The Cubs Cactus League Rotation

[Guest]

Mike Wuertz not being assured a spot gives me heartburn.

well, he is injured right now. Besides, who can you kick off the team to make room for him?

I'd rather have Wuertz than Cotts, Eyre or Dempster.

[Jon]

Didn't he say they'd be going with 12 pitchers less than two weeks ago?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Mike Wuertz not being assured a spot gives me heartburn.

well, he is injured right now. Besides, who can you kick off the team to make room for him?

I'd rather have Wuertz than Cotts, Eyre or Dempster.

 

And Wuertz was better than all 3 of them last season.

[KingCubsFan]

Mike Wuertz not being assured a spot gives me heartburn.

well, he is injured right now. Besides, who can you kick off the team to make room for him?

I'd rather have Wuertz than Cotts, Eyre or Dempster.

 

And Wuertz was better than all 3 of them last season.

Not disagreeing, but we all know that's not feasible

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

Perhaps we end up with Cotts as the number 5 starter - per Sullivan (yuck).

[Mephistopheles]

man if cotts is our five over guzman, i dont know what to say about how much of a disaster this organization is

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

man if cotts is our five over guzman, i dont know what to say about how much of a disaster this organization is

 

I am hoping it is just pure speculation by Sullivan. I don't see how Guz is overlooked if Prior is unable to go!

 

Although, during the webcast today Kasper mentioned the same thing....

[98navigator]

It's important to note that Wade Miller does not want to pitch in the bullpen. If he doesn't win the fifth starter spot he may ask for a trade which will open a roster spot:

 

Trib

 

"My fastball is coming around," Miller said. "I threw a bullpen [session] a couple of days ago, and I feel great right now."

 

If Miller doesn't earn the fifth spot, he said, "I'll have to explore my options." Going to the bullpen isn't among them, and Hendry likely would accommodate Miller if he asks for a trade.

 

"Until that time comes, I'm a Cub," Miller said.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'm going to be all kinds of pissed if Wuertz gets left off the roster again.

[A New Era]

I'm going to be all kinds of pissed if Wuertz gets left off the roster again.

 

Yeah, what did he have, like a 2.something ERA in how many innings of releif?

 

Hopefully Piniella notices that and asks hendry's "what's up with that Weurtz kid"?

[CubColtPacer]

Well, if Miller wants to be a starter only that only leaves 2 ways that Wuertz can be replaced in the bullpen

1) 11 pitchers-possible, but still unlikely even with Piniella's comments. The person who wins that 5th starters job will likely still be somewhat shaky on health, and so they'll want that 12th pitcher.

2)Another minor leaguer beats him out. This is possible, but probably only possible if Wuertz cannot get into many games in ST with the injury and another arm is impressing the coaches. If this happens, it could always be corrected pretty early in the season if that arm falters whatsoever and Wuertz is ready.

 

I think the only thing holding Wuertz back is his own arm now-if he can't show what he can do during ST, another arm could step up and take the job for now.

[98navigator]

man if cotts is our five over guzman, i dont know what to say about how much of a disaster this organization is

 

I am hoping it is just pure speculation by Sullivan. I don't see how Guz is overlooked if Prior is unable to go!

 

Although, during the webcast today Kasper mentioned the same thing....

 

I wouldn't put much stock in what Sullivan has to say about the fifth spot. He is speculating. For the record, Lou has noticed Guzman's performance and will continue to evaluate him.

 

Bruce Miles

 

Piniella also liked youngster Angel Guzman, who pitched 2 scoreless innings Tuesday.

 

“He looks like he wants a spot on the club,” Piniella said. “He’s throwing the ball very well. You look at his natural stuff, and it’s as good as people’s in camp.”

 

I also read a quote from Lou that said the Cubs are going to continue to stretch him out and see how he responds when he pitches 4,5, and 6 innings. Unfortunately, I can't find it now.

 

:evil:

[KaiserCesar]

man if cotts is our five over guzman, i dont know what to say about how much of a disaster this organization is

 

I am hoping it is just pure speculation by Sullivan. I don't see how Guz is overlooked if Prior is unable to go!

 

Although, during the webcast today Kasper mentioned the same thing....

 

I wouldn't put much stock in what Sullivan has to say about the fifth spot. He is speculating. For the record, Lou has noticed Guzman's performance and will continue to evaluate him.

 

Bruce Miles

 

Piniella also liked youngster Angel Guzman, who pitched 2 scoreless innings Tuesday.

 

“He looks like he wants a spot on the club,” Piniella said. “He’s throwing the ball very well. You look at his natural stuff, and it’s as good as people’s in camp.”

 

I also read a quote from Lou that said the Cubs are going to continue to stretch him out and see how he responds when he pitches 4,5, and 6 innings. Unfortunately, I can't find it now.

 

:evil:

 

We're talking about a young starter here. We'll see more as we stretch him out and get him into the three-, four-, five-[inning] category. You've got to be pleased with his stuff, there's no question about that

[98navigator]

man if cotts is our five over guzman, i dont know what to say about how much of a disaster this organization is

 

I am hoping it is just pure speculation by Sullivan. I don't see how Guz is overlooked if Prior is unable to go!

 

Although, during the webcast today Kasper mentioned the same thing....

 

I wouldn't put much stock in what Sullivan has to say about the fifth spot. He is speculating. For the record, Lou has noticed Guzman's performance and will continue to evaluate him.

 

Bruce Miles

 

Piniella also liked youngster Angel Guzman, who pitched 2 scoreless innings Tuesday.

 

“He looks like he wants a spot on the club,” Piniella said. “He’s throwing the ball very well. You look at his natural stuff, and it’s as good as people’s in camp.”

 

I also read a quote from Lou that said the Cubs are going to continue to stretch him out and see how he responds when he pitches 4,5, and 6 innings. Unfortunately, I can't find it now.

 

:evil:

 

We're talking about a young starter here. We'll see more as we stretch him out and get him into the three-, four-, five-[inning] category. You've got to be pleased with his stuff, there's no question about that

 

Thanks, where did you find it?

[98navigator]

Well, if Miller wants to be a starter only that only leaves 2 ways that Wuertz can be replaced in the bullpen

1) 11 pitchers-possible, but still unlikely even with Piniella's comments. The person who wins that 5th starters job will likely still be somewhat shaky on health, and so they'll want that 12th pitcher.

2)Another minor leaguer beats him out. This is possible, but probably only possible if Wuertz cannot get into many games in ST with the injury and another arm is impressing the coaches. If this happens, it could always be corrected pretty early in the season if that arm falters whatsoever and Wuertz is ready.

 

I think the only thing holding Wuertz back is his own arm now-if he can't show what he can do during ST, another arm could step up and take the job for now.

 

I agree. Wuertz is going to have to pitch to show what he can do. If he is hampered by injury, while others are performing, he may not have a spot. Also, I really think Rocky Cherry has a chance to make this team. People have called me crazy for suggesting this but I only mention it because Lou said directly (during the Cubs/Sox pregame) that Cherry had a chance to make the team.

 

It's also noteworthy that Lou called on Cherry to get the save against the Mariners. Cherry came in with 2 outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th so Cherry recorded 4 outs to get the save.

 

Gameday Audio subscribers should click here for candid moments between Lou and Santo. LOL, they talk for a couple of minutes (not knowing the mic is open). It sounds like they are in the middle of a small disagreement when someone triggers the recording... Santo uses some colorful language too. Then the formal pregame show starts--is interrupted--and starts again later.

 

The Rocky Cherry comments start around the 27 minute mark.

 

If you listen closely, Lou says he wants a young kid in the 5th spot who throws strikes and can get better as the season goes on.

[Laura]

Gameday Audio subscribers should click here for candid moments between Lou and Santo. LOL, they talk for a couple of minutes (not knowing the mic is open). It sounds like they are in the middle of a small disagreement when someone triggers the recording... Santo uses some colorful language too. Then the formal pregame show starts--is interrupted--and starts again later.

 

Good find!

[A New Era]

Gameday Audio subscribers should click here for candid moments between Lou and Santo. LOL, they talk for a couple of minutes (not knowing the mic is open). It sounds like they are in the middle of a small disagreement when someone triggers the recording... Santo uses some colorful language too. Then the formal pregame show starts--is interrupted--and starts again later.

 

Good find!

 

Verrrry interesting. GREAT find! Straight from Lou's mouth, with no pretense. That means if Angel pitches well he has a good chance of making the team.

[A New Era]

After listening to that "bit". :lol: . Lou was very impressed with Samardzija. Very impressed. Said he loved his poise, and was not expecting such a performance. I assume he was talking about poise, speed, and "stuff". Ron said "you think a?". Lou responded "nah nah, we'll send him down to pitch".

 

This is really interesting stuff. Nice find 98. Makes me wonder what they were talking about before that? It must have been pitching because it lead to the "young guy who gets better" talk.

[98navigator]

After listening to that "bit". :lol: . Lou was very impressed with Samardzija. Very impressed. Said he loved his poise, and was not expecting such a performance. I assume he was talking about poise, speed, and "stuff". Ron said "you think a?". Lou responded "nah nah, we'll send him down to pitch".

 

This is really interesting stuff. Nice find 98. Makes me wonder what they were talking about before that? It must have been pitching because it lead to the "young guy who gets better" talk.

 

 

I just listened again and Ron was talking about Angel Guzman. Listen closely and you'll hear Ronny say "Guzman to me has really great stuff." Then Lou says "Guzman has really nice stuff, he really does." "I like the kid Gallagher..." Then he starts gushing about Samardzija. :D He actually says Jeff is "better than all of them." However, he's resigned to Samardzija being sent down so that leaves Angel and Sean.

 

Gallagher's had some struggles since Sunday but if Angel pitches well he could be the darkhorse for the fifth spot.

Edited March 8, 2007 by 98navigator

[Magnetic Curses]

i had a 96 mph slider on mvp baseball. god i was unhittable. we all know it's a mistake, but i know I saw Robb Nen touch 93-94 with his slide piece in his prime.

 

and his arm disintegrated eventually.

 

i'd rather semardzioijdoidohwhdpwa NOT put that kind of strain on his elbow.

[A New Era]

After listening to that "bit". :lol: . Lou was very impressed with Samardzija. Very impressed. Said he loved his poise, and was not expecting such a performance. I assume he was talking about poise, speed, and "stuff". Ron said "you think a?". Lou responded "nah nah, we'll send him down to pitch".

 

This is really interesting stuff. Nice find 98. Makes me wonder what they were talking about before that? It must have been pitching because it lead to the "young guy who gets better" talk.

 

 

I just listened again and Ron was talking about Angel Guzman. Listen closely and you'll hear Ronny say "Guzman to me has really great stuff." Then Lou says "Guzman has really nice stuff, he really does." "I like the kid Gallagher..." Then he starts gushing about Samardzija. :D He actually says Jeff is "better than all of them." However, he's resigned to Samardzija being sent down so that leaves Angel and Sean.

 

Gallagher's had some struggles since Sunday but if Angel pitches well he could be the darkhorse for the fifth spot.

 

Oh no trust me. i heard it all. I'm a diehard cubs fan, so ofcourse my cubs super hearing went into full effect during this peice. I was just saying, what were the talking about when it FIRST cut in. When Ron sounded aggrivated. I don't EVER, I don't EVER. Was it pitching they were arguing about? Was it a specific cub? Inquiring minds want to know.

[98navigator]

After listening to that "bit". :lol: . Lou was very impressed with Samardzija. Very impressed. Said he loved his poise, and was not expecting such a performance. I assume he was talking about poise, speed, and "stuff". Ron said "you think a?". Lou responded "nah nah, we'll send him down to pitch".

 

This is really interesting stuff. Nice find 98. Makes me wonder what they were talking about before that? It must have been pitching because it lead to the "young guy who gets better" talk.

 

 

I just listened again and Ron was talking about Angel Guzman. Listen closely and you'll hear Ronny say "Guzman to me has really great stuff." Then Lou says "Guzman has really nice stuff, he really does." "I like the kid Gallagher..." Then he starts gushing about Samardzija. :D He actually says Jeff is "better than all of them." However, he's resigned to Samardzija being sent down so that leaves Angel and Sean.

 

Gallagher's had some struggles since Sunday but if Angel pitches well he could be the darkhorse for the fifth spot.

 

Oh no trust me. i heard it all. I'm a diehard cubs fan, so ofcourse my cubs super hearing went into full effect during this peice. I was just saying, what were the talking about when it FIRST cut in. When Ron sounded aggrivated. I don't EVER, I don't EVER. Was it pitching they were arguing about? Was it a specific cub? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

LOL, something must be wrong with my super hearing because I couldn't understand what Ron was saying until after I heard it a few times. :D I'd really like to know what they were talking about at the beginning...

[98navigator]

Lou would like to go with an 11 man pitching staff but it depends on health:

 

Link

 

Manager Lou Piniella said Wednesday he'd like to open the season with 11 pitchers instead of 12, giving him an extra position player.

 

"I don't know if we can do that," he said. "Let's see what happens here. It depends on the starters, depends on the health of our bullpen. I like the idea of that extra guy on the bench."

 

If the Cubs carried only 11 pitchers, Miller or Prior would be in jeopardy because Neal Cotts, the other starter candidate, can be a reliever. The other four starting pitchers are assured of roster spots, as are relievers Ryan Dempster, Bob Howry, Kerry Wood, Scott Eyre and probably Will Ohman

 

If Lou carries 12 pitchers, Ryan Theriot will be the only utility infielder (leaving Cedeno and, thankfully, Tomas Perez on the outside looking in).

 

Reliever Michael Wuertz, who has been sidelined because of a sore shoulder, is scheduled to throw off a mound today for the first time since his work was curtailed, and he said he anticipates getting in his first Cactus League game early next week.

 

Link

[CUBZ99]

Gameday Audio subscribers should click here for candid moments between Lou and Santo. LOL, they talk for a couple of minutes (not knowing the mic is open). It sounds like they are in the middle of a small disagreement when someone triggers the recording... Santo uses some colorful language too. Then the formal pregame show starts--is interrupted--and starts again later.

 

Good find!

 

Verrrry interesting. GREAT find! Straight from Lou's mouth, with no pretense. That means if Angel pitches well he has a good chance of making the team.

 

I can't listen to the audio link yet, but if all he is that he prefers a young 5th starter, how do you know that he is not talking about Neil Cotts? Aren't Cotts and Guzman similar ages?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I can't listen to the audio link yet, but if all he is that he prefers a young 5th starter, how do you know that he is not talking about Neil Cotts? Aren't Cotts and Guzman similar ages?

 

Cotts is 2 years older, and has been a reliever for 3 years(plus a cup of coffee in '02) while Guzman just broke the big leagues last year.