- Andrew Cashner was named the Cubs fifth starter today. Carlos Silva was told that he will not make the team.
- Silva was not happy with the way the Cubs handle the competition and the way Mark Riggins informed him about the decision.
- Jim Hendry is trying to work out a trade for Silva, but if that does not happen he will be given the option of going to Triple-A Iowa or becoming a free agent. Silva said today that there is "no chance" of him going to Triple-A.
- Marcos Mateo has made the team. Mike Quade announced today that Mateo has won the final spot in the bullpen. Jeff Stevens and Casey Coleman were both sent to minor league camp today.
- There are currently only 27 guys in big league camp. The two extra players are both catchers trying to recover from injuries- Welington Castillo (finger) and Max Ramirez (wrist). Carrie Muskat reports that they are in camp for insurance and Koyie Hill is still expected to make the roster.
- Ramirez will take BP tomorrow and if it goes well he could get in a Cactus League game before camp breaks.
- Q expects Mateo, Russell and Samardzija to all be able to go 2+ innings on some days.
- Augie Ojeda, who was already sent to Fitch Park, is dealing with more back spasms.
- Jeff Baker is day-to-day and expects to play in Goodyear on Monday.
- Randy Wells will start the Cubs intersqaud scrimmage on Wednesday, while Cashner gets his final tune-up on Thursday in a minor league game.
- On a personal note, today I saw a game at Surprise Stadium for the first time. I was very impressed with the field, which is a bit smaller than HoHoKam. It's a good place to take in a ballgame.
- This morning I watched early batting practice at HoHoKam Park before the team left on the bus. It's a great idea if you would like to get close to the players and have a shot at an autograph or two in addition to seeing some extra BP.
That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!
