The Cubs only scheduled off day of the spring is Wednesday … and it could not come at a better time. The Cubs have played 21 of the 34 games on the Cactus League schedule and have made two rounds of roster cuts.
Camp ‘Q’ started with 60 players in big league camp, two roster cuts later, the Cubs have 40 players still on the official spring roster … the Opening Day roster must be filed by March 31.
Could there be a new leader in the clubhouse for the second base job? Teams continue to look at Carlos Silva, as well as Braden Looper and Todd Wellemeyer. Here’s the off day rumors, news, notes and a look at the list of the remaining players in big league camp … Roster Watch
The latest round of roster cuts Tuesday reduced the active spring roster to 40 players … 20 pitchers, four catchers, nine infielders and seven outfielders. Seven non-roster invitees are still active along with 33 players on the Cubs 40-man roster, which currently stands at 39 players.
Active Spring Training Roster as of 03/16/11
Pitchers
Justin Berg
Andrew Cashner
Casey Coleman
Ryan Dempster
Matt Garza
John Grabow
Braden Looper*
Scott Maine
Carlos Marmol
Sean Marshall
Marcos Mateo
James Russell
Jeff Samardzija
Carlos Silva
Jeff Stevens
Todd Wellemeyer*
Randy Wells
Kerry Wood
Carlos Zambrano
Catchers
Welington Castillo
Koyie Hill
Max Ramirez
Geovany Soto
Infielders
Jeff Baker
Darwin Barney
Starlin Castro
Blake DeWitt
Scott Moore*
Augie Ojeda*
Carlos Pena
Aramis Ramirez
Bobby Scales*
Outfielders
Marlon Byrd
Matt Camp*
Tyler Colvin
Kosuke Fukudome
Reed Johnson*
Fernando Perez
Alfonso Soriano
*Non-Roster Invitee, Not on Cubs 40-man Roster
News, Notes and Rumors
According to a report from Carrie Muskat, Brad Snyder has a small crack in his right rib cage. Snyder tried to play through the injury but could not. Snyder will be sidelined at least three weeks. Snyder has not picked up a bat since he was injured.
Bruce Miles mentioned Darwin Barney could be making a charge at the second base job … And Bruce Levine reported that the second base job is up for grabs. Neither Jeff Baker nor Blake DeWitt has won the spot and Darwin Barney has impressed the coaching staff.
The Cubs have committed a Major League leading 29 errors this spring.
According to a report from Bruce Levine, the Cubs could announce the fourth and fifth starters as early as next week.
Casey Coleman and Todd Wellemeyer are likely fighting for a bullpen spot at this point … with the fourth spot in the rotation belonging to Randy Wells. Andrew Cashner, Braden Looper, Carlos Silva and James Russell are “the only realistic contenders for the fifth spot” according to a report from Bruce Levine.
According to a report from Bruce Levine, Brett Jackson, Josh Vitters, Jay Jackson, Trey McNutt and Chris Carpenter are players to watch for call-ups during the season.
According to Bruce Levine, there is not a scenario in which Carlos Silva is cut before Opening Day. Silva will “likely be in the bullpen if he’s not part of the rotation.” A number of teams are looking at Silva.
According to a report from the Sun-Times, the Cubs have new faith in Josh Vitters.
‘The Killer C’s‘ are looking to avoid a sophomore slump according to the Sun-Times.
Andrew Cashner is spending a lot of time with Greg Maddux and Kerry Wood. Cashner talks with Maddux in the dugout and watches video with the future Hall of Famer.
Chattin’ with Bruce Levine
Mr. Talkin’ Baseball held his Tuesday chat on ESPNChicago.com. Here are a few of the highlights …
- Blake DeWitt will get every chance to fail.
- The “rumor” about the Cubs trading Andrew Cashner or Carlos Marmol for Michael Young has no substantiation according to Levine.
- The Cubs would love to trade Carlos Silva … but he has to show he can pitch consistently.
- Welington Castillo will probably start the season in Triple-A.
- It doesn’t look like Angel Guzman will pitch in the majors this year. Guzman will be sent to minor league camp soon to work on his arm strength.
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Well, there’s the update … enjoy the off day.