Question: pitchers in spring training

by nickler on Mar 10, 2010 11:36 PM CST

Hi everyone. Thanks again for your input!

I haven't been able to watch any spring training games recently... dying to know how everyone looks. I wanted to hear from you all to see what you all thought. I can look at the box scores, but when it's only a few innings it's hard to say. I'd much rather hear from you to see what you thought actually watching them.

The pitcher I'm most curious/intrigued about is Thomas Diamond. I saw he did pitch today. Last year in the minors his numbers looked amazing. I'm wondering how he looked today. Do you think there's a chance he can compete for a spot this year... also, is he a rule 5 guy who needs to stay on the roster, or was he truly a free agent who can be sent to the minors?

Also, Randy Wells, and Jeff Samardzija... Is Wells' sinker looking as good as it did last year? Did Samardzija pick up a third pitch or is he still throwing fastballs constantly? Is Gorzelanny looking consistent?

I know it's early, but again I haven't had the chance to see any of the games and I'm just wondering, based on what you've seen, how everyone looks.

I guess I DID see what you all thought of Carlos Silva...

One more thing... Mitch Adkins seems to have had great success in the minors, yet is always overlooked when it comes to considering the future. Is there a reason why? Is his stuff really poor? I never understood how he could have better numbers than others in the minors at a higher level and yet not be considered as highly when openings are available.

Thanks again.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Diamond is not rule 5, Parisi is.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Mar 11, 2010 1:29 AM CST reply actions

So

Diamond can be sent to the minors if the Cubs want, is that correct?

by nickler on Mar 11, 2010 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

Diamond is not on the 40-man roster.

But yes, they could add him to the 40-man and option him to Iowa if they want.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Mar 11, 2010 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

Um perhaps he can take Silva's spot?

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Mar 11, 2010 2:37 PM CST up reply actions

Not unless he becomes a starter.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Mar 11, 2010 3:49 PM CST up reply actions

Um I meant on the 40 man roster

He can play in Iowa

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Mar 11, 2010 11:18 PM CST up reply actions

By my count...

… the 40-man roster currently stands at 39, so there’s an opening.

Also, it appears likely that Angel Guzman will wind up on the 60-day DL, which would create another space. If Mike Parisi doesn’t make the team and is returned to the Cardinals, that creates another one.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Mar 12, 2010 8:00 AM CST up reply actions

I'm interested in Diamond as well

He was a very highly touted prospect with Texas before an injury (elbow I think). I was a bit surprised that no one took him in Rule 5. It wouldn’t surprise me if he does eventually become a useful pitcher (even if just in the pen).

by rlpete on Mar 11, 2010 8:11 AM CST reply actions

Ah yes, the blind optimism of spring training baseball...

Where every kool-aid drinker thinks the Cubs have the bullpen makings of Mariano Rivera, Bruce Sutter, Goose Gossage and Dennis Eckersley.

The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.

by BLou on Mar 11, 2010 7:11 PM CST up reply actions

Dude.

You are like one of those guys who goes up to a bunch of kids and tell them that there is no Santa Claus.

Come on, man. Let us have a few minutes of ignorant bliss. Geez.

by nickler on Mar 11, 2010 7:49 PM CST up reply actions

Useful?

Can’t you read? I never equated useful with Bruce Sutter, Mariano Rivera, Goose Gossage, Dennis Eckersley. Those pitchers are HOF’ers in case you missed their induction.

Useful implies someone that could be used in middle relief that doesn’t cost a lot. Do you understand or should I explain it to you further?

by rlpete on Mar 11, 2010 8:25 PM CST up reply actions