CubsInNC

Candelario shows up to spring with 20 lbs of new muscle. The effects on the power translate, as he hits 24 homers, and 30 doubles. However, the added bulk makes him more stiff defensively, and he commits nearly 40 errors at third. Pugliese has the best ERA, most wins, and highest winning percentage of the KC starters, but fails to excel in any supporting peripherals (GB/FB, K, BB, etc). Dunston Jr shows up with a chip on his shoulder, sets out to "prove the doubters wrong." And presses too much at the start of the season, failing miserably. But keeps his starting role, and by the end of the season is getting significant top 10 consideration, and is on more than 1 "guru" top 100 lists.

But again, they aren't punishing him for positive tests. They're punishing him for lying to them and obstructing the investigation I am drawing a blank on the player who tested positive, and set up a fake website to represent the "company." To try to get away with it. Didn't he get an extended suspension? That was Melky Cabrera, right? Yes and I believe he only got 50 games I don't disagree with A-rod being suspended a year, but if another player, found to be obstructing the investigation, didn't get an extended suspension, doesn't he have some groundwork to fight from?

But again, they aren't punishing him for positive tests. They're punishing him for lying to them and obstructing the investigation I am drawing a blank on the player who tested positive, and set up a fake website to represent the "company." To try to get away with it. Didn't he get an extended suspension?

To an extent, I think that answer varies based on salary cap room, roster projections, guaranteed contracts already on the roster, etc. If I'm filling out the Bears roster, assuming we're staying at a 4-3, I'm valuing the Eagles picks- because I need the highest impact players most likely to make the roster, and the lower picks (in theory) give that chance. If I'm turning over to a 3-4 or hybrid, I'm likely looking at the 49ers picks, as I need more bodies, because there are likely to be more open positions on the roster, and with a 1st and 2-2nds I'm still likely getting good players. Just for fun, my most recent from first-pick (highly unrealistic, assumes transition to 3-4 or hybrid, and off-season conversion of Kyle Long to OT): I don't know much about most of the players on the backend of this draft, nor do I think the Bears actually would go this way. But, a mid round C, late round RB, and mid to late CB/KR are essential for the future of the roster.

there's a lot of fifth-third ballparks in minor league baseball You could see the smoke 20+ miles away- we could at home. The Tigers have already pledged whatever is necessary to have the stadium up, running, functional, and almost completely rebuilt, by opening day. It's one of the "places to be" here in Grand Rapids, during the summer. Really was/is a nice stadium. Also scheduled to host the MWL all-star game this summer.

Some of the local sports media seems to think that unless they get to the super bowl, he's likely out anyway.

No idea what this is regarding. Joe Anderson, who the Bears waived with an injury payment on Nov 11, had a tryout with the Colts today. Pretty sure that what he's referring to.

The former Cubs affiliate Peoria Chiefs are auctioning off memorabilia to raise funds for the local tornado victims, some Cubs related memorabilia, with more on the way: http://peoriachiefs.milbauctions.com/gallery.cfm

If the Tigers deal Scherzer, it has nothing to do with cutting salary. It would be because they don't want to let him walk, when they could trade him at max (no pun intended) value. The deal still wouldn't work, as they'd be in the same boat with Shark, though.

1028 more for Javy.....(honestly, it IS refreshing to hear a guy talk like that though, he IS a great fit for us) I'm not sure that I'm ok with it being essentially 2 more full seasons before we determine if Javy's ready. I certainly imagine that it will take that many ABs for Soler and Almora though. That's a good general guideline, but sometimes there are prospects who make the necessary adjustments quickly, and need the additional challenge that the next level provides. Oh, and if that had come out of Dusty Baker's mouth, we'd definitely interpret it very differently.

The way I read it, the lack of development and/or regression of the majority of the core, is what did it. They emphasized that they are about to transition to a youth movement, and the majors must be a place that the young players can still learn and develop. I think they saw the lack of positive results as a very strong negative toward that end.

Papaccio had the hands/arm/accuracy at short, in the brief time I saw him. Not a good judge of range, so maybe that was limited. I know SS is a "loaded" position organizationally, so maybe they're high enough on his bat they want to move him somewhere he's got a better chance to contribute.

The first one.

Bears claim David Bass (DE) off waivers from the Raiders Bears trade a conditional 7th round pick to Dallas for Dante Rosario (TE) Any idea the roster casualties associated with these moves?

3 Daytona pitchers combined to no-hit Dunedin, for the second time this year.

It was a groin injury. Randazzo followed it up in questioning with a bone bruise.

Obviously #notascout, but I was pretty impressed by him when I saw him in Kane County a few weeks ago. I saw him a week or 2 before that, and he had no movement on his fastball. I'm guessing the tweaks fixed movement as well (or he had an off series).

The Cubs twitter account isn't official enough?

I'm thinking one set of pools might be in relation to Grimm's health and the other in some way tied to Rangers success and/or Garza's health.

Chicago Cubs ‏@Cubs 19s #Cubs today acquired INF Mike Olt, RHP Justin Grimm, RHP C.J. Edwards and two players to be named from the Texas Rangers for RHP Matt Garza. 2 PTBNL?

Could they be tied to the health of Justin Grimm? Forearm strains seem to lead to TJS somehow. Maybe Grimm was the original medical we had issue with, and the PTBNL was the concession to make it go through?

Guessing from the double images, and general blur, this is pre lasik...

Except for those two notes at the end, that is. The article's from July 11, and he hasn't been DLd yet, but hasn't pitched since July 5. But whatever's going on, I'm sure the physical will reveal. And damned if he isn't the whitest Ramirez I've ever seen. FWIW, he's had shoulder problems before, and had to lower the workload. His MRI from 2011 showed no structural damage. In fact, it was this exact time of year in 2011.

Pitchers: Pena: Only 1 inning due to rain that just wouldn't leave. Worked low 90s. Lendy: Was the "sacrificial lamb" for the game. It was clear that no matter what he got into, he was to pitch 4 innings, as there was never anyone warming. Worked low-mid 90s, occasional 96. Was all over the place, high, low, inside/out. Not from working the zone well, more seemed a lack of control. Contreras was frequently having to reach to catch the pitches, even the warm ups. Only pitcher I saw over the series who shook off signs. Dorris: Worked upper 80s, low 90s. Mostly up in the zone. For a lefty, has a horrible time holding runners at 1st. Got away with a blatant balk to pickoff 1 runner. Didn't get rattled when he had runners on. Hamann: Knew nothing about him. Skinny, really skinny. A very fluid and easy 96-97mph on the FB. Worked all parts of the zone, but with more control. When he ramped it up to put the extra mph or 2 on the FB, it wasn't as controlled, but still effective. Offspeed in the mid to upper 80s, and a low 80s/79mph curve. When (if) he fills out and adds some strength, that 96, could become 98-99. Position players: Vogelbach: He's really a barrel chested upper body, but his lower half doesn't seem proportional. Runs straight up, which sacrifices already limited speed. Seems the type of player teammates love. Always chattering. Always paying attention, offering things he sees. Does the little things well; breaking up double plays, strategy, pitch recognition, etc. His "little things" are very advanced for low-A. The ball is always hit hard. His plate discipline and bat seem to be ready to go up as well. But I can understand not moving him. Amaya: Decent at 2nd, hands were good. He got a little rushed on a double play and made a bad throw. Was glad to see his bat the last couple games. Squared up the ball well. Papaccio: Better hands at SS than Marco. Throws a little wild. He and Amaya aren't on the same page yet, in terms of up the middle and double play, but it's been 6 games, too early to say Papaccio won't stick. Candelario: Great hands at 3B. Great arm. Made a couple stabs, spins, and throws nailing runners at 1st, that made even the Whitecaps fans applaud. That was refreshing to see. He squared up the ball well, when he managed to make contact. I'm not positive, as I didn't record what types of pitches he hit, but I'm not positive I ever saw him make contact with a slider. Contreras: put the ball in play, didn't miss much. Strong, accurate arm behind the plate. Golden: Bats, they are sick. Cannot hit curveball. Straightball, hit it very much. Curveball, bats are afraid. Needs to ask Jobu to come, take fear from bats, offer him cigar, rum. Great accurate arm in RF though. So much so, that he held one of the Whitecaps faster players to moving from 1st to 2nd on a ball hit down the line. That part's there. Almora: In 3 days, I didn't see the reason for the hype, like I saw with Baez last year. His CF did look pretty natural though. I give him that. Not doubting, I know it's a very small sample. But, he didn't do much of anything this series. Shoulders: Played LF in game 3. Lifted for a defensive sub in the 9th, Zapata, who isn't much of an athlete himself. Made a few good plays on balls hit to the corner. Was positioned deep, and slightly towards center, and made a great running catch on a shallow ball right at the foul line. Bat isn't as advanced as Contreras (or Escobar). Escobar: Good bat. Decent behind the plate. And I know it doesn't mean anything, but looks 30, not "fresh" out of college. Anything else?

Just waking up after last nights rain extended KC game. Will type up observations in a bit.