Brown Paper Packages and Baseball in December and Other Bullets

Oct 18, 2012

Rain was the only thing keeping the imploding Yankees from an ALCS sweep – their Game Four against the Tigers was postponed to today thanks to a deluge.

The Cardinals/Giants game, however, was not postponed, just delayed by three-ish hours. It didn’t matter, as the Cardinals went into the delay with a 2-1 lead, and won the game 3-1. That gives them a 2-1 lead in the NLCS, though they did lose Carlos Beltran to a knee strain early in the game. He’s day-to-day, which means that he’ll not only play in Game Four, but he’ll hit seven homers and record the save.

The Cubs have a number of players taking part in Winter League baseball, which leagues opened up within the last week, and will play through the end of December. Among the Cubs on those rosters – in the Mexican Pacific League: Alfredo Amezaga (Obregon), Esmailin Caridad (Obregon), Greg Rohan (Mazatlan), and third base prospect Christian Villanueva (Obregon); in the Dominican Winter League: shortstop prospect Arismendy Alcantara (Licey), Jeffry Antigua (Toros de Este), Jairo Ascencio (Este), Diory Hernandez (Este), and Junior Lake (Oriente), who needed more at bats on the year; in the Venezuelan Winter League: Juan Apodaca (Zulia), Eduardo Figueroa (Caribes de Anzoategui), Yoanner Negrin (Caracas), Loiger Padron (Caracas), possible 2013 third baseman Luis Valbuena (Lara), and Ty Wright (Aragua). The level of competition varies pretty wildly in these leagues, but, given the presence of a number of quality minor league veterans, I think it’s fair to say that the leagues are approximately the equivalent of somewhere between AA and AAA. Tony Camapana and Miguel Socolovich are also expected to play in the VWL at some point this offseason.

Paul Sullivan looks at the Cubs’ pitching situation in 2012 and next year, and it’s a reminder of just what an uphill climb the Cubs face. He also shockingly notes that the Cubs’ team ERA – 4.51 – was 24th in baseball. Seriously? It was that good?

Right field also gets a look, with the focus on Bryan LaHair’s inability to grab that spot in the brief shot he was given.

Doug Padilla sets his sights on left field, with well-deserved praise for Alfonso Soriano.

Jim Callis takes an early look at each team’s bonus pool for the 2013 Draft (recall, the “bonus pool” is the amount of money a team is given to sign its picks in the first 10 rounds, over which amount you’d incur certain penalties). The Cubs, as you’d expect, come in at number two, with a pool just over $9.8 million. The Astros are at the top with about $10.9 million, and the Rockies are third with about $9.5 million. From there, the drop-off is stark, with the Twins having just $7.7 million (though, thanks to competitive balance picks, there are teams a little way down that have more than $8 million to use (because they have more picks)). These numbers are based on the 2012 recommendations, however, so they’re likely to all be slightly higher in 2013. Further, the numbers can change as teams sign free agents who were made a qualifying offer (thus costing their new team a first rounder (or a second rounder, if the team drafts in the first 10 picks)). The upshot of all of this is what we already knew to be true: the Cubs’ crappy 2012 record offers some upside, and the substantial bonus pool is a major part of that.

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

The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

Michael Cerami

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

REPORT: Cubs Trade Richard Lovelady to the Rays

When the Chicago Cubs traded Jake Slaughter to the Seattle Mariners for reliever Tyson Miller, they needed to open a spot on both the active roster and the 40-man roster. They did that in one move by designating reliever Richard...

Michael Cerami

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Set a Target Date for Dansby Swanson’s Return, Daniel Palencia Also On His Way

First, a quick update I kept out of the headline: Nico Hoerner is not in the Cubs lineup today, as he continues to deal with left hamstring tightness. The Cubs have now blown past the maximum IL backdate optimization, which...

Michael Cerami

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Hendricks Will Get More Chances, Many Injury Updates, A Possible New Scandal, and Other Cubs Bullets

Sports Saturday around the Taylor household, so it's time to run all over to soccer fields and baseball fields and dance centers. First, Cubs Bullets ... Kyle Hendricks may not have made a load of terrible pitches in yesterday's game...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 9, Cubs 3 – May 17, 2024

For six hitless, profoundly dominant innings, Paul Skenes today looked like the best pitching prospect I've seen since maybe Stephen Strasburg. The other two who came to mind as I watched were Matt Harvey and Jose Fernandez. Those three, when...

Brett Taylor

May 17, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Elly De La Cruz Continues to Electrify, Yanks Want Soto for Long Haul, More

Elly De La Cruz continues to dazzle and the Yankees want Juan Soto in New York for the rest of his career. That and more in today's MLB Notes! Elly De La Cruz's Four Steal Night Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 17, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | May 17, 2024: I-Cubs’ Homer Party Helps Cade Horton Get His First Triple-A Win

The Iowa Cubs mashed four home runs and scored 10 runs, as Cade Horton made his best start at Triple-A on Thursday. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report | May 17, 2024 Triple-A Iowa Cubs...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 17, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Phillies vs. Nationals: Live Stream or on TV

The Philadelphia Phillies (32-14), with Aaron Nola on the mound and trying to sweep the series, host the Washington Nationals (20-23) who will counter with Trevor Williams, at 1:35 PM ET on Sunday.The article below will provide you with everything...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

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

Looking for a series sweep, Gunnar Henderson and the Baltimore Orioles (28-14) play the Seattle Mariners (24-21) on Sunday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Guardians vs. Twins: Live Stream or on TV

On Sunday, looking for a series sweep, Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians (28-17) face Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins (24-20), with first pitch scheduled for 1:40 PM ET at Progressive Field.Keep scrolling to find out all the details...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Cubs vs. Pirates: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Christopher Morel and the Chicago Cubs (26-21) host Connor Joe and the Pittsburgh Pirates (21-26) on Sunday, with first pitch at 2:20 PM ET.Find out how to watch the Chicago-Pittsburgh matchup below.When is Cubs vs. Pirates and when does it...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Knicks vs. Pacers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7 – Sunday, May 19, 2024

The New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers take the court in a decisive Game 7 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are favored by 2.5 points in the contest, which will be broadcast on ABC...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

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

Juan Soto and the New York Yankees (32-15) host the Chicago White Sox (14-32) on Sunday, with first pitch at 1:35 PM ET, and the Yankees looking for a series sweep.Keep reading to find out how to watch the New...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Rays vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Isaac Paredes and the Tampa Bay Rays (24-22) visit Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays (19-24) at 1:37 PM ET on Sunday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the Tampa...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

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

The Miami Marlins (14-32), led by Bryan De La Cruz and aiming for a series sweep, host Pete Alonso and the New York Mets (20-24) at 1:40 PM ET on Sunday.The article below will provide you with everything you need...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Giants vs. Rockies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The San Francisco Giants (21-25), with Jordan Hicks on the hill and aiming to sweep the series, host the Colorado Rockies (15-29) who will counter with Dakota Hudson, at 4:05 PM ET on Sunday.If you're trying to watch this game,...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

Brown Paper Packages and Baseball in December and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular