Post by Rog on Mar 31, 2017 2:37:37 GMT -5
Don't know that the Cubs would want to do business with the Giants, but another center field trade possibility would be Matt Szczur, Szczur's job on the Cubs' 25-man roster was saved when reliever Brian Duensing was placed on the 10-day DL. When Duensing comes back though, the Cubbies will face the dilemma of whether to keep infielder Tommy La Stella or Szczur for the 25th roster spot.
La Stella would seem to be the better fit, since the Cubs are carrying only five other infielders. Without Szczur, the Cubs would have only four outfielders, but Kris Bryant, Ben Zobrist and even catcher Willson Contreras have played there.
Evan after trading for Chris Burjous, the Rays are said to be looking at either the 26-year-old Szczur or Angel Pagan, and the Cubs would likely prefer to deal with an American League club. Szczur would be another possibility though as the Giants seek a right-handed hitter who can play center field. Szczur hits lefties better than right-handers and has stolen as many as 42 bases in a minor league season. Szczur is out of options.
The Braves are also said to be pursuing a backup outfielder.
On the injury front, Will Smith is said to be able to return as soon as May of 2018 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Assuming he comes back strongly, he will be a nice boon from the port side of the bullpen. For now it's Okert and pray for -- well, maybe just pray. Josh Osich struggled this spring.
In other trade-related news, lefty Adelberto Mejia has been announced as the Twins' #5 starter. The Giants traded Adelberto to the Twins last summer in the Eduardo Nunez deal. Quite possibly the development of fellow lefty Ty Blach contributed to the Giants' making Mejia available in the deal.
In his bid to become a backup Giants outfielder, Justin Ruggiano struck out 15 times in 39 spring at bats. Ruggiano has struck out once every 3.4 at bats in his 1280 at bat major league career.
Chris Marrero's start in left field tonight would seem to back up what we pretty much already knew -- that he would make the 25-man roster. (Nice diving catch, although I couldn't see how good his jump was. If it was OK, that would be a fine sign, since the ball was hit directly in front of him, and those are the tough ones to judge.)
Gorkys Hernandez was used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement for Denard Span in what might also be a clue. Jae Hwang didn't make an appearance and despite his fine spring, appears headed to Sacramento for want of an infield opening. The more versatile Aaron Hill came into the game tonight and looks like he's in. Kelby Tomlinson also came in off the bench, but his options appear to be working against him.
On the pitching side, both Corey Gearrin pitched tonight.
La Stella would seem to be the better fit, since the Cubs are carrying only five other infielders. Without Szczur, the Cubs would have only four outfielders, but Kris Bryant, Ben Zobrist and even catcher Willson Contreras have played there.
Evan after trading for Chris Burjous, the Rays are said to be looking at either the 26-year-old Szczur or Angel Pagan, and the Cubs would likely prefer to deal with an American League club. Szczur would be another possibility though as the Giants seek a right-handed hitter who can play center field. Szczur hits lefties better than right-handers and has stolen as many as 42 bases in a minor league season. Szczur is out of options.
The Braves are also said to be pursuing a backup outfielder.
On the injury front, Will Smith is said to be able to return as soon as May of 2018 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Assuming he comes back strongly, he will be a nice boon from the port side of the bullpen. For now it's Okert and pray for -- well, maybe just pray. Josh Osich struggled this spring.
In other trade-related news, lefty Adelberto Mejia has been announced as the Twins' #5 starter. The Giants traded Adelberto to the Twins last summer in the Eduardo Nunez deal. Quite possibly the development of fellow lefty Ty Blach contributed to the Giants' making Mejia available in the deal.
In his bid to become a backup Giants outfielder, Justin Ruggiano struck out 15 times in 39 spring at bats. Ruggiano has struck out once every 3.4 at bats in his 1280 at bat major league career.
Chris Marrero's start in left field tonight would seem to back up what we pretty much already knew -- that he would make the 25-man roster. (Nice diving catch, although I couldn't see how good his jump was. If it was OK, that would be a fine sign, since the ball was hit directly in front of him, and those are the tough ones to judge.)
Gorkys Hernandez was used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement for Denard Span in what might also be a clue. Jae Hwang didn't make an appearance and despite his fine spring, appears headed to Sacramento for want of an infield opening. The more versatile Aaron Hill came into the game tonight and looks like he's in. Kelby Tomlinson also came in off the bench, but his options appear to be working against him.
On the pitching side, both Corey Gearrin pitched tonight.