Yardbarker: Michael Wuertz

Will Cubs Offer Wood & Howry Arbitration?

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:06:35 -0500

MLB clubs have until Monday (December 1st) to decide whether to offer salary arbitration to their Type "A" and Type"B" free-agents.A

If a club offers salary arbitration to a Type "A or Type "B" free-agent on 12/1, the player has until 12/7 to decide whether to accept the offer.

If the player accepts the offer of salary arbitration, the player is immediately and automatically returned to his club's 40-man roster and is considered a "signed player" for the following season,A and the player and the club proceed onward to the arbtration process, just as would be the case for any player eligible for salary arbitration (the only differences being that a free-agent who is offered arbitrationA cannot be "non-tendered" on 12/12, and the club can offer a free-agent who accept salary arbitrationA any salary as long as it is at least the MLB minumum salary--that is,A the club doesA NOTA have toA offerA at least 80% of the player's previous year's salary). A A

If the Type "A or Type"B " free-agentA is offered salary arbitration on 12/1A and declines the offer, the player's old club can continue to negotiate with the player, and the club would receive two (if the player is a Type "A" FA) or one (if the player is a Type "B" FA) compensation draft pick(s) in next June's Rule 4 Draft (AKA "1st-Year Player Draft) if the player eventually signs with a new club.

If a Type "A" or Type"B" free-agentA is not offered salary arbitration on December 1st(and if the FA has not signed with a new club prior to 12/1),A the player's old club would receive no compensation draft picks in the 2009 Rule 4 Draft (althoughA the club can continue to negotiate with the FA).A

The Cubs have two Type "A" free-agents who have not yet signed a contract for 2009: RHP Bob Howry and RHP Kerry Wood.A (Ryan Dempster was also a Type "A" FA, but he re-signed with the Cubs earlier this month). In order to receive compensation draft picks in next June's Rule 4 Draft if Howry and/or Wood sign with a new club, the Cubs will have to offer the players salary arbitration on Monday.A

The problem with offering salary arbitration to a Type "A" or Type "B" FA is that the player might actuallyA accept the offer, and it's possible that the club might not really want the player back, or at least would not want to take the riskA that the player mightA win his case inA arbitration and end up withA a sizable 2009 salary that the club either doesn't want to pay or can't afford to pay.A

In the case of the Cubs, Kerry Wood apparently told GM Jim Hendry that he would prefer to remain with the Cubs, and that he would even be willing to accept a one-year dealA for 2009, but Hendry supposedly told Woody that he shouldA pursue a multi-year deal on the open market. Hendry then proceeded to acquire closer Kevin Gregg from the Florida Marlins, apparently seeing Gregg as a (only slightly) cheaper versionA ofA WoodA (although Gregg presumably could just as easily replace Howry as a "set-upA man" if the Cubs were to bring Wood back).

Since the difference between whatA Wood would likely get in arbitration (probably about $9M) versus what Gregg willA probably get (probably about $5-6M), Hendry (apparently) must believeA that the $3-4M difference between the two salaries isA critical as far as the Cubs being able toA sign or acquireA an established left-handed hitting middle-of-the-order type RF. So will Hendry risk offering Wood arbitration just to be sure ofA getting a couple of draft picks in next June's draft (players who will probably cost the Cubs upwards of $2M in signing bonuses), or will Hendry just let Wood sign elsewhere and get nothing back in return when he does?A

Or if he does offer arbitration to Wood, and if Wood accepts, will Hendry then be forced to non-tender or trade Michael Wuertz,A Chad Gaudin,A NealA Cotts, Ronny Cedeno, and Reed JohnsonA (allA are arbitration-eligible) in order to find additionalA moneyA (probably about $7.5M aggregate if allA five are non-tendered) to payA Wood? Not too likely, but I guess it's possible. .

Bob Howry is even more-problematic, becauseA if the Cubs offer Howry salary arbitration and he accepts, the Cubs could be stuck with a pitcherA they don't want in 2009, at least not at the salary Howry will likely get through arbitration (probably about $3.5M). SoA I doubt that Hendry will offer Howry arbitration, even if it means not getting draft picks back as compensation if he signs elsewhere. There's just too much risk that Howry would accept the offer.

There is one way to get rid of a Type "A" or Type "B: free-agent who acceps salary arbitration, however. The club can proceed through the arbitration process and take their chancesA that the clubA wins its caseA and can get the player at aA "reasonable" salary. But that can't be be certain, soA if a player wins in arbitration and receives a salary for the following season that the club just doesn't want to pay, the club can release the player prior to Opening Day, and be required to pay the player only a percentage ofA the player'sA salary.

If the player is releasedA at least 16 days prior to Opening Day, the club is responsible for only 1/6 of the player's salary, and then the player is freeA to sign with any club for any amount. If the player is released prior to Opening Day but not at least 16 days prior to the start of the regular season, the club is responsible for 1/4 of the player's salary, and the player is free toA sign with any club for any amount.

However, the only way a club can safely release aA playerA under these circumstances (that is, without riskingA the loss of a grievance, where the club ends up having to pay the player his entire season's salary) is if the player has a bad Spring Training and (after a "fair trial") is clearly outperformedA (statistically) by anotherA player (or several other players, in the case of aA pitcher)A and his slot on the 25-man Opening Day roster is taken by the player or playersA who outperformed him.

So if the Cubs do offer Howry salary arbitration on Monday and he accepts, the Cubs would have to hope that Howry has a clearly statistically-horrible Spring Training (because arbitrators ONLY look at statistics) where he is clearly outpitched by at least seven other relief pitchers, and where all sevenA make the Cubs Opening Day roster. A

The most-recent example of a free-agent being offered salary arbitration by his old club and then accepting, and then getting released prior to Opening Day, was ex-Cubs 2B Todd Walker.

Walker was a Type "A" FA post-2006, and Padres GM Kevin TowersA offered WalkA salary arbitration, just so the PadresA could get twoA 2007 Rule Draft picks after WAlker signed elsewhere (or at least so it would appear). But then Walker accepted the arbitration offer, won hisA arbitration case (being awardedA a $3.95M salary for 2007 after the Padres offered $2.75M).

However,A the Padres released Walker prior to Opening Day,A such that they had to pay him about $971K to go away. So ihe gambleA cost them about $1M, and they didn't get any draft picks, either.A

But it didn't end there.A Walker filed a grievance, charging that the PadresA released him just to save $3M. If Walker had won the grievance, he would have received his entire $3.95M salary AND he would have been aA totally unrestricted free-agent, too.A But the Padres were able to show that Walker was (statistically) outplayed in Spring Training by anotherA second-baseman (Marcus Giles) and by anotherA back-up INF-LHPHA (Geoff Blum), and so Walker lost his grievance and the Padres did not have to pay him his entire 2007 salary. The only problem is, MLB clubsA never can be sureA what an arbitration panel is going to do, And then what if Walker had had a really outstanding 2007 Spring Training? Kevin Towers just lucked-out. A

So if a GMA offers salary arbitration to a Type "A or Type "B" free-agent on 12/1 just to get a compensation draft pick or two,A heA better know thatA in fact heA won't tA get any draft picks if the player accepts salary arbitration offer, and it could cost the club millions of dollars in additional unplanned payroll. A .

Of course, Wood saying he would accept a one-year deal to return to the Cubs in 2009 could just be a ploy concocted by Wood and his agent. If he had saidA "I absolutely, positively have to get a three year deal or I'm not coming back," Hendry could have probably offered salary arbitration to Wood and not thought twice about doing so. But by planting the seed that he might accept a one-year deal (which actually sounded plausible, because he's done it before), Wood has put Hendry in a tough spot as far offering salary arbitration, especially if Hendry has someA financial restrictions on his 2009 payroll that makeA bringing Wood back at $9-10M somewhatA difficult (but payingA GreggA $5-6M is OK?!). . A

My guess is that Jim Hendry will notA take any chancesA and willA notA offer salary arbitration to either Kerry Wood or Bob Howry on Monday, and so the Cubs will not receive any compensation draft picks in next June's Rule 4 Draft if (as expected) Wood and Howry sign elsewhere.A A

That is...A unless someA secret "agreement" has been worked outA between HendryA and Wood and/or Howry, where one or bothA will be offered arbitration, but have agreedA in advance (for some inexplicable reason) toA decline the offer (which would be stupid for the player, because doing soA would diminish the player'sA value on the open market sinceA any club that signs the player would have give up a 1st or 2nd round draft pick).

Gentlemen... Start Your Agents!

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:14:23 -0500

With the Phillies having polished-off the upstart Rays last night to claim the 2008 MLB World Series Championship, today marksA the official beginning of the MLB off-season, and more specifically, the start of the Free-Agency Filing Period for players eligible to be free-agents under Article XX of the CBA. A

The Cubs have eight playersA on their 40-man roster who are eligible to file:

C Henry Blanco ($3M 2009 club option orA $300K buy-out)

RHSP Ryan DempsterA A

CF Jim Edmonds

RHRP Chad Fox

RHRP Bob Howry

RHSP Jon LieberA

1B-OF Daryle Ward

RHRPA Kerry Wood A

The Cubs will probably try and re-sign Dempster and Wood, and they willA likely decline Blanco'sA $3M 2009 club option (and pay the $300K buy-out) before trying to re-sign him for a much smaller base salary (probably somewhere around $1.2M)A withA performance bonuses tiedA to playing time (in case Geovany Soto gets hurt and Blanco ends up catching more often than expected), but the other five are not likely to return. A A

As things stand right now (and very much subject to change), Edmonds will probably be replaced on the 25-man roster in 2009 by Felix Pie (who isA out of minor league options),A Howry will probably be replaced in the bullpen by either Michael Wuertz, Kevin Hart, or Angel Guzman, andA WardA will likely be replaced on the bench by Micah Hoffpauir.A (Fox and LieberA don'tA need to be replaced because theyA have noA place on the team).

The Cubs willA retain exclusive negotiating rights with theirA own free-agents until,the end of the 15-day Free-Agency Filing Period (November 13th will beA the last day). although the other 29 clubs can contact the free-agents and discuss just about everything except money (they can talkA about length of contract,A aA "no trade" clause,A how the player will be used,A the benefits of playing in a particular market, et al).

If the 15-day Free-Agency Filing Period passes without theA player re-signing with the Cubs,A the CubsA have until December 1st to decideA whether to offer salary arbitration to the player.

If the CubsA do offer salary arbitration and the player signs with another club, the CubsA couldA receiveA one or two compensation draft picks in next June's Rule 4 (1st Year Player) Draft, depending on whether the player is rankedA statistically as a Type "A" player (Cubs would get two draft picks) or a Type "B" player (Cubs would get one draft pick)A or is not rated (Cubs would get no compensation). The statistical rankings are determined by the Elias Sports Bureau statistical service, and will be released sometime next month. .A

If a Cubs free-agentA is offered arbitration by the CubsA on 12/1, the player hasA until December 7th to decide whether to accept the offer. If the player does accept the offer of salary arbitration, the player is automatically placed back onto the CubsA 40-man roster and is considered a "signed player."A A A A A

If the FAA rejects the offer of salary arbitration, or if the CubsA decline to offer arbitration to the player, the player remains a free-agentA and isA freeA to sign with any club (including the Cubs).A A

Players who file for free-agency under Article XX are automatcically removed from their club'sA 40-man roster when they file, but are added back to their old club's Reserve List if they re-sign with their old club, or if they accept salary arbitration.

Also, a free-agent who signs a major league contract after the end of the Free-Agency Filing Period gets an automatic "no trade" right through June 15th of the following season (and that includes players who re-sign with their former club after the end of the Free-Agency Filing Period). The player can waive the "no trade" right, but even if he does, the player cannot be traded for cash or a player contract worth more than $50,000. A . A A

With Carmen Pignatiello and Billy Petrick having been outrighted to the minors, and with Casey McGehee having been claimed off waivers by the Brewers, the Cubs Reserve List (40-man roster) presently stands at 37, but will be dropped down to 31A if and when the eight Cubs players eligible to be Article XX free-agents file (Fox and Lieber won;t clear spots on the 40 because they are still on the 60-day DL).

If the Cubs do in fact re-sign Dempster, Wood, and Blanco, that will still leave six slots open on the 40-man roster for minor league prospects the Cubs might wish to protect from the Rule 5 DraftA (probably RHP Mitch Atkins, LHP Donald Veal, and 2B Nate Spears for sure,A possibly RHP Justin Berg, and maybe LHP J. R. Mathes, too), and any free-agent(s) they might sign during the off-season.

If additional slots are needed during the off-season, the Cubs could outrightA a player orA players off the 40-man roster to make room (although placing a player on Outright Waivers could result in the player being claimed by another club, as happened yesterday with Casey McGehee), or they could simply non-tender a player or players on 12/12 and then re-sign the non-tendered players(s) to a 2009 minor league contract (as long as theA player is amenable to the arrangement), probably forA the MLB minor league split contract minimum ($65,000) plus an NRI to Spring Training (the very same benefits the players would have received if he had remained on the 40-man roster).

2009 player salaries and options left

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:12:22 -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 Depth Chart

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:24:14 -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 or could qualify for SALARY ARBITRATION as a "Super Two" (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 or could qualify for SALARY ARBITRATION as a "Super Two" (has ONE minor league option left)
Jason Marquis - SIGNED FOR 2009
* Sean Marshall a?" AUTO-RENEWAL or could qualify for SALARY ARBITRATION as a "Super Two"A (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 or could qualify for SALARY ARBITRATION as a "Super Two" (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 GaudinA
Angel Guzman (could qualify as a "Super Two" - see NOTE)
Rich Harden (but only if 2009 club option is declined)
Reed JohnsonA
Carlos Marmol (could qualify as a "Super Two" - see NOTE)
Sean Marshall (could qualify as a "Super Two" - see NOTE)
Ryan TheriotA (could qualify as a "Super Two"- see NOTE)
Michael Wuertz
PROJECTED ADDITION TO PAYROLL IF ALL FIVE PLAYERS WHO ARE DEFINITELY ELIGIBLE FOR SALARY ARBITRATION (not including Rich Harden, Angel Guzman, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, and Ryan Theriot) ARE OFFERED ARBITRATION: $7.5MA
NOTE:A Players who accrued at least 86 days of MLB Service Time (MLB ST) in 2008 and who have accrued at leastA two years but less than three years of MLB ST through the 2008 seasonA could possibly qualify for salary arbitration as a "Super Two" post-2008 if the player rates among the top 17% in MLB ST of all players in that category. The four Cubs players who areA eligible to possibly qualify as a "Super Two" post-2008 are Ryan Theriot (2+118 MLB ST),A Angel Guzman (2+095), Sean Marshall (2+087), and Carlos Marmol (2+084).

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

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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.

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

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
Marcus Hatley

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 (would be eligible to possibly qualify asA "Super Two")
Chad Gaudin
Angel Guzman
Koyie Hill
Rich Hill
Carlos Marmol
Sean MarshallA
Felix Pie (would be eligible to possibly qualify as a "Super Two")
Geovany Soto (would be eligible to possibly qualify asA "Super Two")
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, Pie, Soto, 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), and Fontenot, Pie, and Soto would still have to qualify as a "Super Two" (TBD). A A

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

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

Dombrowski: Pitching and Defense

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:25:43 -0500

In a recent email to Tigers GM Dave Dombrowksi, I asked where he would like to improve over the offseason. Personally, I think the Tigers have a solid core of middle relievers, but lack the late inning guys to put the game away. With that said, Dombrowski responded through a media assistant: "...pitching (including the bullpen) and defense." The Tigers have a fairly large payroll and may have trouble convincing the owners to throw in more money.A

One step they could make would be to trade either Jeremy Bonderman or Nate Robertson for a pair of prospects with some upside. Both pitchers have failed to take big strides in their pitching and have only hurt the team, especially now with a weaker bullpen. Signing someone like Jon Garland, Ryan Dempster, or Derek Lowe would help the rotation, probably even take some pressure off Justin Verlander.A

As for the bullpen, I would not recommend doing what the Orioles did in 2007, signing the three top relievers based on the previous season. Signing a closer, perhaps Brian Fuentes, and then going after a pair of late inning relievers like Juan Cruz, Will Ohman, or maybe even LaTroy Hawkins would do best. They were interested in Michael Wuertz last year, and could pull off a trade this offseason because the Cubs have a lot of depth.A

The Tigers currently have Brandon Inge behind the plate. Finding a starter would be nice, maybe Jason Kendall, but in terms of finding a defensive savvy catcher, Paul Bako is your guy. He is one of the best defensive catchers in the games, and has a great reputation of handling his pitchers. If the Tigers were to trade Nate Robertson to the Padres, they could possibly land Khalil Greene and a prospect. They could try Greene at shortstop and if he struggles, call up prospect Danny Worth, who is on the fast track to the big leagues (mostly because the Tigers are rushing him).A

The Tigers have a lot of work to do this offseason, especially after finishing in last place when they were predicted to go to the World Series. Dave Dombrowski is smart, and I don't doubt he can make some big steps this offseason to get his team on the right track.A

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Should The Twins Trade Kubel?

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:54:33 -0500

Sports blog First and Goal from Second Base suggests it would be best for the Twins to trade Jason Kubel this offseason for a reliever. Kubel is coming off the best year of his career and can be considered one of the best outfield/DH players available this offseason. He hit .272 with 20 HR in 463 ABs this season, setting career highs in HR and RBIs. The average DH hit .256 while the average AL LF hit .267, so several teams would benefit from him.A

While the blog suggests trading him to the Royals, a team like the Cubs would be better, but only if they miss out on their first target. Michael Wuertz struggled with his control but has an excellent slider, and that could entice the Twins. Another possibility is the Rays, who had the third best team ERA in baseball. They have the depth, and could trade someone like Chad Bradford for Kubel, who could play right field.A

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

2009 player salaries and options left

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

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

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)

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

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

SIGNED FOR 2009:A

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

2009:A

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Cubs Playoff Roster; Game 1 Thought

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:24:17 -0500

PLAYOFF ROSTER SET
The roster is set. Per Bruce Miles, Felix "Playoff" Pie has beaten out the much more deserving Micah Hoffpauir for the final spot on the Cubs playoff bench. Clearly Pie's "speed" (in quotes as speed without basestealing ability ain't worth much) and ability to play CF trumped Hoffpauir's ability to hit major league pitching. Still no word on what Daryl Ward is using as blackmail against Lou Piniella to keep his worthless buns on the bench.

Hoffpauir, Koyie Hill, Michael Wuertz, and Kevin Hart will all head to Arizona to continue to work out in case they're needed in later rounds of the playoffs (God willing). (By the way...can they say hi to Rich Hill for us? Remember that guy? Where the hell is he right now?) Chad Gaudin, Angel Guzman, and Casey McGehee were all sent home-meaning they can feel free to make plans because they're season's are done-zo.

With the final decision on Pie made, here's your 2008 NLDS Cubs playoff roster, (listed by primary position, not necessarily by where I think they'll be playing):

SPs: 1. Dempster, 2. Zambrano, 3. Harden, 4. Lilly
RPs: Wood, Marmol, Samardzija, Marquis, Marshall, Cotts, & Howry
C: Soto, Blanco
1B: Lee, Ward
2B: DeRosa, Fontenot
SS: TheRiot, Cedeno
3B: Ramirez
LF: Soriano
CF: Edmonds, Johnson, Pie
RF: Fukudome

Here's to hoping keeping Ward, Howry, and Marquis won't jump up and bite us. Or, better yet, to hoping we don't need them.

GAME 1
A thought....I don't want to call Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs a "must win." But...I don't want to stray too far from that either. Call me a worrying Cub fan, but I don't want to live in a world where Dempster, who has been absolutely money at home all year long, loses Game 1 and then we are forced to rely on total nutjob Carlos Zambrano to get a W in Game 2 to avoid heading to LA down 0-2 and needing to sweep two road games to force a Game 5. I love Big Z, but dude's crazy (see his performances since his no hitter). I don't think he'll react too well with that sort of pressure on his shoulders. Yes-if this scenario does play out we're looking good in Game 3 with Rich Harden going against Kuroda and Game 4 with Ted Lilly against Maddux or, more likely, Derek Lowe again on short rest to close it out. But I really, really don't want to be in that position. Don't think my ulcer can take it.

Go Cubs.

The Playoff Roster

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:28:02 -0500

As Lou reviews his options for the post-season roster, so will we. One thing to remember here is that playoff teams don't usually carry the same number of pitchers on their playoff rosters, because the off-days allow relievers to rest.

Not Worthy of Comment (because they're on the Team)

Geovany Soto
Derrek Lee
Mark DeRosa
Ryan Theriot
Aramis Ramirez
Alfonso Soriano
Reed Johnson
Jim Edmonds

Carlos Zambrano
Ryan Dempster
Rich Harden
Ted Lilly
Carlos Marmol
Kerry Wood

On the Team, but Worthy of a little discussion

Henry Blanco-Lou can rely on Hank White to be able to play at a moment's notice, which will be a big plus in the playoffs. Koyie Hill got PT last night, but that's just because there was no point in potentially injuring both of the Cubs playoff catchers.

Mike Fontenot-Lil' Mikey gives Lou a left-handed bat, whether coming off the bench or maybe as a starting 2-sack against a rightie with DeRo in the OF. He's only hitting .219 in the pinch, but has some pop in his bat that seems to arrive in big moments.

Ronny Cedeno-Cedeno gives Lou some flexibility, being able to play 2B and SS, and is the emergency 3B. He gives Lou a little speed (4 SB's), but is only 4 for 21 as a pinch hitter this year.
Kosuke Fukudome-There was some thought a few weeks ago that Fuku wouldn't make the playoff roster, thanks in large part to a .219 batting average after the All-Star break. But the Cubs best defensive RF will be on the team, because of his defense and his speed. The playoffs usually favor the team's with better pitching and defense, so it will be crucial for Fuku to log some PT.

Daryle Ward-Ward's main role on this team is as a pinch hitter. Unfortunately, he's hitting .157 in that role this year. Despite that, he's a left-handed bat off the bench who has two pinch hit HR's. Ward also provides some post-season experience that is largely missing among the Cubs reserves, as he gets ready for his 4th post-season.

Neal Cotts-Does anyone else find it weird that Cotts went from a AAA afterthought to the Cubs primary left-handed specialist? After a great July, Cotts has cooled in August and September, but with few other options, Cotts will make the team. The one ray of hope is that Cotts pitches better at night (3.29 ERA), so hopefully that will mean good things for him.

Fighting for the Last Positional Spot?

Lou has said that he is leaning toward carrying only 11 pitchers, instead of 12, opening the door for a September Call-up position player to make the team.

Micah Hoffpauir-It's easy to understand why Lou would want Hoff on the team; the guy can mash. He would give Lou another left-handed option off the bench. But Hoffpauir has only hit .182 as a pinch hitter and is only hitting .176 since he was recalled in September. He also provides little to the team defensively, so his role would essentially be the same as Ward.

Felix Pie-People who read this blog religiously (and I'm sure there are thousands of you) will know that I am one of the few fans who hasn't soured on Pie. I think that he'll still be a great player. But I will reign in my thoughts, because this is only about whether he'll play in October. Pie brings speed and defense to the table. The opposite of Hoffpauir, Pie is actually hitting .357 since returning to the club in September.

Analysis-I was not convinced Lou would grab another bat, until I looked at his bullpen options. Now I think he will, and I think it's Pie. While no one off the bench will have the thunder potential of Hoffpauir, Ward and Fontenot have some left-handed power. Pie has the pure speed that is so useful when every run is important and can be a defensive replacement.

Fighting to Join the Pen

If I've counted correctly, there are 4-5 spots available in the 'pen, depending on whether Lou picks another bench player.

Bob Howry-You'd rather go with experience when it comes playoff time, but Howry's performance has made it difficult. He has an ugly 8.31 ERA in 6 appearances in September and a 6.85 ERA overall since the All Star Break. Unlike Cotts, Howry is much worse at night (7.34 ERA).

Jason Marquis-If Marquis doesn't make the team, the talk will be about how it's his third straight season not making the post-season roster. But Marquis has pitched slightly better than last year and more importantly, has pitched a lot better in the second half. Marquis adds value in that if the game goes into extras, he can come in "off the bench," as we all saw his hitting prowess last night. He can also pinch-run if needed.

Jeff Samardzija-Samardzija did a lot to get the team to where it is. He didn't allow a run in the month of August over 13 appearances. But he's given up 4 earned runs in 6 and 2/3 innings in September and you have to wonder if he's starting to run out of steam after throwing nearly 140 innings in his second year of professional baseball. Lou said he was impressed with his two scoreless innings he threw on Sunday.

Chad Gaudin-Gaudin would be a useful middle reliever, but is just coming back from a sore back. He seems to be well-liked by Lou, who wanted him to get as many innings as possible this week. His position may come down to whether he is healthy and can log some quality innings.

Sean Marshall-The best reason to bring Marshall into the fold is his handedness. He is the only viable candidate other than Cotts to come out of the Cubs 'pen as a leftie. Marshall has been solid as a reliever with an ERA of 2.81. He also brings the ability to pitch in long-relief, if one of the right handed starters gets roughed up early. He'll be on display tonight in a spot start.

Randy Wells-Wells wouldn't be on the list, except his numbers are too good to ignore. He has pitched 4 and 1/3 over 3 appearances and has yet to allow a hit. He's walked a batter in two of his three outings, but other than that, no one has reached base. Lou has used him in 3 of the Cubs last 6 games. Wells could be this year's Kevin Hart.

Analysis-I think Lou goes with 4 (after taking Pie); Marquis, Howry, Marshall, and Samardzija. Marquis has had a better end of the year than he did the last two years, and Lou loves his athleticism that goes beyond his pitching ability. Howry will get the call because he has the experience; there are a number of youngsters who will need to a calming presence in the 'pen. Howry may not see much action, however. Despite Samardzija's recent struggles, he is the third best reliever on the team. Lou and Larry will carefully monitor him to make sure he isn't weating down. Marshall's relief numbers jumped out at me, plus he has the ability to pitch long relief and gives Lou another option in the 'pen. Gaudin's long layoff will make it difficult to call on him and while Wells has had a nice short run, he hasn't shown enough to warrant a post-season roster spot.

Pack Your Bags (no chance of playing in October)

Angel Guzman-Guzman has only pitched 4 times since coming off the 60 day D.L. as he makes his return from Tommy John surgery. He has a 9.53 ERA. He is getting some decent experience with the club, but the Cubs are more concerned with him coming back healthy next year.

Michael Wuertz-Wuertz found his way into Lou's doghouse in early July and has yet to recover. His 6.23 ERA this month isn't helping him. He's an odd case, as he only allowed a total of 4 earned runs in 20 appearances in May and June, but has fallen apart since then. With a significant number of other options, Wuertz isn't likely to get the call.

Kevin Hart-Hart has only pitched 3 times since being recalled, so I don't think Lou is going to magically decide he's one of the best 25. Hart was always the last man in the pen for Lou when he was with the Cubs before the rosters expanded, and it doesn't seem like much has changed. Hart has walked 17 batters in 23 and 1/3 innings with the Big Club.

Casey McGehee-McGehee was a long shot to get called up, and he has no shot of making the post-season roster. He's only had 9 big league AB's.