Roster Refinement Speculation, Part Deux...

[CubsWin]

The other roster refinement thread turned into an Izturis thread, so, with some new news, I figured I'd start another one. If this is posted elsewhere, lock away...

 

Cubs.com[/url]"]Cubs manager Lou Piniella made it clear the left-hander (Rich Hill) is in the rotation for the start of the season. "I feel comfortable with him," Piniella said. "He had a nice year in the second half. He's a good left-handed pitcher with a good upside. All I want him to do is get his work in and be ready for the fourth start of the season."

 

Hill will follow Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly and a pitcher to be determined. Jason Marquis would be fifth in the order.

 

One player who also should be looking for housing in Chicago is infielder Ryan Theriot. Piniella has told the versatile infielder to relax.

 

"I don't believe in unnecessarily putting pressure on young kids to make the baseball team," Piniella said. "I told him to work hard in camp and when we go to Cincinnati from Las Vegas, he'll be on that plane with us."

Really very expected decisions, but there had been some concern earlier in spring training that Hill wasn't a lock. The same with Theriot.

 

We all know who the starting 8 are. We also know that Pie will not be breaking with the big club. So the main questions left to be answered are who will the 5th starter be, how many bullpen arms will go north and which ones exactly, and if there are only 6 relievers, who will be on the bench?

 

Locks for the pen appear to be Dempster, Howry, Eyre and Wood. All other candidates still have options left, do they not? There will be at least one more lefty but which one or both is left to be determined. Cotts is very hittable right now. Ohman is doing only okay and has been speculated to be on the trade block, but there's still plenty of time left. Wuertz is a big question mark at this point. Will he be starting the season in AAA? Rocky Cherry anyone? Two scoops or one? Cup or cone?

 

Locks for the bench are Blanco, Ward, Theriot and Floyd. Pagan seems to have the inside track on the 5th and perhaps final spot, but hasn't made the team officially yet and is suffering from an injury to his side. If Pagan doesn't make the team, the candidates are Buck Coats and Buck Coats with a slight chance of Chris Walker. If either of those guys make it, I sure hope Pie understands. If Lou goes with 6 relievers as he has been saying he wants to, that leaves one more bench spot to be filled. Ronny Cedeno? Tomas Perez? I hope neither. Cedeno would be better served playing full time in AAA. And can anyone stomach another weak hitting Perez in a Cubs uni? But who else is there? EPatt and Moore fall under the same catagory as Pie. Kinkade would be behind Lee, Ward and Floyd. Is Hendry scouting other teams for middle infield help? And then there is the possibility of Floyd starting the season on the DL.

 

And we all know who the locks for the rotation are leaving Prior, Miller, Cotts and thankfully Guzman to battle it out for the final spot but what appears to be the 3rd slot in the rotation.

 

Should be a fun 3 weeks. Speculate away...

[NewUserName]

I noticed that Cedeno has had a solid spring. I hope he goes to Iowa though instead of sitting on the bench. I believe the final bench spot will have to go someone who is a good outfielder. I like Coats but think it will be Pagan.

[Roast]

I'm still pissed that I have to see Lilly pitch on opening day!

 

Also, I would really hope that rotation spot goes to prior. I suppose we'll see how he plays today.

[Ken in DC]

If I remember correctly, does not Coats also play the infield, as in 3B SS, and 2B ? Having two guys who can play numerous positions well would be great and allow more pitchers to head north. Wood, at best, will only be used every second and maybe every third day for a while, so there will be a strong need for additional arm in the bullpen

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Here's my guess at the 25.

 

What we know for sure:

C- Barrett

1b- Lee

2b- DeRosa

SS- Izturis

3b- Ramirez

LF- Murton

CF- Soriano

RF- Jones

 

SP- Zambrano, Lilly, Hill, Marquis

Bullpen- Wood, Dempster, Howry, Eyre, Ohman

 

Bench: Theriot, Ward, Blanco, Floyd

 

That's 21 players.

 

I think the 5th starter will either be Prior or Miller with the loser going to Iowa or DL or traded if the loser is Miller.

 

I think the Cubs will go with a six-man pen, so unless a trade happens Wuertz and Novoa will be in Iowa. I think Cotts has a leg up as the swing-man, long reliever but I'm not sure it has been decided. I think there may be a chance that Guzman wins that job, but that will depend on whether the club feels starting at Iowa will be better for him.

 

There are two available spots on the bench. I think Pagan will win one of those because he can effectively back up CF. If Coats can cut down the defensive miscues, his hitting so far this spring might win the other one.

 

I think the last spot on the bench will come down to Coats, Cedeno, or Perez. All are having pretty good springs. Of course, if the Cubs go with 12 pitchers instead of eleven, all three lose their spot.

 

I'm still thinking a trade may clear up some of this near the end of spring.

[Shavo]

Wuertz has to be a lock.

[BigbadB]

Wuertz has to be a lock.

 

How? Don't be deceived by his 0.00 ERA. He has yet to pitch in a game. That is reason enough to not be lock to make the opening day roster.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Wuertz has to be a lock.

 

If it were my choice, I'd agree. Unfortunately, I think he's on the bubble as far as the Cubs are concerned.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Wuertz has to be a lock.

 

How? Don't be deceived by his 0.00 ERA. He has yet to pitch in a game. That is reason enough to not be lock to make the opening day roster.

 

If he's not healthy, then he should be on the DL, and put on the roster when he's healthy. If he's healthy, he should be on the roster, no questions asked. There's no reason for the hodgepodge of Cotts/Cherry/Miller/Novoa to get a bullpen spot while Wuertz goes to AAA.

[BigbadB]

I think the pitching is pretty much worked out. Dempster, Wood, Eyre, Howry, Cotts and Ohman will likely be the bullpen, with Wuertz, Cherry or Novoa getting the last spot if they go to a 7 man rotation. True, Novoa is nothing special, but there will be games that an effective reliever will not be needed (blow out games). Just someone to finish the game.

 

The bench does have 4 locked spots with Blanco, Ward, Floyd/Murton and Theriot. Jones is the only legit back up in CF at this moment. Theriot is the only back up middle infielder at this moment. Ward or Floyd can play 1b if needed, but the viable replacements at 3b are Theriot and DeRosa.

 

So, I'm guessing that Lou is watching Kinkade, Perez, McGehee, Coats and Pagan quite closely. I would put Bobby Hill in that mix as well, but I haven't seen his name in the game threads once. Is he playing at all?

 

What positions can Kinkade cover? I'm pulling for McGehee to make the squad, but I don't think he will. I like Coats if he can adequately play any and all positions. Maybe Miller can be traded for a respectable veteran middle infielder? A Marlon Anderson type of guy who would be semi-useful with a bat? I have no desire to see Tomas Perez make the squad.

[BigbadB]

Wuertz has to be a lock.

 

How? Don't be deceived by his 0.00 ERA. He has yet to pitch in a game. That is reason enough to not be lock to make the opening day roster.

 

If he's not healthy, then he should be on the DL, and put on the roster when he's healthy. If he's healthy, he should be on the roster, no questions asked. There's no reason for the hodgepodge of Cotts/Cherry/Miller/Novoa to get a bullpen spot while Wuertz goes to AAA.

 

I agree. The only reason Wuertz SHOULDN'T make the 25 man roster is if he isn't healthy.

[NCCubFan]

I would put Bobby Hill in that mix as well, but I haven't seen his name in the game threads once. Is he playing at all?

I believe I read at the time of his signing that it was a straight minor league deal, without an NRI to Spring Training. He may be reporting directly to the minor league camp.

[BigbadB]

I would put Bobby Hill in that mix as well, but I haven't seen his name in the game threads once. Is he playing at all?

I believe I read at the time of his signing that it was a straight minor league deal, without an NRI to Spring Training. He may be reporting directly to the minor league camp.

 

Interesting. I'd give Bobby Hill a shot at the 25th roster spot before I'd give Tomas Perez a shot, but oh well.

[CubColtPacer]

I would put Bobby Hill in that mix as well, but I haven't seen his name in the game threads once. Is he playing at all?

I believe I read at the time of his signing that it was a straight minor league deal, without an NRI to Spring Training. He may be reporting directly to the minor league camp.

 

Interesting. I'd give Bobby Hill a shot at the 25th roster spot before I'd give Tomas Perez a shot, but oh well.

 

I think it's possible they brought in Perez primarily for ST anyway. The Cubs aren't exactly swimming in 3B/SS/2B prospects that they were going to bring to camp, and Perez might have been a guy who they were going to use for flexibility during ST and to eat up some innings, and if he impressed enough they might take a look at him.

[Amazing_Grace]

I would put Bobby Hill in that mix as well, but I haven't seen his name in the game threads once. Is he playing at all?

I believe I read at the time of his signing that it was a straight minor league deal, without an NRI to Spring Training. He may be reporting directly to the minor league camp.

 

Interesting. I'd give Bobby Hill a shot at the 25th roster spot before I'd give Tomas Perez a shot, but oh well.

 

I hope and pray Perez doesn't make the team.

[CubColtPacer]

I would put Bobby Hill in that mix as well, but I haven't seen his name in the game threads once. Is he playing at all?

I believe I read at the time of his signing that it was a straight minor league deal, without an NRI to Spring Training. He may be reporting directly to the minor league camp.

 

Interesting. I'd give Bobby Hill a shot at the 25th roster spot before I'd give Tomas Perez a shot, but oh well.

 

I hope and pray Perez doesn't make the team.

 

I think that's one thing that I haven't seen anybody disagree with yet :D

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I think the pitching is pretty much worked out. Dempster, Wood, Eyre, Howry, Cotts and Ohman will likely be the bullpen, with Wuertz, Cherry or Novoa getting the last spot if they go to a 7 man rotation. True, Novoa is nothing special, but there will be games that an effective reliever will not be needed (blow out games). Just someone to finish the game.

 

If there's someone better than Novoa, why use someone who is good as opposed to someone who is nothing special?

[RichHillIsABeast]

I would put Bobby Hill in that mix as well, but I haven't seen his name in the game threads once. Is he playing at all?

I believe I read at the time of his signing that it was a straight minor league deal, without an NRI to Spring Training. He may be reporting directly to the minor league camp.

 

Interesting. I'd give Bobby Hill a shot at the 25th roster spot before I'd give Tomas Perez a shot, but oh well.

 

I hope and pray Perez doesn't make the team.

 

I think that's one thing that I haven't seen anybody disagree with yet :D

 

I wouldn't complain if he made the team over Cedeno. Cedeno needs regular playing time to iron out his issues.

 

Perez is actually a fairly solid player, but for several reasons his bat never developed as expected. He can sac bunt and play defense at the very least. The same can't be said for the current incarnation of Cedeno.

[Amazing_Grace]

I would put Bobby Hill in that mix as well, but I haven't seen his name in the game threads once. Is he playing at all?

I believe I read at the time of his signing that it was a straight minor league deal, without an NRI to Spring Training. He may be reporting directly to the minor league camp.

 

Interesting. I'd give Bobby Hill a shot at the 25th roster spot before I'd give Tomas Perez a shot, but oh well.

 

I hope and pray Perez doesn't make the team.

 

I think that's one thing that I haven't seen anybody disagree with yet :D

 

I wouldn't complain if he made the team over Cedeno. Cedeno needs regular playing time to iron out his issues.

 

Perez is actually a fairly solid player, but for several reasons his bat never developed as expected. He can sac bunt and play defense at the very least. The same can't be said for the current incarnation of Cedeno.

 

OK, read that description you wrote of "Perez" and tell me whether it's for Tomas, or Neifi. It doesn't matter because they're basically the same guy and the description you wrote could apply to either one.

 

I agree about Cedeno in AAA, however. He needs the work. Still, I'd be glad to have Cedeno on the team if it means Tomas Perez won't be on the roster.

[Mephistopheles]

ill take a wild guess

 

Pitchers

1. Carlos Zambrano

2. Rich Hill

3. Ted Lilly

4. Jason Marquis

5. Wade Miller

6. Neal Cotts

7. Rocky Cherry

8. Kerry Wood

9. Scott Eyre

10. Will Ohman

11. Bob Howry

12. Ryan Dempster

 

Catchers

13. Michael Barrett

14. Hank White

 

Infielders

15. Derrek Lee

16. Cesar Izturis

17. Aramis Ramirez

18. Mark DeRosa

19. Ryan Theriot

20. Daryle Ward

21. Buck Coats

 

Outfielders

22. Jacque Jones

23. Alfonso Soriano

24. Cliff Floyd

25. Matt Murton

[98navigator]

My guess:

 

Starting Pitchers

1. Carlos Zambrano

2. Ted Lilly

3. Jason Marquis

4. Rich Hill

5. Angel Guzman

 

Bullpen Pitchers

6. Ryan Dempster

7. Kerry Wood

8. Bob Howry

9. Scott Eyre

10. Rocky Cherry

11. Will Ohman

12. Neal Cotts

 

Catchers

13. Michael Barrett

14. Henry Blanco

 

Infielders

15. Derrek Lee

16. Mark DeRosa

17. Aramis Ramirez

18. Cesar Izturis

19. Ryan Theriot

20. Daryle Ward

 

 

Outfielders

21. Jacque Jones

22. Alfonso Soriano

23. Matt Murton

24. Cliff Floyd

25. Angel Pagan

[C.C.]

Man, the Pen is going to be fun to watch...

[CaliforniaRaisin]

At this point, with the news that the Lou is leaning towards a 12-man staff, I think Rocky Cherry is on the 25-man. Novoa will head to AAA and Wuertz at Iowa or extended in Mesa.

[CubsWin]

At this point, with the news that the Lou is leaning towards a 12-man staff, I think Rocky Cherry is on the 25-man. Novoa will head to AAA and Wuertz at Iowa or extended in Mesa.

Sounds right. If it's a 12 man pen, then the 5th and final bench spot is Pagan's job to lose.

[CubsWin]

Bad news for Angel Pagan. Looks like the more Piniella thinks about it, the more he wants to make the 5th bench player an infielder.

 

With the ability of Floyd, Ward, Theriot and DeRosa to play the OF, the need Piniella sees is for more depth in the infield.

Cubs.com[/url]"]Piniella said Tuesday he is leaning toward carrying two extra infielders on the final 25-man roster. He's already named Ryan Theriot for one of those spots, which means Ronny Cedeno or non-roster invitee Tomas Perez has a chance at the opening.

 

Piniella has said he's never had a team with one backup infielder. Theriot and Mark DeRosa could sub in the outfield if needed.

 

"We're going to need another infielder here," Piniella said. "It's becoming more and more apparent as we watch this thing."

As much as I want Cedeno starting in AAA this season is as much as I don't want Perez to make the 25-man roster. Maybe having Cedeno around Alan Trammell, Gerald Perry and Lou would be beneficial to his development as well.

 

Cubs.com[/url]"]Piniella had a little talk with Cedeno prior to Tuesday's game. The message was to go deep in the count in his at-bats and try to hit the ball to right. On Tuesday, Cedeno did strike out twice, but he also walked and hit a triple to right.

 

"I see an athletic kid who has a lot of ability but needs some polish to be able to play at the big-league level," Piniella said. "Anybody can play at the big-league level, but can you play at the big-league [level] to win? That's really what you look for. At this point, we're not really in a developmental stage. We're looking for another middle infielder to help our situation out here."

 

Not only was Cedeno's offense a problem last season -- he had an on-base percentage of .271 -- but he made 25 errors. Bench coach Alan Trammell will be working with Cedeno on his glove work, while hitting coach Gerald Perry and Piniella will focus on hitting.

 

"I don't want him to poke it [to right], I want him to drive it that way," Piniella said. "He has a tendency to pull off the ball. Mechanics dictate what you can do and can't do, but it starts with balance and stride. If you're not in good position with stride, it's hard to stay on pitches. I like the kid."