Yardbarker: Jon Lieber

Post-2008 Roster & Projected 2009 Organizational Chart

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:17:17 -0500

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2008:

CHICAGO CUBS RESERVE LIST (40-MAN ROSTER) AS OF 10/7/08:

* bats or throws left
# bats both

NOTE: There are presently 40 players on the Cubs RESERVE LIST (40-man roster), plus two additional players on the 60-day DISABLED LIST (players on 60-day DL do not count against the roster limit)A

PITCHERS (20):
Jose Ascanio a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has ONE minor league option left)
* Neal Cotts a?" SALARY-ARBITRATION eligible (NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT & CAN REFUSE OUTRIGHT ASSIGNMENT)
Ryan Dempster - can be FREE-AGENT
Chad Gaudin a?" SALARY ARBITRATION eligible (NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT & CAN REFUSE OUTRIGHT ASSIGNMENT)
Angel Guzman a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has ONE minor league option left)
Rich Harden a?" SIGNED FOR 2009 (CLUB OPTION) or SALARY ARBITRATION eligible if CLUB OPTION is declined, and has right to DEMAND TRADE if CLUB OPTION is exercised
Kevin Hart a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has TWO minor league options left)
* Rich Hill a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT)
Bob Howry - can be FREE-AGENT
* Ted Lilly - SIGNED FOR 2009 (has "NO TRADE" rights)
Carlos Marmol a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has ONE minor league option left)
Jason Marquis - SIGNED FOR 2009
* Sean Marshall a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has ONE minor league option left)
Billy Petrick a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has TWO minor league options left)
* Carmen Pignatiello a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has TWO minor league options left)
Jeff Samardzija a?" SIGNED FOR 2009 (has TWO minor league options left & has "NO TRADE" rights)
Randy Wells a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has THREE minor league options left & CAN REFUSE OUTRIGHT ASSIGNMENT)
Kerry Wood - can be FREE-AGENT
Michael Wuertz a?" SALARY ARBITRATION eligible (NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT & CAN REFUSE OUTRIGHT ASSIGNMENT)
Carlos Zambrano - SIGNED FOR 2009 (has "NO TRADE" rights)

CATCHERS (3):
Henry Blanco a?" SIGNED FOR 2009 (CLUB OPTION) or can be FREE-AGENT if CLUB OPTION is declined
# Koyie Hill a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT & CAN REFUSE OUTRIGHT ASSIGNMENT)
Geovany Soto a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT)

INFIELDERS (8):
Ronny Cedeno a?" SALARY ARBITRATION eligible (NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT & CAN REFUSE OUTRIGHT ASSIGNMENT)
Mark DeRosa a?" SIGNED FOR 2009
* Mike Fontenot a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has ONE minor league option left)
* Micah Hoffpauir a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has TWO minor league options left)
Derrek Lee - SIGNED FOR 2009 (has "NO TRADE" rights)
Casey McGehee a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has THREE minor league options left)
Aramis Ramirez a?" SIGNED FOR 2009 (has "NO TRADE" rights)
Ryan Theriot a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has TWO minor league options left)

OUTFIELDERS (9):A A
* Jim Edmonds - can be FREE-AGENT
Jake Fox a?" AUTO RENEWAL (has ONE minor league option left)
* Kosuke Fukudome a?" SIGNED FOR 2009 (has FOUR minor league options left & has "NO TRADE" rights)
* Sam Fuld a?" AUTO-RENEWAL (has TWO minor league options left)
Reed Johnson a?" SALARY ARBITRATION eligible (CAN REFUSE MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT & OUTRIGHT ASSIGNMENT)
* Felix Pie - AUTO-RENEWAL (NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT)
* Brad Snyder a?" AUTO RENEWAL (NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT)
Alfonso Soriano a?" SIGNED FOR 2009 (has "NO TRADE" rights)
* Daryle Ward - can be FREE-AGENT

60-DAY DISABLED LIST (2):
Chad Fox, P a?" can be FREE-AGENT
Jon Lieber, P - can be FREE-AGENT

NOTE: A player on the 15-day or 60-day DL must be reactivated no later than 11/20, but a DL assignment is automatically terminated when a player eligible to be a Free-Agent under Article XX of the CBA files for free-agency during the post-World Series Free-Agency Filing Period. Also, a player is automatically removed from the 40-man roster when he files for free-agencyA underA Article XX.A

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ELIGIBLE TO BE ARTICLE XX FREE-AGENT:
Henry Blanco (club option with buy-out)
Ryan Dempster
Jim Edmonds
Chad Fox
Bob Howry
Jon Lieber
Daryle Ward
Kerry Wood
NOTE: MLB players eligible to be free-agents under Article XX of the CBA must file for free-agency during the "Free-Agency Filing Period" (first 15 days after conclusion of the World Series). During the 15-day "Free-Agency Filing Period," MLB clubs retain exclusive negotiating rights with their own free-agents, although the other 29 MLB clubs can talk to the player about everything except money (they can discuss the benefits of playing in a particular city, how the player will be used, where the player will bat in the lineup or whether a pitcher will start or relieve, length of contract, no-trade rights, etc). Clubs then must decide by December 1st whether to offer salary arbitration to their own free-agents, and if they do offer salary arbitration, the player has until December 7th to accept or decline the offer. If the club does offer salary arbitration to the free-agent and if the player is rated as a Type "A" or Type "B" free-agent by the Elias Sports Bureau statistical service, the player's old club would receive one or two compensation draft picks in the next June's Rule 4 Draft if the player signs with another club (two picks if the player is rated Type "A" and one pick if the player is rated Type "B"). If the player's old club does not offer salary arbitration on 12/1, the player's old club can continue to negotiate with the player, but the club would not receive a compensation draft pick (or picks) if the player signs with another club.

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SIGNED FOR 2009:A

+ has "NO TRADE" rights
% can demand trade per Article XX of CBA if club option is exercised

Henry Blanco - $3M club optionA or $300K buy-out
Mark DeRosa - $5.5MA A
+ Kosuke Fukudome - $11.5M
% Rich Harden - $7M club option or salary arbitrationA
+ Derrek Lee - $13M
+ Ted Lilly - $12M
Jason Marquis - $9.875MA
+ Aramis Ramirez - $15.65M
+ Jeff Samardzija - $1.3M
+ Alfonso Soriano - $16M
+ Carlos Zambrano - $17.75M
TOTAL (SO FAR) - $112.575M (includes Blanco and Harden club options)
NOTE: TOTAL does NOT include so-called "pro-rated" signing bonuses that are used by MLB and the MLBPA for the purpose of calculating club payroll to determine possible "Competitive Balance Tax" obligations (tax is applied when a club's payroll reaches $155M), because signing bonuses are usually paid in full when a player signs a contract (which is why it's called a "signing bonus") except when otherwise noted.

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ELIGIBLE FOR SALARY-ARBITRATION:
Ronny CedenoA
Neal Cotts
Chad Gaudin
Rich Harden (but only if 2009 club option is declined)
Reed Johnson
Michael Wuertz
PROJECTED ADDITION TO PAYROLL IF ALL FIVE PLAYERS ELIGIBLE FOR ARBITRATION (not including Rich Harden) ARE OFFERED ARBITRATION: $7.5MA
NOTE: Clubs must decide by December 12th whether to offer salary arbitration to players who are eligible. If the club elects to offer salary arbitration, the club and the player proceed onward through the arbitration process, but the player and the club can reach an agreement at any point prior to a hearing. If the club decides not to offer arbitration to an arbitration-eligible player on 12/12, the player immediately becomes an unrestricted free-agent at that time and is free to sign with any MLB club (including his former club), and the player's old club receives no compensation if the player signs with a new club.A A A

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AUTO-RENEWAL (PRE-ARBITRATION)

NOTE: 2009 MLB minimum salary is $400K with a $65K minimum "minor league split salary" ($32.5K minimum "minor league split" for players with no MLB ST who are on 40-man roster for the first time). Also, a minor league split salary for an "auto-renewal" player must be at least 60% of what the player was actually paid in salary during 2008 season. Clubs must tender contracts to "auto-renewal" (pre-arbitration) players on December 12th. If no contract is offered, the player is considered "non-tendered" and immediately becomes an unrestricted free-agent and can sign with any MLB club (including his old club). If a contract is tendered on 12/12, the player has until the first week of March to negotiate with his club, but if no agreement is reached by that time, the club can automatically renew the player's contract for an amount no less than 80% of the previous year's salary.

Jose Ascanio
Mike Fontenot
Jake Fox
Sam Fuld
Angel Guzman
Kevin HartA
Koyie Hill
Rich Hill
Micah Hoffpauir
Carlos Marmol
Casey McGehee
Sean Marshall
Billy Petrick
Felix Pie
Carmen Pignatiello
Brad Snyder
Geovany Soto
Ryan Theriot
Randy Wells
PROJECTED ESTIMATED 2009 AUTO-RENEWAL SALARIES FOR NINE PLAYERS: $4M
NOTE: Total does NOT include minor league split salaries for players on 40-man roster who are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors.A

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PROJECTED ESTIMATED 2009 TOTAL PAYROLL AS OF TODAY (includes the 11 players who are signed for 2009 and the five players who are eligible for salary arbitration, plus nine "auto renewal" players TBD who would be needed to fill-out the 25-man roster): $124MA A

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ELIGIBLE TO BE MINOR LEAGUE FREE-AGENT:
Andres Blanco, SS
Mike Burns, RHP
Hector Carrasco, RHP
Edward Campusano, LHP
Robinson Chirinos, C-IF
Matt Craig, 1B-3B
Jason Dubois, OF-1B
Doug Deeds, OF-1B
Danny Fatheree, CA
Luis Figueroa, INF
Dumas Garcia, RHP
Adam Harben, RHP
Josh Kroeger, OF
Jason Stanford, LHP
Bobby Scales, IF-OF
Andres Torres, OF
NOTE: Clubs retain exclusive negotiating rights with their own minor league free-agents until the end of the World Series. If a minor league FA is added to his club's 40-man roster prior to the conclusion of the World Series, the player is not eligible to be a free-agent. Players eligible to be minor league free-agents who are not added to their club's 40-man roster by the conclusion of the World Series are free to sign a major league or minor league contract with any organization, including their old club.A A A A

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ELIGIBLE FOR 2008 RULE 5 DRAFT:
James Adduci, OF
Alberto Alburquerque, RHP
Mitch Atkins, RHP
Matt Avery, RHP
Justin Berg, RHP
Todd Blackford, RHP
Russ Canzler, 1B
Yusuf Carter, OF
Julio Castillo, RHP
Rafael Dolis, RHP
Jesse Estrada, RHP
Ryan Harvey, OF
Jim Henderson, RHP
Mark Holliman, RHP
Grant Johnson, RHP
Marcos Mateo, RHP
J. R. Mathes, LHP
Mario Mercedes, C
Jonathan Mota, INF
Jake Muyco, RHP
Leonel Perez, C
Vince Perkins, RHP
Jose Pina, RHP
Mark Reed, C
Gregory Reinhard, RHP
Kyle Reynolds, 1B
Tony Richie, C
Chris Robinson, C
Jayson Ruhlman, LHP
Alvaro Sosa, C
Nate Spears, 2B
Donald Veal, LHP
NOTE: A player on this list is not eligible for selection in the Rule 5 Draft if added to the 40-man roster by November 20th. Also, any free-agent who signs a minor league contract prior to the Rule 5 Draft is eligible for selection in the Rule 5 Draft.

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2009:A

MINOR LEAGUE OPTION STATUS FOR PLAYERS WITH LESS THAN FIVE YEARS OF MLB SERVICE TIME (SPRING TRAINING 2009):

NOTE: Mike Fontenot, Angel Guzman, and Ryan Theriot would have to clear Optional Assignment Waivers before being optioned to the minors during Spring Training 2009 or anytime during the 2009 season. Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol would NOT have to clear Optional Assignment Waivers before being optioned to the minors during Spring Training (prior to Opening Day), but Marshall would have to clear Optional Assignment Waivers before being optioned to the minors anytime during the regular season (starting on Opening Day), while Marmol would have to clear Optional Assignment Waivers beginning on June 4th.A Because an Optional Assignment waiver request can be withdrawn if the player is claimed by another club, Optional Assignment waiver claims are rare.A A

NO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT:
Ronny Cedeno (can refuse Outright Assignment to minors)A
Neal Cotts (can refuse Outright Assignment to minors)
Chad Gaudin (can refuse Outright Assignment to minors)
Koyie Hill (can refuse Outright Assignment to minors)
Rich Hill
Felix Pie
Brad Snyder
Geovany Soto
Michael Wuertz (can refuse Outright Assignment to minors)
NOTE: Players who are out of minor league options must clear Outright Assignment Waivers (which are irrevocable) before they can be sent to the minors. Players with at least three years of MLB Service Time and players who have been previously outrighted in their career can refuse an Outright Assignment and can opt to become a free-agent instead. (Free-agency option can be exercised immediately, or player can defer option until after the conclusion of the MLB regular season).A

ONE MINOR LEAGUE OPTION LEFT:
Jose Ascanio (see NOTE)
Mike Fontenot
Jake Fox
Angel Guzman (see NOTE)
Carlos Marmol
Sean Marshall
NOTE: Jose Ascanio has used three minor league options through the 2008 season, but because he has spent only four "full seasons" on an active minor league or major league roster, he will be eligible for a 4th minor league option in 2009 as long as it is exercised prior to completing five full seasons.
Angel Guzman has used three minor league options through the 2008 season, but because he has spent only four "full seasons" on an active minor league or major league roster, he will be eligible for a 4th minor league option in 2009 as long as it is exercised prior to completing five full seasons.

TWO MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT:A
Sam Fuld
Kevin Hart
Micah Hoffpauir
Billy Petrick (see NOTE)
Carmen Pignatiello
Jeff Samardzija (see NOTE)
Ryan Theriot
NOTE: Billy Petrick has used two minor league options through the 2008 season, but because he has spent only three "full seasons" on an active minor league or major league roster, he will be eligible for a 4th minor league option as long as it is exercised prior to completing five full seasons.
Jeff Samardzija has used two minor league options through the 2008 season, but because he has spent only two "full seasons" on an active minor league or major league roster, he will be eligible for a 4th minor league option as long as it is exercised prior to completing five full seasons.A

THREE MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT:
Casey McGehee
Randy Wells (can refuse Outright Assignment to minors)

FOUR MINOR LEAGUE OPTIONS LEFT:
Kosuke FukudomeA

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PROJECTED 2009 CUBS ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH CHART

* bats or throws left
# bats both

CATCHERS:
CUBS: Geovany Soto/Henry Blanco/# Koyie HillA
IOWA: Tony Richie/* Blake Lalli/Chris RobinsonA
TENN: Welington Castillo/* Mark Reed
DAYT: Luis Flores/Mario Mercedes
PEOR: Carlos Perez/Michael BrenlyA A
EXST: * Matt Cerda/# Alvaro Sosa/Jose Guevara/Pat Mahoney/Juan MedinaA
DSLC: Carlos Gonzalez/Ricardo Parra/Jose Vigay/Yamel LiriaA A

FIRST-BASEMEN:
CUBS: Derrek Lee/* Micah Hoffpauir
IOWA: * Kyle ReynoldsA A A A A A
TENN: Russ Canzler/* Steve ClevengerA
DAYT: Jovan Rosa/Luis BautistaA A A A
PEOR: Rebel Ridling/* Ryan KeedyA A A A A A
EXST: Sean Hoorelbeke/* Bryan JostA A A
DSLC: # Alexander Mejia/Melvin Camarena/Carlos Romero/Justino Guzman

SECOND-BASEMEN:
CUBS: Mark DeRosa/* Mike FontenotA
IOWA: * Nate SpearsA A A
TENN: Tony ThomasA A A A A
DAYT: * Ryan Flaherty/Josh HarrisonA A A A A A
PEOR: * Jake Opitz/Gian GuzmanA A
EXST: * Logan Watkins/Dwayne KempA A A
DSLC: # Ramon Bonilla/# Vismeldy Bieneme/# Jose Montecino

THIRD-BASEMEN:
CUBS: Aramis RamirezA
IOWA: Casey McGeheeA A A
TENN: Josh LansfordA
DAYT: Marquez Smith
PEOR: Josh Vitters
EXST: John Contreras/Carlos MoralesA A A A A
DSLC: # Nelson Pierre/Juan Pena/Pedro Ramirez

SHORTSTOPS:
CUBS: Ryan Theriot/Ronny CedenoA A
IOWA: * Matt Camp/# Matt MatuliaA
TENN: Darwin Barney/Jonathan MotaA A
DAYT: Nathan Samson/Jose Made
PEOR: Starlin Castro/# Marwin Gonzalez
EXST: Junior Lake/George Matheus/* Hak-Ju LeeA A A A A
DSLC: # Robert Bautista/* Melido Perez/Miguel SalazarA

LEFT-FIELDERS:
CUBS: Alfonso Soriano/* Brad SnyderA A A
IOWA: * Tyler ColvinA A
TENN: Ty Wright
DAYT: Brandon GuyerA A
PEOR: * Drew Rundle/Elvis LaraA A
EXST: * Ryan Sontag/TeWayne Willis/* Sean Williams
DSLC: Jesus Morelli/# Jose Valdez/Albert Hernandez/# Gregorio Robles

CENTER-FIELDERS
CUBS: * Felix Pie/Reed Johnson
IOWA: * Sam FuldA
TENN: * Jonathan Wyatt/Yusuf CarterA A
DAYT: * Tony CampanaA A A A
PEOR: * Cliff AndersenA
EXST: * Kurt Calvert/# David Macias/* Clark HardmanA A A
DSLC: * Francisco Guzman/Manuel Pestana/Pedro Medina

RIGHT-FIELDERS
CUBS: * Kosuke Fukudome
IOWA: Jake FoxA
TENN: * James Adduci/Ryan Harvey
DAYT: * Dylan JohnstonA A A
PEOR: * Kyler Burke/Jericho JonesA A A
EXST: * Nelson Perez/Kevin SotoA A
DSLC: Alejandro Damian/Luis Andrades

STARTING PITCHERS

CUBS:
Carlos Zambrano
* Ted Lilly
Rich Harden
* Sean Marshall
Jason Marquis
* Rich Hill

IOWA:
Mitch Atkins
Randy Wells
* J. R. Mathes
* Donald Veal
Justin Berg

TENNESSEE:
Esmailin Caridad
* James Russell
Billy Muldowney
* Jeremy Papelbon
Marco Carrillo
Alessandro Maestri

DAYTONA:
Hung-Wen Chen
Jay Jackson
Casey Coleman
Aaron Shafer
Robert Hernandez
Alberto Alburquerque

PEORIA:
Chris Carpenter
* Jeffrey Beliveau
Josh Whitlock
Ryan Searle
Kevin Kreier
Ryan Acosta
Justin Bristow
Dae-Eun Rhee

EXST:
Larry Suarez
Alberto Cabrera
Chris Huseby
Oswaldo Martinez
* Jeffry Antigua
Julio Pena
Yohan Gonzalez
Miguel Sierra
Dionis Nunez
Diego Encarnacion

DSLC:
Edilmar Infante
Hector Mayorga
* Marcos Perez
Roderick Pichardo
Ramon Reyes
Luis Liria
Eduardo Figueroa
Ramon Garcia
Jose Tineo
Starlin Peralta

BULLPEN:

CUBS:
Carlos Marmol (closer)
Jeff Samardzija
Chad Gaudin
* Neal Cotts
Michael Wuertz
Kevin Hart
Angel Guzman

IOWA:
Jose Ceda (closer)
Rocky Roquet
Jose Ascanio
* Casey Lambert
Gregory ReinhardA
Jesse Estrada
Mark Holliman
* Carmen Pignatiello
Billy Petrick
Jim Henderson

TENNESSEE:
Brian Schlitter (closer)
Matt Avery
Marcos Mateo
* Jayson Ruhlman
Jordan Latham
Blake Parker
Grant Johnson
Vince Perkins

DAYTONA:A
Andrew Cashner (closer)
Steve Vento
* Dustin Sasser
Michael Cooper
John Muller
* Zach Ashwood
Jake Muyco
Todd Blackford
* Chris Siegfried
Craig Muschko
Jose Pina
Jon Mueller

PEORIA:
Dan McDaniel (closer)
David Cales
* James Leverton
Audy Santana
* Luke Sommer
Cedric Redmond
* Mark PawelekA
Erik Hamren
Harol Tolentino
Bubba O'Donnell
Mike Perconte
Tommy Mejia

EXST:
Manolin DeLeon (closer)
Rafael Dolis
Tarlandus Mitchell
Kitt Kopach
* Leon Johnson
Toby Matchulat
Eric Allen
Carlos Rojas
Andres Quezada
* Cody Hams
Adam Spencer
Miguel Corletto
Jon Nagel

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POST-2009:A

ELIGIBLE TO BE ARTICLE XX FREE-AGENT AFTER 2009 SEASON:
Henry Blanco (if 2009 club option is exercised)
Mark DeRosa
Reed Johnson
Rich Harden
Jason Marquis

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PLAYERS SIGNED BEYOND 2009:A
Derrek Lee ($13M in 2010, then FA a?" has full "no trade")
Ted Lilly ($12M in 2010, then FA a?" has full "no trade")
Aramis Ramirez ($15.75M in 2010, $14.6M 2011 player option, and $16M 2012 mutual option with $2M buy-out a?" has full "no trade")
Kosuke Fukudome ($13M in 2010 and $13.5M in 2011 a?" has full "no trade")
Jeff Samardzija ($2.5M in 2010: $2.8M in 2011, $3M mutual option in 2012 - player can opt out only if he is eligible for salary arbitration, and $3.5M mutual option in 2013 - player can opt out only if he is eligible for salary-arbitration)
NOTE: Samardzija must accrue six years of MLB Service Time before he can be a Free-Agent
Carlos Zambrano ($17.875 in 2010 and 2011, and $18M in 2012, plus $19.25M vesting-player optionA in 2013 a?" has full "no trade")A
Alfonso Soriano ($18M 2010 through 2014, then FA a?" has full "no trade")

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PROJECTED ELIGIBLE FOR SALARY ARBITRATION POST-2009:
Ronny Cedeno
Neal Cotts
Mike Fontenot (likely "Super Two")
Chad Gaudin
Angel Guzman
Koyie Hill
Rich Hill
Carlos Marmol
Sean Marshall
Ryan Theriot
Michael Wuertz
NOTE: Cedeno, Cotts, Gaudin, and Wuertz will definitely be eligible for salary arbitration post-2009, but in order for Fontenot, Guzman, K. Hill, R. Hill, Marmol, Marshall, and Theriot to be eligible, player would have to spend part, most, or all of 2009 season (depending on player) on MLB 25-man roster (or 15-day or 60-day DL).

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MINOR LEAGUE FREE-AGENT POST-2009:
Ryan Harvey, OF
Jim Henderson, RHP
Leonel Perez, C
Jose Pina, RHP
Tony Richie, C
Nate Spears, 2B

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POST-2009 FIRST TIME ELIGIBLE FOR RULE 5 DRAFT:
Francisco Acosta, RHP
Alberto Cabrera, RHP
Matt Camp, IF-OF
Marco Carrillo, RHP
Welington Castillo, CA
Jose Ceda, RHP
Tyler Colvin, OF
Arturo Florentino, RHP
Robert Hernandez, RHP
Edilmar Infante, RHP
Dylan Johnston, OF
Kitt Kopach, RHP
Blake Lalli, C
Josh Lansford, 3B
Elvis Lara, IF-OF
Alessandro Maestri, RHP
Matt Matulia, INF
Jon Mueller, RHP
Billy Muldowney, RHP
Dionis Nunez, RHP
Jeremy Papelbon, LHP
Blake Parker, RHP
Mark Pawelek, LHP
Carlos Perez, C
Andres Quezada, RHP
Rocky Roquet, RHP
Tomas Sanchez, RHP
Audy Santana, RHP
Miguel Sierra, RHP
Harol Tolentino, RHP

If the Mets are for real it's time to beat their best, Zambrano

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:43:37 -0500

The Mets won last night and it was because Santana put his best effort forward. Tonight the Mets will have O.P. vs Carlos Zambrano...

Perez's Breakdown:

Next Game: 9/24 vs. CHC (Scheduled Next Start: 9/24 vs. CHC)
	G	GS	W	L	SV	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	BAA
Career vs. CHC	7	7	1	3	0	0	0	38.0	43	21	21	8	23	45	4.97	1.74	.293
Home (this year)	15	15	4	2	0	0	0	86.1	66	47	41	12	44	91	4.27	1.27	.212
Grass (this year)	32	32	10	7	0	0	0	184.1	157	93	84	23	97	168	4.10	1.38	.232

Zambrano's Breakdown:

Next Game: 9/24 vs. NYM (Scheduled Next Start: 9/24 vs. NYM)
	G	GS	W	L	SV	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	BAA
Last game vs. NYM		1	1	0	0	0	0	7.0	5	1	1	0	2	4	1.29	1.00	.227
Career vs. NYM	7	6	4	1	0	0	0	37.0	28	14	12	4	20	27	2.92	1.30	.214
Away (this year)	13	13	7	4	0	1	1	86.0	75	37	36	4	38	66	3.77	1.31	.231
Grass (this year)	28	28	14	5	0	1	1	177.1	162	75	73	17	64	126	3.70	1.27	.242

Perez's Career vs Cubs Hitters:

OPPOSING HITTER	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
Derrek Lee	11	2	1	0	1	2	4	3	.182	.400	.545	.945
Aramis Ramirez	11	4	0	0	0	1	0	3	.364	.417	.364	.780
Alfonso Soriano	10	2	0	0	0	0	1	4	.200	.273	.200	.473
Jim Edmonds	8	3	0	0	1	2	1	1	.375	.444	.750	1.194
Jason Marquis	7	1	0	0	0	0	0	5	.143	.143	.143	.286
Mark DeRosa	6	3	2	0	0	2	0	1	.500	.500	.833	1.333
Carlos Zambrano	6	1	0	0	0	1	1	3	.167	.286	.167	.452
Jon Lieber	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	.000	.500	.000	.500
Totals	60	16	3	0	2	8	8	21	.267	.362	.417	.779

Zambrano's Career vs Mets Hitters:

OPPOSING HITTER	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
Endy Chavez	19	6	1	1	1	5	1	2	.316	.350	.632	.982
Ryan Church	17	4	2	0	0	1	0	5	.235	.235	.353	.588
Carlos Delgado	16	4	0	0	1	4	6	1	.250	.478	.438	.916
Jose Reyes	16	3	1	0	0	0	0	1	.188	.188	.250	.438
Carlos Beltran	13	1	0	0	1	2	6	0	.077	.368	.308	.676
Brian Schneider	13	4	2	0	0	1	2	4	.308	.471	.462	.932
David Wright	13	2	0	0	0	2	3	5	.154	.294	.154	.448
Luis Castillo	12	6	0	0	0	1	7	0	.500	.684	.500	1.184
Marlon Anderson	12	1	0	0	0	0	1	4	.083	.154	.083	.237
Damion Easley	6	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.167	.167	.167	.333
Oliver Perez	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	.000	.000	.000	.000
Ramon Martinez	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Ramon Castro	4	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	.250	.250	1.000	1.250
~~Moises Alou~~	3	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.333	.500	.333	.833
Trot Nixon	3	1	0	0	1	3	0	0	.333	.333	1.333	1.667
~~Fernando Tatis~~	3	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	.333	.333	.333	.667
Nelson Figueroa	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000	.000	.000	.000
Jason Vargas	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.333	.333	.333	.667
Orlando Hernandez	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
John Maine	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	.000	.000	.000	.000
Tony Armas	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	170	37	6	1	5	21	27	31	.218	.333	.353	.686

It's up to Perez to keep this one close and see if the Mets can score against Zambrano!!

If the Mets are for real it's time to beat their best, Zambrano

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:00:27 -0500

The Mets won last night and it was because Santana put his best effort forward. Tonight the Mets will have O.P. vs Carlos Zambrano...

Perez's Breakdown:

Next Game: 9/24 vs. CHC (Scheduled Next Start: 9/24 vs. CHC)
	G	GS	W	L	SV	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	BAA
Career vs. CHC	7	7	1	3	0	0	0	38.0	43	21	21	8	23	45	4.97	1.74	.293
Home (this year)	15	15	4	2	0	0	0	86.1	66	47	41	12	44	91	4.27	1.27	.212
Grass (this year)	32	32	10	7	0	0	0	184.1	157	93	84	23	97	168	4.10	1.38	.232

Zambrano's Breakdown:

Next Game: 9/24 vs. NYM (Scheduled Next Start: 9/24 vs. NYM)
	G	GS	W	L	SV	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	BAA
Last game vs. NYM		1	1	0	0	0	0	7.0	5	1	1	0	2	4	1.29	1.00	.227
Career vs. NYM	7	6	4	1	0	0	0	37.0	28	14	12	4	20	27	2.92	1.30	.214
Away (this year)	13	13	7	4	0	1	1	86.0	75	37	36	4	38	66	3.77	1.31	.231
Grass (this year)	28	28	14	5	0	1	1	177.1	162	75	73	17	64	126	3.70	1.27	.242

Perez's Career vs Cubs Hitters:

OPPOSING HITTER	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
Derrek Lee	11	2	1	0	1	2	4	3	.182	.400	.545	.945
Aramis Ramirez	11	4	0	0	0	1	0	3	.364	.417	.364	.780
Alfonso Soriano	10	2	0	0	0	0	1	4	.200	.273	.200	.473
Jim Edmonds	8	3	0	0	1	2	1	1	.375	.444	.750	1.194
Jason Marquis	7	1	0	0	0	0	0	5	.143	.143	.143	.286
Mark DeRosa	6	3	2	0	0	2	0	1	.500	.500	.833	1.333
Carlos Zambrano	6	1	0	0	0	1	1	3	.167	.286	.167	.452
Jon Lieber	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	.000	.500	.000	.500
Totals	60	16	3	0	2	8	8	21	.267	.362	.417	.779

Zambrano's Career vs Mets Hitters:

OPPOSING HITTER	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
Endy Chavez	19	6	1	1	1	5	1	2	.316	.350	.632	.982
Ryan Church	17	4	2	0	0	1	0	5	.235	.235	.353	.588
Carlos Delgado	16	4	0	0	1	4	6	1	.250	.478	.438	.916
Jose Reyes	16	3	1	0	0	0	0	1	.188	.188	.250	.438
Carlos Beltran	13	1	0	0	1	2	6	0	.077	.368	.308	.676
Brian Schneider	13	4	2	0	0	1	2	4	.308	.471	.462	.932
David Wright	13	2	0	0	0	2	3	5	.154	.294	.154	.448
Luis Castillo	12	6	0	0	0	1	7	0	.500	.684	.500	1.184
Marlon Anderson	12	1	0	0	0	0	1	4	.083	.154	.083	.237
Damion Easley	6	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.167	.167	.167	.333
Oliver Perez	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	.000	.000	.000	.000
Ramon Martinez	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Ramon Castro	4	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	.250	.250	1.000	1.250
~~Moises Alou~~	3	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.333	.500	.333	.833
Trot Nixon	3	1	0	0	1	3	0	0	.333	.333	1.333	1.667
~~Fernando Tatis~~	3	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	.333	.333	.333	.667
Nelson Figueroa	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000	.000	.000	.000
Jason Vargas	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.333	.333	.333	.667
Orlando Hernandez	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
John Maine	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	.000	.000	.000	.000
Tony Armas	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	170	37	6	1	5	21	27	31	.218	.333	.353	.686

It's up to Perez to keep this one close and see if the Mets can score against Zambrano!!

A Pitcher or a Glass of Water

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:11:19 -0500

The Cubs are at the point now where they can plan their starting rotation and begin to make bullpen choices and start thinking about final roster selections for the NLDS.

Here is how I think the Cubs should do it:

10/1 - NLDS GAME 1: Pitcher "A"
10/2 - NLDS GAME 2: Pitcher "B"
10/3 - OFF DAY
10/4 - NLDS GAME 3: Pitcher "C"
10/5 - NLDS GAME 4 (if necessary): Pitcher "D"
10/6 - OFF DAY
10/7 - GAME 5 (if necessary): Pitcher "B" (on 4 days rest), with Pitcher "A" in the bullpen for Game #4 and Game #5, and (depending on how many pitches he throws in Game #1), possibly for Game #3 as well .

Personally, I'd go with Dempster-Zambrano in Games 1-2 of the NLDS, making ex-closer Dempster available to work out of the bullpen in both Game #4 & Game #5 (and possibly in Game #3, too). Then I'd go with Lilly in Game #3 and Harden in Game #4 (if necessary). Another possibility would be to start Harden in Game #3 and Ted Lilly in Game #4, making Lilly available to work out of the bullpen (limited to one inning or less) in Game #1.

But having Dempster start Game #1 of the NLDS and then be available to work out of the bullpen in both Game #4 and Game #5 could really help the bullpen depth if the series goes four or five games, especially given the way the Cubs middle-relievers have pitched lately.

Because the best-of-five NLDS has less margin for error than does the best-of-seven NLCS, the Cubs need to do whatever it takes to maximize their chances of getting successfully through the LDS and into the LCS, even if it means using starters out of the bullpen. It's the proverbial "all hands on deck."

Since he threw 115+ pitches in his last start, I'd like to see the Cubs give Rich Harden an extra day of rest before his next start (I'd start him Wednesday night instead of Tuesday night, and I'd limit his pitch count to around 80), and I'd totally skip Zambrano until Game #2 of the NLDS. "Z" pitched great on 12 days rest (he threw a no-hitter), and with his recent history of rotator cuff tendinitis, more rest can't hurt. In the meantime, Lou can keep Zambrano happy and involved by using him as a PH.

It also might be a good idea to put Sean Marshall back on an extended "starter's routine" through the rest of the regular season, with a five-inning/80-pitch (max) start next Tuesday in New York and possibly another start a week from tomorrow in Milwaukee. He would then be available to throw multiple innings in the NLDS (emergency spot-start, long relief, or extra innings) if necessary.

And even though he hasn't worked out of the bullpen since 2003 in Atlanta, I'd also keep Jason Marquis on the NLDS roster and use him as a back-up middle-reliever, since the other bullpen options (Howry, Samardzija, Wuertz, et al) look kind of shaky right now. Marquis would also give Lou an extra bat off the bench or a PR in a pinch, and a fall-back option in case Harden or Zambrano get scratched from a start at the last minute. So to help acclimate him to relief work, I'd probably be inclined to give Marquis one more start (Monday night in New York) and then work him out of the bullpen a couple of times next weekend in Milwaukee, although I would go ahead and have him make a start next Saturday if the Brewers are still alive and in hot contention.

If Wood, Marmol, Cotts, Marshall, and Marquis are five of the seven relievers, that leaves two slots open. Chad Gaudin (back strain) is presently working out with the Cubs AZ Instructional League team at Fitch Park (AZIL games start Monday), and while he is probably not close to returning to action at the moment, hopefully he can get himself back into shape over the next couple of weeks such that he can be a member of the Cubs bullpen in the NLDS.

If Gaudin can get back into shape, that leaves one opening in the pen. Bob Howry probably gets that spot just because of his MLB experience, but Jeff Samardzija is likely still in the mix in case Lou just can't stomach Howry or in case Gaudin isn't ready.

Of the other candidates (Angel Guzman, Kevin Hart, Randy Wells, and Michael Wuertz), Wells has pitched the best lately (albeit in limited opportunities) and has the type of ex-catcher's "rubber arm" where he can throw a lot, but Hart and Wuertz were on the Cubs NLDS roster last year and that could be a factor in their favor. How each of the candidates throws the last week of the regular season will probably be the primary determining factor in filling the final couple of slots in the Cubs bullpen for the NLDS.

The bottom line is, middle relief stands out as the Cubs one glaring weakness, and it can't be fixed (as far as the 2008 post-season is concerned) by making a trade.

While Howry, Samardzija, Wells, Hart, Wuertz, and Guzman hopefully will get plenty of opportunities to show what they can (or cannot) do over the last week of the regular season, Wood and Marmol need to have their outings minimized, throwing just often enough to to stay shap (like don't use either of them two days in a row, instead preferably one inning every-other day or maybe even one inning every-third day).

Since he is still not 100% back from TJS and because he has yet to throw two days in a row at any time this season, Guzman is probably not under consideration for the post-season roster. It doesn't help Gooz's chances that while he is throwing 94-96, he has pitched ineffectively when Lou has given him opportunities to throw in games. The Cubs will probably want him to pitch in the Venezuelan Winter League this off-season, and then come to ST 2009 prepared to battle for a spot in the bullpen.

With an 11-man pitching staff likely for the NLDS, that means an extra position player can be kept on the bench. Micah Hoffpauir and Felix Pie are probably the two candidates, and each offers something different. Pie can play CF, PR and PH, while Hoffpauir can provide a left-handed power-bat off the bench. I suspect Pie gets the edge in the NLDS and NLCS (if the Cubs get that far) just because Hoffpauir basically duplicates Daryle Ward, but if the Cubs do manage to get to the World Series, I would expect Hoffpauir (not Pie) to be the 14th man and serve as the DH.

Last year the Cubs kept five players (Sean Marshall, Will Ohman, Henry Blanco, Craig Monroe, and Sam Fuld) who were not on their NLDS roster around as "fellow travelers" (potential injury replacements) while they played the Diamondbacks in the NLDS. It's likely the Cubs will do the same this year, keeping two or three pitchers, a catcher (Koyie Hill), and a position player or two (Pie or Hoffpauir, plus possibly Casey McGehee) in ready-reserve throughout the post-season.

Keep in mind that MLB clubs can alter/tweak their 25-man (active) roster before each post-season series, and because Chad Fox, Rich Hill, and Jon Lieber are on the DL, the Cubs have three roster exemptions available (four if Chad Gaudin is on the DL) for each post-season series, allowing them to add up to three players (four if Gaudin is out of action) to their NLDS, NLCS, and WS rosters who were not on the Cubs 25-man roster (or 15-day or 60-day DL) on 8/31.

Also, if a player suffers a disabling injury during the LDS, LCS, or WS, the injured player can (with approval of the MLB Commissioner) be replaced during the series by a player who plays the same position (a pitcher must replace a pitcher, a catcher must replace a catcher, and an IF/OF must replace an IF/OF), although if that happens, the injured player is ineligible to return at any future point in the post-season.

Game--4 Thread / Cubs @ Cardinals (1 of 3)

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:22:37 -0500

Game Chat | Press Pass | BR Preview

SP	Ryan Dempster	SP	Kyle Lohse
	15-6, 2.99, 167 K, 72 BB, 183.2 IP		13-6, 3.76, 106 K, 44 BB, 182 IP

LF	Alfonso Soriano	CF	*Skip Schumaker
2B	*Mike Fontenot	3B	Troy Glaus
1B	Derrek Lee	1B	Albert Pujols
3B	Aramis Ramirez	RF	Ryan Ludwick
RF	Mark DeRosa	LF	*Rick Ankiel
CF	*Jim Edmonds	C	Yadier Molina
C	Geovany Soto	2B	#Felipe Lopez
SS	Ronny Cedeno	P	Kyle Lohse
P	Ryan Dempster	SS	Cesar Izturis

The Cubs and the Cardinals meet in the first of three at Busch and the first of six matchups between now and the end of the season. The Cubs lead the season series, 5-4, and have won 10 of their last 15 in St. Louis.

Dempster won his only start this year against the Cardinals, allowing 2 ER over 6 2/3 in a 6-2 Cub victory in early August. Lohse is 0-1, 6.92 in a pair of starts this season vs. the Cubs, but is otherwise having a fine year, producing more ground balls, yielding fewer long balls, and allowing fewer walks than at virtually any other point in his MLB career.

By Baseball Prospectus's reckoning, the Cubs, 4 1/2 games up on Milwaukee, enter play with an 88.8% likelihood of winning the division, 10.3% chance of winning the Wild Card, and a 99.1% overall likelihood of reaching the post-season. The Cardinals, 9 games back of the Cubs and 4 1/2 behind the Wild Card-leading Brewers, come in at .2% / 4.5% / 4.7%. In other words, deprived of greater glory, Cardinal fans may realize no more significant joy in these last few weeks than seeing their heroes get in the way of a Cubs celebration.

Every time the Cubs and Cards meet and I enter the batting orders, I stumble as I remember to enter the St. Louis pitcher in the eighth spot. That led me to look up a few team season stats. First, what kind of production the Cubs and Cardinals are getting from their respective #8 hitters:

	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	HR	RBI
Cubs 8th-place hitters	.300	.362	.442	804	12	79
Cards 8th-place hitters	.196	.247	.292	539	8	51

Then from the #9 hole:

	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	HR	RBI
Cubs 9th-place hitters	.231	.271	.340	611	10	60
Cards 9th-place hitters	.266	.322	.323	645	2	34

The Cubs' #8 numbers have been helped by the fine season they have received from Reed Johnson. The Cubs #9 numbers reflect an offensively outstanding pitching staff (thank you, Carlos Zambrano!), one that's 105 OPS points better than the next best-hitting group of pitchers, which happens to belong to St. Louis.

And the Cardinals' production from the 9th place? That right there is what you call the handiwork of a former Chicago Cub, one Cesar Izturis.

Rob G: Just a little roster note that Felix Pie and Randy Wells will be joining the team. To make room for Wells on the roster, the Cubs have moved Jon Lieber to the 60-day DL.