Iowa is looking interesting this year...

[DesMoinesCub]

This is what I like to see in Des Moines! Lots of exciting, young, "prospects" to watch this summer. Does Tomas Perez end up playing at Iowa...I really hope not. I don't see where he will be playing with 2nd, Short, and 3rd already taken with EPatt, Cedano, and Moore.

 

What about Jake Fox? He has looked (or should I say sounds since I haven't seen him at all) like he is having a good spring. Could he get some time behind the plate, and I think I read he wants to play some first or has played some first.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

This is what I like to see in Des Moines! Lots of exciting, young, "prospects" to watch this summer. Does Tomas Perez end up playing at Iowa...I really hope not. I don't see where he will be playing with 2nd, Short, and 3rd already taken with EPatt, Cedano, and Moore.

 

What about Jake Fox? He has looked (or should I say sounds since I haven't seen him at all) like he is having a good spring. Could he get some time behind the plate, and I think I read he wants to play some first or has played some first.

 

Jake has gotten in a few games at AA in the corner OF and IF positions because his defense behind the plate isn't that good. I think he'll start the season at AA though with Geovany Soto and Koyie Hill catching at AAA but could get up to Iowa during the season.

[Bruce Miles]

This is what I like to see in Des Moines! Lots of exciting, young, "prospects" to watch this summer. Does Tomas Perez end up playing at Iowa...I really hope not. I don't see where he will be playing with 2nd, Short, and 3rd already taken with EPatt, Cedano, and Moore.

 

What about Jake Fox? He has looked (or should I say sounds since I haven't seen him at all) like he is having a good spring. Could he get some time behind the plate, and I think I read he wants to play some first or has played some first.

 

Jake has gotten in a few games at AA in the corner OF and IF positions because his defense behind the plate isn't that good. I think he'll start the season at AA though with Geovany Soto and Koyie Hill catching at AAA but could get up to Iowa during the season.

 

This is about right.

[98navigator]

Two rookies are opening eyes—right-hander Rocky Cherry and outfielder Buck Coats.

 

Cherry threw his fifth scoreless outing Sunday, and with Michael Wuertz and Roberto Novoa behind schedule, the 27-year-old Texan could wind up as the fourth right-hander in the bullpen. After Cherry's third spring save, Piniella confirmed Cherry was a candidate for the opening.

 

Coats, vying with Angel Pagan for the fifth outfielder spot, is hitting .458 with two outfield assists.

 

Asked if Coats had a realistic shot, Piniella paused before replying, "He's having a good spring. He's played well in the outfield and is swinging the bat well. We're taking notice. Let's see where that leads."

 

Tribune

[CubsWin]

Two rookies are opening eyes—right-hander Rocky Cherry and outfielder Buck Coats.

 

Cherry threw his fifth scoreless outing Sunday, and with Michael Wuertz and Roberto Novoa behind schedule, the 27-year-old Texan could wind up as the fourth right-hander in the bullpen. After Cherry's third spring save, Piniella confirmed Cherry was a candidate for the opening.

 

Coats, vying with Angel Pagan for the fifth outfielder spot, is hitting .458 with two outfield assists.

 

Asked if Coats had a realistic shot, Piniella paused before replying, "He's having a good spring. He's played well in the outfield and is swinging the bat well. We're taking notice. Let's see where that leads."

 

Tribune

That's the polite way of saying it's Pagan's job to lose, and there is still time left for him to lose it.

 

Pagan has been dealing with an injury to his side which has limited him a bit defensively and had him only hit from the right side when normally he is a switch-hitter. The fact that Coats is a lefty would have improved his chances, but with both Ward and Floyd on the roster, hitting from the left side won't help Coats much in the Cubs decision making. I don't know if there is anything Coats can do to win the job. He could hit .500 over the next 3 weeks, but if Pagan shows he is ready, the job is Angel's. Now if Floyd starts the season on the DL...

[Athletics36]

Hello to everybody, have been in Mesa for the past eight days and have seen a lot of baseball. To all of you who have "Guzman" penciled if for Iowa you have to remember that the "Cubs" are out of options with him. He has to be placed on the 25-man roster or has to "clear waivers" to make AAA. I see no way that Guzman would clear waivers and have seen him the last 3 outings and can't see how he doesn't have the 5th starter spot. As for Sean this has been a learning experience for him and he was happy for the invite. He made 2 mistakes yesterday and thats the difference between the "Bigs" and the minors. His velocity was between 92-94 and his curve was working also. He has learned lots from conversations he has had with other Pitchers in camp and also from Mr Rothschild who he has impressed with his work ethic. If anything Sean has learned that he can compete at this level and just needs more time to develop.

[CubColtPacer]

Hello to everybody, have been in Mesa for the past eight days and have seen a lot of baseball. To all of you who have "Guzman" penciled if for Iowa you have to remember that the "Cubs" are out of options with him. He has to be placed on the 25-man roster or has to "clear waivers" to make AAA. I see no way that Guzman would clear waivers and have seen him the last 3 outings and can't see how he doesn't have the 5th starter spot. As for Sean this has been a learning experience for him and he was happy for the invite. He made 2 mistakes yesterday and thats the difference between the "Bigs" and the minors. His velocity was between 92-94 and his curve was working also. He has learned lots from conversations he has had with other Pitchers in camp and also from Mr Rothschild who he has impressed with his work ethic. If anything Sean has learned that he can compete at this level and just needs more time to develop.

 

Guzman was apparently granted another option because of medical reasons, so he does appear to have one more option year.

[Guest]

Hello to everybody, have been in Mesa for the past eight days and have seen a lot of baseball. To all of you who have "Guzman" penciled if for Iowa you have to remember that the "Cubs" are out of options with him. He has to be placed on the 25-man roster or has to "clear waivers" to make AAA. I see no way that Guzman would clear waivers and have seen him the last 3 outings and can't see how he doesn't have the 5th starter spot. As for Sean this has been a learning experience for him and he was happy for the invite. He made 2 mistakes yesterday and thats the difference between the "Bigs" and the minors. His velocity was between 92-94 and his curve was working also. He has learned lots from conversations he has had with other Pitchers in camp and also from Mr Rothschild who he has impressed with his work ethic. If anything Sean has learned that he can compete at this level and just needs more time to develop.

 

Guzman was apparently granted another option because of medical reasons, so he does appear to have one more option year.

This is correct. It has been reported by more than one source that Guzman was granted a fourth option year because of the time he missed due to injuries.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Hello to everybody, have been in Mesa for the past eight days and have seen a lot of baseball. To all of you who have "Guzman" penciled if for Iowa you have to remember that the "Cubs" are out of options with him. He has to be placed on the 25-man roster or has to "clear waivers" to make AAA. I see no way that Guzman would clear waivers and have seen him the last 3 outings and can't see how he doesn't have the 5th starter spot. As for Sean this has been a learning experience for him and he was happy for the invite. He made 2 mistakes yesterday and thats the difference between the "Bigs" and the minors. His velocity was between 92-94 and his curve was working also. He has learned lots from conversations he has had with other Pitchers in camp and also from Mr Rothschild who he has impressed with his work ethic. If anything Sean has learned that he can compete at this level and just needs more time to develop.

 

Guzman was apparently granted another option because of medical reasons, so he does appear to have one more option year.

This is correct. It has been reported by more than one source that Guzman was granted a fourth option year because of the time he missed due to injuries.

 

Even if that weren't the case, I'd be quite comfortable with him in the Chicago rotation this season.

[CUBZ99]

Hello to everybody, have been in Mesa for the past eight days and have seen a lot of baseball. To all of you who have "Guzman" penciled if for Iowa you have to remember that the "Cubs" are out of options with him. He has to be placed on the 25-man roster or has to "clear waivers" to make AAA. I see no way that Guzman would clear waivers and have seen him the last 3 outings and can't see how he doesn't have the 5th starter spot. As for Sean this has been a learning experience for him and he was happy for the invite. He made 2 mistakes yesterday and thats the difference between the "Bigs" and the minors. His velocity was between 92-94 and his curve was working also. He has learned lots from conversations he has had with other Pitchers in camp and also from Mr Rothschild who he has impressed with his work ethic. If anything Sean has learned that he can compete at this level and just needs more time to develop.

 

Great news. Any idea of where Sean gets sent to? (fingers crossed for Iowa)

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Hello to everybody, have been in Mesa for the past eight days and have seen a lot of baseball. To all of you who have "Guzman" penciled if for Iowa you have to remember that the "Cubs" are out of options with him. He has to be placed on the 25-man roster or has to "clear waivers" to make AAA. I see no way that Guzman would clear waivers and have seen him the last 3 outings and can't see how he doesn't have the 5th starter spot. As for Sean this has been a learning experience for him and he was happy for the invite. He made 2 mistakes yesterday and thats the difference between the "Bigs" and the minors. His velocity was between 92-94 and his curve was working also. He has learned lots from conversations he has had with other Pitchers in camp and also from Mr Rothschild who he has impressed with his work ethic. If anything Sean has learned that he can compete at this level and just needs more time to develop.

 

Guzman was apparently granted another option because of medical reasons, so he does appear to have one more option year.

This is correct. It has been reported by more than one source that Guzman was granted a fourth option year because of the time he missed due to injuries.

 

Yep. Guzman has the extra year. At the convention, Flieta and Hendry said that all the young pitchers had options. When asked specifically about Guzman, Fleita said he was granted an extra option year.

 

Either way, I think he's earned a spot on the team.

[Chris]

i can't wait to watch iowa come down here and beat on the sounds....i was looking for tickets today and it seems the cubs fans will be out in full force...the sections around the plate are actually almost sold out already...which is odd for the sounds since greer stadium is probably the biggest p.o.s. ballpark of all time.

 

ha ha, Greer is........interesting. It's amazing to think of a AAA park where the players have to walk through the aisles and down the concourse area to leave the park. Definitely a great place to be if you're into autographs.

[Chris]

Hello to everybody, have been in Mesa for the past eight days and have seen a lot of baseball. To all of you who have "Guzman" penciled if for Iowa you have to remember that the "Cubs" are out of options with him. He has to be placed on the 25-man roster or has to "clear waivers" to make AAA. I see no way that Guzman would clear waivers and have seen him the last 3 outings and can't see how he doesn't have the 5th starter spot. As for Sean this has been a learning experience for him and he was happy for the invite. He made 2 mistakes yesterday and thats the difference between the "Bigs" and the minors. His velocity was between 92-94 and his curve was working also. He has learned lots from conversations he has had with other Pitchers in camp and also from Mr Rothschild who he has impressed with his work ethic. If anything Sean has learned that he can compete at this level and just needs more time to develop.

 

Thanks for the update and it's great to hear from you. Be sure to let him know how much we're pulling for him.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

i can't wait to watch iowa come down here and beat on the sounds....i was looking for tickets today and it seems the cubs fans will be out in full force...the sections around the plate are actually almost sold out already...which is odd for the sounds since greer stadium is probably the biggest p.o.s. ballpark of all time.

 

ha ha, Greer is........interesting. It's amazing to think of a AAA park where the players have to walk through the aisles and down the concourse area to leave the park. Definitely a great place to be if you're into autographs.

 

where is this?

[Chris]

Greer is in Nashville. When I went to cover the Iowa/Nashville series last year I was surprised at several things. Aardsma had just been sent to AAA and I met him getting out of a cab at the front gate. I literally helped him carry his bags to the clubhouse. The only catch was that to get to the clubhouse you had to walk in the front gate, walk down the concourse, go down the aisle to the field and then enter the dugout.

 

There were autograph seekers all over the place after the game and the Sounds didn't seem to mind. A person could get a lot of signatures from Iowa players after teh game. I was able to get Felix to sign my Jaxx team jersey. :D

[wekse]

i believe the sounds have an alternate entrance that they use but they still park in the same spaces as most people attending the game....you're right about being able to get many autographs if you're into that sort of thing....i just wish for more leg space and a scoreboard that you can actually read, hah....most A ballparks are nicer than the turdbox the sounds play in.

[Chris]

You're not a fan of the giant guitar?

 

:lol:

[craig]

Thanks also for the camp report.

 

Piniella seems to like Sean and his maturity a lot. That's neat.

 

That Sean has found Rothschild helpful is also nice to hear. Baseball people always seem to think well of Rothschild, but given the Cub wildness and pitching problems last year and over previous years, some posters seem to doubt that Rothschild is actually very good. So I think it's nice to have insider reports that pitchers do in fact find him to be helpful. (Maddux also had a Rothschild compliment the other day.)

 

Options note: I know that Guzman has an option year. I'm not sure whether he's at a stage where he needs to clear revocable waivers to get sent down, though. Revocable waivers are the ones where a team puts you on waivers, if you clear the team can send you down, if some other team claims you the team can pull you back off of waivers. Normally in spring GM's don't place claims on revocable waivers guys, just as a courtesy. So I think he'd clear fine, if it came to that. And, if St. Louis thinks they'd be hurting the Cubs by filing a claim on him, forcing the Cubs to keep him up might be doing us a big service.

[Chris]

http://www.minorleagueballparks.com/nashsb.jpg

[wekse]

You're not a fan of the giant guitar?

 

:lol:

 

 

the giant guitar would be fine if half of the lights still worked...but they don't, so it needs to go, or just buy some new bulbs, heh.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Greer is in Nashville. When I went to cover the Iowa/Nashville series last year I was surprised at several things. Aardsma had just been sent to AAA and I met him getting out of a cab at the front gate. I literally helped him carry his bags to the clubhouse. The only catch was that to get to the clubhouse you had to walk in the front gate, walk down the concourse, go down the aisle to the field and then enter the dugout.

 

There were autograph seekers all over the place after the game and the Sounds didn't seem to mind. A person could get a lot of signatures from Iowa players after teh game. I was able to get Felix to sign my Jaxx team jersey. :D

 

Man! I wish I lived closer to Nashville. I'd love getting sigs in that kind of set-up.

[Chris]

Road Trip.

 

Time a trip where you can see AAA in Nashville and then drive to Sevierville to see teh Smokies.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Road Trip.

 

Time a trip where you can see AAA in Nashville and then drive to Sevierville to see teh Smokies.

 

Road trips with a 2 1/2 year old are getting less frequent. I have to utilize most of the trips to see major league games.

[wekse]

Greer is in Nashville. When I went to cover the Iowa/Nashville series last year I was surprised at several things. Aardsma had just been sent to AAA and I met him getting out of a cab at the front gate. I literally helped him carry his bags to the clubhouse. The only catch was that to get to the clubhouse you had to walk in the front gate, walk down the concourse, go down the aisle to the field and then enter the dugout.

 

There were autograph seekers all over the place after the game and the Sounds didn't seem to mind. A person could get a lot of signatures from Iowa players after teh game. I was able to get Felix to sign my Jaxx team jersey. :D

 

Man! I wish I lived closer to Nashville. I'd love getting sigs in that kind of set-up.

 

the only autograph i got last year was tony gwynn jr....he's a cool guy, made himself really accessible to everyone....even had several somewhat lengthy convos with him throughout the season.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Greer is in Nashville. When I went to cover the Iowa/Nashville series last year I was surprised at several things. Aardsma had just been sent to AAA and I met him getting out of a cab at the front gate. I literally helped him carry his bags to the clubhouse. The only catch was that to get to the clubhouse you had to walk in the front gate, walk down the concourse, go down the aisle to the field and then enter the dugout.

 

There were autograph seekers all over the place after the game and the Sounds didn't seem to mind. A person could get a lot of signatures from Iowa players after teh game. I was able to get Felix to sign my Jaxx team jersey. :D

 

Man! I wish I lived closer to Nashville. I'd love getting sigs in that kind of set-up.

 

the only autograph i got last year was tony gwynn jr....he's a cool guy, made himself really accessible to everyone....even had several somewhat lengthy convos with him throughout the season.

 

i might have to work out an agreement with you; you get me autographs and I send you money to buy weed. :lol: