they'll tell you what you want to hear, and make it seem all rosy, then pull the rug out from under you, and dash any faith you might've had in them to do the right thing.

What concerns me is that it's not that I don't think the players we have/had in our system from Latin America or Asia are less superior to other organization, but I simply do not trust the organization to bring them through the system correctly. If Cubs management had adopted a philosophy long ago that they were going to go with youth at the MLB level, and deal with the growing pains, instead of signing aging veterans as roster fillers, or temporary (1 year deal) fixes, then it's quite possible we wouldn't be talking about this right now.

I cannot argue the fact that we needed a solid OF this offseason with the Cubs signing Byrd, but what I totally disagree with is giving a 32 year old a 3 year deal, thus blocking any young OF, like a Colvin, Snyder, LaHair, B Jackson, or Burke for the next 3 years. They will have the possibility after next year with Fukudome's contract expiring, but that's only one spot. With Soriano and Byrd locked up long-term, and being in their mid-to-late 30's to boot, it will be quite ugly to watch.

Consider that most teams have outfielders that average 20+hr, 80+RBI, and we only have Soriano that even comes close to that, and you'll see the dire circumstances that we find ourselves in.

We must have better scouting, and we must have better player development. The fact the Tribune just recently came out with an article suggesting Hendry is just now starting to place an emphasis on using sabermetrics only further indicts the Cubs on being behind the curve on pretty much every level.

Hendry flat out indicts himself in the article, stating that he's old school in scouting, and relies on the eyeball test a vast majority of the time, and so does his scouting department. I'm not saying that sabermetrics is the end all be all, but the fact that we're sitting here in 2010, and Hendry states they're basically just now placing more emphasis on it shows you just how far we are behind the curvein the industry.

As I've said on numerous occasions, there's really a simple reason we haven't won a championship in over 100 years. There's also a simple reason we haven't developed anyone to be productive major leaguers:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-0303-cubs-chicago-spring-training-20100302,0,2905063.story

I don't need to say anymore I guess...just read this. It's quite pathetic, and makes me want to vomit, especially this line

*****************************************

"Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, a former scout, surrounds himself with veteran scouts who share his views on analyzing players through someone's eyes."

*****************************************

Ah, the good ole boys network. That's what Hendry's always been about, and the article damns him even more when it talks about Bradley and Miles. It makes it seem like Hendry completely disregards a player's historical stats when signing him, thinking he can count on what that player did the previous year (which is almost always a career year for FA he signs)

Aaron, couple of things...it is indeed confusing to me that we havn't done more with Latin America...especially since the director of the minor leagues is Oneri Fleita...you'd think we'd have more of a pipeline.

-We do have a complex in the Domincan Republic...but if memory serves me well,I

helieve the Cubs were behind other teams

by several years in developing that outpost.

Our former pitcher,Steve Wilson (remember him?) is the point man, (I believe) on the Pacific Rim...He lives in Japan...and I believe it was through him that they hired their main scout in

Korea.

While I have no evidence to support this...I got the feeling that Korea was developed as an end around to avoid intense competition in Latin America...

Hard to say....In any case...we know we've been lax for the lax in the past...

don't forget...Jose Ceda came from that neck of the woods.

-As far as Hendry goes...we've known that about him for years...it should not be a surprise....But that fact that

Ricketts is directing that the Cubs utilize sabermetics...is the reason for hope...I believe Wasserman...(mentioned in the Tribune article...was Ricketts first hire in November...at the time...it was thought he would be Chief

Financial Officer for the Cubs...not that is not his title.

However...he is the chief numbers guy...

which includes sabermetrics being introduced to the Cubs.

There's no point in beating up Hendry anymore...His day's are numbered...just

from the sublime moves Ricketts has already made.

My guess is that the scouting and development departments you'd like the Cubs to become...is on the near horizon.

As far as Byrd goes...and blocking young players...I don't see that at all....He will either be traded before the end of his contract or revert to what he's been

most of his career...the fourth outfielder...his contract is not outrageous...although I wish it wasn't backloaded.

I still think Hendry will be reassigned

when Lou goes...so a new GM can appoint

his own new manager...to direct the team through the coming transition.

It may take time...but I think the future is brighter then you paint it...

It's just frustrating now...living with past decisions and management.

Yeah, I agree... I personally found Hendry not THAT bad. He's average (or mediocre, if you see the glass half-empty) at best. At least he's honest about not ready for newer approach right now...

I've heard the Astros closed their Asian department because the boss wouldn't spend money on it. And Hendry hired those personnel, ex-Houston... And Houston is a big market team.

Sometimes it's just not the vision or personal preference of a GM that makes decisions. It could be consensus, and compromised.

... It's also weird to hear sabermetric nowadays. It's such an overused word, and many times misinterpreted. Good scouting is good scouting. We can see that from the Cardinals and the Phillies; each has a long tradition of good scouting.

Sabermetric can complement scouting. When that Wasserstrom guy talked about climate and humidity at Wrigley, it makes quite some sense. I've thought about that too.

But it takes a sabermetric approach, though, to organize those data from weather report and to produce meaningful conclusions that can predict what effect the humid and weather have on playing balls.

Dorasaga, re your info on the Astro's...that's why I'm curious to exactly what Rickett's allocated for increased resources for scouting/development/minor leagues.

We've heard that he beefed it up...but what does that mean?

Last year...the Cubs were in the bottom

5 in spending on draft picks....That's only part of the equation...But inquiring minds would like to know what's up.

Suzy, Crane Kenney discussed this subject on WGN the other night. He said one of the reasons the Ricketts family went to the Dominican the week after the convention was to see how the money was being spent.

Tom and Todd were the two that went.

Kenney used the phrase "tens of millions of dollars."

Suzy,

You need to remove the period mark after the link, or else it wouldn't work:

http://bjarkmanlatinobaseball.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/04/confusing_juan_yasser_serrano.html

Pete Bjarkman is a very logical and knowledgeable source on Cuban baseball. I've been following him on my RSS since 2008. This might be a good opportunity for the Cubs Nation to get outside the box of whatever stereotype is of Latino baseball.

Thanks, Dorasaga.

I'm done with links for a while.

If anyone's interested in Serrano...

Step 1 Google Juan Yasser Serrano.

Step 2 3rd listing down is:

Bjarkman's Latin & Cuban League Baseball History Page...click

If you think the rest of the site might be interested...go ahead and post the link...because it's obviously not working for me....sigh.

Suzy, next time you would like to post a link. Highlight the address in the top of your web browser. Hit ctrl and the letter c at the same same (quick copy command). Then make your comment and where you would like the link to show, hit ctrl and the letter v at the same same (quick paste command).

That should help and keep you from having to write them down.

Thanks , Neil...I try out the new-fangled way...lol!

http:bjarkmanlatinobaseball.ml...

I'm embarrassed and po'd

Serrano sounds like a very minor/minor signing....Who knows? This is a scathing

article about his marketing by his agent:

http://bjarkmanlatinbaseball.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/04/confusing_juan_yasser_serrano_html.

Let's try it one more time...sorry...this is getting nuts for me.

http:/bjarkmanlatinobaseball.m...

Cubs Reach Agreement With Juan Yasser Serrano

By Nick Collias [March 3 at 12:43pm CST]

12:43pm: The Cubs reached an agreement with Serrano, reports MLB.com's Carrie Muskat. She notes that the deal is not expected to be finalized for another month, because paperwork must be completed and Serrano must pass his physical.

Bruce Miles and Tim Sheridan...pickedout one interesting fact from this Spring...

"It's believed to be the first time that four consecutive #1 draft picks are in camp together."

While we have a rather moribund history with our draft picks...let's hope this is a true harbinger of better things tocome.

"stay classy" just reaks with dumb high school blonde. That alone makes me not want to read this anymore. Try to remember who your audience is; it's 20's something and middle aged men, that want insight into real Cub issues. Looks like a 16 year old, smelly Catholic girls school newspaper editor, is at the helm.

Jay, You Moron- Maybe you should do a little research before you bash his column sign off... "Stay Classy Cubs Fans" is a humorous alteration to Will Ferrell as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy's famous news sign off of "Stay Classy San Diego" he uses in the movie. A movie intended for male 20somethings you speak of.

Your comment shows a pathetic lack of knowledge or understanding of what this site is all about... We are here to discuss Cubs Baseball, not your feelings on a writer's sign off line on the damn site.

Jay, Upfront I apolgize...for the tone of my comment...it's the "Irish devil" in me.

But I do think it's sad you can't see

what a great site this is...and that's all I have to say on the matter.

Jay:

Brian has been a long time writer for the CCO who has an outstanding writing and educational resume.

It is just his way of signing off, his trademark.

At times, out of frustration, some of us cross the line with our comments. It is not meant to be "Dumb Blonde."

jay- your option to read or not.

Your option to post or not.

It sounds like you have some experience with the "16 year old,smelly Catholic girl's school newspaper editors"

you talk about...did she dump you?

Maybe you were the proverbial burr in her bra?

It might explain your attitude...and inability to see something good when you see it.

Come out Virginia, don't let me wait

You Catholic girls start much too late

Ah but sooner or later it comes down to fate

I might as well be the one

Only the good die young

A Billy Joel fan!!!

last I remember, dumb high school blondes were anything BUT classy. Additionally, if there's anything I know about 20 something middle aged men, it's that they seem to have an affinity for Catholic schoolgirls...so maybe the fit is better than you think. Stick around, Jay...

To Brian...Z wins 18 and we celebrate?

I'm sorry...If Jon Lieber could win 20...

then we should expect the same of "Z".

Now,I know no one believes that will happen...but that is still my personal

benchmark for an "Ace".

correcto en tin-tin

we might've signed a Cuban defector:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/03/serrano-may-have-signed-with-cubs.html

Almost sounds like Sid Finch redux.

Tony Montana?

Que mas carne ni mas carne el sandwich viene asi men!!!

Serrano is a very expensive Spanish ham.

Seriously, it is.

Young Spanish Millar?

"Sure, Soriano will be around for a while"

Please stop reminding me.

"Let's play the games and see what happens" is a slogan for the Pirates or Royals.

I predict that only Soto, Dempster, and Zambrano(it's hard not to improve on 9 wins), will have better years this year than last.

Zambrano's improvement will be to 12-14 wins.

The white flag for this season was waved when the hitting coach was declared to be the biggest off-season move.

Like when Sammy's homers use to distract us from horrible teams, the Castro/Piniella/Hendry watch will be this season's focus.

I wish I had last years "hope" that the Cubs would move further along in the playoffs, rather than this year's contemptuous "hope" that players will stop stealing the fan's money.

I wish I knew how to quit you Kosuke.

Lilly has more wins than Notre Dame, in all fairness to Lilly, Jeff Samardzija has more win than the Irish.

Starlin Casto = great porn name

Jam-man as he is now being called, better live up to the hype, not a day has gone by without his name being mentioned, this better not end up being an over-hype under-produce situation

Has Ernie coined a slogan for this year yet?

How about "Don't blow it again in two thousand ten."

How about "Stay Well, 2010*"?

*Twenty-ten

Yes he has...

"The Cubs will win again in 2010"

Seeing the word "again" makes me think Ernie has his centuries mixed up.

Gary...Ernie is always a burst of sunshine...he's really never been right.

His most famous..."The Cubs will shine in '69"...well that lightbulb blew out.

Still, in my mind, he's above criticism

or cynicism on our parts.

It would be great if we won one before he

goes to his reward.

Suzy,

He's Saint Ernie as far as I'm concerned. My comment was more of an indictment on the ridiculous amount of time it's been since the team has won....it all. I know the guy who did Ernie's statue at Wrigley and he said he's as genuine as he appears. He could not say the same for Jesse Jackson, whom he met at the dedication ceremony.

Gary...(& John)...I agree..."St.Ernie".

If you think about it...Ernie had to be a saint to maintain the attitude he has after playing on all those miserable teams.

JohnG...great story...it's funny how childhood memories stick with you.

I had a similar experience with Ernie...

But Fergie Jenkins came out with 2 bodyguards and couldn't be bothered with

kids. Never personally liked him much

after that.

Once after a game, we were trying to get

Jack Brickhouse's attention for an autograph...(I was maybe 10). Jack's face turned beat red (as only he could do),,,as he yelled..."get out of here hids"....and I always felt slighted by Jack thereafter.

As an adult, I realize they could have had a bad day...but to a kid...that moment,that slice...will stay with thm always. I wonder if ball players today really realize that?

But Ernie, Billy Williams and the like were great...the good times of youth...although crummy teams.

It won't be too long before Ernie can start recycling those annual predictions.

Speaking of St. Ernie, I remember a 12 yr old kid waiting outside Wrigley at the left field corner on Waveland Ave long after a game. There was only one player we were all waiting for and when he finally came out, he signed everyone's score card, then got into his big ole white Olds 98 and drove off. (I'll bet he paid $4,000 for that car.) A schoolboy's dream that I'll never forget. He is the consummate gentleman. The world is more than just a little bit richer with a man like Ernie.

Here's a better one:

Here's another one:

"WE WILL TRY AGAIN,

(THIS GROUP OF HAS-BEENS),

A PENNANT TO WIN,

IN TWO THOUSAND TEN.

WE KNOW ITS A SIN,

(JUST ASK RON OR LEN),

WE FAILED TO GET IN,

'FORE TWO THOUSAND TEN.

CUBS' FANS HAVE A YEN,

(THEY CONSULTED ZEN),

A TITLE TO PIN,

ON US IN OH-TEN.

JIM'S LIKE A CHICKEN,

(PECKING LIKE A HEN);

LOOKING FOR GOOD MEN,

TO HELP THE TEAM WIN.

BUT WE NEED TED'S FIN,

(HE'S HURT IT AGAIN),

LIKE IT WAS BACK WHEN,

TO DO IT IN 'TEN.

AL'S KNEES ARE OF TIN,

(ADD HIS AGE PLUS TEN);

HE'S STRUCK OUT AGAIN!

FOR TWO THOUSAND TEN!

OH, HOW CAN WE WIN?

(WE HAVE NO BULLPEN).

RUNNERS THEY LET IN,

THE 'PENS WHIP IS TEN!

OH THAT WE HAD MEN!

(LIKE GREG, FERGIE, KEN),

IN OUR STARTING DEN,

WE WOULD MAKE IT THEN!

DESPITE ALL THE DIN,

(LOU WON'T AWAKEN);

HE'S LEFT CARLOS IN!

WE WILL LOSE BY TEN!

WE'RE HOPING TO WIN,

(THIS YEAR WE'LL GET IN!),

BUT THEY HIT LIKE JEN,

FORGET IT AGAIN!

THE RESULTS WILL COME IN,

(AT THE SUMMER'S END);

WE BLEW IT AGAIN!

WAIT FOR ONE PLUS 'TEN!

Rip...CCO's poet laureate? :)...nice job.

Hmmm...I like John's slogan better.

Love it !

Here's another: "I THINK we CAN in 2010."

Cubs finally come out of their den in 2010.

I hope Jam-Man likes his nickname, because it is saturated with win. And I'm right there with you on Fuku. Every year, I consider leaving him, and we have a big fight, and he's all "I can change! I've been working w my Japanese hitting coach!" and I give him chance after chance, keeping hope alive. But this year, my Cub motto is: Hope Rides Alone

Brian who wins more games in 2010;

Ted Lilly or Notre Dame Fighting Irish?