What is our surplus relief worth?

[wilk]

With twelve pitchers (and assuming Miller's starting) we'll have 4 spots to fit Guzman, Wood, Ohman, Wuertz, Cotts, Cherry. Lou has said Wuertz is in and we could assume Wood will be left behind at the start. That leaves 3 spots for Guzman, Cotts, Cherry and Ohman. Who is the odd man out? Even if we were to assume we'd wait on Cotts or Guzman and option them at the start, we'd eventually--and soon--be forced to make a move (especially if you consider Wood steps into the pen soon enough.) Whom of these pitchers could we fetch something worthwhile for while being expendable enough? I don't think we need 3 lefties. Ohman would likely serve as a better LOOGY to us than Cotts, and Hendry wants the security of Eyre on the backend, but I don't see them dumping Cotts after trading for him nor him staying in Iowa all year. They like him enough.

 

So do we trade some of the relief excess? Who is it and what's he worth?

[NCCubFan]

We should trade an extra reliever to the Reds. They can't seem to get enough. :D

[CubsWin]

With twelve pitchers (and assuming Miller's starting) we'll have 4 spots to fit Guzman, Wood, Ohman, Wuertz, Cotts, Cherry. Lou has said Wuertz is in and we could assume Wood will be left behind at the start. That leaves 3 spots for Guzman, Cotts, Cherry and Ohman. Who is the odd man out? Even if we were to assume we'd wait on Cotts or Guzman and option them at the start, we'd eventually--and soon--be forced to make a move (especially if you consider Wood steps into the pen soon enough.) Whom of these pitchers could we fetch something worthwhile for while being expendable enough? I don't think we need 3 lefties. Ohman would likely serve as a better LOOGY to us than Cotts, and Hendry wants the security of Eyre on the backend, but I don't see them dumping Cotts after trading for him nor him staying in Iowa all year. They like him enough.

 

So do we trade some of the relief excess? Who is it and what's he worth?

I don't know, at this point, if the Cubs really have any excess relief pitchers.

 

Whether Guzman is put in the bullpen or sent to AAA, the Cubs certainly aren't thinking of trading him. Cotts hasn't looked good this spring, so trading him now wouldn't be smart. Cotts also has options left, so if they had to, and it doesn't like they do, they could send him to AAA. Wood could start the year on the DL. Ohman has made the team. That leaves Cherry who has never pitched in the big leagues. Despite how well he has thrown this spring, I doubt the Cubs could get much of anything for him by trading him now. However, if he makes the team and pitches well in the first 2-3 months of the season, that could change.

 

The timing isn't right for the Cubs to dump one of their relievers. When Wood proves he is ready and the Cubs have more of a chance to see what's up with Cotts and the Guzman question is answered, then the Cubs will the necessary information to see who is an "excess" reliever.

[Bear Cub]

My guess is that Wuertz, Ohman, Cotts, and Guzman make the team. Wood I would assume, will stay in Ariz. to get some innings and that Cherry will be sent to Iowa and be the closer.

[biittner77]

All of this depends on what happens' with Prior. If he's healthy they trade Miller who would have more value than Cotts or Ohman.

[goonys evil twin]

All of this depends on what happens' with Prior. If he's healthy they trade Miller who would have more value than Cotts or Ohman.

 

Yeah, but you don't need to restrict it to one guy. I'm guessing a reliever could be included to sweeten the pot.

[bluestainedivy]

I seem to recall reading that Cherry was getting some good comments from Lou. I had the impression he was going to make the squad.

[98navigator]

I seem to recall reading that Cherry was getting some good comments from Lou. I had the impression he was going to make the squad.

 

That was assuming injury and or poor performance by someone else that would send them to the DL or Iowa. Now that Cotts has been added, Wuertz has recovered, and Wood still has a shot to be on the active roster, there doesn't appear to be anymore room for Cherry (or Guzman).

[David]

I seem to recall reading that Cherry was getting some good comments from Lou. I had the impression he was going to make the squad.

 

That was assuming injury and or poor performance by someone else that would send them to the DL or Iowa. Now that Cotts has been added, Wuertz has recovered, and Wood still has a shot to be on the active roster, there doesn't appear to be anymore room for Cherry (or Guzman).

 

What does this mean? Has Cotts been assured a spot?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I seem to recall reading that Cherry was getting some good comments from Lou. I had the impression he was going to make the squad.

 

That was assuming injury and or poor performance by someone else that would send them to the DL or Iowa. Now that Cotts has been added, Wuertz has recovered, and Wood still has a shot to be on the active roster, there doesn't appear to be anymore room for Cherry (or Guzman).

 

What does this mean? Has Cotts been assured a spot?

 

It seems so.

[Bull]

I seem to recall reading that Cherry was getting some good comments from Lou. I had the impression he was going to make the squad.

 

That was assuming injury and or poor performance by someone else that would send them to the DL or Iowa. Now that Cotts has been added, Wuertz has recovered, and Wood still has a shot to be on the active roster, there doesn't appear to be anymore room for Cherry (or Guzman).

 

What does this mean? Has Cotts been assured a spot?

yup

[Backtobanks]

I seem to recall reading that Cherry was getting some good comments from Lou. I had the impression he was going to make the squad.

 

That was assuming injury and or poor performance by someone else that would send them to the DL or Iowa. Now that Cotts has been added, Wuertz has recovered, and Wood still has a shot to be on the active roster, there doesn't appear to be anymore room for Cherry (or Guzman).

 

What does this mean? Has Cotts been assured a spot?

 

You can suck, as long as you're a lefty.

[Amazing_Grace]

I seem to recall reading that Cherry was getting some good comments from Lou. I had the impression he was going to make the squad.

 

That was assuming injury and or poor performance by someone else that would send them to the DL or Iowa. Now that Cotts has been added, Wuertz has recovered, and Wood still has a shot to be on the active roster, there doesn't appear to be anymore room for Cherry (or Guzman).

 

What does this mean? Has Cotts been assured a spot?

 

It seems so.

 

boo to that. No way Cotts should make the team. Doesn't this make three left-handers in the pen with Ohman and Eyre?

[98navigator]

I think I just figured out the Cotts situation:

 

According to The Cub Reporter, Cotts has two MiL options but he would have to clear waivers before going to Iowa. He is a LHP and isn't injured (I actually think he'd get more takers than Prior because he's a less expensive gamble for a bullpen or rotation spot). Even though the Cubs could pull him back, from waivers, I don't think they want to bother with the headache.

 

That's my best guess...

 

The Cubs Reporter