According a report from Jesse Sanchez, the Cubs have shown serious interest in Cuban OF Eddy Julio Martinez.
The 20-year old is considered the top International prospect and he could be looking at a rather large signing bonus. Estimates have Martinez signing an eight-figure bonus, around the $10 million range. And the Cubs are one of at least 11 teams believed to be very interested in signing him.
The Cubs, Yankees, Angels, Braves, White Sox, Blue Jays, Nationals, Rockies, Tigers, Giants and Dodgers are reportedly the teams in the mix for Martinez.
If the Cubs level of interest in Martinez is as high as reports have suggested, the front office has to be hoping he doesn’t sign with a team for another eight days.
Eddy Julio Martinez falls under International signing restrictions and counts against a team’s bonus pool. The Cubs cannot sign Martinez under the current signing period which ends on June 15 due to the restrictions and penalties the front office received for overspending during the 2013-14 signing period.
Sanchez indicated Martinez has not decided if he will sign with a team under the current International signing period or if he will wait until the 2015-16 signing period begins on July 2.
The Cubs are expected to be big spenders when the new period begins on July 2. And reports have indicated the Cubs have agreements in place with several players.
- Cubs Reportedly Set to Spend Heavily in International Market [April 25]
- Cubs Considered Favorites to Sign Five of Top 30 International Prospects [May 8]
- Cubs Reportedly One of Eleven Teams in the Mix for Cubs OF Eddy Julio Martinez [May 21]
Javier Baez
Javier Baez started at third base for the third straight game in Friday’s 10-2 loss to Albuquerque. Baez went 1-for-5 with a double, a RBI and a strikeout.
Defensively, Baez was not charged with an error in five total chances.
Kyle Schwarber
Kyle Schwarber was behind the plate Friday and went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and a strikeout. Schwarber was hit by a pitch in his fourth plate appearance.
In 50 games, Schwarber has a .327/.447/.595 line with seven doubles, a triple, 12 home runs and a 1.042 OPS. Schwarber has 37 walks and 43 strikeouts on the season.
Schwarber threw out two runners at second base, one was the highly touted Byron Buxton.
Chris Denorfia
Chris Denorfia played left field and batted fifth for the Smokies on Friday night. Denorfia went 0-for-3 with a sac fly RBI and two strikeouts in four plate appearances.
If all goes well this weekend with Denorfia, he is expected to be reinstated from the DL prior to Tuesday’s opener in Detroit.
News, Notes and Rumors
• Tsuyoshi Wada knows the Cubs could make changes to the rotation according to Comcast SportsNet. Wada had a bad outing Friday night but said he is not feeling any pressure to perform. Joe Maddon gave his support to Wada after his starter lasted only 3 2/3 innings. Everything from Wada was up in the zone Friday night and the Nationals hit the ball all over the place.
• The Reds designated RHP Jason Marquis for assignment.
And SHP Pat Venditte made his Major League debut on Friday night in Boston. The Cubs saw Venditte a couple of times in the Cactus League and ‘The Venditte Rules’ got under Dexter Fowler’s skin. Venditte pitched two scoreless innings and allowed one hit with a strikeout.
This Day In Cubstory
2013 – Cubs selected Kris Bryant in the first round (second overall) of the draft. Bryant signed July 12.
2011 – Cubs selected Javier Baez in the first round (ninth overall) of the draft. Baez signed Aug. 15.
2006 – Cubs selected Tyler Colvin in the first round (13th overall) of the draft
2006 – Cubs selected Jeff Samardzija in the fifth round of the draft
2006 – Cubs selected Steve Clevenger in the seventh round of the draft
2006 – Cubs selected Blake Parker in the 16th round of the draft
2003 – Sammy Sosa was suspended for eight games for corking his bat.
1987 – Cubs traded a PTNBL to the Rangers for Mike Mason. Dave Pavlas was sent to Texas to complete trade
1978 – Cubs selected Bill Hayes in the first round (13th overall pick) of the draft
1978 – Cubs selected Mel Hall in the second round of the draft
1978 – Phillies selected Ryne Sandberg in the 20th round of the draft
1978 – Cubs selected Mike Diaz in the 30th round of the draft
1972 – Brooks Kieschnick, born
1972 – Cubs selected Ray Burris in the 17th round of the draft
1957 – After an 86-minute delay, the first fog out in Major League history occurred at Ebbets Field when the umpires called off the game between the Cubs and Dodgers
1956 – Cubs signed Jim Brewer
1952 – Hank Sauer, on his way to an MVP Award, drove in runs number 49 and 50 in a 7-2 victory over the Braves.
1944 – Cubs traded Eddie Stanky to the Brooklyn Dodgers for Bob Chipman
1885 – The Chicago National League Ball Club played its first game at West Side Park and beat St. Louis 7-2. John Clarkson picked up the win