Blogging from Mesa (#2)

The Cubs picked up a win over the Rangers today and made some big time roster decisions. Here's the latest:

• 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!

Midweek Quick Hits: Maine, Wells, VFTB & More

I will be leaving tomorrow morning to go to Arizona for Spring Training! I will see the rest of the Cubs Cactus League games, starting with tomorrow's battle with the White Sox at HoHoKam Park. I will provide daily reports from The Valley of the Sun on this site!

Click here for my first article over at View From the Bleachers. I will be doing some writing over at VFTB, so please check out that great site.

A lot of news lately, let us get you caught up.

• The Cubs made four more roster cuts today. Justin Berg, Todd Wellemyer, Scott Maine and Angel Guzman were all assigned to minor league camp.
• Randy Wells has been awarded the job as the Cubs number four starter.
• Aramis Ramirez has been battling a fever, but he is starting to feel better and is back in Cubs camp.
• Carrie Muskat tweets that Carlos Silva, Braden Looper and Andrew Cashner are all still in the mix for the final spot in the rotation.
• Muskat reports that Max Ramirez was expected to have an MRI on his sore wrist today.
• Arizona Phil from TCR saw Carlos Marmol and Justin Berg pitch at Fitch Park yesterday and wrote up a full report.
• Matt Garza will pitch against the White Sox tomorrow. Kosuke, Castro, Byrd, Ramirez, Pena, Soriano, Barney and Hill are expected to be in the starting lineup.

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

Breaking News: Cubs Claim Max Ramirez

John Paul Morosi tweets that the Cubs have claimed catcher Max Ramirez off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. Ramirez was only in the Red Sox organization for a week after being claimed from Texas.

Max will be added to the 40-man roster, which now stands at 39. He is expected to compete with Koyie Hill and Welington Castillo in Spring Training for a spot on the team.

Here are some notes on Max Ramirez:

• Positions: First Base and Catcher
• B/T: Right
• Height/Weight: 5'11'', 175 lbs
• Age: 26
• Birthday: Oct. 11
• Signed: by the Braves as an undrafted free agent in 2002
• Organizations: Atlanta (2002-2006), Cleveland (2006-2007) and Texas (2007-2010).
• Traded: From the Braves to the Indians in July of '06 for Bob Wickman; again in July of '07 from the Indians to the Rangers for Kenny Lofton
• MLB Debut: June 22, 2008
• Career Big League Stats: 2 seasons, 45 games, .217 AVG, 4 HR, 17 RBIs and a .343 OBP
• 2010 Big League Stats: 28 games, 2 HR, 8 RBI, .217 AVG
• 2010 Minor League Stats: .286 AVG, 3 HR and 29 RBIs in 56 games for AAA-Oklahoma City.

The Cubs made another minor roster move that took place last week. Most of you have read this elsewhere by now because it slipped though the cracks and was never posted on this site. Brian Schlitter was claimed by the New York Yankees, leaving the Cubs organization. The right handed pitcher originally came to the Cubs in the Scott Eyre trade with the Phillies in 2008. He had a 12.38 ERA in 7 appearances for the big league team in 2010.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always.