With the Cubs completing game number 124 on Sunday afternoon, let’s take a quick look back with 38 remaining on the schedule to see how the Cubs’ active roster has changed since March 31st
Some think when teams release their 25-man roster out of Spring Training those are the players that will suit up game after game. While a majority of the club remains the same, it is the addition and subtraction of role players that can make an impact on a season. Sometimes it is a contribution from an unexpected source or trading for a proven veteran that can make a difference over the course of 162 games.
So here is the team that took the field on the cold, rainy last day of March against the Brewers at Wrigley Field, those players that have contributed along the way and the 25 players that will open a 6-game homestand on Tuesday against the Reds….as well as a list of possible September call-ups that could help in the final month of the season. 2008 25-man Opening Day Roster and Rotation
Starting Rotation
- Carlos Zambrano
- Ted Lilly
- Ryan Dempster
- Rich Hill
- Jason Marquis
Bullpen
- Jon Lieber – Long Relief
- Carmen Pignatiello
- Michael Wuertz
- Kevin Hart
- Carlos Marmol
- Bobby Howry
- Kerry Wood
Catchers
- Henry Blanco
- Geovany Soto
Infielders
- Derrek Lee
- Mark DeRosa
- Ryan Theriot
- Aramis Ramirez
- Ronny Cedeno
- Mike Fontenot
- Daryle Ward
Outfielders
- Alfonso Soriano
- Felix Pie
- Kosuke Fukudome
- Reed Johnson
On Active Roster at one point in the first 124 games
- Sean Gallagher
- Matt Murton
- Micah Hoffpauir
- Eric Patterson
- Scott Eyre
- Chad Fox
- Jose Ascanio
Active 25-man Roster on August 19, 2008
Starting Rotation
- Carlos Zambrano
- Ryan Dempster
- Rich Harden
- Ted Lilly
- Jason Marquis
Bullpen
- Sean Marshall
- Neal Cotts
- Bobby Howry
- Chad Gaudin
- Jeff Samardzija
- Carlos Marmol
- Kerry Wood
Catchers
- Henry Blanco
- Geovany Soto
Infielders
- Derrek Lee
- Mark DeRosa
- Ryan Theriot
- Aramis Ramirez
- Ronny Cedeno
- Mike Fontenot
- Daryle Ward
Outfielders
- Alfonso Soriano
- Jim Edmonds
- Kosuke Fukudome
- Reed Johnson
September Call-ups/Activations
- Jon Lieber – from the 15-day DL
- Chad Fox – from the 15-day DL
- Angel Guzman – from the 60-day DL – would require a 40-man roster move to activate from the 60-day DL
- Kevin Hart
- Michael Wuertz
- Koyie Hill – must be added to the 40-man roster – reports are suggesting Hill will be added and called-up
- Micah Hoffpauir
- Felix Pie
A majority of the 40-man and 25-man rosters have remained consistent throughout the season, much different from the daily change and tinkering from a year ago….and the results show.
Get ready for the stretch run…. The Cubs begin a stretch on Tuesday night of 16 in a row without an off day.