The Rundown: Spring Breakout Rosters Announced, Kilian Hurt, Caissie Gets High Praise, Stanek to Mariners
There is no preamble today because I have been called into an all-hands meeting as I was composing today’s Rundown. Those types of meetings are never good, especially when the country is on the precipice of a recession. So maybe cross your fingers and start creating a fundraiser for me.
Apologies for that, but I’ll be back Monday with the usual rigmarole found here on the daily.
Just like during the rain delays back in the Cubs’ WGN days, I have backup programming ready for an occasion such as this one.
Cubs News & Notes
- The Cubs announced their Spring Breakout roster for next Friday’s game against the White Sox. All of the Cubs top 10 prospects made the roster except Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Jordan Wicks. MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event showcasing baseball’s best prospects in head-to-head competition with another team’s future stars. The North Siders have a very stacked roster.
- Caleb Kilian was diagnosed with a teres major strain in his right shoulder that will sideline him until the All-Star break.
- Manager Craig Counsell was very impressed with Kilian, who will probably now start the season on the 60-day IL.
- Speaking of impressive, Matt Shaw has demonstrated an “exceptional work ethic” this spring.
- Alexander Canario has a legitimate shot of making Chicago’s Opening Day roster because of the left-handed-heavy lineup.
- This isn’t news because it’s a Chicago Sun-Times letter to the editor, but Wrigley Field should never be home to both Chicago baseball teams. I understand the real estate concept of location, but no thanks.
- I’d like to thank Matt Levy of the NY Post for doing the bargain hunting I am usually loath to do.
Odds & Sods
Man, I wish Andrew Chafin still played for the Cubs. Long live The Sheriff, my favorite reliever since Rod Beck.
Andrew Chafin:
"You said a whole lot right there and I couldn't remember exactly what you said." 🙂 pic.twitter.com/MYgsWjVfrs
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 8, 2024
Central Intelligence
I’d like to add a quick note here if you do not mind. This has become my favorite section because I believe the Cardinals are destined for a long run of ineptitude. They’re aging and their farm system is as weak as it’s ever been, at least as I see it. They’ll be lower third once Masyn Winn gets his big league gig. May they stay at the bottom all season long! Sláinte!
- Milwaukee: The Dodgers are looking for a shortstop and have their sights set on Willy Adames.
- Cincinnati: Projection models don’t love the Reds, but the team believes its chances of making the postseason are very solid.
- Pittsburgh: Ex-Brewers starter Eric Lauer will be heading to the Pirates on a minor league deal.
- St. Louis: Adam Wainwright drops his new single “Hey Y’all” today, and he’ll perform it in his debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night. Wainwright’s new single is by far the most clichéd country and western song I’ve ever heard.
Climbing the Ladder
Owen Caissie won’t make the Opening Day roster, but Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes the young outfielder could see big league playing time ($) before the end of the season. I suppose the inimitable Dick Vitale would call Caissie a diaper dandy if he was announcing baseball games, and thankfully, he is not.
“He’s having an impressive spring training with the Cubs, going 10-for-23 so far with scouts across the league raving about him. He’ll probably start the season in Triple-A and force his way to the majors later this year. He’s a special talent.”
Do we still miss Yu Darvish?
Spring Training News & Notes
The Mariners and reliever Ryne Stanek have reached an agreement on a one-year deal, though the financials are still unavailable.
Seattle might pursue starter and NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell next.
The Red Sox and starter Brayan Bello have reached an agreement on a six-year, $55 million extension. Boston also holds an option to add a seventh year at $21 million.
Chris Sale is not ready to call this phase of his career a rebirth, but he’s healthy and hopes to lead the Braves to a world championship.
Uniform issues have dominated the headlines for a few weeks, but perhaps Congress should be lighting a fire beneath the sports apparel behemoth’s bottom.
If you’re interested in seeing all of the Spring Breakout rosters, call MLB Pipeline “Johnny-on-the-Spot.”
Apropos of Nothing
If you want to give a fantastic gift to somebody special, may I recommend The Complete Stax/Volt Singles (1959-68) Box Set? What a fantastic package covering 244 songs on nine full-length discs.
Extra Innings
Head for the mountains!
First HR in a Cubs uniform for Michael Busch! pic.twitter.com/BkeivLJ4IP
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 8, 2024
They Said It
- “I expect some really hard [40-man roster] decisions. I mean, it’s a good problem to have, and also knowing that the guys that we put out there on waivers are going to get claimed so it’s just a matter of, like, can we find trades if we have to do that? It’s hard to get to that place where you know that you’re potentially sending good players out to other teams.” – Counsell
- “I think Caleb was off to a great start. Talking to him, he should be very confident of where he was, right? And that should really help him over the next couple months here, and motivate him, that he should be really excited about how he was throwing [the] baseball. There was a lot to like, and he certainly got my attention.” – Counsell
- “[Shaw’s] work ethic is pretty exceptional. I think he’s just one of those guys who is like, ‘Oh, you want me to play third? Great. I’m just going to take a gazillion ground balls at third and I’ll work as hard as I can there.’ I just think that whatever task or thing we give him, he’s just going to tackle it like that, which is great. That’s his personality.” – Jed Hoyer
Friday Walk-Up Song
Opening Day is 19 sleeps away, we spring forward this weekend, and barbecues, bathing suits, and flip-flops are right around the corner.
