Getting to Know the Cubs: Ian Stewart

With Spring Training winding down, we continue our player-by-player breakdowns of Cubs newcomers with Ian Stewart, who was acquired to take the third base position vacated by the departure of Aramis Ramirez.

• Born: April 5, 1985 in Long Beach, CA
  
• Age: 27
• Drafted: by the Rockies in the first round (10th overall) of the 2003 draft
• Signed: June 11, 2003
• Teams: Rockies (2007-2011); Cubs (present)
• Contract Situation: 2nd year arbitration eligible, free agent in 2015
• Career Stats: .236 average, 54 home runs, 187 RBIs
• 2011 Stats: .156 average, 0 HR, 6 RBIs
• B/T: Left/Right
• Positions: 3B (354 career games), 2B (33 career games), LF (6 career games) and RF (3 career games)
• ESPN projects that a change of scenery might be exactly what Stewart needed to jump-start his career.
• Jersey: #2
• Acquired by the Cubs: in the trade that sent Tyler Colvin and DJ LeMahieu to Colorado in December. The Cubs also netted minor league pitcher Casey Weathers.
• According to Fangraphs, Stewart is an above average defensive third baseman

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Getting to Know the Cubs: David DeJesus

Today we continue to profile some of the new Cubs players by taking a closer look at the background of right fielder David DeJesus, who signed with the Cubs this offseason.

• Positions: Center field (527 career games), left field (289 career games) and right field (219 career games)


• Drafted: by the Royals in the 4th round of the 2000 draft


• High School: Manalapan (Englishtown, NJ)


• College: Rutgers


• Acquired by the Cubs: Signed this winter to a 2 year, $10 million deal with a team option for 2014


• Teams: Royals (2003-2010), A's (2011) and Cubs (present)


• B/T: Left


• Height: 5'11"


• Weight: 190 pounds


• MLB Debut: September 2, 2003


• Career MLB Stats: .284 average, 71 HR, 436 RBIs in 1007 games


• 2011 Stats: .240 average with 10 HR and 46 RBIs in 131 games


• The first free agent brought in by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer after they took over the Cubs front office


• Known as a good defensive outfielder


• Expected to lead-off for the Cubs


• Doesn't still a lot of bases, but it still a smart baserunner


• Has a wife and kids


• Known to be a good clubhouse guy with a positive attitude


• 32 years old


• Bill James projects that he will hit .271 in 2012 with 8 home runs and 46 RBIs

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Getting to Know the Cubs: Bryan LaHair

There will be many new faces taking the field for the Chicago Cubs on Opening Day 2012. One of those new faces is actually not a new acquisition. Bryan LaHair has been in the organization for several years. He has been given the starting job at first base for the 2012 season. Here's some information on LaHair!

• Positions: 1B (764 games), LF (131 games), RF (32 games) and DH (6 games)
• Drafted: By Seattle in the 39th round of the 2002 draft
• MLB Debut: July 18, 2008
• Hit .250 in 45 big league games with the Mariners in '08
• Played in 20 games for the Cubs in 2011, posting a .288 average
• Career MLB Stats: 65 games, 2 seasons, 5 home runs, 16 RBIs, .262 average
• 2011 Triple-A Stats: .331 average, 38 HR, 109 RBIs
• Career Minor League Stats: 970 games, .295 average, 159 HR, 651 RBIs
• College: Sb. Petersburg College
  
• Awards: 2005 California League All-Star
• B/T: Left/Right
• Came to the Cubs: By signing a minor league contract with an invite to spring training before the 2010 season.
• Age: 29
  
• According to Cubs.com, LaHair says he's in the best shape of his life
• Broke Joe Hicks's Iowa Cubs home run record
• Bill James projects that LaHair will hit .273 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs this season
• RotoChamp projects LaHair to hit .250 with 12 homers and 60 RBIs

Feel free to comment with your thoughts!

Getting to Know the Cubs: Paul Maholm

There are just two days until pitchers and catchers report! We'll have full coverage of Cubs camp over the next few weeks right here on Everything Cubs Blog. Today, let's continue to get to know some of the newest members of the ball club by turning our attention to Paul Maholm.

• Age: 29
• Birthday: June 25, 1982
• Drafted by: The Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round (8th overall) of the 2003 draft
• Position: Starting Pitcher
• B/T: Left
• MLB Debut: August 30, 2005
• Spent the first seven years of his career with the Pirates before signing with the Cubs this winter
• Went 6-14 with a 3.66 ERA in 2011
• Career record of 53-73 with a 4.36 ERA
• Contract: 1 year, $4.75 million, team option for 2013
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 220 pounds
• College: Mississippi State University
• Agent: Bo McKinnis
• Fastball averages between 89-90 mph for career, but is now around 87-88
• Pirates poor defense and lack of run support hurts his numbers
• Has been much better at home than on the road
• Healthy career, no DL stints until 2011
• Has dominated the Cubs over the years
• Throws from high 3/4s
  
• Also throws change-up, slider, and curve ball

Maholm will compete for a spot in the starting rotation in Spring Training.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Getting to Know the Cubs: Travis Wood

Let's continue our getting to know the Cubs series today with another new starting pitcher- Travis Wood. Information thanks to Baseball Reference & RedsReport.com.

• Age: 24


• Birthday: February 6, 1987


• Career Record: 11-10 in 39 games, 35 starts


• Career ERA: 4.18


• 2011 Stats: 6-6 with 4.84 ERA


• Drafted: by the Reds in the Second round of the '05 draft


• Debut: VS Cubs on July 1, 2010, 7 IP, 2 H, 2 ER


• Arb Elgible: 2014


• Free Agent: 2017


• B/T: Right/Left


• Height: 5'11'


• Weight: 175 pounds


• Came to the Cubs: In the Sean Marshall trade


• Throw a "spiked" curveball


• Learned his cutter from Cliff Lee


• Also throws slider, four-seam fastball, change-up


• Uses fastball frequently


• Mostly uses just fastballs and cutters against left handed hitter


• Has a high fly ball rate

To check out the Getting to Know Chris Volstad post, click here.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted.

Getting to Know the Cubs: Chris Volstad

There will be plenty of new faces in the mix when Spring Training gets underway in February. Right handed pitcher Chris Volstad is one of those faces. Here is some biographical information on Volstad that will help you know what to expect when you see him on the Wrigley Field mound this summer. Information courtesy of BaseballReference.com.

• Born: September 23, 1986
• Age: 25
• High School: Palm Beach Gardens
• Drafted: by the Marlins in the first round (16th overall) in the 2005 draft
• MLB Debut: July 6, 2008, earned the win in relief VS Rockies
  
• Teams: Marlins (2008-2011)
• Arbitration Eligible: 2013
• Free Agent: 2015
• Acquired: In the trade that sent Carlos Zambrano to Miami
  
• 2011 Stats: 5-13 with 4.89 ERA
• Career Stats: 32-39 with 4.59 ERA
• B/T: Right
• Height: 6'8"
• 103 Career Games, 102 starts
• Incidents: Suspended six games in 2010 for involvement in bench clearing brawl
• Style: Finesse Pitcher, ground ball pitcher
  
• Pitches: Sinking fastball (90-93 mph), tight curve, sinking change-up and slider
• Does not strike out many or allow many home runs

We'll continue to profile each of the new Cubs over the next weeks.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Getting to Know Doug Davis & Ramon Ortiz

In the past week, the Cubs have added two veteran pitchers to their organization. Yesterday, James Russell's debut in the rotation did not go so well. The Cubs could be in need of some pitching help. Here is the little bit of information of the two hurlers inked by the Cubs.

Ramon Ortiz

37 years old

RHP

Signed a minor league contract with the Cubs and assigned to Triple-A Iowa

Spent 2010 with three different organizations (LAD, NYM, TB), making 16 big league appearances and two starts.

Has also played with the Angels (1999-2004), Reds (2005), Nationals (2006), Twins (2007) and Rockies (2007).

Career ERA of 4.93 with a record of 85-82 in 10 seasons.

Pitched 5.2 innings in his Iowa Cubs debut on Monday, allowing 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 3 walks.

Doug Davis

LHP

35 years old

Signed a minor league contract with the Cubs to a pro-rated salary of $900,000 if he pitches in the major with a chance to earn close to #2 million in incentives.

Will report to Fitch Park and work in extended spring training before heading to Iowa

Coming off elbow surgery

Has played for the Rangers (1999-2003), Blue Jays (2003), Brewers (2003-2006, 2010) and D'backs (2007-2009).

Went 1-4 in only eight games for the Brewers last season

Career ERA of 4.38 with a record of 91-101 in 12 seasons

We'll see if these guys can help the Cubs as some point!

Getting to Know the Cubs: Pat Listach

Let us go back to our "Getting to Know the Cubs" series by learning a little bit more about the new bench coach for the Chicago Cubs.

Full Name: Patrick Alan Listach

Birthday: September 12

Age: 43

Position (during career): shortstop

College: Arizona State

Drafted: 5th round in 1988 by the Brewers

Teams: Brewers ('92-'96) and Astros ('97)

Career Stats: .251 AVG, 5 HR, 143 RBIs

Minor League Coaching (Cubs' chain): manager at AA ('06-'07) and Triple-A Iowa ('08)

Big League Coaching: Washington Nationals third base coach (2009-2010)

Awards: 1992 Rookie of the Year, 2008 PCL Manager of the Year

Cubs Bench Coaches of the last 10 Years

Alan Trammell: 2007-2010

Dick Pole: 2003-2006

Rene Lachemann: 2000-2002

Welcome back to the organization!

Getting to Know the Cubs: Brian Schlitter

Brian Schlitter has rejoined the Cubs bullpen after a short stint on the disabled list. Let's get to know a little bit more about the young hurler.

Position: Pitcher

Bats/Throws: Right

Drafted: by the Phillies in the 16th round of the 2007 draft.

Major League Debut: June 28, 2010

Major League Stats: 0-1, 10.80 ERA, 4 Games, 5 IP

Born: December 21, 1985 in Oak Park, IL

Age: 24

2010 Minor League Stats: 1-1, 3.72 ERA, 30 games, and 12 saves

Came to the Organization: From the Phillies in August of 2008 in return for Scott Eyre

Hopefully Brian improves and has a positive impact on the Cubs bullpen!

Getting to Know the Cubs: Ted Lilly

Will Wednesday's start be Ted Lilly's last in a Cubs uniform?

Lilly, who is in the last year of his contract, has been at the center of many trade rumors and reports this month. He could very well be sent packing from Chicago before the end of this month.

There have been a lot of great memories of Ted pitching for the Cubs... but we won't dive into those until he leaves the time, which hopefully will not be anytime soon.

For now, let's learn a little bit more about the background of the Cubs' durable lefty.

Full Name: Theodore Roosevelt Lilly III

Position: Pitcher

B/T: Left

Drafted: By the Dodgers in the 23rd round of the 1996 draft

MLB Debut: May 14, 1999 with the Expos

Teams: Expos (1999), NYY (2000-'02), A's ('02-'03), Blue Jays ('04-'06), and Cubs ('07-present)

All-Star Games: 2004 & 2009

Signed with the Cubs: December 15, 2006

Nickname: The Bulldog

Age: 34

Jersey Number: 30

Born: January 4, 1976

2010 Stats: 3-8, 4.07 ERA

Career Stats: 106-92, 4.24 ERA

Interesting Fact: Ted pitched in two games for team USA during the '09 World Baseball Classic.

Teddy is a good guy to have on your team. Hopefully it is in the Cubs plans to resign him at the end of this year! However, if he doesn't fit into the 2011 picture a trade now makes sense!

Getting to Know the Cubs: Mitch Atkins

Cubs right handed Mitch Atkins already spent one stint with the Cubs this season, but he did not appear in a single game before being sent down. Since he finally made his season debut last night, let's learn a little bit more about him!

Full Name:

Mitchell Shane Atkins

Bats/Throws:

Right/Right

Birthday: October 1, 1985

Age: 24

Height/Weight: 6'3''/230 lbs

Drafted: By the Cubs in the 7th round of the 2004 draft

PCL Pitcher of the Week Awards: 8/31/09, 6/7/10

Minor League All-Star Appearances:

2006 Midwest League (Peoria)

2007 Florida State League (Daytona)

2008 Southern League (Tennessee)

Big League Debut: July 29, 2010 VS Houston- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R

2009 Stats: 2 games, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R

2010 Debut: Last night VS LAD- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 R

2010 Stats at AAA-Iowa: 5-2, 3.60 ERA, 18 games, 10 starts, 1 save

Jersey: #60

Getting to Know the Cubs: Carlos Silva

Most of year already know this man. He's been the best pitcher in the starting rotation this season, so let's learn a little more about Carlos Silva!

Full Name: Carlos Silva

B/T: Right

Position: Pitcher

MLB Debut: April 1, 2002

Teams: Phillies (2002-2003), Twins ('04-'07), Mariners ('08-'09), and Cubs (present).

Age: 31

Born: April 23, 1979

Home Country: Venezuela

Career Stats: 65-64, 4.66 ERA, 303 GAmes

2009 Stats: 1-3 with an 8.60 ERA in 8 games

Came to the Cubs: On December 18 in the deal that sent Milton Bradley to the Mariners.

2010 Stats: 5-0, 3.35 ERA, 8 Starts

Getting to Know the Cubs: Starlin Castro

As the vast majority of you have heard by now, the Chicago Cubs have a new short stop. Let's take some time to get to know a little bit more about Starlin.

Full Name: Starlin DeJesus Castro

B/T: Right

Position: Short Stop

Height/Weight: 6'0"/190 lb

Born: March 24, 1990

Signed: By the Cubs as an amateur free agent in 2006.

Prospect Ratings:

• Top Prospect in the Organization according to Baseball Prospectus.
• Rated "Best Competitiveness" in the organization by Vineline.
• Rated best range and best arm strength by a short stop in the system.
• Best defensive infielder in the system according to Baseball America.

Minor League Stats: Hit .376 in 26 games at AA-Tennessee before his call-up.

Big League Stats: 4-12, 2B, 3B, HR, and 6 RBIs in 3 games

Notable Accomplishments Already:

• First Cub born in the 1990s.
• First player in Major League Baseball history to have 6 RBIs in his big league debut.
• Sixth player in Cubs' history to hit a home run in his first career at bat. He is the third big leaguer to do so this season (Heyward and Luke Hughes were the others).

He is set to make his Wrigley Field debut tonight. Hopefully Castro will remain a fixture there for years to come.

Getting to Know the Cubs: Marlon Byrd

Here's a guy that plays the game the way it's supposed to be played. Marlon Byrd is a hard worker, a "gamer", and a pretty good hitter.

His glove work in center has also been pretty good. It's time to take a closer look at the Cubs' new center fielder.

Full Name: Marlon Jerrard Byrd

Postion: Centerfield

B/T: Right

Drafted: By the Phillies in the 10th round of the 1999 June Draft

Teams: Phillies (2002-2005), Nationals ('05-'06), Texas ('07-'09) and Cubs (present).

Age: 32

Birthday: August 30

2010 Stats: .354 AVG, .369 OBP, 5 HR, 19 RBIs

Career Stats: .282 AVG, 65 HR, 810 Games

On a side note, Happy Birthday Ryan Dempster! Let's hope the year-older Demp can beat the Pirates tomorrow night!

Getting to Know the Cubs: Jeff Gray

When the Cubs placed Esmalin Caridad on the DL, they made their first minor league callup of the year. Let's meet the newest Cubs.

Full Names: Jeffrey Michael Gray

Position: Pitcher

B/T: Right

Drafted: By the A's in the 32nd round of the 2004 draft

Came to the Cubs: On December 3, 2009 in a trade with Oakland. Jake Fox and Aaron Miles were sent the other way in the deal.

MLB Debut: September 8, 2008

2010 Stats: 2 Games, 3 IP, 3 ER

Career Big League Stats: 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in 31 big league games.

Age: 28

College: Southwest Missouri State University

Getting to Know the Cubs: Xavier Nady

This winter, the Cubs added a new backup outfielder to the mix. He's coming off Tommy John surgery, so to start the year his defense is limited. Let's learn a little bit more about this former Pirate.

Full Name: Xavier Clifford Nady VI

Positions: Right Field and First Base

B/T: Right

Age: 31

Drafted: By the San Diego Padres in the 2nd round of the 2000 amateur draft.

MLB Debut: September 30, 2000

Teams: Padres (2000-2005), Mets (2006), Pirates (2006-2008), Yankees (2008-2009), and Cubs (2010)

Career Games by Position: RF (409), LF (100), 1B (82), CF (45), DH 16, and 3B (3).

Career Batting Average: .280

2010 Stats: 3-7, HR, 4 RBIs, BB

Interesting Fact: Traded for Mike Cameron in 2005; traded for Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Perez in 2006; traded again from Pirates to Yankees in '08

Getting to Know the Cubs: Tyler Colvin

Today we continue to profile Cubs players.

Tyler Colvin could get 2-3 starts a week in the outfield and we've heard a lot about him in Spring Training, so it's about time that we take a closer look.

Full Name: Tyler Eugene Colvin

Position: Outfield

B/T: Left

MLB Debut: September 21, 2009

Drafted: by the Cubs in the first round of the 2006 draft (13th overall)

College: Clemson University

Age: 24

2009 Minor League Stats: Hit .286 with 15 home runs in 116 games split between Daytona and Tennssee.

2009 Big League Stats: 3-17 at the plate

Spring Training Stats: .468 AVG in 25 games

Games Played by Position: CF (172), RF (91), & LF (87)

Uniform Number: 21

Interesting Fact: Added 25 pounds of muscle this offseason.

Getting to Know the Cubs: James Russell

Today we continue our series of posts that spotlight certain members of the 2010 Chicago Cubs. Last week we featured Justin Berg, so today let's stay in the bullpen with James Russell.

Before this Spring Training, many Cubs fans had not even heard of this guy, so it's important that we dig a little deeper for some info before the start of the season!

Full Name: James Clayton Russell

Bats/Throws: Left/Left

Position: Pitcher

Drafted: By the Cubs in the 14th round of the 2007 June Draft

College: University of Texas

Family: James' father Jeff played in the big leagues for six different clubs from 1983-1996. Jeff was a two time All Star and had a career ERA of 3.75.

2009 Stats: 3-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 26 games at AAA Iowa, 5.11 ERA in 11 AA games.

2009 Arizona Fall League: 1.26 ERA in 11 games with the Mesa Solar Sox

Spring Training Stats: 10 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 0.00 ERA

Role: Russell will be a part of the young Cub pen to start the season. He'll have to pitch well to avoid being bumped when Ted Lilly comes off the DL. James will be used mostly in middle relief.

Getting to Know the Cubs: Justin Berg

The next time you see this guy, a "C" will replace the "I" on his cap. Lou Piniella has said that he will be a member of the Cubs' bullpen. Many of you may not even know who this is, so let's learn a little bit about him!

Full Name: Justin Christopher Berg

Born: July 7, 1984

Position: Pitcher

B/T: Right

College: Indian Hills Community College-Centerville

Drafted: By the Yankees in the 43rd round of the 2003 June Draft

Age: 25

MLB Debut: Auguest 13, 2009

2009 Cub Stats: 0.75 ERA in 11 games

Traded: To the Cubs on August 27, 2005 in the deal that sent Matt Lawton to New York.

Cubs Career: Peoria ('05), Daytona ('06), Tennessee ('07-'08), Iowa ('08-'09), and Chicago ('09)

Winter Ball: Pitched for the Mesa Solar Sox in the 2007 Arizona Fall League

We'll continue to get to know the 2010 Cubs throughout the season!

Getting to Know the Cubs: Geovany Soto

Full Name: Geovany Soto

Drafted: By the Chicago Cubs in the 11th round of the 2001 June first year player draft.

Nickname: Geo

Born: January 20, 1983 in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Big League Debut: September 23, 2005

Bats/Throws: R/R

Teams: Cubs (2005-present)

Awards: 2008 Rookie of the Year

Interesting Fact: Geo participated in the Futures Game for the World Team in 2007.
Career Stats: .264 batting average with 37 home runs and 153 RBIs.

We need a good year out of Soto in 2010!