Weekend Catch-Up: Happ Demoted, Duensing DFA’d, New Pitcher Added, Rumors, Extensions, More

It’s been a while since we’ve done a weekend catch-up, but after a relatively quiet offseason, this weekend was sufficiently busy that I looked back and thought, yeah, I should probably catch folks up who headed out for the weekend. It was actually extremely loaded with news.

Catch up …

Friday, March 22

• Wondering about realistic hopes for Jason Heyward, the added benefits of extra rest, and other Bullets on Friday.
• The Cubs have at least discussed internally the idea of increasing minor league pay.
• The Red Sox and Chris Sale got together on a massive extension.
• Craig Kimbrel is reportedly down to the Brewers and the Braves.
• Why I like Sandy Leon as a back-up catcher target for the Cubs.
• Kyle Schwarber broke another windshield.
• Jose Quintana looked really good in his final Cactus League start.
• And, of course, the day ended with ANOTHER big extension – Justin Verlander and the Astros.
• About those extensions: I have some thoughts on why they are happening, BEYOND just the “player fear” aspect.

Saturday, March 23

• The big news on Saturday: Ian Happ was cut, and will start the season at AAA Iowa.
• Happ wasn’t the only cut on Saturday, as the Cubs sent five others out.
• The Cubs also released reliever Junichi Tazawa.
• Nico Hoerner continues to impress.
• On the minor league side, there are a lot of roster battles.
• Old friend Jason Hammel made the Rangers! … and then retired.
• Javy Baez’s spring tear continued with a ridiculous homer.

Sunday, March 24

• On morning reflection, I can see why the Ian Happ decision was made, and why it shouldn’t have surprised me.
• Jon Lester is gonna be ready for the season, even as he comes off another rough spring outing.
• The Cubs DFA’d Brian Duensing and added lefty Tim Collins instead.
• A best guess at the Opening Day roster, even as Theo Epstein concedes the Cubs will keep their eyes open.
• Yu Darvish threw well in his final tuneup for the regular season.
• The Cubs put up a 24 spot on the Padres.
• The Cubs are reportedly still looking at making last minute additions in the outfield, in the bullpen, and behind the plate.
• Speaking of which, the Red Sox placed catcher Sandy Leon on waivers.