2015 Chicago Cubs

[Figment]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

So this is what I wanted the Cubs to do in the first place before they got Ross, but what if they decide to go with Montero vs RHPs and Castillo vs LHPs and decide to part ways with Ross instead? I know it is highly unlikely, but I think it should get legitimate consideration

[Eddie2288]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

So this is what I wanted the Cubs to do in the first place before they got Ross, but what if they decide to go with Montero vs RHPs and Castillo vs LHPs and decide to part ways with Ross instead? I know it is highly unlikely, but I think it should get legitimate consideration

They just signed Ross. That won't even be a question. Castillo will either be a third catcher or he will be traded. That's it.

[Figment]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

I get that they just signed Ross, but it is not like there is long term value in him, he is simply a backup catcher. The way I see it, Montero isn't even young anymore, but he still has a few years on his contract and he is still productive, especially against RHPs. Why not take Castillo and let him learn from Montero for a couple years, unless someone overwhelms you with a trade. It's not like Ross won't have trade value, there were many teams trying to sign him in free agency, his age may lessen the return, but he has value. Just some outside the box thinking, probably never happen

[Eddie2288]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

I get that they just signed Ross, but it is not like there is long term value in him, he is simply a backup catcher. The way I see it, Montero isn't even young anymore, but he still has a few years on his contract and he is still productive, especially against RHPs. Why not take Castillo and let him learn from Montero for a couple years, unless someone overwhelms you with a trade. It's not like Ross won't have trade value, there were many teams trying to sign him in free agency, his age may lessen the return, but he has value. Just some outside the box thinking, probably never happen

They signed Ross because of his leadership abilities and he is great defensively and great at pitch framing. Things that Castillo can't do. Also teams won't trade for a guy just signed this offseason before the season even starts. But the Cubs could also carry all 3 but that won't last long. Castillo is getting traded whether you like it or not

[ThreeKing]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

Veteran stance 60 for Soler. Trust me on this one.

[redsox4evur]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

I get that they just signed Ross, but it is not like there is long term value in him, he is simply a backup catcher. The way I see it, Montero isn't even young anymore, but he still has a few years on his contract and he is still productive, especially against RHPs. Why not take Castillo and let him learn from Montero for a couple years, unless someone overwhelms you with a trade. It's not like Ross won't have trade value, there were many teams trying to sign him in free agency, his age may lessen the return, but he has value. Just some outside the box thinking, probably never happen

Ross will also probably be the primary catcher for Lester.

[OhioCub]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

Ross will also probably be the primary catcher for Lester.

Maddon's already said he's not doing personal catchers.

[eric7064]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

Maddon's already said he's not doing personal catchers.

That's not true either. He never said he won't do personal catchers. But he said don't expect to see Lester & Ross every time. Example: opening night. Montero bat is much better then Ross.

[eric7064]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

Veteran stance 60 for Soler. Trust me on this one.

He's gonna be in the game already. Unless you mean editing his stance.

[ThreeKing]

2015 Chicago Cubs

He's gonna be in the game already. Unless you mean editing his stance.

Mostly for The Show 14, but also if they didn't get his correct for 15.

[MrOldboy]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

Some notes from minor league camp (most of these guys probably won't be on OSFM but I thought I'd list em just in case):

Former OF Ariel Ovando has been converted to P
Former C Mark Malave has been converted to P
Former IF Gioskar Amaya has been converted to C
Former IF Jordan Hankins has been converted to C

I have these noted, but only Amaya and Hankins will get consideration. Amaya as a 2B, closer to being on the roster. As a C, he is on the bubble since if he is rated as a below average defender he would not be a great prospect. Same for Hankins in that regard. I seen Amaya described as "Handled himself well...", but that doesn't make him a prospect at the position yet.

We'll see how the position plays out over ST, but I am planning on having 2 at AAA and AA and whoever is on the MLB roster opening day. So it could be 7 total.

[OhioCub]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

I have these noted, but only Amaya and Hankins will get consideration. Amaya as a 2B, closer to being on the roster. As a C, he is on the bubble since if he is rated as a below average defender he would not be a great prospect. Same for Hankins in that regard. I seen Amaya described as "Handled himself well...", but that doesn't make him a prospect at the position yet.

We'll see how the position plays out over ST, but I am planning on having 2 at AAA and AA and whoever is on the MLB roster opening day. So it could be 7 total.

If it were up to me, given this development, I would just leave them both off the roster alltogether. What I read is that all these guys are likely to start the year in Extended Spring Training to work on the new positions and then likely to start a level lower than where they were last year. If any of them really blossom and take to their new spots they can be added back in next year. Just my opinion though.

[OhioCub]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

2015 CUBS MINOR LEAGUE CAMP - SPRING TRAINING ROSTERS (last updated 3-13-2015):

NOTE: ROSTERS AT MINOR LEAGUE CAMP ARE FLUID. Minor League players are often initially assigned to a squad one or even two levels above where they will ultimately be assigned once the regular season starts. Minor League Camp roster assignments are based on several factors, including the player's position as it relates to the specific needs of the organization, and the player's age, amount of professional experience, and previous season's performance (including any time spent at a post-season Instructional League). As players are sent to Minor League Camp from the Major League squad during the course of Spring Training, there are corresponding roster moves made at Minor League Camp as players are either moved down a level or released. Occasionally a player or a pitcher will be moved up a level during the course of Minor League Camp, but such an occurrence is rare.

* bats or throws left
# bats both


IOWA: 31+1

AAA

PITCHERS: 17+1
* Jeffry Antigua
Frank Batista
Matt Brazis
Marcelo Carreno (LIMITED ACTIVITY - post-2013 shoulder surgery)
Zach Cates
Blake Cooper
Fernando Cruz
P. J. Francescon
* Austin Kirk
* Jeff Lorick
Matt Loosen
Barret Loux
Trey McNutt (INACTIVE - 2014 shoulder surgery)
Yoanner Negrin
Felix Pena
Carlos Pimentel
Ivan Pineyro
Tony Zych

CATCHERS: 3
Ben Carhart
Willson Contreras
Taylor Davis

INFIELDERS: 6
Stephen Bruno
* Wes Darvill
Ryan Dent
Jonathon Mota
Elliot Soto
* Dan Vogelbach

OUTFIELDERS: 5
John Andreoli
* Kevin Brown
Anthony Giansanti
Jae-Hoon Ha
* Rubi Silva


TENNESSEE: 30

AA

PITCHERS: 16
Justin Amlung
Francisco Carrillo
* Gerardo Concepcion
* Tyler Ihrig
Michael Jensen
Juan Carlos Paniagua
Steve Perakslis
Starling Peralta
Austin Reed
Jose Rosario
Andres Santiago
Tayler Scott
Tyler Skulina
Daury Torrez
Ben Wells
* Rob Zastryzny

CATCHERS: 3
Cael Brockmeyer
# Victor Caratini
* Jordan Hankins (ex-INF)

INFIELDERS: 6
# Jeimer Candelario
Dustin Geiger
Shane Kennedy
* Danny Lockhart
Carlos Penalver
Tim Saunders (reinstated from VOLUNTARY RETIRED LIST)

OUTFIELDERS: 5
Jeffrey Baez
* Pin-Chieh Chen
* Jake Hannemann
* Billy McKinney
* Bijan Rademacher


MYRTLE BEACH: 33

Hi-A

PITCHERS: 18
Paul Blackburn
James Farris
David Garner
Trevor Graham
* Michael Heesch
Lars Huijer
Corbin Hoffner
Jonathan Martinez
* Jordan Minch
James Norwood
Jeremy Null
James Pugliese
Jasvir Rakkar
Jake Stinnett
* Tommy Thorpe
Jen-Ho Tseng
Duane Underwood
Michael Wagner

CATCHERS: 4
Gioskar Amaya (ex-INF)
* Justin Marra
Will Remillard (LIMITED ACTIVITY - back?)
Mark Zagunis

INFIELDERS: 6
David Bote
# Varonex Cuevas
* Jacob Rogers
Gleyber Torres
* Jason Vosler
Chesny Young

OUTFIELDERS: 5
Yasiel Balaguert
* Shawon Dunston Jr
* Kevin Encarnacion
Trey Martin
* Charlie White

SOUTH BEND: 62+1

Lo-A

PITCHERS: 37
Adbert Alzolay
Pedro Araujo
Jordan Brink
Jesus Camargo
Jesus Castillo
Dylan Cease
Trevor Clifton
Josh Conway
Oscar de la Cruz
* Andin Diaz
Greyfer Eregua
Scott Frazier
Tanner Griggs
Zach Hedges
Luis Hernandez
John Michael Knighton
Erick Leal
Daniel Lewis
Mark Malave (ex-C)
Dillon Maples
Brad Markey
Trey Masek (LIMITED ACTIVITY - 2014 shoulder surgery)
Ryan McNeil
Yomar Morel
Erling Moreno (LIMITED ACTIVITY - 2014 ??? surgery)
* Ariel Ovando (ex-OF)
* Jose Paulino
Hector Perez
* Anthony Prieto
Brad Renner
* Carson Sands
Alexander Santana
* Justin Steele
Ryan Williams
Austyn Willis
* Sam Wilson
Jose Zapata

CATCHERS: 6
Tyler Alamo
# Eric Castillo
* Alberto Mineo
Tyler Pearson
Jhonny Pereda
Roberto Vahlis

INFIELDERS: 12+1
# Roney Alcala
* Danny Canela (LIMITED ACTIVITY - ???)
# Frandy de la Rosa
* Andrew Ely
* Bryant Flete
Jesse Hodges
Carlos Jimenez
Joey Martarano (INACTIVE - attending college)
Adonis Paula
* Carlos Sepulveda
Ho-Young Son
Alex Tomasovich
Tanner Witt

OUTFIELDERS: 7
Charcer Burks
* Rashad Crawford
Calvin Graves
Eloy Jimenez
* Ricardo Marcano
Kevonte Mitchell
Shamil Ubiera

It's alot, I know, but it gives an idea of who's starting where if there's any guys you're on the fence about.

[ThreeKing]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

What stance are you guys using for Kris Bryant?

I'm using All-Star stance 56, which is pretty dang close.

[MrOldboy]

Re: 2015 Chicago Cubs

If it were up to me, given this development, I would just leave them both off the roster alltogether. What I read is that all these guys are likely to start the year in Extended Spring Training to work on the new positions and then likely to start a level lower than where they were last year. If any of them really blossom and take to their new spots they can be added back in next year. Just my opinion though.

They are extras and at catcher, so they are pretty far down the list. The only way one of them would be included is if multiple catchers get released or suddenly get injured for the entire year. There are more than enough worthy catchers this year.

I put out a call before, but if anyone sees any good images of prospects at ST go ahead and post them. The clearer their equipment is the better. Nice that there are quite a few Cubs ST broadcasts so I can go back and try and match stuff up once the game hits. Even one AB from someone on TV helps a lot. With the licensed equipment I want to try and get at least the "big" name prospects matched up as well as I can.

In regard to the above post, AZ Phil's depth chart is more than enough to look at. The big lists of minor league rosters are sort of pointless for the purpose of OSFM since the spots are so limited. We're getting close to that time of ST again where invitees start to get cut so we'll see how that pans out.