Cubs Convention Recap: Meet Cubs Baseball Management

David Kaplan was joined by Mike Quade, Jim Hendry and Randy Bush for the Meet Cubs Baseball Management session last Saturday at the Cubs Convention. It was an interesting one, so here's the recap:

• The Matt Garza trade actually started during the Winter Meetings in Orlando. The Cubs were hopeful at the time that they could come to a conclusion within a week.
• Fortunately, the Cubs were the lucky recipient of Garza. Hendry said that there was an A.L. team with a better offer, but the Rays didn't want Matt to stay in the American League.
• Randy Bush looks at stats and a lot of other factors when he goes scouting. Bush spends a lot of time reading reports from scouts and statistical analysts.
• Bush visits each minor league club in the system twice a year. He does most of his scouting within the organization.
• Who needs to be protected from the Rule V Draft is a big decision at the end of each season.
• Mike Quade gave credit to Zambrano for his job down the stretch. The entire group in the clubhouse was familiar with Quade, so it made it easier for him once he took over.
• He was fairly demanding once he took over. Q told the young guys that they "aren't young anymore."
• The veterans have to carry a team late in the season. The kids played better once Mike took over, and the veterans did their job.
• When Kap asked if this was Hendry's most challenging offseason, Jim said that you don't look at one being more challenging than another.
• Matt Garza was "kind of a dream" for the Cubs going into the winter.
• The situation with Kerry Wood is not only a great feel good story, but it helps the team.
• Hendry said that it makes it easier to make a deal with a team if he has a good relationship with that club's GM.
• The Cubs plan on mixing and matching at the top of the order since they don't have a prototypical lead-off man.
• Jeff Baker did a great job against left handed pitching, but he doesn't have great speed. If there is a lefty on the hill, there is a chance Baker will hit first.
• Bush said that Oneri Fleita stresses the importance of playing the game the right way at the minor league level.
• A lot of time when people don't think Soriano is giving a full effort, he is actually trying to play through injuries.
• Jim Hendry still thinks Sori is capable of hitting 30 home runs, plus he is a great guy in the clubhouse. Jim still sees him as a productive player.
• Quade and Larry Rothschild are very good friends. The Cubs will miss him and wish him well.
• Hendry also thinks the world of Larry. He was wanted by the Yankees and the move was the right move for him.
• He has stayed with the Cubs in the past when he could have made money elsewhere. Jim wanted Larry to be able to do what he wanted to do.
• It remains to be seen whether the Cubs will be able to fill the holes at first, second and third from within the system. Josh Vitters is a corner infielder very high on the radar who figured some things out offensively last season.
• Hendry was thrilled that Greg Maddux wanted to return to the Cubs. He doesn't want to be a full time guy yet. He enjoyed his first year and was involved in a few more things with Randy and Jim this winter.
• Garza throws seven days a week from January first on.
• Quade is concerned by high pitch counts, especially early in the season.
• Kap called the concern with pitch count "nonsense."
• Mike "has no idea" whether or not Garza will be his number one starter. As far as Q is concerned, whoever is pitching for him on a given day is the ace.
• He is not a fan of having his middle of the order guys lay down bunts.
• Quade is going to look at it as if Zambrano's problems never happened. That is his philosophy with everyone. The things that go south you deal with along the way.
• Jose Cera gets credit for signing Starlin Castro out of the Dominican Republic.
• Castro has done a great job handling all of the challenges along the way. He has a lot of work left to do and he has to improve defensively, but the Cubs are very proud of him.
• The fans are going to get a quality effort from the Cubs everyday and he is not going to be happy if there are players not hustling.
• The Cubs are going to find ways to score runs and win close games.
• There are discussions that the commissioners office is having about realignment. The Cubs have thought about the fact that there is one division in baseball with six teams and there is another division with only four teams.
• The mentality of football is a lot different from baseball. Each manager handles things in different ways, Quade is not interested in calling guys out publicly.
• There is a very good likelihood that Andrew Cashner will end up in the rotation.
• Mike also mentioned Randy Wells, Carlos Silva, Casey Coleman and the now traded Tom Gorzelanny as guys competing for spots in the rotation.
• The guys competing for the rotation could end up helping the bullpen depth.
• Hendry thinks that Koyie Hill is well worth $850,000. He does a great job with the pitching staff and defensively. Hill is very good with some of the younger pitchers.
• Especially in the National League, the bench is very important. Quade thinks that having an experienced guy like Hill coming off the bench will be very helpful over the 162 game season.
• Quade expects Carlos to handle himself well. If he explodes once in a while, that will be okay. The Cubs do not plan on having Greg Maddux be an emotional coach for Z.
• When asked how they deal with players not taking days off when they are injured, Jim said that the Cubs have a great trainer in Mark O'Neal who is on top of the medical situation.
• Hendry likes having guys on the team who wanted to play through little injuries, such and Derrek Lee.
• If there is a guy who goes into a tailspin, Quade will certainly try to get them out of the lineup.
• When asked about Pujols, Jim said that he cannot comment on other team's players. The Cubs are very happy to have Pena.
• Mike loves Theriot to death, but he takes what he says with a grain of salt. The Cubs do not need any extra motivation to beat the St. Louis Cardinals. Quade might have some things that Ryan said in the back of his mind, and hopefully they can "make him pay."
• Jim is not bothered by the development of rumors through facebook, twitter, radio and blogs. He does not like the fact that his players names get tossed around for trade rumors that are untrue.
• He thinks that blogs hurt the quality of good journalists sometimes.
• The goal for the Chicago Cubs is to win the division and then go from there. That is what they expect to do. "It's that simple," Q said.
• The day games are part of what makes the organization special, the Cubs need to make sure that they use it as an advantage instead of a disadvantage.
• The Cubs won more home games in the three year period from 2007-2009 than any other team in the league. They played great at home all summer during 2008.

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

Weekend Quick Hits: Zambrano & More

• The Cubs made a roster move yesterday calling up right hander Brian Schlitter from AAA-Iowa. Brian was the PTBNL in the trade that sent Scott Eyre to the Phillies during the '08 season.
• The Cubs needed the fresh arm the pen because of the short outing by Zambrano on Friday. Lou Piniella said that the Cubs were forced to send down a guy that didn't deserve to be sent down in Jeff Stevens.
• A team meeting was called before yesterday's game. The media was asked to leave and the guys spent sometime venting about the Z situation. Lou asked his players to give him some criticism as a manager, and it was decided that he needs to post the lineups sooner.
• The Cubs brass was not too thrilled that Zambrano was out to dinner with Ozzie Guillen Friday night. Assistant GM Randy Bush said that they would like too have seen Carlos spend time reflecting on his actions yesterday.
• If and when Zambrano returns to the Cubs, it will be out of the bullpen. Tom Gorzelanny will take his spot in the starting five, according to the Tribune.
• The Cubs are waiting to see what their options are with the suspension. They sent a letter to Major League Baseball and are waiting for feedback.
• Gordon Wittenmyer reports that Z is blaming Derrek Lee for turning this into a big deal. He said he was just trying to pump the team up. Team sources say that the rant, much of which was in Spanish, included Zambrano yelling "This team is horse (bleep)."
• Ken Rosenthal thinks that Z is tradeable, but only if the Cubs are willing to eat most of his $45MM contract.
• The A's have dumped another former Cub, sending Eric Patterson to the Red Sox.

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

End of the Week Roundup: Castro, Kosuke, Caridad, and More

Castro on the Way Up?
Bruce Levine of ESPN has reported that Starlin Castro's promotion to the big leagues is just around the corner. It's undetermined at this time when he'll be brought up and he could spend some time at AAA first. Assistant GM Randy Bush is currently with the Tennessee team evaluating.

Sasaski Likes What He Sees
Kosuke Fukudome's hitting coach has seen some encouraging signs from his pupil this season. Kyosuke Sasaski and Rudy Jaramillo agree that Kosuke needs a more compact stance. Sasaski thinks Fukudome will finish the year hitting over .300. Kosuke hit his first MLB Grand Slam today in the Cubs' 13-5 loss to Arizona.

Caridad to Rehab
Rookie Esmalin Caridad will pitch in the Cubs' Extended Spring Training game on Saturday in Mesa. The one inning of rehab will be his first outing since going on the DL with a forearm issue.

Theriot and Ramirez Heating Up
Even though Aramis Ramirez's season numbers are down, as Carrie Muskat points out he has hit safely in the last six games. Ryan Theriot has been red hot, hitting .488 during his current 9 game hit streak.

Links, Links, Link

• Rudy Jaramillo talks about what is going on with the Cubs at the plate.
• Lou is unsure if Zambrano enjoys his new role.
• My Cubs Down on the Farm Report over at the CCO.
• Recap of today's EXST game from Arizona Phil.

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

Tuesday Quick Hits: Theriot, Packin' the Bags, and More

• There's a snow storm in the Chicago land area, but today an equipment truck left for sunny Mesa, Arizona, where pitchers and catcher will report next week. Click the link for an interesting list of everything included on the truck.
• A group of kids helped send off the Cubs equipment.
• The Cubs first full squad work out is on February 23, and pitcher and catchers start their spring on February 18, which is just 8 days away!
• Cubs GM Jim Hendry feels good about what he was able to do this winter.
• Changes and improvements have begun at Wrigley Field. Bleacher fans will now be able to watch games on flat screen TVs according to the Tribune!
• The Cubs have not spoken to Ryan Theriot's people in a while, and it appears that both sides are ready to go to a hearing. Hendy says that this won't affect the way the club feels about their short stop. This will be the first Cub to go to arbitration since Mark Grace won his case in 1993.
• Cubs single game tickets go on sale Febuary 19!
• Carrie Muskat says that the Cubs are still looking for right handed relief help.
• The Twins have signed former Cub outfielder Jacque Jones, who did not appear in the big leagues last season, to a minor league deal.
• Jim Hendry gave Randy Bush a jacket because the Saints beat Jim's Colts. Hendry says he had a great time at the Super Bowl, even though his team lost.
• The Cubs seem to be leaning towards giving 20-year old Starlin Castro a little more time in the minors according to Bruce Miles.
• The theme in Spring Training will be taking a look at home grown talent.
• Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez are rehabbing well.
• Levine tells us that Ted Lilly will not be rushed.
• Be sure to vote on our new poll on the right sidebar!

Bruce Levine's weekly chat was today, and here are the highlights:

• The Cubs will not sign Felipe Lopez because if chemistry and cash issues.
• Levine still thinks that Castro should be given a shot to be the starting short stop.
• The Cubs are continuing to pursue trades to bolster the bullpen. Right now, they would be putting a lot of pressure on guys like Jeff Gray, Esmalin Caridad, and Angel Guzman.
• San Diego and Toronto are still teams that they would like to strike up a deal with for a reliever.
• Sam Fuld will get a good shot at making the team because he is one of the few guys they have that brings speed and defense.
• There was never any interest in Kris Benson. Bruce says that those rumors started with a favor to an agent by a media member.
• If the Cubs have good health, there's no reason to think they won't contend.
• Bruce thinks that having guys with good "character" is overrated, and Kevin Millar will only help if he can bring something on the field.
• Lilly should be somewhere between 2 and 3 weeks behind.
• Carlos Silva is a total mystery and nobody seems to know what to expect.
• If Jeff Samardzija has solidified his slider and added to his repertoire, than he'll have a chance.
• The Cubs really like Jeff Gray, who they got from the A's in the deal that sent Fox and Miles the other way.
• John Gaub, who came in the DeRosa deal, could be a dark horse that makes the team out of Spring Training.
• Levine's Opening Day lineup: Kosuke, Theriot, Lee, Ramirez, Byrd, Soriano, Soto, Castro, Zambrano
• Despite his success in 2009, the Cubs still feel Jeff Baker is a part time player.
• Bruce is all for the Cubs offering Lilly and Lee extensions after this season.
• A nutritionist will plan the players' meals this season.
• Although Millar most likely will not help the Cubs, he can hit left handed pitching.
• Soriano's days as a leadoff man are done.
• Theriot's hearing will be heard sometime around the weekend of Feb. 20.
• Tracy and Hoffpauir will compete for bench spots.
• Zambrano is Bruce's pick to have a bounce back year.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted as we count the days...

Groundhogs Day Quick Hits: Gregg and Johnson Stay in Blue

• Sorry for the misleading title. Reed Johnson has signed a 1 year deal with the LA Dodgers worth $800,000 plus incentives. In my opinion, this is a steal, and the Cubs should have gave Reed this offer.
• Kevin Gregg, another '09 Cub, also fell today agreeing to a $2.75M deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. The deal also contains options and incentives.
• Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Cubs are one of four teams keeping track of RHP Kris Benson this winter.
• Jon Heyman said last week on MLB Network that the Cubs are the most likely destination for free agent pitcher Chan Ho Park.
• Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune says that reliever Joe Nelson is interested in joining the Cubs.
• Check out CCO's great Q&A with Cubs play-by-play man Len Kasper.
• In other former Cub news, Mark Prior is still working on a comeback. Will the Cubs sign him to buddy with Carlos Silva?... ah nevermind.
• Xavier Nady doesn't think it will take him to much time to get back to 100% (coming off Tommy John).
• The Cubs are going to take their time with Nady, because they want him to be healthy for years to come once he does come back.
• The Cubs front office is split on the upcoming Super Bowl. General Manager Jim Hendry is a Colts fan, while assistant GM Randy Bush roots on the Saints. Click the link for a great article by Bruce Miles.
• Muskat gives us the latest on Marmol and Theriot.
• Thanks to TCR for this one- Andrew Cashner is gunning for a spot in the starting rotation.

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

Recap of Meet Cubs Management

WGN Radio did the Meet Cubs Management session at the 2009 Cubs Convention featuring Jim Hendry, Crane Kenney, and Randy Bush. The session was hosted by Dave Eanet and John Williams. Here's my recap:

• Hendry is frustrated that the Cubs have lost 6 post season games in a row.
• Jim says that we are "very close to a championship situation."
• He said that when you lose you all ways try to analyze it. "I don't think we lost our focus," "They want to win so much that the guys got worried and stressed after they lost the first game.
• Crane was asked for an update about the ownership situation. Kenney think we'll have an owner by opening day.
• The Cubs have played 2 full seasons being "for sale" but they have won the division both years.
• Everyone wants to see the ownership situation concluded, including the club.
• Kenney says that the economy is effecting all 30 clubs in baseball.
• The Cubs are one of the unique clubs that has a fan base that will support them even when it is a tougher time.
• John asked how difficult it was to let DeRosa go. Jim said that Mark was a good player and a terrific guy. Hendry's explanation was that the Cubs are trying to get more left handed.
• The 3 places on the field the Cubs can play a left handed hitter at is right field, center field, and second base. They traded DeRosa to create that 3rd position.
• The Cubs are going to keep doing what they can until they have a parade.
• Randy said that the Cubs are really thrilled with their system. He said that Lou has done a nice job of getting the young guy in their when they are brought up. Mitch Atkins, Darwin Barney, and Wellington Castillo are 3 guys that could help the team in the near future.
• Jeff Samadzija has been told to be prepared to start in Spring Training.
• They took questions from the crowd. The first question was about Peavy. Jim said that he cannot comment on Peavy because he is a member of another club.
• Hendry said the Cubs will continue to keep their eye out for starting pitching.
• "Hopefully we will continue to go out and get big name players," Hendry said.
• The Cubs are going to be in the top 5 payroll in the big leagues again this year, however the Cubs still do have a payroll.
• Hendry says that the Cubs really got 3 good players from the Indians.
• John asked if anyone has asked Bradley to behave a certain way. Hendry said that Bradley is allready a good teamate, and is a good guy to have in the clubhouse.
• Jim thinks Bradley "has reached a point in his life where he has matured".
• Hendry said he's never seen a player want to go to a certain team like Bradley wanted to come to the Cubs.
• The Cubs anticipate that Milton is going to be the everyday right fielder. Jim would be happy with 100-135 games.
• The Cubs got a positive response from all the players when they signed Bradley.
• Jim says he never gets caught up in what the other Cubs have done. He mentioned that there are a lot of good players still out there that could end up in our division.
• Hendry said that the 2004 team was the best team in the NL on paper, but 7 guys were on the DL by the end of May.
• The Cubs are not going about their bussiness thinking that winning the division is a lot.
• Crane says that having a priest bless dugout was one of the dumbest 3 things he's done with the Cubs. He says that if he could do it again he wouldn't have.
• The Cubs 2 goals in the off season were 1.resign Dempster, but 2.Try to get the lineup more flexible. They think that Milton Bradley brings a lot of good things to the ball club.
• Jim met with Bradley originally in November.
• Hendry described Dempster as a "gamer", "the real deal", and a "10 human being". Jim says he took less money to sign early with the Cubs.
• They guys think the team has real good balance. Jim says Lou likes versatile players, and speed game type players.
• Jim says that the Cubs bullpen has gotten very deep.
• He doesn't know were things are going in the next 7 weeks, but the Cubs are always open for business. He hopes that by opening day the ball club will be much better than last year.
• Hendry describe the Rich Hill situation as "very unfortunate". Hill has lost total command of the strike zone. Hill is out of options, and Jim says that he doesn't know whether Hill will get his stuff back in time to make a difference, and mentioned a change of scenery.
• Jim says that Jose Ceda was still a ways away from coming up to the big leagues and pitching in the 8th and 9th inning like Kevin Gregg can.
• He described that Marlins organization as "very good baseball people."
• Carlos Zambrano has the ability to be the postseason ace that the Cubs need. Big Z is still very young for all the experience he has.
• Crane Kenney says that Sam Zell has been a great owner. Crane has went to Sam and asked to do a lot of things and everything has been approved. Kenney compares Sam to Lou Pinellia, he expects results.
• Kenney and Zell had one argument.
• The guys don't seem to think that you can build a team for the postseason.
• Hendry said that you can't explain what happens in the postseason. He said that if you win the division every year eventually you break the door down.
• It is a collective decision if someone goes on the DL or is just day-to-day. He says that if someone has to sit out longer than 4-5 days, sometimes it is better to put the guy on the 15 day DL, and then call someone up so that you don't have to play with less than 25 guys.
• Jim says he's never had a relationship with a player like he has with Kerry Wood.
• Hendry says that he felt that a 3 year deal was not in the Cubs best interest. He says that a one year deal was never discussed.