The 2008 Fall Classic match-up appeared to be set on Thursday night….but then the Boston Red Sox pulled off the second biggest comeback in post-season history. So while a big tip of the cap goes out to the organization and fan base of the Philadelphia Phillies, there is still some unfinished business in the American League. As the very memorable season prepares for its final series to begin next Wednesday, the remainder of the baseball world has all but turned the page and is making plans for the Hot Stove season and beyond.
The Cubs organizational meetings kickoff with a dinner on Sunday night in Mesa before they start mapping out what moves should be made this winter. Recent rumblings have suggested the Cubs’ payroll will be increased for 2009….up from $130 million they spent fielding the 2008 squad.
So while the Cubs’ front office discusses which additions and subtractions should be made, here is a current roster with each player’s salary for next season and when they will be eligible for free agency….as well as the arbitration eligible and 0-3 men with their remaining option years, plus a minor roster move…. Under Contract for 2009
Pitchers
- Rich Harden – $7 million – FA after 2009
- Ted Lilly – $12 million – FA after 2010
- Jason Marquis – $9.875 million – FA after 2009
- Jeff Samardzija – $1.6 million – FA after 2011 – Club Options for 2012 & 2013
- Carlos Zambrano – $17.75 million – FA after 2012 – Vesting Option for 2013
Catchers
- Henry Blanco – $3 million (2009 is a Club Option and must be picked up by the end of the World Series)
Infielders
- Mark DeRosa – $5.5 million – FA after 2009
- Derrek Lee – $13 million – FA after 2010
- Aramis Ramirez – $15.65 million – FA after 2010 – Player Option for 2011 and Club Option for 2012
Outfielders
- Kosuke Fukudome – $11.5 million – FA after 2011
- Alfonso Soriano – $16 million – FA after 2014
Arbitration Eligible
Pitchers
- Neal Cotts – No Options Left
- Chad Gaudin – No Options Left
- Michael Wuertz – No Options Left
Catchers
- None
Infielders
- Ronny Cedeno – 0 Options Left
Outfielders
- Reed Johnson – 0 Options Left
0-3 Men – Auto Renewal
Pitchers
- Jose Ascanio – 1 Option Left
- Angel Guzman – 1 Option Left
- Kevin Hart – 2 Options Left
- Rich Hill – No Options Left
- Carlos Marmol – 1 Option Left
- Sean Marshall – 1 Option Left
- Billy Petrick – 2 Options Left
- Randy Wells – 3 Options Left
Catchers
- Jake Fox – 1 Option Left
- Koyie Hill – No Options Left
- Geovany Soto – No Options Left
Infielders
- Mike Fontenot – 1 Option Left
- Micah Hoffpauir – 2 Options Left
- Casey McGehee – 3 Options Left
- Ryan Theriot – 2 Options Left
Outfielders
- Sam Fuld – 2 Options Left
- Felix Pie – 0 Options Left
- Brad Snyder – 0 Options Left
Expect changes to be made to the Cubs 40-man roster. Sam Fuld and Jake Fox did not contribute to the big league club last season and could be released in order to provide two valuable spots on the roster. Also, Billy Petrick could be released and Carmen Pignatiello is no longer listed on the Cubs 40-man roster. Pignatiello was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa on October 13th.
Possible Free Agents
- Ryan Dempster
- Chad Fox
- Jon Lieber
- Bobby Howry
- Kerry Wood
- Daryle Ward
- Jim Edmonds