2015 Spring Training Game Thread

[KaiserCesar]

Isn't that 5 on the spring for Szczur? Same as Olt and Baez last year.

 

If he's got some kind of new ability, let him show it in iowa in April and May.

Trade bait or to develop into a full time starter? If he's gonna hit for a little pop, and add value in the bases and CF not sure why you wouldn't want him on the bench adding MLB value.

 

Power aside, he put up a .315 OBP in the PCL last year and .273 in the majors. In order to be useful even in a bench role, he'll have to show a whole new level of ability in more than just power.

 

Right now, he's the 5th outfielder by default because Denorfia is hurt and Lake is just as terrible, but he needs to prove at AAA that he has what it takes to be a long-term reserve outfielder in the majors.

 

Right, but don't we normally see more OBP with added power due to pitchers nibbling a bit more? I mean, Theriot and Barney's eventual downfalls were because pitchers just weren't afraid to throw them strikes because they knew they couldn't do any serious damage.

 

His BA/OBP should also rise a little if some flyballs turn into homeruns.

 

He seems to be a good guy to have in the organization and brought onto the ML roster when needed. Hopefully he puts it together between a bench role and AAA stints.

[Guest]

Well last year, OBP dropped below 300 and OPS below 700 in the high teens to 20s spots among qualified CFs. So a 700 OPS is a borderline acceptable starter in CF if defense and baserunning are good. So even as a 290/360 guy or something like that, he is solidly a strong backup OF if his defense and baserunning grade out well. However I am definitely worried the power is a fluke and he's more a 280/300 guy.

[ctcf]

From last night's futures game vs. the Rangers

 

Cubs catcher Kyle Schwarber, the fourth-overall pick in last June's Draft walked in each of his plate appearances and gunned down a pair of runners trying to steal. It's a good sign for the Cubs, who have held firm on keeping Schwarber behind the plate, when many feel he may be better suited for the outfield.

 

Edwards, the Cubs' No. 4 prospect, faced six batters and retired all six, including three via the strikeout. His highlight of the night came on the last pitch he threw -- an elevated fastball with which he fanned Lewis Brinson.

 

http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/115650244/cj-edwards-steals-show-for-cubs-prospects-against-rangers

 

That's the good stuff right there.

[ctcf]

LINEUP 4/1

 

Fowler CF

Coghlan LF

Soler RF

Rizzo 1B

Castro SS

Montero C

Alcantara 3B

Hammel P

La Stella 2B

Edited April 1, 2015 by ctcf

[CubInOK]

LINEUP 4/1

 

Fowler CF

Coghlan LF

Soler RF

Rizzo 1B

Castro SS

Montero C

Alcantara 3B

Hammel 2B

La Stella 2B

I like how forward-thinking Maddon is. Apparently he's moved on from batting pitchers 8th to playing 5 infielders.

[UMFan83]

LINEUP 4/1

 

Fowler CF

Coghlan LF

Soler RF

Rizzo 1B

Castro SS

Montero C

Alcantara 3B

Hammel 2B

La Stella 2B

I like how forward-thinking Maddon is. Apparently he's moved on from batting pitchers 8th to playing 5 infielders.

 

Maybe having Hammel pitch from 2B is a way to fully stretch his arm out before the season starts?

[UMFan83]

Also, I think its stupid that the Cubs have to play their last spring game on Saturday afternoon in Arizona. I'm guessing they will send all of Sunday's starters and pen to Chicago after the Friday game and fill the saturday game with bench guys and guys called up from the minor league camp. That game should have been cancelled once it was announced that the Cubs would be involved in the sunday night game.

[sweetpeteman]

Also, I think its stupid that the Cubs have to play their last spring game on Saturday afternoon in Arizona. I'm guessing they will send all of Sunday's starters and pen to Chicago after the Friday game and fill the saturday game with bench guys and guys called up from the minor league camp. That game should have been cancelled once it was announced that the Cubs would be involved in the sunday night game.

 

They aren't going to cancel a game like that, just fill it with minor leaguers and its fine. I could see Wood or Hendricks starting that game since their first game wouldn't be for a week or so.

[sneakypower]

LINEUP 4/1

 

Fowler CF

Coghlan LF

Soler RF

Rizzo 1B

Castro SS

Montero C

Alcantara 3B

Hammel P

La Stella 2B

swap out Hammel for Lester, and switch TLS/AA's positions and this is probably the opening day lineup

[ctcf]

UPDATE: Coghlan scratched with a stiff neck. Szczur is replacing him in LF.

[jersey cubs fan]

UPDATE: Coghlan scratched with a stiff neck.

Szczur probably twisted it with his hulk hands.

[sneakypower]

Wally Pzizpp

[Guest]

Also, I think its stupid that the Cubs have to play their last spring game on Saturday afternoon in Arizona. I'm guessing they will send all of Sunday's starters and pen to Chicago after the Friday game and fill the saturday game with bench guys and guys called up from the minor league camp. That game should have been cancelled once it was announced that the Cubs would be involved in the sunday night game.

 

why cancel it when they can let the minor leaguers play in it?

[ctcf]

Also, I think its stupid that the Cubs have to play their last spring game on Saturday afternoon in Arizona. I'm guessing they will send all of Sunday's starters and pen to Chicago after the Friday game and fill the saturday game with bench guys and guys called up from the minor league camp. That game should have been cancelled once it was announced that the Cubs would be involved in the sunday night game.

 

why cancel it when they can let the minor leaguers play in it?

 

Yea not seeing a problem here at all.

[ctcf]

La Stella leads off the third with a solo shot. Rizzo drives in Fowler and Soler with a 3 run shot of his own.

[sneakypower]

Rizzo's HR was of the opposite-field variety

[ctcf]

Szczur had a single in the 3rd. Really digging his 12:5 K:BB ratio.

[sneakypower]

Really digging his 12:5 K:BB ratio.

basically to a man, all the guys who'll be sent north have done a good job of controlling the strike zone this spring

Edited April 1, 2015 by sneakypower

[ctcf]

Fowler 2 run bomb to center!

[ctcf]

Fowler is a double shy of the cycle.

[Guest]

[expletive] dongs man

[ctcf]

Salad with another single. BA up to .370

[XZero771679666304]

Salad with another single. BA up to .370

 

I know it's spring and his patience could still use some work, but if lowering his hands is helping him get the bat to the ball and make hard contact more consistently, he may actually prove to be quite useful.

[Brian]

Also, I think its stupid that the Cubs have to play their last spring game on Saturday afternoon in Arizona. I'm guessing they will send all of Sunday's starters and pen to Chicago after the Friday game and fill the saturday game with bench guys and guys called up from the minor league camp. That game should have been cancelled once it was announced that the Cubs would be involved in the sunday night game.

 

They aren't going to cancel a game like that, just fill it with minor leaguers and its fine. I could see Wood or Hendricks starting that game since their first game wouldn't be for a week or so.

 

 

I read an article yesterday that said Wood and somebody else (forgot who) would stay behind and pitch in the game, but everybody else was leaving for Chicago before the game starts.

[XZero771679666304]

Holy hell that ball got out fast