header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Dealing with a Very Crowded....

Dealing with a Very Crowded Outfield and Other Bullets

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
Jun 29, 2013
Chicago Cubs

alfonso soriano hittingI’m taking The Little Girl to her first dance class this morning. I’m a Dance Mom!

  • The Cubs did some roster-movin’ late yesterday in advance of the game, though neither had any impact on the big league roster. Steve Clevenger, who’s been out with an oblique strain, saw his rehab stint come to an end, so the Cubs had to activate him from the 60-day DL. They did so, and he was optioned to AAA Iowa (where he already was – insert joke about him taking three days to report). To open up a spot on the 40-man roster for Clevenger, the Cubs moved Zach Putnam to the 60-day disabled list as he deals with the bone spurs in his elbow.
  • Travis Wood’s 2013 season has been something of a revelation, but it doesn’t sound like there’s some dramatic secret sauce change to his success. “Things are going good in that aspect,” Wood said, per Cubs.com. “I feel I’m more advanced as a pitcher. I’m not just up there throwing. I have a game plan and how I want to attack hitters and the offspeed stuff is better and command is better.” The secret to being a better pitcher? Pitch better.
  • Dale Sveum already perceives a potential issue when David DeJesus returns from the disabled list in a couple weeks (hopefully), because the outfield is already crowded. “You’re gonna have to see what happens because a couple of them might be part of our future,” Sveum said, per CSN, referring to Ryan Sweeney and Brian Bogusevic. “They’re left-handed hitters that are athletes, two-way players that can hit the ball out of the ballpark. So we’ll work it [out and] figure out the playing time.” It’s not an issue this week, as Alfonso Soriano can DH, and Sweeney and Bogusevic can each still start. But by this time next week, assuming a trade hasn’t already sorted things out, Sveum is going to be presented with the unenviable task of sorting out who should start and who should be benched (and that’s with Julio Borbon and Scott Hairston already on the bench – there is zero chance the Cubs keep seven outfielders on the roster, by the way, so something’s going to happen when DeJesus comes back, for starters). It’s not easy to bench a player like Soriano, who has the veteran status and the track record (and, well, the big contract), and it’s even harder when there are trade implications. I have a very hard time seeing the Cubs putting Soriano on the bench in favor of anyone in advance of the Trade Deadline. There may not be any trades to be had, but they’re going to want the option. And benching – or even platooning – Soriano would kill that option. Whatever happens, I suspect the glut will be solved come August 1.
  • It doesn’t sound like Dale Sveum thinks Starlin Castro’s troubles are behind him just yet. “I think the mechanics of his swing are probably the same,” Sveum said, per Carrie Muskat. “He’s mixed in some hits which are nice. That’s usually what gets you going sometimes. He’s still struggling a little bit with the fastball. The mechanics are the same. Hopefully, he keeps gradually understanding what he has to do.” In other words, Sveum would like to see Castro actually implementing whatever mechanical changes they’ve been discussing (“quieting his movement” before the pitch is probably one of them).
  • Scott Baker, who’s been out all year as he recovers from Tommy John surgery last April (and then a setback in Spring Training), is throwing simulated games in Arizona, and Sveum told the media that his velocity has been good. Don’t get too excited just yet, though. He still is not expected back until August at the earliest.
  • If you missed the turnout in Grant Park to celebrate the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup victory, you’re going to want to check this out and muse upon what Chicago would look like if the Cubs won it all. (And you should “like” the BN Facebook page while you’re there.)

    • Read More

    written by

    Brett Taylor

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Chicago Cubs

    Oh, Come On: Cody Bellinger Lifted Mid-Game with an Apparent Injury (UPDATE: X-Rays Negative)

    The Cubs cannot catch a break this year, man. They've already dealt with injuries to Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Drew Smyly, Julian Merryweather, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ (did I forget anyone?). And tonight, it seems maybe something...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 7, Astros 2 – April 23, 2024

    Well there was one big thing not to like about tonight's game - Cody Bellinger was lifted with a right rib contusion after colliding with the outfield wall - and about a million things that were great. And since we...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Mike Tauchman Did it AGAIN – Second Oppo Homer of the Game!

    Nothing like a little insurance late. Mike Tauchman, who already hit his first home run of the season earlier in this game, just hit his second home run in the 8th! Another opposite field blast for Tauchman, who's been hitting...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    James Triantos Homers TWICE for the Smokies

    It really is a Cubs homer party up and down the system. In Chicago, Cody Bellinger and Mike Tauchman have gone deep. At Myrtle Beach, Christian Hernandez and Jefferson Encarnacion each homered. At South Bend, Yohendrick Pinango homered. And at...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Kevin Alcantara Led Off Tonight’s Game with a Bomb (UPDATE: And Then Did It Again!)

    Kevin Alcantara wasted no time giving the Tennessee Smokies the lead on Tuesday night (or maybe he just wanted to be a spiritual part of the homer party going on at Wrigley Field). Facing off against the Rocket City Trash...

    Elias Schuster Elias Schuster
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Mike Tauchman’s First Homer of the Year Caps Off a 5-Run Cubs Ambush!

    I don't like to use "ambush" lightly. But what would you call it when the Cubs put five balls in play over 100 MPH, including a single, a double, and two home runs en route to putting five runs on...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Ian Happ Hit Missed a Homer by a Foot, So Cody Bellinger Launched One into Space to Pick Him UP

    Ian Happ was back in the Cubs lineup tonight after missing a few games with a sore hamstring. And in his first at-bat back, he sent one 412 feet to dead-center field for a VERY long double (Statcast says it...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Astros at Cubs (6:40 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs are back in action tonight for the first of three games against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field. Here's a look at the Cubs lineup for Game 1. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, 2B...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Jefferson Rojas Has the Longest Active Hitting Streak in High-A

    I know what you're thinking – what the heck is this basketball junkie doing over here on our turf!? He normally only shows up when he accidentally puts his Bulls articles in the wrong category! I need a little palate cleanser...

    Elias Schuster Elias Schuster
    Apr 23, 2024
    Jared Jones Pirates
    Chicago Cubs

    MLBits: Jared Jones Made Brice Turang Look Ridiculous, Dylan Cease Dazzles at Coors, More

    If you're familiar with me/my writing, you know how much I love good pitching. To that end, Jared Jones has been one of my favorite stories of the young season. And on Monday, he gave us one of the best...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    Apr 23, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    How to Watch

    Giants vs. Mets: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Blake Snell will take the mound for the San Francisco Giants (11-13) when they host starting pitcher Sean Manaea and the New York Mets (12-10) on Wednesday, with first pitch at 3:45 PM ET.See how to watch the San Francisco-New...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 23, 2024
    How to Watch

    Orioles vs. Angels: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Jordan Westburg and the Baltimore Orioles (15-7) visit Taylor Ward and the Los Angeles Angels (9-14) at 4:07 PM ET on Wednesday.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the Baltimore-Los Angeles matchup.When...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Mike Tauchman Did it AGAIN – Second Oppo Homer of the Game!

    Nothing like a little insurance late. Mike Tauchman, who already hit his first home run of the season earlier in this game, just hit his second home run in the 8th! Another opposite field blast for Tauchman, who's been hitting...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    How to Watch

    Rangers vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Texas Rangers (12-11), with Jon Gray on the mound, host the Seattle Mariners (11-11) who will counter with Bryce Miller, at 8:05 PM ET on Wednesday.Find out how to watch the Texas-Seattle matchup below.When is Rangers vs. Mariners and...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Oh, Come On: Cody Bellinger Lifted Mid-Game with an Apparent Injury (UPDATE: X-Rays Negative)

    The Cubs cannot catch a break this year, man. They've already dealt with injuries to Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Drew Smyly, Julian Merryweather, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ (did I forget anyone?). And tonight, it seems maybe something...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    James Triantos Homers TWICE for the Smokies

    It really is a Cubs homer party up and down the system. In Chicago, Cody Bellinger and Mike Tauchman have gone deep. At Myrtle Beach, Christian Hernandez and Jefferson Encarnacion each homered. At South Bend, Yohendrick Pinango homered. And at...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Apr 23, 2024
    How to Watch

    Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Wednesday at 1:15 PM ET, Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (11-13) play Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals (10-13) at Busch Stadium.Find out how to watch the Arizona-St. Louis matchup below.When is Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals and when...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 23, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Yankees vs. Athletics: Live Stream or on TV

    Clarke Schmidt takes the ball for the New York Yankees (15-8) when they host starting pitcher Joseph Boyle and the Oakland Athletics (9-14) at 7:05 PM ET on Wednesday.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 23, 2024
    How to Watch

    Twins vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Minnesota Twins (8-13), led by Ryan Jeffers, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-19) at 7:40 PM ET on Wednesday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Minnesota take on Chicago live.When is...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 23, 2024
    How to Watch

    Cubs vs. Astros: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In a series opener on Wednesday, Jameson Taillon will take the mound for the Chicago Cubs (13-9) versus Spencer Arrighetti and the Houston Astros (7-16), with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET at Wrigley Field.Keep scrolling to find out...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Apr 23, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    Oh, Come On: Cody Bellinger Lifted Mid-Game with an Apparent Injury (UPDATE: X-Rays Negative)

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 7, Astros 2 – April 23, 2024

    Mike Tauchman Did it AGAIN – Second Oppo Homer of the Game!

    James Triantos Homers TWICE for the Smokies

    Kevin Alcantara Led Off Tonight’s Game with a Bomb (UPDATE: And Then Did It Again!)

    Mike Tauchman’s First Homer of the Year Caps Off a 5-Run Cubs Ambush!

    Ian Happ Hit Missed a Homer by a Foot, So Cody Bellinger Launched One into Space to Pick Him UP

    Pre-Gamin’: Astros at Cubs (6:40 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Jefferson Rojas Has the Longest Active Hitting Streak in High-A

    Jared Jones Pirates

    MLBits: Jared Jones Made Brice Turang Look Ridiculous, Dylan Cease Dazzles at Coors, More

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Chicago Cubs Sign Lefty Pitching Prospect Mitchell Tyranski

    Cubs Farm Report | April 23, 2024: Studs and Duds of the Week

    REPORT: Cubs Are Calling Up Matt Mervis and Hayden Wesneski

    Brewers Pitcher Jakob Junis Taken Off Field in an Ambulance After Being Struck by BP Ball

    REPORT: Cubs to DFA Garrett Cooper

    The NFL Penalizing the Falcons For Tampering With Kirk Cousins Would Do the Bears a Favor

    My Expectations and Realistic Hope for the Cubs VERY Tough Upcoming Schedule

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Get Bold & Go All In On Offense

    Latest News

    Giants vs. Mets: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Orioles vs. Angels: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Mike Tauchman Did it AGAIN – Second Oppo Homer of the Game!

    Rangers vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Oh, Come On: Cody Bellinger Lifted Mid-Game with an Apparent Injury (UPDATE: X-Rays Negative)

    James Triantos Homers TWICE for the Smokies

    Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    How to Watch Yankees vs. Athletics: Live Stream or on TV

    Twins vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Cubs vs. Astros: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    How to Watch Blue Jays vs. Royals: Live Stream or on TV

    soldier field bears stadium

    The Bears Are Expected to Ask For Some Public Money For New Stadium

    Mike Tauchman’s First Homer of the Year Caps Off a 5-Run Cubs Ambush!

    Kevin Alcantara Led Off Tonight’s Game with a Bomb (UPDATE: And Then Did It Again!)

    Ian Happ Hit Missed a Homer by a Foot, So Cody Bellinger Launched One into Space to Pick Him UP

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Chicago Cubs Sign Lefty Pitching Prospect Mitchell Tyranski

    Cubs Farm Report | April 23, 2024: Studs and Duds of the Week

    REPORT: Cubs Are Calling Up Matt Mervis and Hayden Wesneski

    Brewers Pitcher Jakob Junis Taken Off Field in an Ambulance After Being Struck by BP Ball

    REPORT: Cubs to DFA Garrett Cooper

    The NFL Penalizing the Falcons For Tampering With Kirk Cousins Would Do the Bears a Favor

    My Expectations and Realistic Hope for the Cubs VERY Tough Upcoming Schedule

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Get Bold & Go All In On Offense

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.