Jed Hoyer made his first round of roster additions and cuts as the GM of the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Hoyer outrighted Esmailin Caridad, Kyle Smit and Luis Montanez off the big league roster and added four of the systems top prospects to the 40-man roster … Junior Lake, Josh Vitters, Matt Szczur and Jeff Beliveau.
With the roster additions and subtractions, the Cubs 40-man roster currently stands at 34 players.
Friday was the deadline for clubs to set their rosters at the Major League and minor league levels (Reserve List) to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft (December 8). The Cubs top prospect, Brett Jackson, does not have to be added to the 40-man roster this off-season to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Jackson is expected to compete for a spot on the Cubs 2012 Opening Day roster in the spring.
By not adding Jackson, the Cubs saved a valuable roster spot.
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