Today the Chicago Cubs cut six prospects from the Spring roster, sending each to minor league camp. Those heading out are infielders Josh Vitters, Junior Lake, outfielder Matt Szczur (Ides of March!), and pitchers Jeff Believeau, John Gaub, and Alberto Cabrera. The Cubs also sent non-roster invitee catcher Jason Jaramillo, who hasn’t been able to play much due to a quad strain, to minor league camp.
The moves today have a number of implications, though none are terribly surprising.
This morning’s guess that, however well he performs, Beliveau would not make the roster out of camp proved prescient. Beliveau’s bounce, together with Gaub’s, means that the “other” lefty job in the pen will likely go to one of Trever Miller or Scott Maine.
Jaramillo’s ouster confirms that the back-up catcher job will definitely go to one of Welington Castillo and Steve Clevenger.
As for the rest, only Cabrera had a legitimate shot of making the roster, though his chances of fitting into a crowded bullpen were slim. Lake, Vitters, and Szczur were always expected to return to the Minors.
The Spring roster now stands at 48.