WELCOME TO THE CUBS WORLD CHATTER NEWSLETTER EDITION # 2
CHICAGO CUBS WELCOME ANTHONY LEE BARNETTE TO 2019 TEAM!
Anthony Lee Barnette, or "BARNITEZ" as known by his closest friends, is excited about signing a one year contract with the Chicago Cubs with a one year option. Cubs management feel that his "wide ranging" experience will be an asset to the organization.
Barnette was a tenth round pick in the 2006 draft and was picked up by the Arizona Diamondbacks. One year later, he found himself playing in Japan for the Tokyo Swallows. It is here where his pitching stats became quite impressive playing 260 games as a relief pitcher with 41 saves and a low era of 1.29 (a career best.)
Back in the states, Barnette joined the Texas Rangers where he struggled a bit. In July of 2018, he was placed on the disabled list.
Now a free agent and healthy , Cub fans will witness whether or not this 35 year old has what it takes to contribute to what many say is a very strong roster.
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Anthony Lee Barnette, or "BARNITEZ" as known by his closest friends, is excited about signing a one year contract with the Chicago Cubs with a one year option. Cubs management feel that his "wide ranging" experience will be an asset to the organization.
Barnette was a tenth round pick in the 2006 draft and was picked up by the Arizona Diamondbacks. One year later, he found himself playing in Japan for the Tokyo Swallows. It is here where his pitching stats became quite impressive playing 260 games as a relief pitcher with 41 saves and a low era of 1.29 (a career best.)
Back in the states, Barnette joined the Texas Rangers where he struggled a bit. In July of 2018, he was placed on the disabled list.
Now a free agent and healthy , Cub fans will witness whether or not this 35 year old has what it takes to contribute to what many say is a very strong roster.
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CUBS WORLD BINGO!
This past January 24th, the Coconut Cove Recreational Center hosted the CUBS WORLD BINGO EVENT. It has proven to be one of the more popular group activities in this ever growing collection of baseball fans.
This edition of Bingo was tailor made for baseball enthusiast . Ten games were played allowing members to customize their cards by choosing from a list of 100 Cubs players.
For history buffs, there was also a presentation of an old black and white film of a 1969 nationally broadcast game. The screen was filled with classic players that brought smiles to the faces of true fans.
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This past January 24th, the Coconut Cove Recreational Center hosted the CUBS WORLD BINGO EVENT. It has proven to be one of the more popular group activities in this ever growing collection of baseball fans.
This edition of Bingo was tailor made for baseball enthusiast . Ten games were played allowing members to customize their cards by choosing from a list of 100 Cubs players.
For history buffs, there was also a presentation of an old black and white film of a 1969 nationally broadcast game. The screen was filled with classic players that brought smiles to the faces of true fans.
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DO GAMES SEEM LONGER THESE DAYS?
Here are two proposals from Major league baseball and the players association that might help speed things up a bit.
THREE BATTER MINIMUM FOR PITCHERS
We’ve seen it happen many times. A reliever is brought in to face one hitter. Eliminating this practice might speed the game along, until, of course, there is a dispute that New York needs to sort out while everyone stands around for five minutes.
UNIVERSAL DESIGNATED HITTER
The American league adopted the DH in 1973. There is momentum as far as agreement in the National League to utilize it as well. It could be initiated as soon as the 2020 season.
QUESTION: Do you think these suggested rule changes will come to pass and will they be effective if they are? Let us hear from you.
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Here are two proposals from Major league baseball and the players association that might help speed things up a bit.
THREE BATTER MINIMUM FOR PITCHERS
We’ve seen it happen many times. A reliever is brought in to face one hitter. Eliminating this practice might speed the game along, until, of course, there is a dispute that New York needs to sort out while everyone stands around for five minutes.
UNIVERSAL DESIGNATED HITTER
The American league adopted the DH in 1973. There is momentum as far as agreement in the National League to utilize it as well. It could be initiated as soon as the 2020 season.
QUESTION: Do you think these suggested rule changes will come to pass and will they be effective if they are? Let us hear from you.
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BREAKFAST WITH BRICKHOUSE
by Wayne Richards
From 1948 to 1981, the lead broadcast voice of the Chicago Cubs was Jack Brickhouse. He shifted back and forth between radio and television with a distinctive style that WGN listeners and viewers will always remember.
Attending grade school in the sixties, I used to rush home late in the afternoon hoping that WGN television was broadcasting a double header so that I could catch the last few innings of a game as the shadows overcame the field. (Lights were still a thing of the future.)
I loved listening to Jack’s voice explode with excitement with every Cubbie home run shouting out his legendary phrase, “HEY HEY”! As a tribute to Jack, those famous words adorn the foul pole screens at Wrigley Field and have since they were placed there in 1999.
I graduated high school in 1970 and began a career in music and was fortunate to launch it in the Gold Coast area of Chicago. This area was resplendent with jazz venues and high end watering holes. I performed as a pianist/vocalist in a restaurant called Eugenes located across the street from the famous Ambassador East hotel, ironically where Harry Carey resided.
Eugene’s attracted celebrities from television, film and Journalism. Jack Brickhouse frequented Eugene’s on a fairly regular basis and was very approachable and kind to patrons and also to a certain performer. We chatted a lot during breaks.
One night before I began my final set we got into a conversation about restaurants in the Windy City and we both sang praises about a place called Mel Markon’s. Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park west area, Markon’s became a popular haunt for late night noshers. They remained open until 5 am and believe it or not, people would come in droves at very late hours just for the onion soup! Nobody on the face of the earth made it like Mel.
On a blustery, miserable Fall evening, Jack suggested that we run over to Markon’s when I finished work. We did just that! I remember as I drove the short trip, Jack became conversational in areas other than baseball. He was quite interested and knowledgable in the subjects of entertainment, politics, history and current events. That evening, he was also deeply interested in onion soup! The two of us slurped it down like we were starving to death!
If I had any kind of inkling that I would some day become a journalist, I would’ve interviewed Jack when I had the chance. Instead, it was simply a warm social bonding between a struggling musician and a bonafide legend!
In between remembrances of great games and plays, we discussed a myriad of topics such as home life, crime and even shared a few jokes. What many people didn’t realize that even with his booming and commanding voice, Jack was very introverted. He opened up that night and I’ll never forget the experience.
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by Wayne Richards
From 1948 to 1981, the lead broadcast voice of the Chicago Cubs was Jack Brickhouse. He shifted back and forth between radio and television with a distinctive style that WGN listeners and viewers will always remember.
Attending grade school in the sixties, I used to rush home late in the afternoon hoping that WGN television was broadcasting a double header so that I could catch the last few innings of a game as the shadows overcame the field. (Lights were still a thing of the future.)
I loved listening to Jack’s voice explode with excitement with every Cubbie home run shouting out his legendary phrase, “HEY HEY”! As a tribute to Jack, those famous words adorn the foul pole screens at Wrigley Field and have since they were placed there in 1999.
I graduated high school in 1970 and began a career in music and was fortunate to launch it in the Gold Coast area of Chicago. This area was resplendent with jazz venues and high end watering holes. I performed as a pianist/vocalist in a restaurant called Eugenes located across the street from the famous Ambassador East hotel, ironically where Harry Carey resided.
Eugene’s attracted celebrities from television, film and Journalism. Jack Brickhouse frequented Eugene’s on a fairly regular basis and was very approachable and kind to patrons and also to a certain performer. We chatted a lot during breaks.
One night before I began my final set we got into a conversation about restaurants in the Windy City and we both sang praises about a place called Mel Markon’s. Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park west area, Markon’s became a popular haunt for late night noshers. They remained open until 5 am and believe it or not, people would come in droves at very late hours just for the onion soup! Nobody on the face of the earth made it like Mel.
On a blustery, miserable Fall evening, Jack suggested that we run over to Markon’s when I finished work. We did just that! I remember as I drove the short trip, Jack became conversational in areas other than baseball. He was quite interested and knowledgable in the subjects of entertainment, politics, history and current events. That evening, he was also deeply interested in onion soup! The two of us slurped it down like we were starving to death!
If I had any kind of inkling that I would some day become a journalist, I would’ve interviewed Jack when I had the chance. Instead, it was simply a warm social bonding between a struggling musician and a bonafide legend!
In between remembrances of great games and plays, we discussed a myriad of topics such as home life, crime and even shared a few jokes. What many people didn’t realize that even with his booming and commanding voice, Jack was very introverted. He opened up that night and I’ll never forget the experience.
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LITTLE LEAGUE IS BIG TIME FUN!
As Spring training fever hits the air and players tone up for the coming season, it is also time for little league to make a return in Florida. If you love baseball it is important to support these youngsters.
The CUBS WORLD club will once again sponsor a team in Lady Lake. Although a starting time has yet to be decided, the first game is scheduled for Saturday, March the 2nd.
A nice sized crowd will be on hand, including fans of the Yankees, Red Sox and....dare I say it...The Cardinals. But we all know what the Cubbies spirit is all about so let's show it on opening day!
Come cheer on the CUBS WORLD team!
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As Spring training fever hits the air and players tone up for the coming season, it is also time for little league to make a return in Florida. If you love baseball it is important to support these youngsters.
The CUBS WORLD club will once again sponsor a team in Lady Lake. Although a starting time has yet to be decided, the first game is scheduled for Saturday, March the 2nd.
A nice sized crowd will be on hand, including fans of the Yankees, Red Sox and....dare I say it...The Cardinals. But we all know what the Cubbies spirit is all about so let's show it on opening day!
Come cheer on the CUBS WORLD team!
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OFF SEASON ACTIVITIES DOMINATED BY A WEDDING
Anthony Rizzo's recent wedding took place in Miami, Florida and no...that is not a Village's golf cart behind him and his bride Emily. Rizzo's best friend Kris Bryant was on hand to help celebrate after tying the knot himself last season.
By the way, there has been a great deal of discussion about Bryce Harper joining the Cubs. Bryant, a good friend of Harper's, was heard to say he does not think the deal will happen.
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Anthony Rizzo's recent wedding took place in Miami, Florida and no...that is not a Village's golf cart behind him and his bride Emily. Rizzo's best friend Kris Bryant was on hand to help celebrate after tying the knot himself last season.
By the way, there has been a great deal of discussion about Bryce Harper joining the Cubs. Bryant, a good friend of Harper's, was heard to say he does not think the deal will happen.
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WHIRLING DARVISH OR JUST A LIGHT WIND?
No player in recent Cubs history has generated more criticism from the fan base than YU DARVISH. But here is the latest flash Gordon. THE CUBS ARE 100 PERCENT BEHIND HIM! Not only that, management has very high hopes that he will be quite impressive during the 2019 season due to the work he has done over the Winter. He has been working hard on strength training.
Darvish made an appearance at the annual Cubs Convention looking strong and healthy after recovering from a procedure on his right elbow.
“I can do the same in spring training as any other player, “ states Yu. “I’m ready to start today!”
Yu has the confidence of both Theo Epstein and Joe Madden. According to them, if Yu can stay healthy, there’s no reason he can’t bring something special to the team.
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No player in recent Cubs history has generated more criticism from the fan base than YU DARVISH. But here is the latest flash Gordon. THE CUBS ARE 100 PERCENT BEHIND HIM! Not only that, management has very high hopes that he will be quite impressive during the 2019 season due to the work he has done over the Winter. He has been working hard on strength training.
Darvish made an appearance at the annual Cubs Convention looking strong and healthy after recovering from a procedure on his right elbow.
“I can do the same in spring training as any other player, “ states Yu. “I’m ready to start today!”
Yu has the confidence of both Theo Epstein and Joe Madden. According to them, if Yu can stay healthy, there’s no reason he can’t bring something special to the team.
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A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOM CLARK THE BEAR
As you read the following article, "WHO'S PITCHING FIRST", look for a word colored in RED. Write it down on a card and bring it to the March 4th meeting. YOU JUST MIGHT WIN A PRIZE!!!!!
The meeting will take place at the SAVANNAH CENTER, 1575 Buena Vista Blvd. 6 pm. This should be a very enlightening event.
Our featured speaker will be 96 year old GEORGE YANKOWSKI, major league catcher who has played for the Philadelphia Athletics as well as the White Sox.
Yankowski also played against the Cubs and he has colorful stories not only about them, but also giants like Babe Ruth and Connie Mack!
The Chefs of Napoli will add culinary excellence to what promises to be a wonderful evening for all! Please register by Thursday, February 28th.
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As you read the following article, "WHO'S PITCHING FIRST", look for a word colored in RED. Write it down on a card and bring it to the March 4th meeting. YOU JUST MIGHT WIN A PRIZE!!!!!
The meeting will take place at the SAVANNAH CENTER, 1575 Buena Vista Blvd. 6 pm. This should be a very enlightening event.
Our featured speaker will be 96 year old GEORGE YANKOWSKI, major league catcher who has played for the Philadelphia Athletics as well as the White Sox.
Yankowski also played against the Cubs and he has colorful stories not only about them, but also giants like Babe Ruth and Connie Mack!
The Chefs of Napoli will add culinary excellence to what promises to be a wonderful evening for all! Please register by Thursday, February 28th.
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WHO’S PITCHING?
by Wayne Richards
Joe Madden is in the Cubs locker room trying to finish developing his line up for a game. Jon Lester walks in.
LESTER: Joe, do you have a minute?
JOE: What’s up?
LESTER: Do you have tonight’s line up completed? You said you might change things up.
JOE: Yes.
LESTER: OK. Who’s pitching first?
JOE: YU.
LESTER: WOW. Thanks. I won’t let you down. I’d better warm up.
JOE: NO! I want you to rest tonight.
LESTER: So I’m not pitching tonight?
JOE: No.
LESTER: Then who is?
JOE: Yu.
LESTER: (shaking his head) I’m a bit confused.
JOE: Confused About what?
LESTER: Who will be pitching first?
JOE: Yu is on first. I told you!
LESTER: We’re playing Tampa tonight?
JOE: Yes. We don’t get a chance to play them often. This should be interesting.
LESTER: Who are they putting on the mound?
JOE: Hu.
LESTER: Thats what I’m asking. Who?
JOE: Hu.
LESTER: Hu is on first?
JOE: YES! WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU? CLEAN OUT YOUR EARS!
LESTER: Do you think we’ll have to rely on our relievers?
JOE: There’s always that possibility.
LESTER: Anyone in particular you’d like in there?
JOE: Yes. I might go to Morrow.
LESTER: But what about tonight?
JOE: Yes. To Morrow!
LESTER: Tonight!
JOE: TO MORROW!
LESTER: I GIVE UP!
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by Wayne Richards
Joe Madden is in the Cubs locker room trying to finish developing his line up for a game. Jon Lester walks in.
LESTER: Joe, do you have a minute?
JOE: What’s up?
LESTER: Do you have tonight’s line up completed? You said you might change things up.
JOE: Yes.
LESTER: OK. Who’s pitching first?
JOE: YU.
LESTER: WOW. Thanks. I won’t let you down. I’d better warm up.
JOE: NO! I want you to rest tonight.
LESTER: So I’m not pitching tonight?
JOE: No.
LESTER: Then who is?
JOE: Yu.
LESTER: (shaking his head) I’m a bit confused.
JOE: Confused About what?
LESTER: Who will be pitching first?
JOE: Yu is on first. I told you!
LESTER: We’re playing Tampa tonight?
JOE: Yes. We don’t get a chance to play them often. This should be interesting.
LESTER: Who are they putting on the mound?
JOE: Hu.
LESTER: Thats what I’m asking. Who?
JOE: Hu.
LESTER: Hu is on first?
JOE: YES! WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU? CLEAN OUT YOUR EARS!
LESTER: Do you think we’ll have to rely on our relievers?
JOE: There’s always that possibility.
LESTER: Anyone in particular you’d like in there?
JOE: Yes. I might go to Morrow.
LESTER: But what about tonight?
JOE: Yes. To Morrow!
LESTER: Tonight!
JOE: TO MORROW!
LESTER: I GIVE UP!
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Just a few weeks ago there was a rumor that the Cubs were trying to unload the bloated contract of Jason Heyward. That would’ve freed up some room for Bryce Harper. There’s a chance the front office could still pull off a trade, but don’t hold your breath.
Harper has been at the top of everybody’s list. He is now a free agent after playing his first seven seasons with the Nationals. Harper hasn’t signed anywhere yet. But, as we get closer to Spring training, it’s getting more unlikely.
The Cubs have made two major changes to their coaching staff this off season. Tommy Hottovy is now the pitching coach. Its his first season on a major league staff! He joined the Cubs in 2015 as a scout after completing a ten year pro pitching career, including parts of two seasons in the majors with Boston (2011) and Kansas City (2012). He plans to help out Joe Maddon with game plans and with assisting pitchers in their daily game prep.
The Cubs now have their third hitting coach in as many seasons after the team announced that it had hired former rangers hitting coach Anthony Iapoce, who replaces Chili Davis who lasted just one year on the job. That is one move I am happy our Cubs made.
Iapoce spent the last three years in Texas in the same role he’ll hold on the North side. But, Prior to that he served as a special assistant to the GM with the Cubs overseeing the minor league hitting program from 2013 to 2015.
With Spring training just about underway, its almost that time when we hear our favorite words, “PLAY BALL” at Wrigley Field.
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Harper has been at the top of everybody’s list. He is now a free agent after playing his first seven seasons with the Nationals. Harper hasn’t signed anywhere yet. But, as we get closer to Spring training, it’s getting more unlikely.
The Cubs have made two major changes to their coaching staff this off season. Tommy Hottovy is now the pitching coach. Its his first season on a major league staff! He joined the Cubs in 2015 as a scout after completing a ten year pro pitching career, including parts of two seasons in the majors with Boston (2011) and Kansas City (2012). He plans to help out Joe Maddon with game plans and with assisting pitchers in their daily game prep.
The Cubs now have their third hitting coach in as many seasons after the team announced that it had hired former rangers hitting coach Anthony Iapoce, who replaces Chili Davis who lasted just one year on the job. That is one move I am happy our Cubs made.
Iapoce spent the last three years in Texas in the same role he’ll hold on the North side. But, Prior to that he served as a special assistant to the GM with the Cubs overseeing the minor league hitting program from 2013 to 2015.
With Spring training just about underway, its almost that time when we hear our favorite words, “PLAY BALL” at Wrigley Field.
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Cubs World kicked off a busy 2 months of meetings and events with their February membership meeting. A local author, Dan Austin, was the main speaker. He wrote a biography of Hugh Alexander, called " The last great scout". Please check with the CUBS WORLD LIBRARY to see if a copy is available.
Alexander was a former baseball player who became one of the greatest scouts ever. Over his 60 year career, he scouted for 5 different teams, including the Cubs.
Another fine dinner was served by LIL BITES.
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Alexander was a former baseball player who became one of the greatest scouts ever. Over his 60 year career, he scouted for 5 different teams, including the Cubs.
Another fine dinner was served by LIL BITES.
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There is "Magic" in the air as we get close to opening day for our beloved Chicago Cubs!
Although we cannot use a magician's hat to pull out a guaranteed World Series win, we can do the next best thing.
Come see the magic- Monday,March 18th, Savannah Center.Doors open at 6:30.
Headliner will be Ron Shumate known as "Magic Ron". He will mesmerize you
with his magic stage show.
In addition a video entitled " Wrigley Field- Outside the Ivy" will be shown
giving you a glimpse of things that take place in and around the ballpark.
Bring your own drinks and snacks.
Cost is $7/person.Please register and pay by March 16.
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Although we cannot use a magician's hat to pull out a guaranteed World Series win, we can do the next best thing.
Come see the magic- Monday,March 18th, Savannah Center.Doors open at 6:30.
Headliner will be Ron Shumate known as "Magic Ron". He will mesmerize you
with his magic stage show.
In addition a video entitled " Wrigley Field- Outside the Ivy" will be shown
giving you a glimpse of things that take place in and around the ballpark.
Bring your own drinks and snacks.
Cost is $7/person.Please register and pay by March 16.
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Cubs World members- we would like to give you information of the upcoming events and membership meetings. Many of these programs will not have specific information, but we wanted you to mark your social calendar for " save the date" . Information for the March 4th and March 18th programs is already included in the newsletter.
February 20th - Fantasy baseball orientation meetings. February 20th 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Lake Miona Rec center
March 4th membership meeting - 6PM at Savannah . George Yankowski - guest speaker.
March 18th On Stage Magic with Ron Shumate , magician, 6:30 PM at Savannah Center.
March 28th Cubs viewing party at Gator's in Brownwood at 3 PM. OPENING DAY at Texas Rangers !!!
April 1st - Membership meting 6 PM at Colony Cottage Rec Center - details to be released as we receive them.
April 25th - Cubs viewing party at Gator's in Brownwood- 1:30 PM with the Dodgers at Wrigley Field.
May 6th- Membership meeting 6PM at Savannah Center details to be released later.
May 11th - Cubs Viewing party at Gator's in Brownwood- 1:30 at Milwaukee Brewers.
May 22- Battle of the Sexes or Cubs team trivia at Colony Rec Center.. Details will be released later.
For those who have not come to the viewing parties, please come . They are great fun.
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February 20th - Fantasy baseball orientation meetings. February 20th 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Lake Miona Rec center
March 4th membership meeting - 6PM at Savannah . George Yankowski - guest speaker.
March 18th On Stage Magic with Ron Shumate , magician, 6:30 PM at Savannah Center.
March 28th Cubs viewing party at Gator's in Brownwood at 3 PM. OPENING DAY at Texas Rangers !!!
April 1st - Membership meting 6 PM at Colony Cottage Rec Center - details to be released as we receive them.
April 25th - Cubs viewing party at Gator's in Brownwood- 1:30 PM with the Dodgers at Wrigley Field.
May 6th- Membership meeting 6PM at Savannah Center details to be released later.
May 11th - Cubs Viewing party at Gator's in Brownwood- 1:30 at Milwaukee Brewers.
May 22- Battle of the Sexes or Cubs team trivia at Colony Rec Center.. Details will be released later.
For those who have not come to the viewing parties, please come . They are great fun.
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It’s time for an update. It is going on 2months since I left the Villages. A lot has changed for me and I’ll get to that in a bit. But 1st for those that don’t know me, I’ll give you a short synopsis on my venture into Cubs World. Around February 2017 after that unbelievable year of 2016, I got together with a few good die-hard Cub fans and we came to the conclusion that we needed a Chicago Cubs club in the Villages. Four months later on June 5th Cubs World had their 1st official meeting. It took us four months to get it going and then we really started to get rolling . Working with a great crew of volunteers, and board members we poured some blood, sweat and tears and developed the framework of the future for the club. I thought I was back at work full time for quite a while. Here we are at almost 2 years in existence and we are about 400 members. Wow!
The 2nd part of my update will be my personal story with regard to my leaving the Villages. There comes a time in life that you have to make some decisions that may not seem to make sense. One morning a few months ago, I woke up and needed to discuss with my wife my idea of moving to the Carolinas. Why would I do that? Well fortunately my two granddaughters and I spent lots of time together when we lived in Chicago when they were growing up. My son moved to Atlanta, got married and had 2 great sons. He eventually moved on to Charlotte, NC. I think you may be getting it now. Our 2 grandsons are now in their sporting years and me being such a sporting nut, I decided to get with my wife and make that big decision. And we did it, we sold our house (including the furniture) in 1 month, and within the next month we were moved.
We are experiencing coooold weather up here and my 5 day a week pickleball has been greatly reduced. My wife is thrilled about that so we can go furniture shopping. If you think we moved fast when we decided to move, we are moving just as fast getting the house all furnished. Also needed was a new wardrobe as flannel shirts, long sleeve shirts and jackets were needed. Other than those few things, I think we have mixed in well in that community. We are living in a miniature model of the Villages. Sun City in Indian Land SC has about 3000 homes, and all of 8 pickleball courts. We are now starting to fit in as our social life has been increasing and meeting a lot of new, interesting people. I’d have to say we are adjusting well. Being around family was our main reason and we are enjoying that immensely.
Now the 3rd and last item will be of most concern to you. What have the Cubs done to improve for the upcoming season? I believe not too much if anything. Now let me go back to the years 2014 thru 2016. I bought into the Cubs new philosophy as evidenced by my book titled “I Did Believe”. Theo and Jed concentrated on position players in their drafting and international signings with little action on pitching. That has paid off as we saw in 2016. But recently our drafts have been top heavy with pitchers. What does that all mean. We will now be concentrating on home grown talent for our future pitchers as our position players are enough to go around.
As is my custom, through my many reviews of daily Cub information, I usually send interesting articles to Cub fans. Here is the latest from Brett Taylor, a great Cub writer. Enjoy.
So Much Pitching Percolating Up Through the System After a Philosophy Change and Other Bullets
January 25, 2019, by Brett Taylor Chicago Cubs News, Cubs Minor Leagues and Prospects
Updated look at the camp battle ahead for the @IowaCubs pitching staff. I have 28 names, not including any of the Tennessee guys that probably have earned a promotion, but likely won’t get one due to this glut. Narrowing this one down is going to be difficult.
Effects of AAA roster crunch will also be felt at the AA level, where I think you have ~10~ guys fighting for rotation spots. Are we looking at a potential piggyback rotation there? Not sure; something has to give.
Here I have 24 guys competing, not counting guys from AAA camp.
Go Cubbies.
Dave Gran
The 2nd part of my update will be my personal story with regard to my leaving the Villages. There comes a time in life that you have to make some decisions that may not seem to make sense. One morning a few months ago, I woke up and needed to discuss with my wife my idea of moving to the Carolinas. Why would I do that? Well fortunately my two granddaughters and I spent lots of time together when we lived in Chicago when they were growing up. My son moved to Atlanta, got married and had 2 great sons. He eventually moved on to Charlotte, NC. I think you may be getting it now. Our 2 grandsons are now in their sporting years and me being such a sporting nut, I decided to get with my wife and make that big decision. And we did it, we sold our house (including the furniture) in 1 month, and within the next month we were moved.
We are experiencing coooold weather up here and my 5 day a week pickleball has been greatly reduced. My wife is thrilled about that so we can go furniture shopping. If you think we moved fast when we decided to move, we are moving just as fast getting the house all furnished. Also needed was a new wardrobe as flannel shirts, long sleeve shirts and jackets were needed. Other than those few things, I think we have mixed in well in that community. We are living in a miniature model of the Villages. Sun City in Indian Land SC has about 3000 homes, and all of 8 pickleball courts. We are now starting to fit in as our social life has been increasing and meeting a lot of new, interesting people. I’d have to say we are adjusting well. Being around family was our main reason and we are enjoying that immensely.
Now the 3rd and last item will be of most concern to you. What have the Cubs done to improve for the upcoming season? I believe not too much if anything. Now let me go back to the years 2014 thru 2016. I bought into the Cubs new philosophy as evidenced by my book titled “I Did Believe”. Theo and Jed concentrated on position players in their drafting and international signings with little action on pitching. That has paid off as we saw in 2016. But recently our drafts have been top heavy with pitchers. What does that all mean. We will now be concentrating on home grown talent for our future pitchers as our position players are enough to go around.
As is my custom, through my many reviews of daily Cub information, I usually send interesting articles to Cub fans. Here is the latest from Brett Taylor, a great Cub writer. Enjoy.
So Much Pitching Percolating Up Through the System After a Philosophy Change and Other Bullets
January 25, 2019, by Brett Taylor Chicago Cubs News, Cubs Minor Leagues and Prospects
- We discussed yesterday the absurd glut of AAA arms through which the Cubs will have to sort – they simply cannot all be on the Iowa Cubs roster or on the big league roster or DL’d; there’s just too many – and that’s not the end of it:
Updated look at the camp battle ahead for the @IowaCubs pitching staff. I have 28 names, not including any of the Tennessee guys that probably have earned a promotion, but likely won’t get one due to this glut. Narrowing this one down is going to be difficult.
Effects of AAA roster crunch will also be felt at the AA level, where I think you have ~10~ guys fighting for rotation spots. Are we looking at a potential piggyback rotation there? Not sure; something has to give.
Here I have 24 guys competing, not counting guys from AAA camp.
- If they aren’t at AAA, and if they are healthy, it just seems like you absolutely have to have Steele, Lange, Rucker, Thompson, Swarmer (Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year), and Miller starting at AA. Maybe Abbott can return to High-A for a bit, because he didn’t get a lot of time there. Ditto Leal. Bailey Clark has always struck me as more of a relief candidate. Hatch might be most effective/likely to reach the big leagues in relief.
- Man, this really is a glut of actually interest pitching prospects at AA and above. This is what the front office referenced at the Convention – feeling like they were in this place for the first time in their tenure atop the organization – and hopefully it plays out. It’s easy to assume that you’ll get one or two big league contributors out of 15+ AAA/AA guys who you regard as “legit prospects,” but I’m not counting any chickens.
- Nevertheless, it’s good to have a lot of options. If nothing else, even the guys who ultimately can’t quite cut it as starters in the big leagues might wind up productive relievers, which is something the Cubs haven’t been able to produce en masse either.
- To that end, hopefully what we’re seeing now is the product of a change in philosophy in the organization, as described by Jason McLeod at the Convention: “I think as we thought about pitching, we tried to fit everyone neatly into a box. Do these mechanics lead to what we think is going to be long-term health, and has he thrown enough strikes that we think the prior performance is going to equal this type of performance going forward? So we put so many checks on guys, I feel, that we probably walked by some guys that didn’t meet certain criteria at the time. That’s what I meant by being probably a little too conservative. We wanted them to check so many boxes. Strike throwers who we thought were going to be healthy, that had this type of performance – whether it be strikeout rate, whether it be walk rate – and that probably hamstrung us a little bit …. We probably could’ve pushed guys in our early days I think, as we sit here five or six years later, I think that – not to be egregious about anything – but we’re probably being a little more aggressive.”
- The implication there is that the Cubs feel their lack of impact at the big league level on the pitching side has been less a scouting and drafting problem and more of a developmental problem.
- Very cool:
Go Cubbies.
Dave Gran
BY
DON MULDER
Baseball is a lot like life. It’s not enough to be skilled in just one thing. To reach “the big’s” we need to field, hit… and run. Physical skills are essential but it’s also essential to accept coaching and work well with the team around us. No one can hit it out of the park every time, but often a well-placed hit is just what the team needs.
But life is bigger than baseball. There are no doubt many things you wanted to do or try your hand at that didn’t fit in your game before retirement. Well, the good news is retirement’s a ‘new ballgame’. There are over 3,000 clubs in The Villages in which you have innumerable opportunities to use the skills you already have or develop new ones.
This is no time to sit on the bench. It’s the time to do what you want to do instead of what you had to do. If you’re not sure what that is just dive into something that looks interesting. No problem if you strike out because there are endless alternatives.
Cubs World is one of the best places for you to play this new game. You share a common interest with everyone in the club, so you ‘fit in’ immediately and can feel at home. Plus, it offers a wide variety of opportunities to try new things from sitting on a not-for-profit Board to helping field a social event?
Why not step to the plate and take a swing at a few new pitches?
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DON MULDER
Baseball is a lot like life. It’s not enough to be skilled in just one thing. To reach “the big’s” we need to field, hit… and run. Physical skills are essential but it’s also essential to accept coaching and work well with the team around us. No one can hit it out of the park every time, but often a well-placed hit is just what the team needs.
But life is bigger than baseball. There are no doubt many things you wanted to do or try your hand at that didn’t fit in your game before retirement. Well, the good news is retirement’s a ‘new ballgame’. There are over 3,000 clubs in The Villages in which you have innumerable opportunities to use the skills you already have or develop new ones.
This is no time to sit on the bench. It’s the time to do what you want to do instead of what you had to do. If you’re not sure what that is just dive into something that looks interesting. No problem if you strike out because there are endless alternatives.
Cubs World is one of the best places for you to play this new game. You share a common interest with everyone in the club, so you ‘fit in’ immediately and can feel at home. Plus, it offers a wide variety of opportunities to try new things from sitting on a not-for-profit Board to helping field a social event?
Why not step to the plate and take a swing at a few new pitches?
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