03-18-2010, 12:34 PM
What up Cubs fans? Spring Training is nearing an end (or at least "the end" in the sense of the final cut to make the 25 man roster) and I am wondering who everyone thinks is going to break camp with the team come March 22nd or so when Big Lou has everything set in stone? What do you think?
I think the offense speaks for itself, I really dont think there is any real competition left for position players, I think everyone knows who is on that part of the roster already, and barring any injuries before the season starts, that part of the team is all set.
The part of the team that is obviously not set yet, or at least I dont think so, is the Cubs' pitching situation. For the most part, I think the Cubs have found the 2 who are going to fill in the bottom of the rotation (while Lily's out). I think it is, without question, going to be Gorzelanny and Silva. That is obviously up for some debate still, but I the coaches/upper managements eyes, I think that's the most logical choice to start the season.
As for the bullpen, there are obvious locks for the bullpen, and I dont think I need to name those names. More or less, there are 3, maybe 4? spots open in that bullpen that have been up for competition, especially since Guzman went down for the season (perhaps his career). Ive been impressed (with the exception of his last appearances, which when you look at it closely was as much bad luck as it was bad pitching) Mike Parisi, the rule 5 guy. He's coming off TJ surgery and has shown largely that he is fully recovered and throwing pretty well, and he added a new pitch to his arsenal (the cutter). I really like what Parisi could bring out of the bullpen, especially once he settles down and this competition is over, if he makes the team. Before his last apperance, his numbers this spring were stellar, in 5 innings of work. His last appearance, that 1.80 era bumped up to 4, but other than the HR by Tulowitski, the FC costed em a run, and just lucky/unlucky base hits. Being that he's the Rule 5 draft pick, and he has no options after this spring other than making the team or being sent back to rival STL, I feel as though he has a very, very good shot of breakin camp with the team. He's has to, overall, impress the Cubs' staff with what he has showed in the AFl and this spring so far, and if it comes down to a matter of keeping a kid with options or Parisi (even if his numbers arent as good as someone elses this spring) that the Cubs will roll the dice with Parisi, and give em a shot. Worse comes to worse, if he gets rocked around the first month of the season (or not even) then the Cubs will ship em back to STL and just call up whoever the want from who they optioned to the minors from the Spring. What do you think, is Parisi a Cub to start the season or not?
I think the offense speaks for itself, I really dont think there is any real competition left for position players, I think everyone knows who is on that part of the roster already, and barring any injuries before the season starts, that part of the team is all set.
The part of the team that is obviously not set yet, or at least I dont think so, is the Cubs' pitching situation. For the most part, I think the Cubs have found the 2 who are going to fill in the bottom of the rotation (while Lily's out). I think it is, without question, going to be Gorzelanny and Silva. That is obviously up for some debate still, but I the coaches/upper managements eyes, I think that's the most logical choice to start the season.
As for the bullpen, there are obvious locks for the bullpen, and I dont think I need to name those names. More or less, there are 3, maybe 4? spots open in that bullpen that have been up for competition, especially since Guzman went down for the season (perhaps his career). Ive been impressed (with the exception of his last appearances, which when you look at it closely was as much bad luck as it was bad pitching) Mike Parisi, the rule 5 guy. He's coming off TJ surgery and has shown largely that he is fully recovered and throwing pretty well, and he added a new pitch to his arsenal (the cutter). I really like what Parisi could bring out of the bullpen, especially once he settles down and this competition is over, if he makes the team. Before his last apperance, his numbers this spring were stellar, in 5 innings of work. His last appearance, that 1.80 era bumped up to 4, but other than the HR by Tulowitski, the FC costed em a run, and just lucky/unlucky base hits. Being that he's the Rule 5 draft pick, and he has no options after this spring other than making the team or being sent back to rival STL, I feel as though he has a very, very good shot of breakin camp with the team. He's has to, overall, impress the Cubs' staff with what he has showed in the AFl and this spring so far, and if it comes down to a matter of keeping a kid with options or Parisi (even if his numbers arent as good as someone elses this spring) that the Cubs will roll the dice with Parisi, and give em a shot. Worse comes to worse, if he gets rocked around the first month of the season (or not even) then the Cubs will ship em back to STL and just call up whoever the want from who they optioned to the minors from the Spring. What do you think, is Parisi a Cub to start the season or not?