Levine: Soto called up; 3 teams interested in Izturis

[E.J.]

I can certainly live with having 3 catchers for one series.

 

We'll see if you still feel that way if the game is on the line late and our only pinch hitters left are Hill or Bowen.

[CUBZ99]

I can certainly live with having 3 catchers for one series.

 

We'll see if you still feel that way if the game is on the line late and our only pinch hitters left are Hill or Bowen.

 

Weren't they two of the players that kept the rally alive to come back and win the game vs. the Rockies in the 9th inning? :lol:

[CubmanPi]

I can certainly live with having 3 catchers for one series.

 

We'll see if you still feel that way if the game is on the line late and our only pinch hitters left are Hill or Bowen.

 

Weren't they two of the players that kept the rally alive to come back and win the game vs. the Rockies in the 9th inning? :lol:

I don't know if Bowen's non-double play FC to first qualifies as 'keeping it alive', but yes, Rich Hill certainly kept it alive. He just followed it up by going 0 for his next 20-something.

[abuck1220]

I can certainly live with having 3 catchers for one series.

 

while it probably won't matter for three games, why even do it for that long?

[B]

I can certainly live with having 3 catchers for one series.

 

We'll see if you still feel that way if the game is on the line late and our only pinch hitters left are Hill or Bowen.

 

Weren't they two of the players that kept the rally alive to come back and win the game vs. the Rockies in the 9th inning? :lol:

I don't know if Bowen's non-double play FC to first qualifies as 'keeping it alive', but yes, Rich Hill certainly kept it alive. He just followed it up by going 0 for his next 20-something.

 

Rich Hill shouldn't be expected to get many hits. Koyie Hille maybe. :wink:

[ctcf]

I can certainly live with having 3 catchers for one series.

 

while it probably won't matter for three games, why even do it for that long?

 

Because they're waiting for Dempster to be ready and don't want to waste any more options for once?

[TheDude]

I can certainly live with having 3 catchers for one series.

 

We'll see if you still feel that way if the game is on the line late and our only pinch hitters left are Hill or Bowen.

 

You haven't thought this through. The alternative is to have one in the lineup for 4 at bats. I give the 4 at bats to Soto and live with the PH risk for one series.

[E.J.]

I can certainly live with having 3 catchers for one series.

 

We'll see if you still feel that way if the game is on the line late and our only pinch hitters left are Hill or Bowen.

 

You haven't thought this through. The alternative is to have one in the lineup for 4 at bats. I give the 4 at bats to Soto and live with the PH risk for one series.

 

I have thought this through. It's better to get rid of one of the catchers and give that space to someone who might actually be useful (Cedeno, Petrick, Murton, Epatt, Kroeger, etc)

[JonnyRed]

I don't see why we're carrying three catchers...especially when two of them don't even belong in the major leagues.

 

Maybe if we put all three guys averages together, they'll add up to a .300 catcher!

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I don't see why we're carrying three catchers...especially when two of them don't even belong in the major leagues.

 

Maybe if we put all three guys averages together, they'll add up to a .300 catcher!

 

Nope. They still come up short.

[RynoRules]

I don't have a problem with this move. Keep in mind that, if Soto plays well, he increases his trade value.

[NCCubFan]

Cubs.com is contradicting earlier reports and stating that Dempster is expected back immediately after the break. Undoubtedly Hill or Bowen would go, taking care of the three catchers issue.

Oh' date=' doctor:[/b'] Ryan Dempster (strained oblique) is expected be back immediately after the break. Wood, bothered by tendinitis, is slowly rehabbing his right shoulder. There's no timetable for the return of Wade Miller (right shoulder). Angel Guzman (strained right elbow) just started playing catch in mid-June but could begin a rehab assignment in mid-July. Henry Blanco's future is uncertain because of a herniated disk.

 

Bye bye Koyie Hill.

 

Not so fast...

 

Cubs.com

 

When the Cubs open the second half of the season on Friday, they'll have three catchers and 11 pitchers on the roster.

 

Catcher Geovany Soto was called up from Triple-A Iowa...

 

The moves will leave the Cubs at 11 pitchers over the weekend for their series against the Astros, but they were expected to get to 12 by Monday when the San Francisco Giants come to town. Ryan Dempster could be the extra man.

Another article on cubs.com (the one I posted, which was just from yesterday) said that Dempster is expected back IMMEDIATELY after the All-Star break. So unless something has changed just in the last day Carrie Muskat (who wrote both articles) is now contradicting herself.

[CyHawk_Cub]

Another article on cubs.com (the one I posted, which was just from yesterday) said that Dempster is expected back IMMEDIATELY after the All-Star break. So unless something has changed just in the last day Carrie Muskat (who wrote both articles) is now contradicting herself.

 

Well, I guess that'd be a major improvement over her typical "reporting."

[98navigator]

Cubs.com is contradicting earlier reports and stating that Dempster is expected back immediately after the break. Undoubtedly Hill or Bowen would go, taking care of the three catchers issue.

Oh' date=' doctor:[/b'] Ryan Dempster (strained oblique) is expected be back immediately after the break. Wood, bothered by tendinitis, is slowly rehabbing his right shoulder. There's no timetable for the return of Wade Miller (right shoulder). Angel Guzman (strained right elbow) just started playing catch in mid-June but could begin a rehab assignment in mid-July. Henry Blanco's future is uncertain because of a herniated disk.

 

Bye bye Koyie Hill.

 

Not so fast...

 

Cubs.com

 

When the Cubs open the second half of the season on Friday, they'll have three catchers and 11 pitchers on the roster.

 

Catcher Geovany Soto was called up from Triple-A Iowa...

 

The moves will leave the Cubs at 11 pitchers over the weekend for their series against the Astros, but they were expected to get to 12 by Monday when the San Francisco Giants come to town. Ryan Dempster could be the extra man.

Another article on cubs.com (the one I posted, which was just from yesterday) said that Dempster is expected back IMMEDIATELY after the All-Star break. So unless something has changed just in the last day Carrie Muskat (who wrote both articles) is now contradicting herself.

 

Yeah, I think the finalization of the Pie demotion, coupled with Soto's recall, changed Dempster's status. It's possible that Ryan is healthy enough to be activated now but the team is buying time for their next move; which may be a trade of Izturis or DFA of K. Hill. Reports today are also speculating that the Cubs are looking to recall Cedeno if/when they unload Izturis.

 

In addition to those moves, a recall of Petrick seems to still be on the radar. Eyre would have to be DL'd or shipped off to make room (unless Dempster actually has a setback).

[hawkeyecub]

When will Hendry get rid of the cancer that is Jones and Izturis? We need a True right fielder..DeRosa gets me nervous out there..

 

Why? He's been just as good as any of our options defensively and better than most offensively.

 

Ideally he wouldn't be your everyday RF (which he still won't be) but he's done a very good job. Ward would get me nervous out there. DeRosa has proven that he can play a very good 2B, 3B and OF while having a good approach at the plate. He's quickly become one of my favorite players.

[jersey cubs fan]

Pie down for Soto, huh. Not that surprising. Pie needs to get some at bats. 3 catchers is dumb, but if they start Soto and get rid of one of the others soon, it's not too bad. This is all about buying time to dump Jones/Izturis and get Dempster healthy.

[YearofDaCubs]

Pie down for Soto, huh. Not that surprising. Pie needs to get some at bats. 3 catchers is dumb, but if they start Soto and get rid of one of the others soon, it's not too bad. This is all about buying time to dump Jones/Izturis and get Dempster healthy.

It sounds like that's what the plan is going to be and I'm fine with it.

[nick23]

If Pie is going down he should stay there until September. A Jones/Pagan platoon in CF gives us the best chance of winning IMO. Sori, Jones, and Floyd against righties. Sori, Pagan, and Derosa against lefties.

[jersey cubs fan]

Pie down for Soto, huh. Not that surprising. Pie needs to get some at bats. 3 catchers is dumb, but if they start Soto and get rid of one of the others soon, it's not too bad. This is all about buying time to dump Jones/Izturis and get Dempster healthy.

It sounds like that's what the plan is going to be and I'm fine with it.

 

I'm fine with it if it gets resolved ASAP. It's been lingering far too long already.

[jersey cubs fan]

If Pie is going down he should stay there until September. A Jones/Pagan platoon in CF gives us the best chance of winning IMO. Sori, Jones, and Floyd against righties. Sori, Pagan, and Derosa against lefties.

 

Jones vs RHP .239 .298 .346

Pie vs RHP .243 .305 .411

 

And Pie plays much better defense. Pie over Jones obviously makes the team better. Jones would have to completely turnaround his season to even come close to being the better option.

[tinkerstoeverstochance]

Does anyone think besides me they sent Pie down to showcase Jones?

 

also what of those three teams that have interest in Izzy we know two but any ideas of who the third is? or did I over look this too

[jersey cubs fan]

Does anyone think besides me they sent Pie down to showcase Jones?

 

I believe that was the primary reason. They want to start the 2nd half with Jones playing CF, and hope he plays well enough to garner interest in a trade.

[RynoRules]

What jersey and tinkers said.

[nick23]

If Pie is going down he should stay there until September. A Jones/Pagan platoon in CF gives us the best chance of winning IMO. Sori, Jones, and Floyd against righties. Sori, Pagan, and Derosa against lefties.

 

Jones vs RHP .239 .298 .346

Pie vs RHP .243 .305 .411

 

And Pie plays much better defense. Pie over Jones obviously makes the team better. Jones would have to completely turnaround his season to even come close to being the better option.

Yeah, obviously. Pie over the last month is 7 for 58. He's lost. Jones isn't great but I'll take my chances with how he's produced over the last three years against righties over the .243 .305 .411 Pie's put up this year.

[jersey cubs fan]

If Pie is going down he should stay there until September. A Jones/Pagan platoon in CF gives us the best chance of winning IMO. Sori, Jones, and Floyd against righties. Sori, Pagan, and Derosa against lefties.

 

Jones vs RHP .239 .298 .346

Pie vs RHP .243 .305 .411

 

And Pie plays much better defense. Pie over Jones obviously makes the team better. Jones would have to completely turnaround his season to even come close to being the better option.

Yeah, obviously. Pie over the last month is 7 for 58. He's lost. Jones isn't great but I'll take my chances with how he's produced over the last three years against righties over the .243 .305 .411 Pie's put up this year.

 

That's a big gamble. He was good against RHP in 2005 and 2006, but in 2004 and 2007 he wasn't good.