5 replies to this topic

[Cubsin]

The Cubs supposedly signed him on February 2. As reported, he received a $7 million major league contract. Yet more than a month has passed, the Cubs' roster is as 39, he's not in camp for Spring Training and there's been no official announcement from the Cubs.

Does anyone here know his status, or even his whereabouts?

[Brett]

No one seems to know anything, but no one I talk to is concerned, and there have been no rumors about other teams somehow getting involved. I wouldn't be surprised if it's either just a documentation thing (formality taking time) or a roster thing, where the Cubs want to wait to add him to the 40-man until the last possible moment. Seems like that second explanation makes a lot of sense, since there's no rush on the Cubs' end to add him. Might as well preserve roster flexibility as long as they can.

[Cubsin]

I'm relieved to hear that. While the Cubs may be in no hurry to fill the roster spot vacated by Carpenter, I'd think Concepcion and his agent would want to see some of their money, And haven't the minor league pitchers and catchers reported to camp yet? I'd assume all parties involved would want him in either the major league or minor league camp by now. Is there some obscure rule that would give him an extra option year if he doesn't sign until after Opening Day?

[Luke]

He may not have all his paper work in order to allow him to come to and work in the US. I know he defected into Mexico (not the DR like Soler and Cespedes), but I don't know anything about his legal status other than that.

Regardless of which camp he would report to, he will start in the minors. I strongly suspect he'll be held over in extended spring training anyway, regardless of when he might have reported, to give him some additional time to adapt to the culture change, and then he'll be sent to Peoria or Daytona.

[JoeCub]

So it's official now, I see... Don't like that he has to be on the 40 man, but i get it

[Brett]

Yeah, I imagine the Cubs don't like it, either - but it was probably just a matter of that being the tie-breaker in his decision.