Final Roster set

[Backtobanks]

the bullpen terrifies me

 

I think our bullpen is about league average, if not a little better. Just the absence of Heilman and Gregg is a big boost. Looks alright to me.

 

It's hard to predict how our bullpen is going to be due to the large number of unproven players as well as the general variability of bullpens in general from year to year

 

We do have a lot of young arms in the bullpen, but I think there wil be a short leash on some of them and the Iowa shuttle will be used often. Also, if you don't have some young cheap arms out there, then people complain about paying too much for veterans in the pen.

[Cubswin11]

the bullpen terrifies me

 

I think our bullpen is about league average, if not a little better. Just the absence of Heilman and Gregg is a big boost. Looks alright to me.

 

It's hard to predict how our bullpen is going to be due to the large number of unproven players as well as the general variability of bullpens in general from year to year

 

We do have a lot of young arms in the bullpen, but I think there wil be a short leash on some of them and the Iowa shuttle will be used often. Also, if you don't have some young cheap arms out there, then people complain about paying too much for veterans in the pen.

That's my biggest problem with going with a lot of young, internal, options. Lou has shown over his time here is much more strict with young players when they aren't performing and gives the vets more of a leash, so if a guy like Russell, Berg, or Caridad struggle early in only a few appearances they might be sent to Iowa for good or never be used in big situations again, while guys like Grabow (however bad he gets) will be given a lot more wiggle room. Now obviously the vets have more of a track record and if they struggle you can hope they get back to their averages and the young guys don't have established track records and it's not known if when they struggle if it's their true talent or just a string of bad luck or bad outings that isn't indicative of their true talent level. Regardless I have a feeling we will see a revolving door with 1-2 spots in the bullpen all year, often times dependent on Lou's free will and gut feelings over anything else.

[rawaction]

I love the young bullpen. The pen has enough guys that have performed well out of the pen. And the revolving door to Iowa is a good thing. It's a lot better to be able to go get another young arm whenever you need it than to have to shuffle around roles because your veterans aren't performing (Howry, Gregg, Heilman, etc).

[Backtobanks]

the bullpen terrifies me

 

I think our bullpen is about league average, if not a little better. Just the absence of Heilman and Gregg is a big boost. Looks alright to me.

 

It's hard to predict how our bullpen is going to be due to the large number of unproven players as well as the general variability of bullpens in general from year to year

 

We do have a lot of young arms in the bullpen, but I think there wil be a short leash on some of them and the Iowa shuttle will be used often. Also, if you don't have some young cheap arms out there, then people complain about paying too much for veterans in the pen.

That's my biggest problem with going with a lot of young, internal, options. Lou has shown over his time here is much more strict with young players when they aren't performing and gives the vets more of a leash, so if a guy like Russell, Berg, or Caridad struggle early in only a few appearances they might be sent to Iowa for good or never be used in big situations again, while guys like Grabow (however bad he gets) will be given a lot more wiggle room. Now obviously the vets have more of a track record and if they struggle you can hope they get back to their averages and the young guys don't have established track records and it's not known if when they struggle if it's their true talent or just a string of bad luck or bad outings that isn't indicative of their true talent level. Regardless I have a feeling we will see a revolving door with 1-2 spots in the bullpen all year, often times dependent on Lou's free will and gut feelings over anything else.

 

I would think Russell will be at Iowa most of the time simply because we don't need 3 lefties in the bullpen.

[jersey cubs fan]

I love the young bullpen. The pen has enough guys that have performed well out of the pen. And the revolving door to Iowa is a good thing. It's a lot better to be able to go get another young arm whenever you need it than to have to shuffle around roles because your veterans aren't performing (Howry, Gregg, Heilman, etc).

 

I'd have to agree with you there.

[Sammy Sofa]

I love the young bullpen. The pen has enough guys that have performed well out of the pen. And the revolving door to Iowa is a good thing. It's a lot better to be able to go get another young arm whenever you need it than to have to shuffle around roles because your veterans aren't performing (Howry, Gregg, Heilman, etc).

 

Totally agree. This is what I wish the Cubs had been doing for years under Hendry. If only Grabow hadn't been given so much wasted money.

[Guest]

The depth of young players contending for a spot is the perfect opportunity to go to a 6 man pen. Caridad, Samardzija, Berg, Russell, Gaub, Gray, and Parker for 3 spots? There's not that much a difference between them that you couldn't just use one for several days then send him to Iowa for 10 days and let someone else have a shot.

 

The big question is does Russell get an appearance before he gets sent back for Lilly?

[rawaction]

The depth of young players contending for a spot is the perfect opportunity to go to a 6 man pen. Caridad, Samardzija, Berg, Russell, Gaub, Gray, and Parker for 3 spots? There's not that much a difference between them that you couldn't just use one for several days then send him to Iowa for 10 days and let someone else have a shot.

 

Good point. If someone gets tired, send them down. Only problem is that there isn't really another position player that this team just has to have on the roster. I would lean toward another IF, but just traded the only backup SS.

[Guest]

The depth of young players contending for a spot is the perfect opportunity to go to a 6 man pen. Caridad, Samardzija, Berg, Russell, Gaub, Gray, and Parker for 3 spots? There's not that much a difference between them that you couldn't just use one for several days then send him to Iowa for 10 days and let someone else have a shot.

 

Good point. If someone gets tired, send them down. Only problem is that there isn't really another position player that this team just has to have on the roster. I would lean toward another IF, but just traded the only backup SS.

 

That is true, but you have to know you have this many quality candidates going in, so you plan the roster around a 6 man pen and maybe add a FA bench bat. Or take on a Rule 5 hitter. I agree that now there's not a terrible difference in Russell v. Hoffpauir(or whoever would've gotten the spot).

[Guest]

The depth of young players contending for a spot is the perfect opportunity to go to a 6 man pen. Caridad, Samardzija, Berg, Russell, Gaub, Gray, and Parker for 3 spots? There's not that much a difference between them that you couldn't just use one for several days then send him to Iowa for 10 days and let someone else have a shot.

 

Good point. If someone gets tired, send them down. Only problem is that there isn't really another position player that this team just has to have on the roster. I would lean toward another IF, but just traded the only backup SS.

 

That is true, but you have to know you have this many quality candidates going in, so you plan the roster around a 6 man pen and maybe add a FA bench bat. Or take on a Rule 5 hitter. I agree that now there's not a terrible difference in Russell v. Hoffpauir(or whoever would've gotten the spot).

 

I'm actually fine with this approach. It's basically just as much of a crap shoot bringing up raw talent (inexperienced at the major league level) from the minors to secure bullpen roster spots as it is to sign veteran middle inning relievers to a 2 or 3 year deal, except it's way cheaper. There is no guarantee that Marmol, Marshall and Grabow will be more effective than the kids.

 

I'm not sure I like the idea of sitting Colvin on the bench daily, considering he still has some weaknesses at the plate that need to be addressed with regular playing time. I probably would have gone with Fuld in that spot, and am assuming that it will only be a matter of time before Lou switches them up. I'm guessing it's only a temporary thing to reward his hot spring. Fuld is organizational depth. Colvin is someone they are counting on to contribute in a big way.

[jersey cubs fan]

Colvin is someone they are counting on to contribute in a big way.

 

 

I don't know about that. I think they are counting on Brett Jackson to be the next impact OF in the system. They are clearly counting on Castro and probably Vitters still. But I don't think they are counting on Colvin to be much more than a 4th OF.

[cubsfan26]

But I don't think they are counting on Colvin to be much more than a 4th OF.

 

Actually I heard Hendry say that his scouts are now saying they see Colvin as a everyday guy going forward. I don't think they see Colvin as a star. But maybe a 750-800 OPS type guy, who they will probably try to stick in CF. I think if everything goes right for Colvin he becomes a Marlon Byrd type player(750-800 OPS guy who can play all three outfield spots and hit you 10-20 HR's with a batting average between 270-290). But maybe with a little more power and little less OBP.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Geo as the 8 hitter is hilarious

 

I dont see why. Judging by last year and his spring training numbers this year, thats where he belongs, for now anyway. If he shows any signs that they 2008 Geo is somewhere in there, Im sure they'll bump him up, especially if Marlon Byrd and Mike Fontenot struggle.

[C.C.]

The depth of young players contending for a spot is the perfect opportunity to go to a 6 man pen. Caridad, Samardzija, Berg, Russell, Gaub, Gray, and Parker for 3 spots? There's not that much a difference between them that you couldn't just use one for several days then send him to Iowa for 10 days and let someone else have a shot.

 

Good point. If someone gets tired, send them down. Only problem is that there isn't really another position player that this team just has to have on the roster. I would lean toward another IF, but just traded the only backup SS.

 

That is true, but you have to know you have this many quality candidates going in, so you plan the roster around a 6 man pen and maybe add a FA bench bat. Or take on a Rule 5 hitter. I agree that now there's not a terrible difference in Russell v. Hoffpauir(or whoever would've gotten the spot).

 

I'm actually fine with this approach. It's basically just as much of a crap shoot bringing up raw talent (inexperienced at the major league level) from the minors to secure bullpen roster spots as it is to sign veteran middle inning relievers to a 2 or 3 year deal, except it's way cheaper. There is no guarantee that Marmol, Marshall and Grabow will be more effective than the kids.

 

I'm not sure I like the idea of sitting Colvin on the bench daily, considering he still has some weaknesses at the plate that need to be addressed with regular playing time. I probably would have gone with Fuld in that spot, and am assuming that it will only be a matter of time before Lou switches them up. I'm guessing it's only a temporary thing to reward his hot spring. Fuld is organizational depth. Colvin is someone they are counting on to contribute in a big way.

 

He's going to get some playing time for the first month of the season. He'll probably play 3 times per week.

[Little Slide Rooter]

The depth of young players contending for a spot is the perfect opportunity to go to a 6 man pen. Caridad, Samardzija, Berg, Russell, Gaub, Gray, and Parker for 3 spots? There's not that much a difference between them that you couldn't just use one for several days then send him to Iowa for 10 days and let someone else have a shot.

 

Good point. If someone gets tired, send them down. Only problem is that there isn't really another position player that this team just has to have on the roster. I would lean toward another IF, but just traded the only backup SS.

 

That is true, but you have to know you have this many quality candidates going in, so you plan the roster around a 6 man pen and maybe add a FA bench bat. Or take on a Rule 5 hitter. I agree that now there's not a terrible difference in Russell v. Hoffpauir(or whoever would've gotten the spot).

 

I'm actually fine with this approach. It's basically just as much of a crap shoot bringing up raw talent (inexperienced at the major league level) from the minors to secure bullpen roster spots as it is to sign veteran middle inning relievers to a 2 or 3 year deal, except it's way cheaper. There is no guarantee that Marmol, Marshall and Grabow will be more effective than the kids.

 

I'm not sure I like the idea of sitting Colvin on the bench daily, considering he still has some weaknesses at the plate that need to be addressed with regular playing time. I probably would have gone with Fuld in that spot, and am assuming that it will only be a matter of time before Lou switches them up. I'm guessing it's only a temporary thing to reward his hot spring. Fuld is organizational depth. Colvin is someone they are counting on to contribute in a big way.

 

He's going to get some playing time for the first month of the season. He'll probably play 3 times per week.

 

But what happens if he plays 3 times/week for that first month and stays hot? we dont send him down because its not his time.

[Backtobanks]

 

Good point. If someone gets tired, send them down. Only problem is that there isn't really another position player that this team just has to have on the roster. I would lean toward another IF, but just traded the only backup SS.

 

That is true, but you have to know you have this many quality candidates going in, so you plan the roster around a 6 man pen and maybe add a FA bench bat. Or take on a Rule 5 hitter. I agree that now there's not a terrible difference in Russell v. Hoffpauir(or whoever would've gotten the spot).

 

I'm actually fine with this approach. It's basically just as much of a crap shoot bringing up raw talent (inexperienced at the major league level) from the minors to secure bullpen roster spots as it is to sign veteran middle inning relievers to a 2 or 3 year deal, except it's way cheaper. There is no guarantee that Marmol, Marshall and Grabow will be more effective than the kids.

 

I'm not sure I like the idea of sitting Colvin on the bench daily, considering he still has some weaknesses at the plate that need to be addressed with regular playing time. I probably would have gone with Fuld in that spot, and am assuming that it will only be a matter of time before Lou switches them up. I'm guessing it's only a temporary thing to reward his hot spring. Fuld is organizational depth. Colvin is someone they are counting on to contribute in a big way.

 

He's going to get some playing time for the first month of the season. He'll probably play 3 times per week.

 

But what happens if he plays 3 times/week for that first month and stays hot? we dont send him down because its not his time.

 

It would be a great problem to have. I guarantee that if he stays hot, he will get more playing time.

[Cubs Fan Dan]

Anyone else just think Russel is up for 2-3 weeks until Gray is ready? Once Gray is healthy he seems like the most capable candidate to battle Caridad for late inning righty. Not sure I am buying into Shark yet.

[cubsfan26]

Anyone else just think Russel is up for 2-3 weeks until Gray is ready? Once Gray is healthy he seems like the most capable candidate to battle Caridad for late inning righty. Not sure I am buying into Shark yet.

 

Well Russell will get sent down when Lilly is ready around April 19th or so. Then the Cubs could face a tough decision to send either Silva or Gorzelanny to the bullpen. Hopefully it's Silva, but I'm scared they will just replace Russell with Gorzelanny out of the pen. As for Gray, I do think he will be up by mid April though. I think we need to be realistic and realize we have a young pen. So someone out of Samardzija, Russell, Berg and even Caridad(he will probably get a long leash though) is probably going to have some struggles. Not everything is going to go perfect with these guys all doing great. But the good news is we have other good options in Triple A to turn to if that happens. We can go get Gray in April if someone struggles. Or possibly Parker, Stevens or Gaub in May and others. Odds are that out of all the relief options(all of these guys talented enough to be good/solid MLB relievers) we have. That one or two of these guys will step up. Which is why I'm not really worried about the pen like alot of people are. Since if two of these guys pitch well, with Marmol, Grabow and Marshall. The bullpen will be fine.

 

 

I dont see why. Judging by last year and his spring training numbers this year, thats where he belongs, for now anyway. If he shows any signs that they 2008 Geo is somewhere in there

 

Well If I'm remembering right I believe he had kinda a simliar spring in 08 as he did this year. Where he got off to a hot start and then slowed down alot. So I'm not worried about his spring numbers, and still am very encouraged by the shape he's in. That said I'm fine with him starting the year in the 8th spot. If he hits really well he will be moved up somewere between 5-7. Which is were he hit most of 08. IMO by the end of the season either Soto or Nady will be batting 5th. If Nady is batting 5th, Byrd and Fukudome will be sharing time in CF(also giving Soriano/Nady days off) and batting second. But thats only because I feel Nady will hit somewere close to the way he did in 08. Personally I don't think Soto will ever be as good as he was in 08. But I still think he can be a good 800 plus OPS catcher with good OBP and hit 15 plus HR's.

[C.C.]

But what happens if he plays 3 times/week for that first month and stays hot? we dont send him down because its not his time.

 

Where's the downfall? If he stays hot that's a great option for the team.