2011 Cubs Spring Training - life_boy's Blog

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2011 Cubs Spring Training

Posted on March 18, 2011 at 08:38 PM.

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2011 Cubs Spring Training
The news out of Mesa offers a terrible mix of excitement and frustration.

In Hohokam Park, Cubs fans enjoy a glimpse of their new firstbaseman, Carlos Pe�a.

MESA, Arizona -- The good news first: Aramis Ramirez hit 22 home runs over the course of Spring Training. He looked great with his swing and said he felt ready to play. Mike Quade feels confident Aramis can be the run producer in the 3-hole the Cubs need every day.

Now the bad news: Sean Marshall (LHP), Jeff Samardzija (RHP), and John Grabow (LHP) all found ways to land on the DL within their first mound appearances in the first week of Spring Training. The bad luck blast sent shockwaves through the organization as front office folks, scouts, development coaches and minor league managers worked quickly to figure out how best to handle the sudden demand for MLB-ready bullpen arms. In the final game of Spring Training, Jay Jackson (RHP) left in the 2nd inning after he "landed funny" reaching for a liner.

Sean Marshall (LHP) [60 day DL: Torn Elbow Cartilage] 110+ Days
The most devastating impact on the Cubs bullpen will be the loss of Marshall for 110+ days. The lefty had come off a strong season of middle relief in 2010 and was ready to build on that experience. He was Quade's planned go-to man for the 7-8 innings. The loss of Sean Marshall's arm was felt so heavily that the Cubs' front office immediately inked the one year, $951K deal with Joe Beimel to get a solid lefty back in the bullpen. With so many young arms in development, it was decided that it would be better to sign an experienced lefty than lose valuable pieces in a patch trade or rush someone up only to potentially suffer a more crippling injury to a young arm.

Jeff Samardzija (RHP) [60 day DL: Torn Knee Cartilage] 75+ Days
Samardzija was not pitching well before the injury and will likely have a slow recovery. Before the injury, there were some rumors floating around about a possible trade invovling Samardzija, but the rumors have been sufficiently quelled (for better or worse) as Samardzija sits on the 60 day DL. As one cynical Cubs fan put it after hearing the news: "I really hate [the injury] for the guy but this probably is better for the team."

John Grabow (LHP) [60 day DL: Torn Elbow Ligament] 75+ Days
Grabow was the lefty bullpen arm who was to try and step in for Marshall. His injury was shocking and became comically absurd when a rumor surfaced that the 32-year old Grabow had played "an intense game of hacky sack" with fans in the parking lot with A's fans after the March 15th game against Oakland. On March 16th he complained of sharp pain in his elbow. The rumors are unconfirmed but suspicions among fans linger.

Jay Jackson (RHP) [15 day DL: Ankle Ligament Rupture] 25+ Days
Although Jackson was not expected to reach the majors this season, trainers are worried his injury could slow his development as a potential major league starter in 2012. It is not a frightening injury for a pitcher, but the 22-year old did land awkwardly on his left leg after reaching for a hard liner up the middle. Expect team physicians and trainers to take it slow with Jackson's return as he regains his confidence both as a pitcher and a fielder.