Kyle Schwarber is expected to hit at the Major League level. The question with Schwarber is where will he play in the big leagues? Most outside of the Cubs’ organization think Schwarber will end up in the outfield. Jaron Madison, the Cubs’ farm director, is in Des Moines watching the I-Cubs and told Tommy Birch, “We’re more certain than ever that he’s going to stay behind the plate long term.” The Cubs have stated publicly the organization is committed to Schwarber being a catcher right … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Maddon, Bryant, the Cubs Bullpen, Strikeouts and Rock and Roll
A lot of words can be used to describe the Cubs to this point of the season, boring is not one of them. The Cubs won another close game Friday night, one the bullpen nearly gave back. The Cubs broke out the bats and hit for power as a team for the first time this season. The power built the lead, but it was the hustle by two rookies in the ninth inning that provided the difference in the game. The Cubs haven’t done anything particularly great yet, according to Joe Maddon, but they are … [Read more...]
From the Wire: Cubs Activate Grimm, Recall Szczur, Option Lake and DFA Varvaro
The Cubs roster shuffle continued Wednesday afternoon. The Cubs made four roster moves and in the process trimmed the 40-man roster to 39 players. RHP Justin Grimm was activated from the 15-day DL. To make room on the active roster for Grimm the Cubs designated RHP Anthony Varvaro for assignment. The Cubs recalled OF Matt Szczur from Triple-A Iowa and optioned OF/INF Junior Lake to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs 25-man roster currently consists of 13 pitchers, 12 position players. And the … [Read more...]
Cubs Could Use Some Relief from the Starting Rotation
The Cubs made three changes to the pitching staff Tuesday and more roster moves are expected in the coming days. Joe Maddon and the front office are attempting to find the right pieces for the pen while dealing with injuries and a starting staff that is not pitching deep enough into games. LHP James Russell and RHP Anthony Varvaro were added to the bullpen and RHP Gonzalez Germen was optioned to Iowa. All three relievers were not part of the Cubs’ plans when the season started. And both … [Read more...]
From the Wire: Cubs Activate Varvaro, Option Germen, Place Denorfia on DL, Call-Up James Russell and DFA Parker
The Cubs announced several roster moves prior to Tuesday’s game in St. Louis. The Cubs activated RHP Anthony Varvaro. The Cubs claimed Varvaro off waivers from the Red Sox on Sunday. Varvaro is out of minor league options and had to be added to the active roster. To make room on the 25-man roster for Varvaro, RHP Gonzalez Germen was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Varvaro is with the team at Busch Stadium and will be available for Tuesday night’s game. The Cubs placed OF Chris Denorfia, as … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Changes Coming to the Cubs Bullpen? And Other News and Notes
What was viewed as a strength of the team coming out of Spring Training has turned into a glaring weakness for the Chicago Cubs. And for the fourth time in four seasons a bad bullpen is costing the Cubs games. Prior to this year, the Cubs were not expected to win games. Jed Hoyer has used the phrase “puncher’s chance” on numerous occasions to describe the odds the front office put on the big league team to compete in the three previous seasons under their leadership. This year is different, … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Justin Grimm Beginning Rehab with Iowa and Other Cubs News
According to multiple reports, RHP Justin Grimm has been assigned to Triple-A Iowa to begin a rehab assignment. As of Sunday night, Grimm had not been added to Iowa’s roster. Grimm has been on the DL with right forearm inflammation since April 10, retroactive to April 2, and has not pitched in a game since the Cactus League finale on April 1. Justin Grimm appeared in six Cactus League games and one B-game in the spring. Grimm was 0-1 in six Cactus League games with a 7.94 ERA and a 1.59 … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: News, Roster Moves and a Rumor, but No Meat Loaf
The weekend started out on a positive note with Jon Lester picking up his first win and Addison Russell going deep for the first time in the big leagues. But the other two games against the Brewers didn’t go the Cubs way. The Cubs made a couple of roster moves and Welington Castillo found himself back in the rumor mill. Here are all the headlines and a few videos too with links to the news and rumors from the last three days … Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/01/15 Gleyber Torres and … [Read more...]
From the Wire: Cubs Claim RHP Anthony Varvaro Off Waivers from Red Sox, DFA LHP Joseph Ortiz
The Cubs announced two roster moves prior to Sunday’s game against the Brewers. The Cubs claimed RHP Anthony Varvaro off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. To make room on the 40-man roster, LHP Joseph Ortiz was designated for assignment. With Sunday’s roster moves, the Cubs 40-man roster stands at 40 players Anthony Varvaro is out of minor league options. The Cubs will have to clear a spot for him on the active roster and in the Cubs’ pen. Anthony Varvaro, 30, is 7-9 with 20 holds, … [Read more...]