Cubs Issue 21 Non-Roster Spring Training Invitations

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2009 2:10 PM CST in Chicago Cubs News

That seems like a huge number of NRI's, doesn't it? That'd put 60+ players in camp. But, there are extra games this spring (about a week's worth) and a couple of split-squad games, and so a few extra bodies can't hurt.

Here's the complete list:

Eleven pitchers – lefthanders Ed Campusano, J.R. Mathes, Matt Smith, Mike Stanton, Jason Waddell and Bill White and righthanders Esmailin Caridad, Andrew Cashner, Chad Fox, Ken Kadokura and Rocky Roquet – have been invited to major league camp, as well as catchers Welington Castillo, Steve Clevenger and Mark Johnson. Infielders Darwin Barney, Andres Blanco, Luis Rivas and Bobby Scales have also been invited, along with outfielders Doug Deeds, Jason Dubois and So Taguchi.

You may recognize the name Ken Kadokura on the list -- he's the Japanese pitcher the Cubs had some interest in a couple of weeks ago (at the time, I heard the interest was minimal, but apparently they decided it was enough for a NRI). At the time he was said to be 40 years old. He's not. He's 35, born in 1973. In any case, he's unlikely to make the major league roster. CLARIFICATION: the 40-year-old pitcher who the Cubs were rumored to have interest in was named Ken Takahashi. Ken Kadokura, who got the minor league contract with the invite to spring training, is an entirely different pitcher.

The most interesting name on that list is Luis Rivas, who was the Pirates' starting second baseman most of last year. Rivas isn't likely to make the major league team either -- he'll likely be the starting 2B at Iowa, if the Cubs keep him, ready in case of injury.

To me, there is one name I am very surprised to NOT see on the list -- Nate Spears. Did they forget they didn't lose him in the Rule 5 draft?

Finally, the Cubs' last arb-eligible player, Michael Wuertz, signed a one-year deal today. Dollar figures were not immediately available.

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Mike Stanton?

Is that the same Mike Stanton who used to be with the Braves, Yankees, and a lot of other teams? That guy’s got to be pretty old by now.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jan 20, 2009 2:33 PM CST reply actions

Turns 42 this year

Did not pitch in ’08 – was cut by the Reds in spring training.

"Who's Bob Brenly? The guy that used to be the manager for Arizona?" ~ Alfonso Guilleard Soriano

by JohnM on Jan 20, 2009 2:37 PM CST up reply actions

Probably getting a look as a potential LOOGY...

but yeah, he’s old (42 this year). Hasn’t been that good since 2004.

by SouthernCub on Jan 20, 2009 2:39 PM CST up reply actions

What is a LOOGY? I’ve never understood what that one means

by nmcubsfan on Jan 21, 2009 1:07 AM CST up reply actions

Lefty Only One GuY

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jan 21, 2009 1:35 AM CST up reply actions

Actually, its Lefty One Out GuY

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 21, 2009 4:23 AM CST up reply actions

ah, that makes more sense - thanks for the clarification

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jan 21, 2009 8:59 AM CST up reply actions

Gordon W...

sent out a text regarding Wuertz (via Twitter) saying he signed for $1.1 million.

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Jan 20, 2009 2:35 PM CST reply actions

Thanks.

That’s pretty reasonable, and tradeable if necessary.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2009 4:05 PM CST up reply actions

Jason Dubois

here’s hoping he gets a good look this spring. I always thought he was slightly underrated.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jan 20, 2009 2:40 PM CST reply actions

Dubois = slightly younger right handed Hoffpauir.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 20, 2009 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed.

Plus, he turns 30 on March 26. He’s no kid.

Neither is Doug Deeds, who was the PTBNL in the Monroe deal. He’ll be 28 this year.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions

Dubois has more power...but Micah is

a significantly better overall hitter in my view.

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him."
Solomon

by cubfever7 on Jan 20, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

Dubois!

I’ve been a big fan of this guy ever since Sosa left early and he got the spot start in right, and then proceeded to hit the cover off the ball. He’s probably just another AAAA player though.

Andy R.

by WindisBlowingOut! on Jan 20, 2009 5:43 PM CST up reply actions

Sure.

But if our bench looks something like:

Aaron Miles
Reed Johnson
Koyie Hill
Joey Gathright
__________

Is it perhaps worth considering having a righty on the bench?

I has a blog. | Ask a sabermagician!

by cwyers on Jan 20, 2009 7:18 PM CST up reply actions

I think if Lou had his way, we'd be all lefthanded.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 21, 2009 4:24 AM CST up reply actions

Well, the 4 of the last 5 presidents have all been lefties...

so maybe Lou’s on to something.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Bill Potter on Jan 21, 2009 11:17 AM CST up reply actions

honestly

They can’t find anyone else besides Chad Fox. At least give someone younger an actual shot.

by TJ3117 on Jan 20, 2009 2:44 PM CST reply actions

I suspect it's related to getting him his pension time...

bring him to camp, put him on the 60-day DL.

by SouthernCub on Jan 20, 2009 2:48 PM CST up reply actions

its not taking time from anyone

If Chad Fox were not invited into camp there would not be someone else given the locker space. Fox was invited to camp out of respect to all of the energy that he’s put into rehabbing time and time again. This is a no lose situation for the Cubs. But more importantly this serves to send a message to other players out there. I am often critical of Jim Hendry but he has done this very well… that is providing players an opportunity. He is a players GM and you better believe that when other players are coming off of injuries and looking to determine where they are going to sign and attempt to come back, things like this stand out. This reputation may be exactly why Ryan Dempster signed with the Cubs.

by dmlichte on Jan 20, 2009 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

Absolutely!

Chad Fox has gone through so much, and has shown quite a bit of determination. Kudos to the Cubs for giving him a shot!

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jan 20, 2009 3:00 PM CST up reply actions

Jim Hendry has always been good to players like this.

I, for one, applaud him.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions

Hendry

From everything I heard Jim Hendry is well liked and respected by the players and agents. They feel he can be trusted.

That can’t help but come in handy if we’re competing for a free agent and everything else is pretty equal.

Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)

by puckishcubsfan on Jan 20, 2009 7:46 PM CST up reply actions

Andres Blanco

isn’t he the kid who was hit in the face with a foul-ball last year in ST?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 20, 2009 2:53 PM CST reply actions

That was Alex Cintron

by SouthernCub on Jan 20, 2009 2:55 PM CST up reply actions

ah, ok

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 20, 2009 3:03 PM CST up reply actions

Mark Johnson

anybody else think he might be our backup catcher this year?

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jan 20, 2009 2:55 PM CST reply actions

It's been discussed...

He’s going to get a look, along with Hill, and possibly Bako (if he’s signed).

by SouthernCub on Jan 20, 2009 2:56 PM CST up reply actions

What's the max we would pay

for a backup catcher? Is it possible we could shell out $2M for a guy like Varitek? (I know ’Tek’s been discussed. I’m asking about the max amount we might pay.)

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on Jan 20, 2009 3:21 PM CST up reply actions

I'm guessing $500,000 to $1 million is the max..

And I don’t think Varitek wants to come to Chicago to be Soto’s caddie. Nor do I think the Cubs would pay enough to get him.

by SouthernCub on Jan 20, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions

Varitek would also require the team

signing him to give up their first round draft pick. (He’s a type A free agent that was offered and declined arbitration by the Red Sox.)

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Jan 20, 2009 8:26 PM CST up reply actions

Weurtz at $1.1M

So says Muskat

"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott

by Reddevil on Jan 20, 2009 3:17 PM CST reply actions

Yawn...

by BLou on Jan 20, 2009 3:37 PM CST reply actions

I agree...

this list needs more power pitching.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 20, 2009 3:43 PM CST up reply actions

where are the SPARKPLUGS?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 20, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions

the DIRTY UNIFORMS!?

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Jan 20, 2009 4:49 PM CST up reply actions

the SCRAPPY?

or is that implicit in a name like Rocky Roquet or Doug Deeds?

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 20, 2009 4:51 PM CST up reply actions

By far the most interesting name is

Rocky Roquet. If he makes the team I will be singing:
Rocky Roquet
Went into to his room
Only to find Gideons Bible.

Just the other day I saw Theriot posing on a perfect bunt. He was thrown out by 65 feet——later intentionally walked in retaliation.-Hammer

by JEROMEWALTON'SBATTINGSTANCE on Jan 20, 2009 4:04 PM CST reply actions

how do u pronounce his last name?

Is it like Ro-kay? Or is it like rocket?

"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying" - Michael Jordan, the one and only...

by LPLancer23 on Jan 20, 2009 4:26 PM CST up reply actions

And what if...

he showed up to Spring Training stinking of gin?

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Jan 20, 2009 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

he said Rocky you met your match...

and Rocky said—Lou it’s only a scratch….

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him."
Solomon

by cubfever7 on Jan 20, 2009 4:59 PM CST up reply actions

Man

those jokes are so 2007.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 20, 2009 6:40 PM CST up reply actions

Andres Blanco

Is he the same one that’s been in Spring Training with us before and put together a pretty nice season down at Iowa last year? For some reason, I had in my head that that was someone by the last name of Torres. I dunno if I’m confusing him with someone else.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark

by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jan 20, 2009 4:18 PM CST reply actions

Last spring...

… the Cubs had BOTH Andres Blanco and Andres Torres in camp. They are down to just the one Andres this year.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

Ok, thanks

That’s prolly why I was confused.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark

by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jan 20, 2009 4:24 PM CST up reply actions

one...one... one...

Andres….

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 20, 2009 4:35 PM CST up reply actions

If by "nice season in Iowa"

you mean a .663 OPS in the PCL, then yes.

He played 78 games for the Royals over three seasons. He hit .252/.290/.314 on the major league level.

I’m all for giving minor leaguers a shot. But Blanco has no business being on a major league roster come April.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 20, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions

3 guys to watch

I’ve been posting about some of these signings in fanshots, but three guys to watch would be the three lefties we’ve added this offseason – Bill White, Jason Waddell, and Matt Smith. All three have, at one point or another, shown the ability to get lefties out. It might end up being much ado about nothing, but considering our lefty situation, those guys do bear watching.

by toonsterwu on Jan 20, 2009 5:09 PM CST reply actions

I am intrigued by Mike Stanton

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Jan 20, 2009 5:53 PM CST reply actions

Bobby Scales!

Scales is a major league ballplayer who has never gotten the call up to the show for one reason or another. I’d love to see him get a shot at the major league level.

Let me be clear though. Just because I think Scales is good enough to play at the major league level doesn’t mean that I think he’ll be a good major league player. He’s strictly replacement-level fodder. But he’s 31 years old and he hasn’t given up the dream yet. But if he does well in ST and if either Fontenot or Miles gets hurt this season, he might finally get on a major league roster.

I think he also won some sort of I-Cubs community service award last season too. He seems like a good guy. I really hope he gets a major league AB this season.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 20, 2009 6:56 PM CST reply actions

Forgot who

Back in the early to mid 90s the Cubs called up a player in a in case of emergency situation I think when a SS disease hit both sides of town and he hadn’t gotten in a game as of the day before he was sent down and in a blowout Lefebvre put him in so he could say he got into a major league game.

Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)

by puckishcubsfan on Jan 20, 2009 7:49 PM CST up reply actions

Barney

I’m excited to see a fellow Oregon State alum getting an invite. I didn’t see that coming.

"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. Once it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard

by TXCub on Jan 20, 2009 9:44 PM CST reply actions

The Cubs

are pretty high on him, although his stats so far don’t warrant that optimism. But hey, two years ago Geovany Soto was a marginal prospect too.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 20, 2009 11:14 PM CST up reply actions

His glove is what's carrying him

He’d be fine defensively. The hope is that some of the athletic ability starts to translate into offensive performance, at least, enough to warrant moving up. He did show some late season luck in improving his offense. His glove is his calling card, though, and if the Cubs feel the rest of their offense is fine, they may ponder kicking Barney around.

by toonsterwu on Jan 21, 2009 1:54 AM CST up reply actions

Could he be a replacement for Theriot in a year or two?

They are very similar. Theriot never hit well in the minors until he got to AA and AAA. Barney may have been the central on field leader for the OSU teams that won championships. And it seems he’s got a better glove than Theriot. I’d like to see him start the year in AA and see how he responds.

"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. Once it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard

by TXCub on Jan 21, 2009 8:16 AM CST up reply actions