2012 Spring Training

[Trendy Bastard]

Excerpt from a story by Bruce Levine on SveumSveum's no-nonsense approach just right - Chicago Cubs Blog - ESPN Chicago

Example 1: A Cubs minor league player was late for the team’s first day of meetings on Feb. 18. Sveum made it clear to the young man that type of work carelessness would not be tolerated.

Example 2: A media member showed up late for a Sveum briefing and kindly asked the Cubs manager to repeat himself. Once again, Sveum let it be known that will not be the case in the future.

I'm getting a good feeling about Sveum. This and the whole bunting tournament his staff has going this spring is really catching my interest. He's said all the right things so far. I just can't wait until a game is on tv, or at least streamed so I can see how he handles a game. I liked what Quade was doing last spring, but I turned on him pretty quick after watching him manage the pitching staff and set the lineups.

[Trendy Bastard]

The Cubs lost to the Athletics yesterday in a shootout, 12-10.

Rematch is today with Ryan Dempster on the mound.

[Trendy Bastard]

Cubs lost to the A's again today, 8-7.

-Dempster gave up one run and two hits over two innings.
-Recently DFA'd INF DeWitt hit a three run home run.
-Top ten prospect Vitters hit a RBI double.

Garza pitches tomorrow as the Cubs host the Rockies.

[Trendy Bastard]

Cubs defeated the Rockies 11 - 4 today.

-Soriano drilled two home runs.
-Brett Jackson continues to impress with a three run bomb. (His third straight game with a home run, if you include the two scrimmage games)
-Anthony Rizzo went 2-3 with an RBI.
-Garza gave up two runs on three hits over two innings.

Shark will pitch tomorrow against the Royals.

[Trendy Bastard]

Well, I dropped the ball on this one.

Dempster will start opening day with Garza following in the number two spot. Paul Maholm was announced as the 5th starter. I was a bit puzzled by this at first, but after looking at the schedule, that will set him up against the LH heavy lineups in April. I believe it was reported that the other two starters will be announced tomorrow.

I fully expect them to be Jeff Samardzija and Chris Volstad, in no particular order.

[Trendy Bastard]

-Clevenger will be the back up catcher. Castillo sent to AAA.
-Wells, Coleman, Gonzalez, Lalli, Parker, Maine, T.Wood, Sappelt, Tolbert sent down.
-Mather and DeWitt make the roster.
- Rotation order will be Demp, Garza, Samardzija, Volstad and Maholm.
-GM Jed Hoyer says bullpen still in flux. Lopez could be long man.
-One spot on the bench left.

[zodious]

Suppelt and Wood sent down... Reds win trade?

[Trendy Bastard]

Lol not on that basis. Time will tell though.

[zodious]

Lol not on that basis. Time will tell though.

I know, you can't judge a trade that quick. I was kidding. But Suppelt did belt one on us 2 days ago. (in the ninth off of someone just picked up off the street) I'm sure that made him feel good.

[Trendy Bastard]

RF DeJesus
2B Barney
SS Castro
1B LaHair
LF Soriano
3B Stewart
CF Byrd
C Soto
P Dempster

It's being said this is probably the Opening Day lineup. I like! Having Barney in the two hole again makes me cringe, but he is red hot in ST. Might as well see if he can repeat what he did at the beginning of last season.

I also like that Castro is in the three spot. He struggled last year when he batted there, but he's our best overall hitter, and I'm expecting more power this season.

[Trendy Bastard]

Every time the Cubs have been on TV, Castro has not played.

[zodious]

Every time the Cubs have been on TV, Castro has not played.

"Secret" weapon?