Arismendy Alcantara and the Uncertain Roster and Other Bullets

Feb 27, 2015

Big BN announcement coming later today, so be on alert. And, no, it is not about the color of this dress. (Which is white and gold, obviously.)

It doesn’t do Arismendy Alcantara any favors to compare him to Ben Zobrist just yet – the latter has been one of the most valuable players in baseball in the last five years, and the former hasn’t even played a full year in the bigs – but it’s definitely fair to compare the two in terms of the options they bring. That’s where Joe Maddon seemed to land in this CSN piece, noting that Alcantara can play all over defensively and switch hits, not unlike Zobrist. Maddon says it’s almost like having an extra guy on the bench – and it’s really true. When the Cubs picked up Dexter Fowler, filling the position at which Alcantara would have otherwise started, it was like adding a reserve outfielder and infielder to the mix (which we’ve discussed several times in relation to a possible Welington Castillo non-trade – having Alcantara in this role makes it a tiny bit more palatable to carry three catchers for a little while, if necessary).

… and on the other hand, this ESPN write-up makes it sound a little more like Alcantara’s focus right now is second base, with the outfield sprinkled in. If that’s true, then Alcantara could be primed as the fall-back starting option at second base if Javier Baez needs more time at AAA Iowa. It was a tiny sample, but last year, Alcantara did look so very smooth at second base, so it’s hard to argue with him as the primary fall-back there.

… and, speaking of second base fall-backs, infielder Tommy La Stella has been working out at third base for several months already, because the Cubs told him that they planned to give him a look there immediately upon trading for him back in November (Cubs.com). There are still a lot of moving parts in all of this (throw in the third base aspect, especially with Kris Bryant potentially emerging in late April to take the position over (or maybe going to left field)), and I wonder if the April 5 lineup will look different than we’re expecting. And then the April 29th lineup will be different from that. Alcantara as a super utility guy is something of a metaphor for all of these possibilities: he could be playing anywhere in a given game, and these positions around him could feature so many permutations when the season gets underway.

Jason Motte has kept the trolling of Cardinals and Cardinals fans to a minimum after he flipped sides in the rivalry (Cubs.com), which, as we learned with Ryan Theriot, isn’t the worst way to approach things. For me, though, what I really want to know is how he’s looking in his bullpen sessions. The Cubs paid Motte a healthy guarantee ($4.5 million) for a guy who missed 2013 with Tommy John surgery, and didn’t seem to be himself in 2014 after he returned (looking at his velocity chart, and it’s ugly – hard stuff way down, offspeed stuff way too fast). That’s how the TJS comeback can look, though, so there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about what’s ahead for Motte, not the least of which is how excellent he was before 2013. Still, Cubs fans are probably feeling burned recently by pricey bullpen additions – Kyuji Fujikawa and Jose Veras come to mind – so hopefully Motte provides newfound comfort.

Dexter Fowler cracked me up with this response to a question about what he brings to the table in an ESPN Twitter Q&A: “Just a leadoff guy that can get on-base and hit for some power. Maybe I can run down some balls but they say my defense is awful. Sabermetrics. My UZR has me awful. I was like, ‘Really?'” Even Fowler is in on the debate about Fowler’s strange defensive metrics!

META: The FCC yesterday voted in favor of the strongest form of Net Neutrality, which is a good thing, in my opinion, for the future of the Internet. But, because the FCC went so far in that direction, they will face challenges in court from Internet service providers, and challenges in Congress from those opposed to Net Neutrality. In other words, this saga, which started about this time last year, is going to go on for a while longer.

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

Chicago Cubs Lineup: (Almost) All the Righties!

*The Cubs were rained out yesterday, but today? Today, we've got a Friday 1:20 start at Wrigley Field, and that means all is right in the world. Before you take a look at the Cubs lineup against Miami, check out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 19, 2024: Kevin Alcántara is Heating Up!

The Iowa Cubs were rained out, but the rest of the farm was in action, and so was Kevin Alcántara, who picked up four hits and now has seven in his last three games as he breaks out of an...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

Mariners vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Seattle Mariners (9-10) will put their three-game win streak to the test when they visit the Colorado Rockies (4-15) Friday at 8:40 PM ET on ROOT Sports NW. Sportsbooks consider the Mariners -139 favorites to extend their streak, while...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Padres vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

The San Diego Padres (11-10) host the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9) on Friday to kick off a three-game series at PETCO Park. The matchup starts at 9:40 PM ET.The Padres will give the nod to Matt Waldron (0-1, 3.14 ERA),...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Giants vs. Diamondbacks Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

The San Francisco Giants (9-11) face the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-11) at home at 10:15 PM ET on Friday.The Giants will look to Blake Snell (0-2) against the Diamondbacks and Jordan Montgomery.Giants vs. Diamondbacks Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday, April...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Dodgers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

The New York Mets (10-8) bring a four-game winning streak into a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) at 10:10 PM ET on Friday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Dodgers will send Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1) to the...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Bears

Sounds Like Caleb Williams and the Bears Are Already Hashing Out His Rookie Deal

The latest from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero is QB-heavy. And if you're a fan of the Chicago Bears, you will want the section dedicated to Caleb Williams. There is all sorts of good stuff about his play style, background,...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Alex Caruso Expects to Play Against Miami

Alex Caruso could be missing a foot and would probably still suit up for a do-or-die game. The Chicago Bulls' defensive anchor told ESPN's Jamal Collier that he expects to play in tonight's Play-In Tournament game against the Miami Heat....

Elias Schuster

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Brewers vs. Cardinals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

Willson Contreras will look to extend his 11-game hitting streak when the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) take on the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6). The Brewers are listed as -118 favorites on the moneyline for the contest, which starts at 8:15 PM...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Orioles vs. Royals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

Two of the league's top power hitters meet Friday when the Baltimore Orioles (12-6) and Kansas City Royals (12-7) take the field at 7:40 PM ET, live on BSKC. Gunnar Henderson has six home runs for the Orioles (-138 favorites...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Twins vs. Tigers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

One team will end a losing skid when the 6-11 Minnesota Twins (four-game losing streak) and the 10-9 Detroit Tigers (two-game losing streak) meet Friday at 8:10 PM ET. The Twins have been set as -151 favorites by sportsbooks for...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Coby White Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Heat – Friday, April 19, 2024

On Friday at 7:00 PM ET, the Chicago Bulls meet the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and Coby White's 3-pointer prop for this clash requires three trifectas.Coby White's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HeatCoby White's over/under for three-pointers...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Arismendy Alcantara and the Uncertain Roster and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular