Spring Training

[Cubs Fan Dan]

Any speculation on who we should look forward to seeing getting a large amount of playing time this spring? (i.e. Colvin, Castro last season)

 

I imagine Chirinos, Castillo, Guyer, Jackson. Any others?

[Rob]

Your list is pretty much the main ones. The backup catcher competition is going to be pretty fierce. Guyer will be auditioning for 4th or 5th OF (maybe even platoon partner for Colvin). Assuming we move Fukudome this offseason, Jackson will get an extended look with an eye towards perhaps pushing Colvin to the bench in the summer, or taking over in CF after we trade Byrd (if we're out of the race.)

 

The starting rotation could be something to keep an eye on as well. Dempster and Z are pretty much the only locks. Wells, Gorz, and Silva have the lead on the last 3 spots but I'm surely going to be keeping an eye on a few of our young pitchers who could force their way in. Archer supposedly will get a real shot. Hopefully Cashner gets a shot in the rotation as well. The front office has made it perfectly clear that we will give Samardzija as many chances as humanly possible as well. Jay Jackson could be a darkhorse candidate for fifth starter or even a bullpen gig... Chris Carpenter too, but it's more likely his would be a bullpen gig.

[Wrigley Rat]

I think Brett Jackson will get the most attention, especially if he plays well. Brandon Guyer should give him a run for his money. Marquez Smith will also get a lot of AB's if he's still around. I wouldn't be totally surprised to see the Cubs pick him in the Rule 5 Draft if they don't like anyone else (that sort of thing has been done before), although 3B are not very likely to stick for a whole year (especially since he really doesn't play another position).

[scarey]

I think Brett Jackson will get the most attention, especially if he plays well. Brandon Guyer should give him a run for his money. Marquez Smith will also get a lot of AB's if he's still around. I wouldn't be totally surprised to see the Cubs pick him in the Rule 5 Draft if they don't like anyone else (that sort of thing has been done before), although 3B are not very likely to stick for a whole year (especially since he really doesn't play another position).

 

Any idea on what happens in the case where a team picks their own player in the rule 5 and does NOT keep him on the 25 man all year?

[Guest]

I think Brett Jackson will get the most attention, especially if he plays well. Brandon Guyer should give him a run for his money. Marquez Smith will also get a lot of AB's if he's still around. I wouldn't be totally surprised to see the Cubs pick him in the Rule 5 Draft if they don't like anyone else (that sort of thing has been done before), although 3B are not very likely to stick for a whole year (especially since he really doesn't play another position).

 

Any idea on what happens in the case where a team picks their own player in the rule 5 and does NOT keep him on the 25 man all year?

I don't know for sure, but I would imagine he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

[JeffH]

I think Brett Jackson will get the most attention, especially if he plays well. Brandon Guyer should give him a run for his money. Marquez Smith will also get a lot of AB's if he's still around. I wouldn't be totally surprised to see the Cubs pick him in the Rule 5 Draft if they don't like anyone else (that sort of thing has been done before), although 3B are not very likely to stick for a whole year (especially since he really doesn't play another position).

 

Any idea on what happens in the case where a team picks their own player in the rule 5 and does NOT keep him on the 25 man all year?

 

I'm not certain, but I believe that every other team after us in the Rule 5 selection order would have a chance to take the player under the Rule 5 stipulations. If no one did, the player would simply be returned to the minor leagues at his pre-Rule 5-selection status.