Concepcion a Cub....Longterm

As I reported earlier in the season, Cuban prospect Gerardo Concepcion is with the Cubs.  The left-hander has now signed a five year major league contract with the organization.  This is the payoff the defect was looking for when he left for the USA.

"One of our focuses has been on continuing to bring in pitching depth, and he's a 20-year-old left- hander, really good feel for pitching, three-pitch mix, has had success at a really young age in Cuba," general manager Jed Hoyer said. "He's a guy we're excited to bring over here and work with."

This continues to be a move that I see bringing depth in pitching for the Cubs that will aid them going forward in the coming years.  His big league potential needs to be harnessed in and a few mechanics need to be improved but having done all this he definitely exudes the tools of a major leaguer.  Having gotten a chance to watch some tape on the kid he has a big motion and can be a little wild but given all of the resources of teaching and tools and the big league level he will certainly be harnessed in a little bit and improve in a short period of time.

ESPN is reporting the details of the contract to be...The 20-year-old is guaranteed $6 million in the deal. There is a $3 million signing bonus, with the other $3 million spread out over the length of the contract.

Also courtesy of ESPN here is a video from Mesa, AZ of Jed Hoyer discussing his reaction to the signinghttp://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7673834 

North vs. South For The First Time In 2012

Spring training is the time for opportunity, development, change and today is the chance for rekindling of rivals.  The North Siders are prepared to take on their cross-town rivals for the first time in 2012.  The game will take place in the afternoon Arizona heat and will pit several regulars against each other in the two clubs first game of significance if there is one in spring training.  The Cubs are slated to send Travis Wood to the rubber followed by Randy Wells and Rodrigo Lopez. Back in the lineup today for the Cubs after a strong performance last time out, Alfonso Soriano will step into the batters’ box first for the Cubs.  Pitching for the White Sox will be Chris Sale. 

The lineup he will face is:

1. Alfonso Soriano, DH

 

2. Darwin Barney, 2B 

3. Jeff Baker, RF 

4. Bryan LaHair, 1B 

5. Marlon Byrd, CF 

6. Joe Mather, LF 

7. Steve Clevenger, C 

8. Junior Lake, SS 

9. Edgar Gonzalez, 3B

With potentially 5 starters in today’s lineup there is no question that there is a little bit of intensity added to a very much less than meaningful spring training game.  Now it is time for the game to being in less than 2 hours time and see how the pitching stacks up for the Cubs as well as the bats and see if they can come back to life for the North Siders.  A big portion of today’s viewing should be given to see the bat of Alfonso Soriano and to determine is he is continuing to round into shape in time for early April.

Enjoy the game and Go Cubs Go.

Time for Intrasquad

It is that time Cubs fans! The Chicago Cubs have begun to play some intrasquad games and are ready to get the 2012 MLB season somewhat underway! This is where the true tests are given and see who can 'swim' and who will 'sink'.  Pitting "minor leaguers" against who is slated to make the big club and test their skills and see the potential that exists within the organization.  Big names are taking the opportunity to share some knowledge and help develop some players for the future while playing alongside the Cubs of today.

Stories to follow as spring training progresses in Mesa, AZ will be Matt Garza and to see he will be ready to throw from the rubber on opening days against the Washington Nationals April 5th for the north siders.

Will Alfonso Soriano round back into his old form and become the Cubs' clean up hitter, only time will tell and a good Spring Training will go a long way to being the star he once was!

Manager Dale Sveum will also take the opportunity to use players in roles he envisions for the regular season such as different infield positions or outfield positions, but most notably where to use some pitchers within his bullpen.  Pitchers to watch during this time would be Travis Wood, Randy Wells, Andy Sonnanstine, Casey Coleman and Alberto Cabrera would be just a few to name.

Stay tuned for some more developing stories as spring training notes come to fruition from Mesa the site of the stars of the Cubs today, and tomorrow!