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Post by TheChico on Feb 1, 2024 12:01:11 GMT -5
Finally into a month where there will be a baseball game played again and Cubs roster is still incomplete and more moves will be made before the season.
Current projected Depth Chart:
Projected Starting rotation:
1. Justin Steele (L) 2. Jameson Taillon 3. Shota Imanaga (L) 4. Kyle Hendricks 5. Javier Assad
DEPTH:
Jordan Wicks (L) **AAA** Hayden Wesneski **Bullpen** Drew Smyly (L) **bullpen** Ben Brown **AAA** Caleb Killian **AAA** Cade Horton **AAA** Riley Thompson (NR) **AAA** Chris Clarke (NR) **AAA**
Bullpen:
Drew Smyly (L) Hayden Wesneski Yency Almonte Mark Leiter JR Jullian MerryWeather Hector Neris Adbert Alzolay Jose Cuas
Depth:
Daniel Palencia **AAA** Michael Rucker **AAA** Luke Little (L) **AAA** Bailey Horn (L) **AAA** Keegan Thompson **AAA** Porter Hodge **AAA** Michael Arias **A** Sam McWilliams (NR) Richard Lovelady (NR) *AAA** Brad Weick (L) (NR) **AAA** Ethan Roberts **AAA** Colton Brewer (NR) **AAA** Thomas Pannone (NR) *AAA** Cam Sanders (NR) **AAA** Edwin Escobar (L) (NR) **AAA** Ben Leeper (NR) **AAA** Ben Brown **AAA** Zach Leigh (NR) **AA** Frankie Scalzo Jr. (NR) *AA*
Catchers:
Yan Gomes Miguel Amaya Jorge Alfaro (NR) *AAA* Joe Hudson (NR) *AAA* Bryce Windham (NR) *AAA* Pablo Aliendo (NR) *AA*
1B:
Michael Busch Patrick Wisdom Matt Mervis **AAA** Haydn McGeary (NR) *AA**
2B:
Nico Hoerner Christopher Morel Nick Madrigal Miles Mastrobuoni **AAA** Luis Vazquez **AAA**
SS:
Dansby Swanson Nico Horner Chrisopher Morel Luis Vazquez **AAA** Miles Mastrobuoni **AAA**
3B:
Nick Madrigal Miles Mastrobouni **AAA** Christopher Morel Michael Busch Patrick Wisdom Jake Slaughter (NR) **AAA**
LF:
Ian Happ Mike Tauchman Chrisopher Morel Alexander Canario **AAA** Brennen Davis **AAA** Owen Cassie **AAA** Kevin Alcantara *AA*
CF:
Pete Crow-Armstrong Mike Tauchman Alexander Canario **AAA** Brennen Davis **AAA** Kevin Alcantara **AA**
RF:
Seiya Suzuki Alexander Canario **AAA** Mike Tauchman Owen Cassie (NR) **AAA** Kevin Alcantara *AA** Brennen Davis **AAA**
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Post by lu13cubbie on Feb 1, 2024 12:56:47 GMT -5
What a starting rotation in Iowa! Wesneski could be in it too.
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Post by irishcubfan on Feb 1, 2024 12:58:00 GMT -5
Bubble and/or depth.
Kilian and Mervis need to make the roster or be released or traded to another organization. No need to stash at Triple A yet again. If not good enough now, they likely won't ever be. Ultimately blocking minor league promotions.
They may not have much trade value but from the Cubs stand point the value may be in removing them from the 40 man and from an individual standpoint it gives them an opportunity in another organization.
Vazquez may bump Madrigal or Mastrobouni if 3b is signed.
Ross used Wisdom correctly in terms of maximizing his power. Guessing Counsell will as well. Will be back up 3b and 1b and DH at times. His early tendered contract was a clear sign that the Cubs value his power in certain situations.
To me Assad will start as swing man with Wicks getting the fifth if another SP is not signed.
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Post by TheChico on Feb 20, 2024 12:46:21 GMT -5
UPDATED AS OF 2/20/2024::
Added CJ Edwards, Peralta and Smith Moved Morel to #1 at 3B and moved PCA to AAA to start the season.
Current projected Depth Chart:
Projected Starting rotation:
1. Justin Steele (L) 2. Jameson Taillon 3. Shota Imanaga (L) 4. Kyle Hendricks 5. Javier Assad
DEPTH:
Jordan Wicks (L) **AAA** Hayden Wesneski **Bullpen** Drew Smyly (L) **bullpen** Ben Brown **AAA** Caleb Killian **AAA** Cade Horton **AAA** Riley Thompson (NR) **AAA** Chris Clarke (NR) **AAA**
Bullpen:
Drew Smyly (L) Hayden Wesneski Yency Almonte Mark Leiter JR Jullian MerryWeather Hector Neris Adbert Alzolay Jose Cuas
Depth:
Daniel Palencia **AAA** Michael Rucker **AAA** Luke Little (L) **AAA** Bailey Horn (L) **AAA** Keegan Thompson **AAA** Porter Hodge **AAA** Michael Arias **A** Sam McWilliams (NR) Richard Lovelady (NR) *AAA** Brad Weick (L) (NR) **AAA** Ethan Roberts **AAA** Colton Brewer (NR) **AAA** Thomas Pannone (NR) *AAA** Cam Sanders (NR) **AAA** Edwin Escobar (L) (NR) **AAA** Ben Leeper (NR) **AAA** Ben Brown **AAA** Zach Leigh (NR) **AA** Frankie Scalzo Jr. (NR) *AA* CJ Edwards (NR) *AAA*
Catchers:
Yan Gomes Miguel Amaya Jorge Alfaro (NR) *AAA* Joe Hudson (NR) *AAA* Bryce Windham (NR) *AAA* Pablo Aliendo (NR) *AA*
1B:
Michael Busch Patrick Wisdom Dom Smith (NR) **AAA** Matt Mervis **AAA** Haydn McGeary (NR) *AA**
2B:
Nico Hoerner Christopher Morel Nick Madrigal Miles Mastrobuoni **AAA** Luis Vazquez **AAA**
SS:
Dansby Swanson Nico Horner Chrisopher Morel Luis Vazquez **AAA** Miles Mastrobuoni **AAA**
3B:
Christopher Morel Nick Madrigal Miles Mastrobouni **AAA** Michael Busch Patrick Wisdom Jake Slaughter (NR) **AAA** Matt Shaw (NR) **AA**
LF:
Ian Happ Mike Tauchman David Peralta (NR) **AAA** Chrisopher Morel Alexander Canario **AAA** Brennen Davis **AAA** Owen Cassie **AAA** Kevin Alcantara *AA*
CF:
Mike Tauchman Alexander Canario Pete Crow-Armstrong *AAA* Brennen Davis **AAA** Kevin Alcantara **AA**
RF:
Seiya Suzuki Alexander Canario **AAA** Mike Tauchman Owen Cassie (NR) **AAA** Kevin Alcantara *AA** Brennen Davis **AAA**
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Post by TheChico on Feb 26, 2024 11:32:38 GMT -5
UPDATE:
1B:
Michael Busch Garrett Cooper (NR) **favorite to make the opening day roster* Cody Bellinger Patrick Wisdom Dom Smith (NR) **AAA** Matt Mervis **AAA** Highly likely will be traded or DFA Haydn McGeary (NR) *AA**
CF:
Cody Bellinger Mike Tauchman Alexander Canario PCA **AAA** Brennen Davis **AAA** Kevin Alcantara *AA**
RF:
Seiya Suzuki Cody Bellinger Alexander Canario Brennen Davis **AAA** Owen Cassie *AAA** Kevin Alcantara *AA**
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Post by lu13cubbie on Feb 26, 2024 13:20:28 GMT -5
There are going to be some hard roster cuts, trades, and DFA's this year
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Post by skokiejoe on Mar 15, 2024 21:29:50 GMT -5
Cubs will carry 13 non pitchers who will they be?
Locks (10) Happ(If not on the IL) Bellinger Suzuki Tauchman Morel Swanson Hoerner Busch Amaya Gomes
My guess for the other 3 Mervis Wisdom Masterbuoni
Madrigal starts the season on the IL
If Happ starts the season on the Il Canario will take his place
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Post by bryzzobrist on Mar 15, 2024 22:32:44 GMT -5
I dont think dom smith or garrett Cooper are on 40 man
Skokie's list looks spot on
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Post by fine09 on Mar 16, 2024 8:06:22 GMT -5
I dont think dom smith or garrett Cooper are on 40 man Skokie's list looks spot on Somehow they really need to have Cooper on the team & it will be an issue with the 40 man..
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Post by cfin on Mar 16, 2024 9:32:54 GMT -5
Cubs will carry 13 non pitchers who will they be? Locks (10) Happ(If not on the IL) Bellinger Suzuki Tauchman Morel Swanson Hoerner Busch Amaya Gomes My guess for the other 3 Mervis Wisdom Masterbuoni Madrigal starts the season on the IL If Happ starts the season on the Il Canario will take his place I think Mervis is the 26th man on this list. I think he's 50-50.
I think the 8 positions are fairly well set (Happ starting the season on the IL is main question mark). Ideally Mervis would platoon with Wisdom or Canario at the DH spot (or maybe not specifically at the DH spot, but rotating around positions that they play giving regulars a fielding day off).
Cooper may well deserve a roster spot as well. His 40-man spot is easy to get by moving Kilian or Madrigal to the 60 day IL, but doesn't solve the 26 man roster. Mervis to AAA, would provide a 26 man roster spot for Cooper... BUT... then you're all right-handed for the DH spot.
I might actually say that Canario deserves the roster spot over Mervis... but the same right-handed thing becomes an issue.
Still... all the talk about being too right-handed... I'd rather be too right-handed than too left-handed. Generally right-handed hitters tee off on left-handing pitching and left-handed hitters tee-off on right-handed pitching. There's generally more right-handed pitching than left-handed pitching. But... left-handed generally hitters can't hit a lick against left-handed pitchers, but right-handed hitters can hold their own against right-handed pitchers. If you're too left-handed then a team that can throw a good left-handed starter or reliever out there will neutralize the lineup considerably.
My best guess is that Kilian or Madrigal (or someone) gets placed on the 60 day IL, Mervis to AAA, and Cooper added to the roster. This is a "kick the can further down the road" play. That way they don't lose anyone. Mervis and Canario are still available in AAA and Cooper is given an audition to see if he can continue to perform when it matters.
I could also sorta, kinda see the same method being deployed to keep Peralta should Happ start the season on the IL. It's not so much about rewarding deserving parties, but hoarding your chips so you have more to play later on. Peralta and Cooper can still be cut a week after the season opens if they're not performing. But if you cut Peralta and Cooper at the end of spring training and then Mervis and Canario don't perform at the major league level, then you don't have a backup plan.
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Post by skokiejoe on Mar 17, 2024 14:22:12 GMT -5
Revised March 17th
Cubs will carry 13 non pitchers who will they be?
Locks (10) Happ Bellinger Suzuki Tauchman Morel Swanson Hoerner Busch Amaya Gomes
My guess for the other 3 Wisdom Masterbuoni Canario
Madrigal on the IL
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Post by bryzzobrist on Mar 18, 2024 2:17:48 GMT -5
Whos the 3rd catcher in that situation?
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Post by batman66 on Mar 18, 2024 6:44:03 GMT -5
Revised March 17th Cubs will carry 13 non pitchers who will they be? Locks (10) Happ Bellinger Suzuki Tauchman Morel Swanson Hoerner Busch Amaya Gomes My guess for the other 3 Wisdom Masterbuoni Canario Madrigal on the IL My guess is Cooper makes the team Wisdom opens on the IL and plays the rehab and re-injured during rehab to extend it game and then eventually is DFA'd when they decide he's of no use anymore on the roster when Morel solidifies he's the 3b and Cooper is the better all around bench bat .
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Post by Mike on Mar 18, 2024 8:02:45 GMT -5
Still need a backup 3B. I trust Wisdom more than Busch there.
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Post by batman66 on Mar 18, 2024 8:35:55 GMT -5
Still need a backup 3B. I trust Wisdom more than Busch there. Mastro can play 3b and so can Busch , although we've never seen him play it he can , and if it comes down to it . And if somebody is stashed in AAA rehab and 26 man fluctuation , I'd rather it be Madrigal than Wisdom , he's s better defender and better pinch hitter. I know he won't usually give you the long ball off the bench but it's not like Wisdom does often , each of them had ONE pinch hit homer last season.
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Post by kfidd on Mar 18, 2024 9:14:02 GMT -5
Still need a backup 3B. I trust Wisdom more than Busch there. Mastro can play 3b and so can Busch , although we've never seen him play it he can , and if it comes down to it . And if somebody is stashed in AAA rehab and 26 man fluctuation , I'd rather it be Madrigal than Wisdom , he's s better defender and better pinch hitter. I know he won't usually give you the long ball off the bench but it's not like Wisdom does often , each of them had ONE pinch hit homer last season. The sample sizes for pinch hitting are too small for there to be much weight there. Both Wisdom and Madrigal had 15 PA each as pinch hitters last season. Wisdom: 3 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI. Madrigal: 2 H, 1 HR, 1 RBI. (I’m still wondering if that info is wholly accurate but it’s straight from FanGraphs situational hitting. 🤷♂️) Nothing meaningful to draw from that. Instead I think we have to look at player fit and how much value they provide taking up one of the few bench spots available. Counsel recently made a comment about how much he values positional versatility and preparing for the unknown. That was immediately followed by Suzuki getting his first start in LF in quite a long time, among other changes. I think cfin is onto something here with us perhaps being better off keeping both Cooper and Smith around rather than cutting them loose for nothing, at least through the early going. The problem is those guys are both extremely limited in their positional versatility, ie Cooper hasn’t fielded any position other than first base since 2021. Cooper and Smith means we overwork both Tauchman and Mastro in their roles quite significantly, not to mention creates another casualty of war in Canario (following Mervis). Injuries are another matter here. I think we’ve learned enough about Madrigal to know he’s going to have a slow recovery here with his hamstring. I fully expect him to miss significant time with a seemingly innocuous hamstring pull. Counsel has said that Wisdom will be back in the lineup tomorrow, we’ll see if that holds up or not. No easy answers here on the bench construction. The two things I’m leaning towards at the moment are Counsel valuing flexibility in the field and perhaps handedness. If I had to guess, of course barring health, I’d think we’ll have Tauchman and Mastro from the left side and Wisdom and Cooper from the right. Wisdom helps cover in the outfield corners allowing Mastro more freedom in being the infield bouncy around guy. Cooper is pretty much bat only and will find himself in the lineup more often than not, my hope being it’s not at the expense of Busch.
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Post by lu13cubbie on Mar 18, 2024 9:20:51 GMT -5
I have been ready for the Cubs to dump Wisdom for a couple of years now, but this year he could be a good 26th man. He can man the 4 corners if needed and a power bat for late inning pinch hitting.
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Post by batman66 on Mar 18, 2024 9:55:59 GMT -5
I have been ready for the Cubs to dump Wisdom for a couple of years now, but this year he could be a good 26th man. He can man the 4 corners if needed and a power bat for late inning pinch hitting. I've been wanting him gone for years and I don't see the point of him being on the roster anymore since the signed Cooper. Yes you can put him at the 4 corners , but 3b is the only spot he's passable at playing full games at. he provides power and nothing else and evey spot you can put him at you can put 2-3 others there too so he's not going to be missed. They should not be lacking power Happ, Bellinger, Suzuki, Morel, Swanson, Busch , Canario all capable of 20+ homers . At this point and I've been one of the few on here who likes him , Madrigal should also probably be gone. Mastro is the better more versatile option than both and I think Vasquez is too. Wisdom isn't worth keeping around for late inning power pinch hitting since there is the DH now so there is far less pinch hitting . I'd rather even have Jake Slaughter on the roster over Wisdom , no idea if he can hit major league pitching but why not give him a try , he can play 2b, 3b, 1b and has played some OF and he also brings the element of speed off the bench . I mean he shouldn't have a real hard time hitting what Wisdom has the last 2 seasons, .205 , .207
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Post by cfin on Mar 18, 2024 10:05:25 GMT -5
I would say that Mastrobuoni is the only real lock for one of the three remaining bench spots. He's your Zobrist. He can play every where but the offense isn't so great that he HAS to be in the lineup everyday. He would also be the third catcher, I'd imagine. I don't know if any of the other players on the roster have any minor, college, or high school experience at catcher.
I think Wisdom is probably next... unless he opens the season on the IL.
Then beyond that, I think Cooper has the slight edge for the third spot. His 40 man spot being gained through Kilian to the 60 day IL.
Smith would be next, although another 40 man move would have to be made. If Happ starts the season on the IL then that would be his most likely path to the opening day roster.
Canario, might be the most deserving of a spot, but I suspect they would rather kick the can further down the road with the veterans listed above him.
Peralta could be in there between Cooper and Smith, but he hasn't had enough at-bats.
(I'm also assuming that Cooper, Smith, and Peralta have opt-outs in their contracts if they aren't on the opening day roster. They could all be sent to the minors if they don't opt-out. But generally veterans like this have an opt-out by a certain date and they don't accept a minor league assignment)
Wisdom may not have a long leash this year, I can really see his roster spot being taken by Vazquez. Depending on how Morel fares offensively and defensively at third base.
Canario could also see significant time in the majors. As could Mervis. A lot of this is going to depend on what you get out of the DH spot and how well Canario, Mervis, and even PCA perform at AAA. Cooper, Wisdom, and Tauchman (potentially Smith) would all see time at DH or in a DH-position-merry-go-round. If they don't perform and Canario/Mervis are performing at AAA, they could be up in the majors soon. Neither Canario or Mervis are really players you want to rot on the bench. If they are up, then you want them playing at least semi-regularly.
I don't think just because you make the opening day roster means you're going to be with the team all season or even most of the season.
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Post by lu13cubbie on Mar 18, 2024 10:29:58 GMT -5
Yep the Cubs are going to have plenty of slugging this year, it looks like. A couple of things though. So far it seems like young players are going to start in the minors. As such I don't know if Canario starts in Chicago, making a guy who can play the outfield important. Late inning power pinch hitting is still important. I can't believe I'm trying to rationalize having Wisdom on the roster.
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