Marshall as #4 starter?

[Blueheart05]

If Marshall gets the 4th spot, Jerome will be the long reliever.

 

On Tuesday, the Cubs dealt reliever Todd Wellemeyer to Florida for two Minor League pitchers. The team doesn't have a designated long man for the bullpen yet and Baker said Williams could possibly fill that role.

 

"As long as I'm part of the team, that's all that matters," Williams said. "If I'm part of the team as a reliever, so be it. Starter, so be it. As long as I'm a part of it, that's all that matters."

 

Link

 

So Guzman/Hill gets the #5 spot (most likely Hill b/c of the injury issue)?

 

 

Yes, at this point, that's how I see it shaping up.

[Blueheart05]

let marshall,guzman, and hill compete for number 5.

 

They are seriously considering Marshall for the fourth spot.

[Jon]

Guzman and Ryu were both optioned to AAA today, according to Cubs.com.

 

That removes one guy from the competition for the last bullpen spot in Ryu. It sounds like he's out of the race for the 5th starter's spot, as well.

[Blueheart05]

Guzman and Ryu were both optioned to AAA today, according to Cubs.com.

 

That removes one guy from the competition for the last bullpen spot in Ryu. It sounds like he's out of the race for the 5th starter's spot, as well.

 

I wonder where Koronka (and Aardsma) fits into the reliever mix? Dusty has been praising him a lot lately.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Guzman and Ryu were both optioned to AAA today, according to Cubs.com.

 

That removes one guy from the competition for the last bullpen spot in Ryu. It sounds like he's out of the race for the 5th starter's spot, as well.

 

I wonder where Koronka (and Aardsma) fits into the reliever mix? Dusty has been praising him a lot lately.

 

Aardsma was sent to Iowa:

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060328&content_id=1365476&vkey=pr_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

[Jon]

Guzman and Ryu were both optioned to AAA today, according to Cubs.com.

 

That removes one guy from the competition for the last bullpen spot in Ryu. It sounds like he's out of the race for the 5th starter's spot, as well.

 

I wonder where Koronka (and Aardsma) fits into the reliever mix? Dusty has been praising him a lot lately.

Aardsma was sent down, as well. They don't have a need for another lefty and it sounds like they'll be going a different direction for the long reliever spot.

[Blueheart05]

Guzman and Ryu were both optioned to AAA today, according to Cubs.com.

 

That removes one guy from the competition for the last bullpen spot in Ryu. It sounds like he's out of the race for the 5th starter's spot, as well.

 

I wonder where Koronka (and Aardsma) fits into the reliever mix? Dusty has been praising him a lot lately.

 

Aardsma was sent to Iowa:

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060328&content_id=1365476&vkey=pr_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

 

Thanks, it missed that info. So, which Minor League pitchers remain?

[Blueheart05]

Guzman and Ryu were both optioned to AAA today, according to Cubs.com.

 

That removes one guy from the competition for the last bullpen spot in Ryu. It sounds like he's out of the race for the 5th starter's spot, as well.

 

I wonder where Koronka (and Aardsma) fits into the reliever mix? Dusty has been praising him a lot lately.

Aardsma was sent down, as well. They don't have a need for another lefty and it sounds like they'll be going a different direction for the long reliever spot.

 

 

This quote from the Tribune gave me reason to pause about Koronka's chances to make the team:

 

Left-hander John Koronka, as big a long shot coming into spring training as George Mason was at the start of the NCAA tournament, has put himself into the mix with eight straight scoreless appearances.

 

Koronka, 25, has spent the bulk of his career as a starter but appears comfortable in a relief role.

 

"He's actually been better in relief than he was starting," Baker said. "He's enjoying the role."

 

Baker said he wouldn't be bothered by having three left-handers in the bullpen, a rarity for the Cubs in recent years.

 

This little quote from Bruce Mile's column also caught my eye:

 

If Michael Wuertz continues to struggle, that might open a spot for lefty John Koronka, who has been working as a reliever.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

This little quote from Bruce Mile's column also caught my eye:

 

If Michael Wuertz continues to struggle, that might open a spot for lefty John Koronka, who has been working as a reliever.

 

Wuertz looked good today. There is really no need for 3 lefties in the BP. In my opinion, Koronka should not win a spot over Weurtz or Ohman.

[CUBZ99]

This little quote from Bruce Mile's column also caught my eye:

 

If Michael Wuertz continues to struggle, that might open a spot for lefty John Koronka, who has been working as a reliever.

 

Wuertz looked good today. There is really no need for 3 lefties in the BP. In my opinion, Koronka should not win a spot over Weurtz or Ohman.

 

I have yet to see anything that suggests that Ohman is in danger of not making the club. Didn't he just get a salary raise in arbitration?

[Blueheart05]

This little quote from Bruce Mile's column also caught my eye:

 

If Michael Wuertz continues to struggle, that might open a spot for lefty John Koronka, who has been working as a reliever.

 

Wuertz looked good today. There is really no need for 3 lefties in the BP. In my opinion, Koronka should not win a spot over Weurtz or Ohman.

 

Koronka definitely wouldn't win a spot over Ohman but, if the Cubs are worried about Wuertz (or if he doesn't pitch well in the remaining games), I wouldn't be surprised to see Koronka get a chance. I wouldn't have said that a day ago but the latest pitching developments have me thinking that the Cubs are willing to be very unconventional (by their standards at least). Plus,Dusty says, in the Trib article I quoted earlier, that he wouldn't mind going with three LHP in the bullpen.

[CUBZ99]

Does it seem odd to anyone else that the Cubs are actually starting to make some decent moves? In the past it seemed like they were less willing to take a chance on a young player or give a spot to a more deserving player.

 

This year, Marshal and Hill both have a shot to win a job, Pagan probably made the team, Murton and Cedeno are starting and Theriot actually has a small chance to break camp.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Does it seem odd to anyone else that the Cubs are actually starting to make some decent moves? In the past it seemed like they were less willing to take a chance on a young player or give a spot to a more deserving player.

 

This year, Marshal and Hill both have a shot to win a job, Pagan probably made the team, Murton and Cedeno are starting and Theriot actually has a small chance to break camp.

Maybe some in the org. are realizing you have to change if things haven't been working.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I hate to be a downer, but this is what happens when you miss out on your primary FA target, overpay for mediocre bench players and average pitchers, and want to offer a monster extension to a firstbaseman with one career year under his belt. The budget forces you to consider youngsters.

[Blueheart05]

I hate to be a downer, but this is what happens when you miss out on your primary FA target, overpay for mediocre bench players and average pitchers, and want to offer a monster extension to a firstbaseman with one career year under his belt. The budget forces you to consider youngsters.

 

Furcal wasn't going to help the rotation (and he was their primary FA target). I think it's about time the team use it's own capable farmhands.

[Monco]

I hate to be a downer, but this is what happens when you miss out on your primary FA target, overpay for mediocre bench players and average pitchers, and want to offer a monster extension to a firstbaseman with one career year under his belt. The budget forces you to consider youngsters.

 

Furcal wasn't going to help the rotation (and he was their primary FA target). I think it's about time the team use it's own capable farmhands.

Use them or trade em while they still have a high value.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I hate to be a downer, but this is what happens when you miss out on your primary FA target, overpay for mediocre bench players and average pitchers, and want to offer a monster extension to a firstbaseman with one career year under his belt. The budget forces you to consider youngsters.

 

Furcal wasn't going to help the rotation (and he was their primary FA target). I think it's about time the team use it's own capable farmhands.

 

Passing on Furcal meant we needed our leadoff hitter (in the organization's eyes). We dealt Nolasco (a solid pitching prospect) for Pierre. Mitre and Pinto weren't anything great. I'm a fan of throwing talent into the ML mix and seeing if they can hack it. Put Hill, Marshall, Ryu, Guzman and Nolasco into the mix for and you'll come out with at least one player contributing every 5 days. Let's be realistic. Some days they're going to dominate and other days they're going to get lit up. That's the nature of rookie SPs, but we need those cheap options, especially with Zambrano being the only SP we can count on (Maddux is gone next season).

[Blueheart05]

I hate to be a downer, but this is what happens when you miss out on your primary FA target, overpay for mediocre bench players and average pitchers, and want to offer a monster extension to a firstbaseman with one career year under his belt. The budget forces you to consider youngsters.

 

Furcal wasn't going to help the rotation (and he was their primary FA target). I think it's about time the team use it's own capable farmhands.

 

Passing on Furcal meant we needed our leadoff hitter (in the organization's eyes). We dealt Nolasco (a solid pitching prospect) for Pierre. Mitre and Pinto weren't anything great. I'm a fan of throwing talent into the ML mix and seeing if they can hack it. Put Hill, Marshall, Ryu, Guzman and Nolasco into the mix for and you'll come out with at least one player contributing every 5 days. Let's be realistic. Some days they're going to dominate and other days they're going to get lit up. That's the nature of rookie SPs, but we need those cheap options, especially with Zambrano being the only SP we can count on (Maddux is gone next season).

 

Hendry said he wanted both Furcal and Pierre all along (he said that early on in the process). It was never one or the other. Remember, he wanted them to bat 1 and 2. Thus, he planned all along to give up prospects for Pierre...I'm also not saying that I expect the rookies to be dominant but they have ability and there's no reason not to utilize them until the veterans are available.

 

I tink next season is a big reason why the Cubs are

planning to take risks with these young pitchers. Maddux and possibly Wood (with his mutal option) will be gone. The days of relying on Wood and Prior are coming to a close, it's time to see what other options are available.

Edited March 29, 2006 by Blueheart05

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I hate to be a downer, but this is what happens when you miss out on your primary FA target, overpay for mediocre bench players and average pitchers, and want to offer a monster extension to a firstbaseman with one career year under his belt. The budget forces you to consider youngsters.

 

Furcal wasn't going to help the rotation (and he was their primary FA target). I think it's about time the team use it's own capable farmhands.

 

Passing on Furcal meant we needed our leadoff hitter (in the organization's eyes). We dealt Nolasco (a solid pitching prospect) for Pierre. Mitre and Pinto weren't anything great. I'm a fan of throwing talent into the ML mix and seeing if they can hack it. Put Hill, Marshall, Ryu, Guzman and Nolasco into the mix for and you'll come out with at least one player contributing every 5 days. Let's be realistic. Some days they're going to dominate and other days they're going to get lit up. That's the nature of rookie SPs, but we need those cheap options, especially with Zambrano being the only SP we can count on (Maddux is gone next season).

 

Hendry said he wanted both Furcal and Pierre all along (he said that early on in the process). It was never one or the other. Remember, he wanted them to bat 1 and 2. Thus, he planned all along to give up prospects for Pierre...I'm also not saying that I expect the rookies to be dominant but they have ability and there's no reason not to utilize them until the veterans are available.

 

Hendry is on crack. I win. :lol:

 

But seriously, I think that statement was just thrown out there in case Hendry didn't get his main man, Furcal. A provable opinion? No, but it's mine. :D

[Blueheart05]

I hate to be a downer, but this is what happens when you miss out on your primary FA target, overpay for mediocre bench players and average pitchers, and want to offer a monster extension to a firstbaseman with one career year under his belt. The budget forces you to consider youngsters.

 

Furcal wasn't going to help the rotation (and he was their primary FA target). I think it's about time the team use it's own capable farmhands.

 

Passing on Furcal meant we needed our leadoff hitter (in the organization's eyes). We dealt Nolasco (a solid pitching prospect) for Pierre. Mitre and Pinto weren't anything great. I'm a fan of throwing talent into the ML mix and seeing if they can hack it. Put Hill, Marshall, Ryu, Guzman and Nolasco into the mix for and you'll come out with at least one player contributing every 5 days. Let's be realistic. Some days they're going to dominate and other days they're going to get lit up. That's the nature of rookie SPs, but we need those cheap options, especially with Zambrano being the only SP we can count on (Maddux is gone next season).

 

Hendry said he wanted both Furcal and Pierre all along (he said that early on in the process). It was never one or the other. Remember, he wanted them to bat 1 and 2. Thus, he planned all along to give up prospects for Pierre...I'm also not saying that I expect the rookies to be dominant but they have ability and there's no reason not to utilize them until the veterans are available.

 

Hendry is on crack. I win. :lol:

 

But seriously, I think that statement was just thrown out there in case Hendry didn't get his main man, Furcal. A provable opinion? No, but it's mine. :D

 

Really? I thought he was being honest about wanting the first two guys to be speedy. I also think that the Cubs inability to sign Furcal, coupled with Walker's speed deficiencies (and defensive issues), made Hairston the next best option (in Hendry's mind) for the second slot. Lugo at 2B was preferred to Hairston but when that seemed too costly they decided to make it a "competition" at second.

 

In either case, I'm glad the Cubs are willing to take some risks with younger players and willing to play the hot hand so to speak... It would be real easy to break camp with Williams as 4 but giving Marshall a chance is being progressive IMO.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

I hate to be a downer, but this is what happens when you miss out on your primary FA target, overpay for mediocre bench players and average pitchers, and want to offer a monster extension to a firstbaseman with one career year under his belt. The budget forces you to consider youngsters.

 

Furcal wasn't going to help the rotation (and he was their primary FA target). I think it's about time the team use it's own capable farmhands.

 

Passing on Furcal meant we needed our leadoff hitter (in the organization's eyes). We dealt Nolasco (a solid pitching prospect) for Pierre. Mitre and Pinto weren't anything great. I'm a fan of throwing talent into the ML mix and seeing if they can hack it. Put Hill, Marshall, Ryu, Guzman and Nolasco into the mix for and you'll come out with at least one player contributing every 5 days. Let's be realistic. Some days they're going to dominate and other days they're going to get lit up. That's the nature of rookie SPs, but we need those cheap options, especially with Zambrano being the only SP we can count on (Maddux is gone next season).

 

Hendry said he wanted both Furcal and Pierre all along (he said that early on in the process). It was never one or the other. Remember, he wanted them to bat 1 and 2. Thus, he planned all along to give up prospects for Pierre...I'm also not saying that I expect the rookies to be dominant but they have ability and there's no reason not to utilize them until the veterans are available.

 

Hendry is on crack. I win. :lol:

 

But seriously, I think that statement was just thrown out there in case Hendry didn't get his main man, Furcal. A provable opinion? No, but it's mine. :D

 

Really? I thought he was being honest about wanting the first two guys to be speedy. I also think that the Cubs inability to sign Furcal, coupled with Walker's speed deficiencies (and defensive issues), made Hairston the next best option (in Hendry's mind) for the second slot. Lugo at 2B was preferred to Hairston but when that seemed too costly they decided to make it a "competition" at second.

 

LaMar is so ridiculous in his trade demands I'm surprised Hendry even considered dealing with TB.

 

Hairston was injured last season and didn't tell anyone. He's been a pleasant surprise so far. Walker was always a solid #2 hitter, but his mouth and defense are negatives. Why couldn't he just shut up?

 

If the organization was so high on Pie and he's the player they say he is, why were they so willing to sign Pierre? Pie in a corner OF is a waste and even the old schoolers know that. Trade bait? Signing Furcal and Pierre only decreases his value as he has nowhere to go.

 

We didn't need 2 leadoff hitters and overpaying for that 2 hole hitter (when we have walker) only gains us some defense. Is defense worth that much (premium FA dollars or solid SP talent via trade)?

[brinoch]

Walker was always a solid #2 hitter, but his mouth and defense are negatives. Why couldn't he just shut up?

 

Why is his mouth such a disadvantage? I really don't care if he likes taking his clothes off a la Slap Stick so long as he's a good ballplayer and not doing anything completely inappropriate. He's paid to be a good player, not to tow the company line. Besides, listening to baseball players give interviews is about as exciting as watching golf. That is to say, extremely boring, uninformative and trite. Walker is interesting.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Walker was always a solid #2 hitter, but his mouth and defense are negatives. Why couldn't he just shut up?

 

Why is his mouth such a disadvantage? I really don't care if he likes taking his clothes off a la Slap Stick so long as he's a good ballplayer and not doing anything completely inappropriate. He's paid to be a good player, not to tow the company line. Besides, listening to baseball players give interviews is about as exciting as watching golf. That is to say, extremely boring, uninformative and trite. Walker is interesting.

 

He isn't that bad and it isn't my opinion of him that's keeping him from being the everyday 2B and 2 hole hitter. His D isn't that bad. From what I've seen Hairston has better range but boots the routine plays too often. It balances out Walker's lack of range and knee problems as far as I'm concerned. Walker makes the plays he gets to. the difference in defense doesn't offset Walker's advantage in offense.

 

It's the organization that doesn't like Walker's mouth. If he'd have just kept it shut, they'd of had to evaluate the 2B battle on performance alone. I like Walker's odds in that, even with the Cubs new found love for defense.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Koronka instead of Wuertz? What in the world are they thinking?

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Koronka instead of Wuertz? What in the world are they thinking?

 

Aren't you one of the people that talks about the up and down nature of middle releivers constantly?