Results tagged ‘ Josh Vitters ’

MARCH MADNESS AND OTHER STUFF

The Cubs have begun to make cuts this week and the team is beginning to take shape.  We still have some battles going on for the starting rotation and bullpen along with bench player spots for the hitters.  We have two weeks to figure out who’s gonna stay and play and who’s being sent down or released.  

I was reading about trade rumors involving Chris Davis and to my disappointment the Cubs do not seem to be one of the teams interested in him right now.  I still say he would be a great power bat off the bench capable of playing both corner infield positions.  
Carlos Silva has been scouted by a few teams this spring.  For his sake, I hope he does get traded to a team that will allow him to start.  I don’t see him as a starter for the Cubs this year.  One idea I read about was Silva for Oliver Perez of the Mets.  I like that idea.  Perez would be a free agent after the season and he is a lefty.  We could use him in the bullpen and hopefully a fresh start with a new team would benefit him.  
I really like a lot of the talented young players the Cubs sent to their minor league camp this week.  Pitchers like Jay Jackson, Trey McNutt and Chris Carpenter along with hitters Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters.  I think our minor league teams in Iowa and Tennessee will have good seasons with these players.  I think our starting pitching rotation at Iowa this year looks strong and I expect several of these guys to be pitching for the big league club soon.  
Finally, it’s March Madness and I’m excited.  I’ve filled out my brackets and I have the Kansas Jayhawks winning it all.  For the record, I filled out my picks before the President made his.  It just so happens he and I finally agree on something!  

MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

This Albert Pujols deal is getting interesting.  I was listening to talk sports radio this morning and they were focusing on the idea that the Cards trade Pujols.  I don’t see that happening.  I believe the Cards will be able to sign him after the season if they are willing to meet most of his demands.  If for some reason he does not sign with the Cards then I see him signing with a National League.  I cannot imagine Albert going to the AL and having to be a DH even in the later stages of his career.  He’s too competitive and wants to be on the field at all times.

The Cubs’ Marlon Byrd is working with Victor Conte.  Remember him?  The guy from Balco labs that did jail time.  Byrd said he is not doing anything illegal and I believe him, but couldn’t he have found someone else?!?!  Sorry Marlon, but Conte isn’t someone I would want to be associated with. 

Jeff Samardzija is going to be a reliever this season.  No question about it.  The Cubs have enough guys competing for the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation so Jeff will pitch out of the pen.  At least he knows what his role will be this season.  He’s out of options so if he doesn’t pitch well he may not stay with the Cubs. 

The Cubs traded minor league infielder, Tony Thomas, for 26 year old Robert Coello.  The former Red Sox minor league will probably start the year in Iowa and be called up in case of injury.  I believe he will be used as a starter in Iowa to start the season, but is also capable of coming out of the pen.  Personally, I didn’t care for this trade.

Josh Vitters needs to have a breakout season in 2011 or I fear he may become the next Ryan Harvey.  I will be keeping an eye on him and I really hope he stays healthy and hits like he’s capable of.

Finally, Keith Moreland will be taking the place of Ron Santo in the radio booth.  I am happy for Keith and believe he will do a great job. 

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

I am still having trouble with my internet provider which is beginning to tick me off.  I live out in the country and have limited options for “high-speed” internet without having to spend over $80 a month for service.  It sucks!!!!  So, while I have been able to read other blogs, I have not been able to post comments, nor have I had much success at writing posts myself.  I started a couple only to lose them after not being able to stay connected.  Anyway, enough crying about that. 

The Cubs look like they are going to sign Carlos Marmol to a 3 year extension from what I’ve read.  Great move!  The guy hasn’t been a pitcher that long and continues to get better every year.  Let’s hope this continues. 

Pitchers and Catchers are close to reporting, but several Cubs are already in Arizona.  Jeff Samardzija has been there for a while now and I am expecting a great spring from him.  I anticipate he will make a strong case to be in the rotation for the Cubs in 2011. 

I always like to think of trade ideas for the Cubs along with potential free agent signings.  I’ve already mentioned several times in other posts that we should trade for Chris Davis, Darren O’Day and possibly Michael Young from the Rangers.  I still want us to get Davis and O’Day, but I have a few knew trade ideas.

First player I have in mind is Justin Upton of the D’Backs.  This kid, he’s young folks, is a good player that oozes talent when he sweats.  I would love to see him added to our outfield of the future. 

Another player I would like to get is Kevin Kouzmanoff.  He’s got a great glove and I believe his bat would play well in Wrigley Field.  I know Aramis is getting older and I’m not sold on Josh Vitters as our future at third at this point.  I must point out though, that I am hopeful that Vitters turns the corner this season and breaks out with his bat. 

I wanted us to trade for Adrian Gonzalez this winter, but the Red Sox beat us out.  I guess we can sign Albert if he miraculously doesn’t stay with the redbirds.  While I am trying to be optimistic about the Carlos Pena signing this offseason I am also thinking of ways to upgrade for 2012. 

Finally, it’s almost Valentine’s Day.  I’m not big into holidays like this.  I don’t get holiday pay or off work and I end up having to spend a bunch of money on flowers and such.  Not that I mind it.  My wife is great!  But even before I met my wife, I’ve never been fond of this holiday.  The middle of February has always been about pitchers and catchers reporting!  That should be a holiday!!!!

A LITTLE CATCHING UP

My internet hasn’t worked right the last few days so, I haven’t been able to write any posts.  I guess I can blame it on the winter weather the midwest has experienced.  I didn’t even call my internet provider because I know they would probably give me some lame excuse.  Anyway, here’s a few thoughts I’ve had the last couple of days.

The Rangers are shopping Michael Young to the Rockies.  Why in the world won’t the Cubs make an offer?!  We could package Soriano, Jeff Baker or Blake DeWitt and Wellington Castillo for Michael Young, Chris Davis and Darren O’Day.  Soriano and Young each have bad contracts.  The Cubs would probably have to eat around $9 million of his contract during the final year of his deal, but it would be worth it to me.  It’s just a thought.

Blake DeWitt.  I read that Greg Maddux had a role in the Cubs acquiring DeWitt.  So, while I have been skeptical of DeWitt, I am willing to give him more of a chance.  I trust Maddux’s judgement.  I hope he’s right.

Carlos Marmol and the Cubs are working on a multiyear extension that will give our closer a substantial raise and avoid any more arbitration years.  I think we should do the same thing with Matt Garza and get both players locked up so we don’t have to go through this again with either of them any time soon. 

Aramis Ramirez is getting older as is probably playing for a contract this year.  (I don’t see the Cubs picking up his option for 2012)  I wonder if the Cubs will try to sign him to a multiyear deal after the season or will we let him walk?  Should we let him walk and hope Josh Vitters can replace him?  I think this summer will give us a better clue on what to do.

I’ve got more, but I wanted to get this post in before my internet stops working again.  I will leave with this thought……..WHY HAVEN’T THE CARDS SIGNED PUJOLS YET?  HE’S THE BEST PLAYER IN THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!

 

2011

Okay, I know everyone has their own “expert” opinions.  Well, I have mine too!  Here’s my projected position players, bench players, starting rotation and bullpen for the Cubs in 2011.  Feel free to share your ideas and/or thoughts. 

 

Starting Lineup                              Bench players

C-Geovany Soto (R)                       C-Koyie Hill (S)

1B-Carlos Pena  (L)                        IF-Jeff Baker (R)

2B-Blake DeWitt (L)                       IF-Darwin Barney (R)

3B-Aramis Ramirez (R)                  OF-Kosuke Fukudome (L)

SS-Starlin Castro (R)

LF-Alfonso Soriano (R)

CF-Marlon Byrd (R)

RF-Tyler Colvin (L)

Starting Rotation                           Bullpen                        

Carlos Zambrano (R)                     Carlos Marmol (R) Closer

Ryan Dempster (R)                       Kerry Wood (R) Setup

Tom Gorzelanny (L)                      Sean Marshall (L) Setup

Randy Wells (R)                           John Grabow (L)

Carlos Silva (R)                            Andrew Cashner (R)

 

Well, I’ve listed only 22 players so there are three slots still open.  Here’s a list of players that will be on the verge on making the team in spring training or getting called up early in the season.

Justin Berg (RHP), Casey Coleman (RHP), John Gaub (LHP), Scott Maine (LHP), James Russell (LHP), Jeff Samardzija (RHP), Jeff Stevens (RHP), Wellington Castillo-C, Sam Fuld-OF. 

And here’s my sleepers. 

Alberto Carbrera (RHP), Rafael Dolis (RHP), Brian Schlitter (RHP), Jay Jackson (RHP), Chris Archer (RHP), Chris Carpenter (RHP), Kyle Smit (RHP), David Cales (RHP), Robinson Chirinos-C, Brett Jackson-OF, Brandon Guyer-OF, Bryan LaHair-1B. 

I’ve left some players off the list such as SS Hak-Ju Lee and CI Josh Vitters, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get called up later in the season as well as several other minor leaguers. 

Overall, I believe our future is very bright.  We are getting younger and more athletic.  We have some really good arms in our system to be excited about and some position players that can flat out hit the ball.  2011 is almost here and things are looking brighter! 

A CLOSER LOOK AT TYLER COLVIN

Tyler Colvin.jpgTyler Colvin has quickly become one of my favorite Cub players.  The young lefthanded hitting slugger impressed me this season with his power and overall attitude to the game. 

Colvin attended Clemson University to play baseball.  Initially, he was a firstbaseman, but due to his athletic abilities he was moved to the outfield.  He was drafted by the Cubs in 2006 and played in single A Boise that year.  During his minor league career, he belted double digit homeruns every year.  So, his power is no shock to anyone familiar with him.  While he’s not known for being an average hitter he’s quite capable of hitting significantly better than the .254 average he had in 2010 for the Cubs.  The Cubs need to find a way to play him everyday.  His power from the left side of the plate combined with newly acquired Carlos Pena, another lefty, will give something the Cubs haven’t had in a long time…..two lefthanded batters capable of hitting more than 25 homeruns in a season.  Throw in Ramirez, Soto, Soriano and Byrd from the right side and our lineup could belt a lot of homers in 2011. 

Long term I can still see Colvin moving to firstbase.  The deal with Pena is only a one year deal.  So, in 2012, it appears the Cubs will be looking to find someone to play first again.  Maybe the longterm plan is to go after Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder because both of them are due to be free agents after the 2011 season.  Or maybe Josh Vitters will be moved to first and he is the longterm plan at first.  Or maybe we will resign Pena after he has a stellar 2011 season.  So, we have a lot of options for first after next season.  Until then I look for the Cubs to trade Kosuke Fukudome in order to let Colvin be the everyday rightfielder.  I look for him to hit 25 or more homers and bring his average up too. 

JOSE LOPEZ A POSSIBILITY?

Jose Lopez.jpgSince the beginning of November I have posted a few ideas regarding free agents and trade possiblities.  This next one is probably not even close to Jim Hendry’s radar, but maybe it should be.  Jose Lopez is a young man, just turned 28, and is capable of playing secondbase, firstbase or thirdbase.  So, here is my suggestion to Hendry.  Get him now.  Use him at secondbase in 2011 unless Aramis Ramirez gets hurt and if that happens move him to thirdbase.  After next season, Aramis will be a free agent and I’m sure he will be looking for a contract worth more than what the Cubs will want to spend.  Plus, he’s 5 years older than Lopez.  My long term plan would have Lopez as our future thirdbaseman.  There is no doubt he has power in his bat considering he hit 25 homers in 2009 while playing in spacious Safeco Field for the Mariners.  And even though Lopez struggled last season I still believe he is young enough and capable of putting up similar numbers to 2009….especially if he plays in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.  By moving him to thirdbase we could possibly dangle Josh Vitters in a package deal for Adrian Gonzalez.  YES, I’M STILL HOPING WE CAN PULL OFF SOME SORT OF DEAL TO GET HIM!!!!!

Anyway, I think we can get Lopez relatively cheap.  Then we could get rid of Jeff Baker or Blake DeWitt.  No need to keep both of them.   I suggest we keep DeWitt and use him as a utility infielder and a lefthanded bat off the bench. 

Imagine in 2-3 years the Cubs infield looking something like this.  At 1B Adrian Gonzalez, 2B Starlin Castro, SS Hak-Ju Lee and 3B Jose Lopez.  I think we would do well with that infield. 

MY TOP 10 FUTURE CUBS—POSITION PLAYERS

As a diehard Cubs fan, I not only follow the big league team, but I also follow the minors as well. I want to know who we have that we can bring up or use in a trade.  This list here is my top 10 position players in the Cubs minor league system that are 25 years old and younger.  Since, I limited myself to 10 I know that I have left out some good ball players.  Anyway, here’s my top 10.

1.  Hak-Ju Lee.  Shortstop.  This young phenom just turned 20 last week on November 4th.  He is supposed to be the shortstop of the future.  I have read that the plan is to move Starlin Castro to second base when Lee makes it to the big league team.  Lee is a left handed hitter with blazing speed and a great glove.  With Lee and Castro up the middle the Cubs should be set in the near future. 

2.  Outfielder Brett Jackson is my number 2 ranked prospect.  This 22 year old stud is capable of playing all three outfield positions.  He has the ability to hit for average and power and possesses good speed.  It’s possible that this left handed hitter will be our center fielder of the future.  Baseball teams that are strong up the middle usually do well.  Have Lee, Castro and Jackson and SS, 2B and CF could be the start of something special. 

3.  Next I have ranked is Josh Vitters.  This young prospect, only 21, may be the Cubs future thrid baseman.  He has a strong arm, but may end up being moved to first base or a corner outfield position.  Vitters’ hit the ball pretty well in 2008 and 2009, but struggled some this year.  He’s a right handed hitter that is still developing power.  His strikeout to walk ratio concerns me as well.  I would like to see him put together a healthy and productive season in 2011 most likely at double A Tennessee.

4.  My next pick is Catcher Wellington Castillo.  He turns 24 in April of next year and even had a cup of coffee this year with the Cubs getting 20 at bats and even hitting his first major league homerun.  Many will remember him for his broken bat impaling teammate Tyler Colvin during a game in Florida last September.  Anyway, Castillo is not known for his hititng abilities but more for his defense.  He has a really strong throwing arm.  The last two years in the minors has resulted with Castillo hitting 24 homers in 558 total at bats.  So, while he won’t hit for average he does have some pop in his bat.  

5.  Brandon Guyer is the next player on my list.  The right fielder will turn 25 in January and had his best year yet in the minor leagues. The right handed Guyer batted .344 with 13 homers and 39 doubles in 369 at bats and he managed to swipe 30 bases too while only getting caught 3 times!  All of this was accomplished while Guyer was at double A Tennessee in 2010.  I probably should have Guyer ranked above Castillo.  Anyway, Guyer could be in the outfield at Wrigley Field soon if he keeps hitting like he did this year.

6.  Next on my list is second baseman Logan Watkins.  Watkins, 21, was originally a shortstop but has made the transition to second without any problems.  He is very athletic and fast.  His speed and athleticism may allow him to play shortstop, secondbase or any of the outfield positions in the future.  A lot of this depends on how well his bat progresses.  This year at Peoria, Watkins only hit .261 after hitting .326 at Boise in 2009.  Watkins is a left handed hitter with little power in his bat, but his speed and versatility will help him as his career continues. 

7.  Six foot three inch Ryan Flaherty comes in at number 7 for me.  Flaherty, 24, is another left handed bat in the Cubs organization with promise.  He’s capable of playing second base or third base.  He could possibly be a left handed version of Mark DeRosa.  Flaherty spent most of the season at single A Daytona in 2010.  He did manage to get 71 at bats at Tennessee but struggled.  I look for him to start the year at AA Tennessee in 2011.

8.  D.J. LeMahieu is another infielder the Cubs have that has shown some promise.  He’s 22 years old and stands tall at 6’4″ and is a right handed hitter and fielder.  LeMahieu played second base in 2010 for Daytona and hit .314 in 554 at bats with 15 stolen bases. His ability to hit for a good average despite not having much power may help D.J. continue to progress well in the Cubs minor league system. 

9.  Tony Thomas is a versatile player who is a second baseman but he may have to move to another position or be a utility player.  Thomas batted .276 for AA Tennessee in 2010 with decent power numbers and steals.  If his bat continues to produce he will work his way up the system even if it’s not at second base.  He’s athletic enough to play middle infield or any outfield position.  Thomas bats right handed and is only 24 years old. 

10.  This was a tough decision.  There are several playes I could have listed.  I have chosen right handed hitting first baseman Russ Canzler.   Canzler had a breakout year in 2010 at AA Tennessee batting .287 with 21 homers in 355 at bats.  The Cubs don’t have a lot of young guys at first base in their minor league system that have impressed me too much.  Canzler’s performance this year did though.  I hope he can produce another productive year in 2011 and give the Cubs another option at first base.

So, there it is, my top 10 future Cubs (position players).  There’s a few guys I would like to give honorable mentions too.  Darwin Barney, whom I think will be a utility infielder on the big league club in 2011 so that’s why I left him off.  Kyler Burke, who had a great 2009 but struggled in 2010.  Matt Spencer OF/1B,  Steve Clevenger C, Tony Campana OF, Michael Brenly C, and Rebel Ridling 1B.

Business of Baseball

With the winter meetings right around the corner I guess it’s a good time to talk some business.  The Chicago Cubs have a lot of work to do….mainly involving Milton Bradley.  It is my opinion, that the Cubs will try to deal Bradley starting next Monday.  I am halfway tempted to make the drive to Indy and tell Jim Hendry what I think.  Then again, I know I wouldn’t even get a chance to say hello to Jim or any other exec so I won’t waste my time. 

So, far the Cubs made a good move trading Heilman.  We need to trade Aaron Miles too while we are at it.  I have read that the Cubs may shop Jake Fox to some American League teams.  While I understand the business side of this I really like Fox and would love to see him playing for the Cubbies in 2010. 

The Cubs decided not to offer arbitration to Kevin Gregg, Chad Fox, Rich Harden and Reed Johnson.  While I love Reed Johnson I understand we have Tyler Colvin and Sam Fuld that could take over Johnson’s role with the team.  I would also like to see Harden back with the Cubs, but I know he will command more money than the Cubs will be willing to pay. 

The Cubs have a lot of work to do.  There are rumors about trading for Curtis Granderson.  I like Granderson a lot.  Yet, I don’t want to trade away too much young talent to get a guy that strikes out a ton and hits for a low average. 

Some of our minor leaguers that may attract interest from other teams are SS Starlin Castro, 3B Josh Vitters, P Andrew Cashner and P Blake Parker.  These are just a few of our young players that other teams may inquire about in any potential trades.  I would prefer not to trade any of them away personally, but if the right deal comes along……who knows?

 

Finally, the Braves and Phillies made some moves this week that I like.  The Braves signed Billy Wagner.  If he stays healthy the Braves will have an elite closer.  Meanwhile the Phils picked up Placido Polanco to play thirdbase.  Polanco will hit for a good average and play great defense while hardly ever striking out.  Good moves by both teams. Hopefully, the Cubs will make some good moves next week!

Future of the Cubs

I know the World Series is going on and I am actually rooting for the Yankees.  Joe Giraradi is a former Cub if you didn’t know.  So, I will root for him, Jeter and the Yanks.  I guess my loyalty to the National League isn’t that great, but that’s fine with me.  Don’t get me wrong….I have nothing against the Phils.  They have some great talent on their team and may win the Series easily.  But enough about the World Series for now.

The future of the Chicago Cubs has started a new chapter this month.  The Ricketts family are now officially the new owners of my beloved team.  They inherit a team with some great ball players and some that are way overpaid.  Here’s the guys that I think are overpaid and/or don’t produce for the amount of money they are paid.  Carlos Zambrano, Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley and Kosuke Fukudome.  There are a few other guys that I think the Cubs could easily part with too.  Aaron Heilman, Aaron Miles and Kevin Gregg are the main ones I am thinking of.  They aren’t paid as much as the first four mentioned, but the Cubs could fill their roster slots with players already in the Cubs farm system for a lot less.  So, the money situation the Ricketts Family inherits is a mess, but hopefully they can start cleaning it up this winter. 

I believe the real future of the Cubs is easily found in the minors.  We have some guys that I think will be the foundation for this franchise in the next 2-3 years.  Starlin Castro, Josh Vitters, Tyler Colvin, Andrew Cashner and Jeff Samardzija.  Here are five guys that have the abilities to succeed at the Major League level.  Samardzija and Colvin each have had some big league experience already and know what they need to do.  Castro and Vitters are still young.  Cashner is making the conversion from college closer to starter.  I see Vitters as a corner infielder known more for his bat than his glove. Castro has the potential to be an all around solid player.  Colvin may be the center fielder of the future for the Cubs.  Overall, I think these are five guys to keep an eye on and let’s see what they do for us in the future. 

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