Neil,

Flaherty already has 4 HR...just curious, did he participate in camp colvin this past winter ? and what's the consensus on him in the field in terms of his glove ? average ? above average ? below average ?

could be another guy to really watch this summer.

I believe line on Flaherty's glove is below average range, average arm but good hands.

sounds like a corner infielder to me.
interesting. Thanks

Yes, Flaherty was at Camp Colvin over the winter. Many said they did not recognize him when Spring Training began.

They appear to be grooming Flaherty as a utility player. He was drafted as a shortstop out of Vanderbilt and is very athletic but not quick enough for a full time middle infield position. From what I have read he can hold his own in the outfield. I am glad he's hitting Double-A pitching after struggling last year and being demoted back to High-A after 20+ games.

Yes, you should keep an eye on Ryan Flaherty.

Thanks, Neil

More reasons why I don't like paying catchers. Even when you have one as great as Joe Mauer, he wants to catch forever, but it is inevitable that he won't be able to for as long as he may like.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/...

Mauer is great, but he is the Twins' investment, they have to get him in the DH role for a while and let him recover. That team is a freaking mess right now, anyway. I'd have he and Morneau rotate between DH and 1B since they are both paper dolls.

But no doubt, if he keeps catching he'll be worthless in 3 years. And he is such a great player, it would be terrible to see. I hope the Giants wise up and get Posey to 1B and leave him there. Look at what happened to Russel Martin after a couple 150 game seasons.

Why haven't the Cubs tried Flaherty at 1B?

Kevin, Tom is right about Flaherty. Plus Vitters is spending time at first base.

Flaherty played first base, among other positions, while in the Arizona Fall League this past winter

Jae-Hoon Ha homered in the first inning of Daytona's game. The second time in as many nights.

Saw him at Kane County Cougars - Peoria game last year and was really impressed.

Brett Jackson walked, stole second and scored on a Ryan Flaherty double in the first inning.

This is Flaherty's first start of the season at third base, He has previously started at short, second, and left field.

Haven't seen this posted on her yet, though I may have just missed it:

Brian Schlitter Returned To Cubs

The commissioner's office returned Phillies right-hander Brian Schlitter to the Cubs because of past injury, according to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer (on Twitter). The Phillies claimed Schlitter from the Yankees in February, a month after the Yankees claimed him from the Cubs, but those claims are now void.

The Phillies placed Schlitter on the disabled list with a right flexor pronator strain at the end of Spring Training, retroactive to March 22nd. He has yet to appear in a pro game this year.

Schlitter appeared in seven games for the Cubs last year and gave up 18 hits and five walks in eight innings, striking out seven. He spent most of the season at Triple-A Iowa, where he posted a 3.15 ERA with 8.3 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9 in 45 2/3 innings in his first season at the highest level of the minors.

Yep, figures. it was already posted. My bad. His numbers don't look that bad though. As long as he gets healthy.

Thank you Anthony ... and no worries.

Can't send Tyler Colvin down until the Bobble Head promo is over.

Who wants to bet that he doesn't even start on the Tyler Colvin Bobble Head night?

Colvin was in tonight's lineup

The Cubs blew a chance to miss their fifth "starter." They could have put this thing off until later in the summer, and by that time, Wells and perhaps Cashner would have been healthy.

yo rip... honestly is the only reason you are a Cubs 'fan' just to come on a bitch about anything you possibly can...

Rip's okay, he actually sugar coats his posts and has a great subtle sense of humor. His posts inspire response and thats what the blog is about. I don't agree with him all the time and dosen't with me,I like that.

Did you ever thing that both clubs looked at the schedule and this was the BEST way to go----lighten up, can the Cubs do anything right by you?

I may not be correct on this, but until the game actually starts its the decision of the home team whether or not the field is fit to play. Once the game starts even after one pitch its in the hands of the umpire. It seems that was the way it was 100 years ago when I played.

Your correct with that, my point is when the game is to be re-played. Cubs, SD, and MLB I would think all have a say on that.

well if I am correct,it's self explanatory,the home team decides no one else. While you have a very valid point,and I agree, but it's not to be whether wise by the Cub brass or not they have the power to make the decision. I do not like day-night doubleheaders, still trying to figure out how all of the people leave before the second game is due to start. To me it's just another way for ballclubs to make extra money.

the cold weather might actually benefit us with the way the pitchers have been playing, i like it.