I missed Pinto and Vazquez being sent down last time. Richard Lewis, Geovany Soto, Michael Fontento, John Koronka, Russ Rohlicek also have bent sent down, while Danny Klassen, Peter Bergeron, Jimmy Anderson and Eddie Oropesa are NRI’s no longer, being sent to minor league camp.
Kinda surprised Pinto isn’t been considered for the replacement starter spots, veteran bias or not. Can’t find his spring stats, but I figure the answers might be in there. Anderson and Koronka might get cycles back when the second lefty plans fail.
Carlos Vasquez actually got out righted off the 40 man roster, passed thru waivers. That creates an open spot (without moving Kelton) which will probably be be filled with Chad Fox and/or Scott Williamson.
We’re down to 38 players for 25 spots. You can split them up into three groups.
Guys Who Aren’t Actually Around Right Now
Dave Hansen (appendix)
Scott Williamson (wife’s illness)
Guys Who Are Spring Trianing Filler
Angel Echevarria
Calvin Murray
Cody Ransom
Ronny Cedeno
Jermaine Van Buren
Guys Who Are Fighting For Jobs
Angel Guzman
David Kelton
Sergio Mitre
Stephen Randolph
Michael Wuertz
Chad Fox
It seems like we’ll have Joe close, Dempster spot start, and Rusch as the second lefty. Which means my guess of Ohman making the roster is probably wrong – I just don’t know who’s taking his spot. Probably an extra guy out of the pen. They might have been thinking Hansen before he got got hurt. Might be Kelton just because they have no ideas.
Bruce Levine (ESPN1000) said the Cubs are still working on a deal for A-Ram in the 4 years/$40-$45mil range.
I think I’m going to track the Iowa roster, but we’ve got to get that far first.
40 Man update follows