The Cubs are nearing the end of spring training as well as finalizing the opening day roster. Nothing earth-shattering is happening. They cut Peter Bourjos even though Maddon has professed his profound respect for his talents. In this matter, I'm not sure what Maddon is looking at. Bourjos had a couple of decent seasons early in his career with the Angels, but he hasn't been much to write home about since then. He is a mediocre hitter whose speed and glove work has been in decline for a couple of seasons.
Slightly more surprising was shipping Chris Gimenez to Iowa and retaining Victor Caratini on the big league roster as backup catcher. Apparently, the search for the next David Ross has been at least temporarily abandoned. I like this move. Caratini is a player with a future. Gimenez really cannot hit a lick.
Strop appeared Saturday in a live game for the first or second time this spring. I guess he did OK. Assuming he is ready to go, that leaves only the 13th pitcher spot open. Butler started against the Mariners on Saturday. His performance was not disgraceful, but he was the losing pitcher. I don't honestly see much upside to this guy. Should the Cubs hold on, it would only be because they don't want to lose him on waivers. He would in that case be the eighth reliever who is only called in to eat innings in games that are out of reach.
Bass, Ryan, and Hancock have all shown better form this spring, though all of them are non-roster invitees who would cost the Cubs a slot on the 40-man roster should they win the battle. Presumably that spot would be Butler's. Bass and Ryan have some major league experience, though each of these guys was terrible last season. Hancock has bounced around the minors for a few years without earning much success.
None of these contenders, including Butler, looks to add much either way, so you kind of wonder why they feel they need so many relievers to start the season to begin with. That seems to be baseball these days.
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