Yardbarker: Jason Marquis

Jocketty Taking Cardinal Approach With Reds

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:39:55 -0500

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Reds may attempt to pluck a couple of the arbitration eligibles players away from the Marlins. The Marlins have expressed a desire to stay at the same payroll and will have to trade several players to keep it there. Among those names, Josh Willingham and Jeremy Hermida, two players nearing their prime that would really help the Reds. GM Walt Jocketty has always gone after the big deal. He did it with Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, Mark McGuire, and Mark Mulder, but also made small moves that turned out to be more significant that the big names. Players like Edgar Renteria, Jason Marquis, and Adam Wainwright all have come over through trades to help the Cardinals achieve their goals.

There are several players around the league that are doing well, but do not have a spot on their team: Shin Soo-Choo, Mike Fontenot, Ryan Spilborghs, to name a few. Going after guys like this along with arbitration eligibles should make the Reds, already stocked with a pair of power hitters and decent pitching, to the playoffs.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

2009 player salaries and options left

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:04:49 -0500

The following table shows the Cubs players who are under contract for 2009. Henry Blanco just has an option that includes a $300,000 buyout. Next to each players name is the number of options he has remaining. This chart can be found just below the site logo at all times. Chicago Cubs 2009 Salary Chart Player (options left) Position 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Jose Ascanio (1) Pitcher Neal Cotts (0) Pitcher Arb. Chad Gaudin (0) Pitcher Arb. Angel Guzman (1) Pitcher Rich Harden (0) Pitcher 7.000 Kevin Hart (2) Pitcher Rich Hill (0) Pitcher Ted Lilly (0) Pitcher 12.000 12.000 Carlos Marmol (1) Pitcher Jason Marquis (0) Pitcher 9.875 Sean Marshall (1) Pitcher Billy Petrick (2) Pitcher Carmen Pignatiello (2) Pitcher Jeff Samardzija (2) Pitcher 1.300 2.500 2.8.00 3.000 3.500 Randy Wells (3) Pitcher Michael Wuertz (0) Pitcher Arb. Carlos Zambrano (0) Pitcher 17.750 17.875 17.875 18.000 19.250 Henry Blanco (0) C 3.000 Ronny Cedeno (0) SS Arb. Mark DeRosa (0) 2B 5.500 Mike Fontenot (1) 2B Jake Fox (1) OF/C Fukudome (4) OF 12.000 12.000 12.000 Sam Fuld (2) CF Koyie Hill (0) C Micah Hoffpauir (2) 1B/OF Reed Johnson (0) OF Arb. Derrek Lee (0) 1B 13.000 13.000 Casey McGehee (3) IF Felix Pie (0) OF Aramis Ramirez (0) 3B 15.650 15.750 14.600 16.000 Brad Snyder (0) OF Alfonso Soriano (0) OF 16.000 18.000 18.000 18.000 18.000 18.000 Geovany Soto (0) C Ryan Theriot (2) SS NOTES: •Salaries information came from mlb4u.com and Cot's Baseball Contracts and AZ Phil •Dollars are in Millions •Numbers in blue: player option •Numbers in red: club option •Guzman, Marmol, Marshall, and Theriot could qualify as Super-Two players, meaning they'd be arbitration eligible •The following players have some form of No-Trade protection: Ted Lilly, Jeff Samardzija, Carlos Zambrano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramierz, Kosuke Fukudome, and Alfonso Soriano •Henry Blanco's $3 million option also includes a $300,000 buyout if the Cubs decide not to exercise their option. •Rich Harden can demand a trade since he was traded in the middle of a long-term contract. The Cubs currently have just over $113 million in payroll for 2009. Crane Kenney recently stated the payroll would increase next year from the $130 million it was this year. A couple of the beat reporters have suggested the Cubs payroll would be around $150 million in 2009. That gives the Cubs a lot of money to play around with. I don't completely understand the options process, but AZ Phil shows Fukudome has 4 options left (which is absolutely correct), but I wonder if he can refuse an option. I'm guessing he can't, which means there is a good chance Fukudome will be sent to Iowa or Daytona or Mesa at some point in 2009.

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

======================================

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.

=====================================

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.

==============================

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

============================================

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

====================================

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

==================================

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

============================================

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.

=====================================

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

======================================

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

====================================

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

=======================================

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")

=====================================

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).

====================================

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

=============================

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

Celebrating Yom Kippur with the best Jewish athletes!

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:59:20 -0500

by GMoney, The Money Shot

My office calendar says that at some point tomorrow, Yom Kippur happens. I have no idea what that is but I know it is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people. And that got me thinking...we all know about Sandy Koufax and--well--that's about it when it comes to famous Jewish athletes. So I did some sleuthing around these interwebs (wikipedia) and uncovered the top ten active Jewish athletes. And, of course, I know that I'm stealing the top ten list from DMT, but he'll get over it. On with the show:

10. Sage Rosenfels - He would have been higher had he not illustrated that epic choke on Sunday.

9. Marty Turco - He's a goalie, right? Hey, look at me, I know someone that plays for the Dallas Stars!

8. Dara Torres - Making the Olympic team as a 40-something is quite impressive. I'm a bit leary that Mr. Steroids may have assisted though.

7. Jason Marquis - Hey, he had nothing to do with the Cubs playing like crap in the playoffs.

6. Jordan Farmar - I love the way Farmar plays but I wish that he would have kept the pompadour. That was a sharp look.

5. Corey Pavin - The list of Jewish golfers is about as long as the list of Eskimo NASCAR drivers. Pavin used to own one of the fiercest mustaches in the business.

4. Kevin Youkilis - I absolutely hate this guy. What amazes me is that he grew up in Cincinnati. His family had to been the only Jewish family in that entire area. Have you ever been there? It's not really known for having tolerance toward other people.

3. Sasha Cohen - I don't believe that she still competes at a high level but I'd bet she does Ice Capades or some other weird shit. And she's the only person on this list that I would bang so she's got that going for her, too.

2. Kurt Angle - An Olympic gold medalist AND a multiple time WWE/NWA champion! I wish I could put that on my resume. It's true. It's true.

1. Ian Kinsler - Without a doubt, Kinsler is one of, if not the, best young infielders in the game of baseball. The future is bright for this kid.

Wow. That isn't very impressive at all. I'm sure that the Jews excel in other areas of life though (not falling for the trap of throwing out stereotypes). Have a happy Yom Kippur, everyone!

Cubs Lose Again-It's Over

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:01:45 -0500

Top 2. After the Cubs fail to score Alfonso Soriano after his leadoff single, (his only hit of the series) Carlos Zambrano gives up back to back singles to start the inning. Eithier on 3rd. Loney on 2nd. Z strikes out Zambrano. 1 down. All we need is a double play ball. Z gets Blake DeWitt to hit a soft, tailor made double play ball to Cubs 2B Mark DeRosa. DeRosa shits the bed (see above). Steam starts coming out of Zambrano's ears. Next batter, Casey Blake. Sharp liner to DLee. E 3. Rafael Furcal single. Russell Martin bases clearing double. 100 years of history crushing the shoulders of every fan, player, and coach wearing blue. I get sick to my stomach.

Series over.

Divisional Series 2008 Team Scoring
Los Angeles Dodgers-17
Chicago Cubs-5

Divisional Series 2008 Team Errors
Los Angeles Dodgers-1
Chicago Cubs-5

Divisional Series 2008 Chicago Cubs Hitting

Name	TEAM	Pos	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	AVG
Alfonso Soriano	CHC	LF	2	9	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	.111
Ryan Theriot	CHC	SS	2	8	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	.250
Mark DeRosa	CHC	2B	2	8	2	4	2	0	1	4	0	0	0	.500
Aramis Ramirez	CHC	3B	2	8	1	2	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.250
Kosuke Fukudome	CHC	RF	2	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	.000
Jim Edmonds	CHC	CF	2	7	1	2	1	0	0	1	0	1	0	.286
Derrek Lee	CHC	1B	2	7	1	3	1	0	0	0	1	1	0	.429
Geovany Soto	CHC	C	2	7	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	.143
Daryle Ward	CHC	1B	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Ryan Dempster	CHC	P	1	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	.500
Mike Fontenot	CHC	2B	2	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.500
Carlos Zambrano	CHC	P	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000

Divisional Series 2008 Chicago Cubs Pitching

Name	TEAM	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO
Carlos Zambrano	CHC	0	1	4.26	1	1	0	0	0	6.1	6	7	3	2	7
Ryan Dempster	CHC	0	1	7.71	1	1	0	0	0	4.2	4	4	4	7	2
Sean Marshall	CHC	0	0	3.86	1	0	0	0	0	2.1	1	1	1	1	4
Carlos Marmol	CHC	0	0	18.00	1	0	0	0	0	1.0	3	2	2	0	2
Jason Marquis	CHC	0	0	9.00	1	0	0	0	0	1.0	1	1	1	0	1
Jeff Samardzija	CHC	0	0	9.00	1	0	0	0	0	1.0	2	1	1	0	0
Kerry Wood	CHC	0	0	0.00	1	0	0	0	0	1.0	2	1	0	0	0
Neal Cotts	CHC	0	0	0.00	1	0	0	0	0	0.2	1	0	0	1	0

There is no next year. There never will be.

Cubs Fans Can Eat Their Pitchers

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:05:19 -0500

Even before the first pitch of the series Chicago Cubs fans are getting excited. Not just fans though - businesses are getting in on the fun as well. Take Chicago-based Vienna Beef. They've created a whole line of hot dogs in honor of the Cubs' pitching staff.

Cubs fans might want to try the Dempster Dog, which honors Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster's Canadian heritage. One Vienna Beef hot wrapped by three slices of Canadian bacon topped with relish and mustard. Oh so good, and oh so Canadian!

If that doesn't whet your whistle, there's more. A bunch more wieners to satisfy the tastes of any Cubs fan.

Other specialty dogs include the Marquis Dog (honoring New Yorker Jason Marquis), which sports a Staten Island flair, and the Wood-ie Dog (honoring Kerry Wood), which is testament to Woods ability to work a quick inning or two and wrap up the game. The Marmol Dog, (honoring Carlos Marmol) which plays off Marmols terrific slider, and the Lilly Dog, which celebrates Ted Lillys great curve ball, round out the rotation.

That's five dogs. But will the Cubs have enough home games for fans to try each one? They'd be smart to double-up and eat two at a time over the next few days just in case.

The Matchup: Part II

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:25:32 -0500

Now that we've seen who hits well for the Cubs, let's look at who hits well against the Cubs.

Consistently Good against the Cubs:

Russell Martin-Martin hit .381 this year against the Cubs, and is a .333 hitter for his career against them. He hits well at Wrigley (.353) and has crushed Zambrano in his career (8 hits in 13 AB's).

Jeff Kent-I have always despised Jeff Kent...I don't know if it's the comparisons to Ryne Sandberg or what, but there's a new reason to hate him. He has hit .421 this year against the Cubs, including 2 HR's. In 31 AB's against Wood, he is hitting .419 with 5 HR's and 14 RBI's. He's hit Marquis well with a .364 average. He is also 3 for 4 against Howry.

Andre Eithier-Eithier hit .348 this year, helping his career numbers to .306 against the Cubs and .310 at Wrigley. He hits the Cubs starters hard; .462 against Zambrano, .455 against Dempster.

Good Against Certain Pitchers

Juan Pierre v. Ryan Dempster or Ted Lilly-Pierre is only a career .217 hitters against the Cubs, but has hit Dempster and Lilly well. He is 4 for 9 against Lilly, while hitting .417 against Dempster.

Manny Ramirez v. Chad Gaudin-If Gaudin makes the team, I don't expect to see a Manny v. Gaudin matchup. Manny has taken Gaudin deep twice and is hitting .455 against him.

James Loney v. Jason Marquis-Loney may be a relative newbie, but he has seen Jason Marquis 5 times and has 3 hits against him, one leaving the yard.

Analysis

Generally, the Dodgers numbers are better than the Cubs numbers, although with the Dodgers young team, sample size is an issue. It will be key for the Cubs to keep Eithier off the basepaths, which could be a struggle with the way he's hitting Cubs pitching. Kent has some good numbers, but he has feasted on guys who will be coming out of the 'pen for the Cubs.

Samardzija In, Gaudin Out?; Playoff News

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:13:14 -0500

Lou Piniella has announced that Jeff Samardzija will in fact make the 2008 Cubs playoff roster. Having already announced an 11 man playoff pitching staff, this may be bad news for the Chad Gaudin. The final 2 bullpen spots are going to come from Samardzija, Gaudin, and Bob Howry. While the major media outlets (as in, even more major than TD) are all speculating that the announcement of Samardzija getting the nod spells bad news for Gaudin, don't forget that Bruce Miles said just last Tuesday that he'd be "surprised" to see Howry make the roster.

Gaudin has been solid since the trade from Oakland that also netted Rich Harden in exchange for a Patterson, Sean Gallagher, and a warm case of Old Milwaukee, but a recent injury and resulting lack of confidence in his breaking stuff may have Gaudin watching the playoffs from the sidelines. If Gaudin can somehow convince the Cubs managerial staff that he can hack it, maybe he gets the nod over Howry. But it's not looking good.

It's also looking like, against my learned and always uber-impeccable advice, that Jason Marquis is going to make the playoff squad in a relief role. To tune up for the role, Marquis pitched in relief in last night's dub against the Brewers. How'd it go? 0.1 IP, 1 BB, 2 H, 2 Ernies. Dude sucks guys. Dude sucks. But hey, poor Jason's "passion" is starting...""Starting's my passion, starting is what I feel my best at," Marquis said Saturday. "But we have four pretty good starters, too. We all have confidence in each other. They made a decision to go with the other four [starters], and that's fine." (Link to his dumb quote)

Here's how the hurlers will line up:
SPs: 1. Dempster, 2. Zambrano, 3. Harden, 4. Lilly
RPs: Wood, Marmol, Samardzija, Marquis, Marshall, Cotts, & Howry/Gaudin?

Lou is set to announce the position players for the playoff roster probably today.

*****

In playoff news-it's all coming down to today's last day of the regular season. With the 3 NL division winners set (Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies) it's up to the New York Metropolitans and the Milwaukee Choke...Brewers to determine the wild card. New York is home to the Marlins, who Johan Santana beat yesterday 2-0 on short rest. Oliver Perez goes for the Mets, Scott Olsen for the Marlins. The Cubs, of course, are on the road to Milwaukee. Some dude named CC Sabathia going for the Brew Crew, Angel Guzman (!) for the Cubs. (Sidebar: This matchup seems so wildly uneven doesn't it? The arguable NL Cy Young/MVP vs. a dude who's pitched 94 innings of 6.13 ERA ball across 3 seasons. A team fighting for their playoff lives against a team that clinched over a week ago. But just watch...the Cubs will win this game today. The Brewers, somehow, will blow this...again. And it will be funny. Not to mention helpful-we want the Mets, not the Dodgers.)

If both the Mets and Brewers win today, they will remain tied and will be forced into a one game playoff on Monday in New York. If both lose, same thing.

If the Mets win and the Brewers lose-the Cubs, with the best record in the NL, will face the wild card Mets in the NLDS.

If the Brewers win and the Mets lose-the Cubs will instead face the Dodgers as a division winner can not face a wild card team that comes from its own division in the first round of the playoffs.

We've got to be rooting for the former situation here. I think we want to face the Mets over the Dodgers. The Cubs, at least Alfonso Soriano, agree. The Mets have been battling to make the playoffs while the Dodgers, like the Cubs, have had it sewn up for a while. The Dodgers have been resting players and aligning their pitching staff. The Mets have been forced to throw Johan Santana on short rest, play their balls off, and struggle to even get in. Additionally...the Cubs didn't fare too well having to travel way out west last year to play the Dbacks.

Actually...the best possible situation for the Cubs would be if the Mets/Brewers had to play this playoff game on Monday and have the Mets win that. More innings equals more tired, mentally and physically, players, and less rest for the pitchers. Were that to occur, the Mets would then have to go on the road and somehow be ready to begin the playoffs in Chicago on Wednesday. I'll take it.

Should be interesting to see how this plays out. Either way, though...the Cubs playoff run begins Wednesday. Check in often to TD as we run up to and through the playoffs with the great in-depth and statistically heavy analysis you've come to expect from us. We gon' bring it, and we gon' bring its good.

Samardzija In, Gaudin Out?; Playoff News

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:13:14 -0500

Piniella names most of playoff bullpen

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:01:25 -0500

Lou had already named the 4 starters for the playoffs: Ryan Dempster, Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden and Ted Lilly. Today he added several other names to the 11-man pitching staff the Cubs will carry into the postseason. Bob Howry, Jeff Samardzija, and Jason Marquis are sure things. Neal Cotts and Sean Marshall are most likely in. There's never been any doubt that Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood would be on the roster. So the 7-man bullpen is likely to be: Wood, Marmol, Howry, Samardzija, Marquis, Marshall, and Cotts.

Bubble Boys

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:51:01 -0500

Let's take a look at what those guys on the NLDS roster bubble have done in the past 2 weeks, understanding that these short-term stats won't be the entire basis for decision-making, but will influence it.

Batters

Micah Hoffpauir-If you decided to take a Cubs sabbatical this week (you know, spend some time with the family you've been ignoring for 5 months, catch up with your Cyber-friends, play some Warcraft), you may have missed Hoff's 5 for 5 night last night, which included 2 HR's, a double, and 5 RBI's. He is 8 for 15 over the last two weeks, meaning he was still hitting .300 for the span before last night. While Lou is probably not starting Hoff in the playoffs, it will be hard to keep him off the roster.

Felix Pie-Pie is hitting a respectable .294 over the past two weeks, while striking out 5 times in 17 AB's. He has a double and a triple, and has scored 4 times. He also has a steal to his credit. He hasn't done anything to wow anyone, but he certainly hasn't hurt his chances of making the club.

Daryle Ward-Since my co-worker wants to tear apart my analysis, I thought I would include Ward on this list. He is 2 for 11 (.182) in the last two weeks, including 0 for 4 in a pinch. But he has coaxed two walks in pinch hit appearances, giving him a .300 plus OBP. I still think Lou goes with experience, but it's hard to keep a guy hitting .216 on the year while leaving Pie or Hoff off.

Casey McGehee-McGehee's on here just as a courtesy to see his numbers. 3 for 11 (.273), but an impressive 5 RBI's. If Lou needed a guy, McGehee would be valuable as a backup 3-sack/1-sack, but he seems to have too many bats.

Pitchers

Bob Howry-Howry seems to be a lock in the minds of management, but not so much in the minds of fans. He has pitched 4 and 2/3 innings over the past two weeks, not giving up an earned run. But he has allowed at least one base runner in all but one of those appearances.

Jason Marquis-Marquis made two starts over the past 14 days, allowing 7 runs over 12 innings (a 5.25 ERA). But the bigger number is the 23 baserunners allowed, giving him a WHIP of nearly 2. He's also thrown a wild pitch in each of his last two outings. Marquis may be on the taxi squad headed to Mesa, unless he shows something.

Jeff Samardzija-Lou made it a point of emphasis that he had been putting Jeff ND in in tight spots and later in the game. He's allowed 2 runs in his last 4 innings of work. He escaped Wednesday night's game with only one run, despite giving up two hits and two walks.

Chad Gaudin-Gaudin hasn't been sharp since returning from the D.L. He pitched last Sunday and walked 2 batters before getting out of the inning. Last night, he allowed an earned run.

Sean Marshall-After getting a spot start 2 and a half weeks ago, Marshall hasn't pitched much. He has made two appearances, not allowing an earned run. His last outing didn't go smoothly as he gave up 2 walks and a hit in an inning and a third.

Randy Wells-When Wells was first mentioned as getting a possible roster spot, he has 4 and 1/3 scoreless innings. He still has 4 and 1/3 scoreless innings. He may have thrown some good numbers, but Lou obviously hasn't seen enough to warrant his consideration.

Kevin Hart-Whether Lou was trying to see if Hart could show that great September 07 form again or whether he just wanted to give his roster guys some more rest, Hart has pitched the Cubs last two games. Unfortunately, it hasn't gone well. Wednesday night, he gave up 2 hits, but held the Mets scoreless. Last night, he lost the game. After giving up a leadoff hit to Reyes and walking Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran came through with a two out hit that broke the tie and ended the game.