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Welcome to Cubs Park Welcome to the inaugural season at Cubs Park. We built this great facility through a unique publicprivate partnership with the City of Mesa to grow our longstanding relationship with the local community and build a new championship tradition for the Chicago Cubs. We now have one of the best facilities in Spring Training, which will be our home for the next 30 years. Cubs fans and visitors will now experience the best ballpark and amenities in the Cactus League. That’s important to us because our fans deserve the best. But what Cubs fans really want is a World Series Championship, and this new facility brings us a big step closer to that goal. Our players now have access to a state-of-the-art facility which will dramatically improve player training and development and provide our team with a competitive advantage. To achieve our goal of winning a World Championship, we must be able to provide our players with the world-class facilities they deserve. This project would not have happened without support of Mesa residents and the leadership of Mayor Scott Smith and the Mesa City Council. Through this successful partnership, we preserved an economic development engine in Mesa and jobs. We are excited about our future and look forward to being a good neighbor and partner in the community for years to come. Please enjoy the new ballpark and complex, as well as the adjacent Riverview Park. You are in store for an exciting Spring Training season in Mesa. Go Cubs! Tom Ricketts Chairman, Chicago Cubs
Welcome Baseball Fans! Thank you for visiting beautiful Mesa, Arizona to enjoy Cactus League baseball. Each year, devoted fans like you from all over the country come for Spring Training and endless recreational opportunities in our Southwestern sunshine. The Chicago Cubs are the cornerstone of Spring Training in Arizona. Mesa’s relationship with the Cubs spans more than half a century and we know 2014 will be the best season yet! This year, we are proud to celebrate the opening of Cubs Park, the new Chicago Cubs training complex at Riverview Park that includes a new multipurpose ballpark and a year-round, state-of-the-art training facility. Fans and families alike will also find adventure waiting for them at world-class Riverview Park with attractions including a splash pad, bouldering wall, 50-foot rope tower and zip line all overlooking the lake. Baseball enthusiasts from Chicago to Mesa will agree that Cubs Park is the best place to watch Spring Training baseball anywhere from coast to coast. After the game, be sure to experience Mesa’s vibrant downtown with its unique shops, art galleries, restaurants and the internationally acclaimed Mesa Arts Center. Complete your visit by enjoying the new Arizona Spring Training Experience, inside the Mesa Historical Museum, where baseball fans of all ages can encounter the rich history of America’s favorite pastime. There’s nothing like Spring Training in Mesa! Get your hot dog and a cold drink and get ready for an entirely new Cactus League experience. Now, let’s play ball! Mayor Scott Smith City of Mesa
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PLAY BALL Here’s the Line Up 3
elcome to Cubs Park W From Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts and the Honorable Scott Smith, Mayor of Mesa A Home Run: 6 Cubs Park Ribbon Cutting ew Cubs Park Delivers for Fans & Players Alike 8 N By Robert Johnson, Hunt Construction 12 Mesa HoHoKams Welcome & Member Listing Baseball & Giving: A Winning Combination 14 Cubs Charities and Mesa HoHoKam Foundation Diamond in the Desert 16 By Charlie Vascellaro Cubs Coaching Staff 21 46 Building a Team, One Prospect at a Time By Al Yellon 50 Chicago Cubs Celebrate 100 Years of Wrigley Field Take Me Out to the Ball Game 52 Cubs Create the Ultimate Fan Experience By Miriam Romain 56 Riverview Park: Delivering on a Dream Reprinted Courtesy of City of Mesa and Republic Media By Debra Gelbart 58 The Best-Laid Plans
Reprinted Courtesy of Vine Line Magazine Vol. 28 No. 11, November 2013
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By Gary Cohen Arizona Fall League Report Inside Pitch: Setting The Tone
Reprinted Courtesy of Vine Line Magazine Vol. 29 No. 1, January 2014
By Bruce Levine and Joel Bierig oving Forward: New Manager Rick Renteria M
Reprinted Courtesy of Vine Line Magazine Vol. 29 No. 1, January 2014
By Gary Cohen Scorecard 76 79 Keeping Score: Cubs Numerical Roster Spring Fever: Things to Do in Mesa 80 By Michelle Streeter 82 Cactus League Rosters Rosters continue pages 84, 86 83 Inside Pitch: Phase Two
Reprinted Courtesy of Vine Line Magazine Vol. 28 No. 12, December 2013
By Bruce Levine and Joel Bierig C 87 ubs 2014 Roster Innings: 88 A Extra Dining & Nightlife Guide in Cubs Park & Beyond By Charlie Vascellaro 95 Food & Beverage Ballpark Map Guide to Cubs Park Dining Options 97 Cactus League Spring Training Schedule 99 Cubs Spring Training Schedule 101 Tickets & Seats Information 103 Valley Map of Spring Training Ball Parks 104 Advertiser Index
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2014 on the cover A New Era Begins in Baseball: Anthony Rizzo (Left), Darwin Barney (Center), and Starlin Castro (Right) get ready to give it their all at the new Cubs Park in Mesa, Arizona. Below: City of Mesa Mayor Scott Smith addresses the crowd at the Cubs Park ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 12, 2014.
BOYS OF SPRING 40-man roster Arismendy Alcantara . . . . 24 Jake Arrieta . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Darwin Barney . . . . . . . . . . 24 Dallas Beeler . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Alberto Cabrera . . . . . . . . . 26 Welington Castillo . . . . . . 26 Starlin Castro . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Kyuji Fujikawa . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Justin Grimm . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Jason Hammel . . . . . . . . . . 28 Brett Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Edwin Jackson . . . . . . . . . . 28 George Kottaras . . . . . . . . . 30 Junior Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 James McDonald . . . . . . . . 30 Donnie Murphy . . . . . . . . . 30 Mike Olt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Blake Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Neil Ramirez . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Anthony Rizzo . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Hector Rondon . . . . . . . . . . 32 Zac Rosscup . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Justin Ruggiano . . . . . . . . . . 34 Chris Rusin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 James Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Jeff Samardzija . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Nate Schierholtz . . . . . . . . 36 Jorge Soler . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Pedro Strop . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ryan Sweeney . . . . . . . . . . 36 Matt Szczur . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Luis Valbuena . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Jose Veras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Carlos Villanueva . . . . . . . . 38 Christian Villanueva . . . . . 39 Josh Vitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Arodys Vizcaino . . . . . . . . . 40 Logan Watkins . . . . . . . . . . 40 Travis Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Wesley Wright . . . . . . . . . . 40
2014 Program E x ec u tive E ditor
A dvertising
Michelle K. Streeter
SportsCastor Marketing
Biographies and Information
D esign and L ayo u t
Provided by Chicago Cubs, their publications and web site; MLBPressBox.com P hotos
John Antonoff; Dilworth Brinton, Jr.; City of Mesa; Julie Foskett; Stephen Green, Chicago Cubs Photographer; Ivan Martinez; Randy Sanders; Michelle Streeter; Charlie Vascellaro; Vine Line Images/EMI Network; Visit Mesa; Jason Wise
The Design Idea.com P rinting
Courier Graphics S pecial T hanks
Gary Cohen Dustin Harrington Evan Hill Safdar Khan Mike McAdams Melissa Randazzo
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Cubs Park Ribbon Cutting
Ahom e run Ch i c a g o Cub s a n d C i t y o f M e s a c e l e b r a t e a n e w e r a i n b a s e b a ll On Feb. 12, 2014, the Chicago Cubs and City of Mesa held a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony that completed the unique public-private partnership delivering a state-of-theart ballpark, two-story player development facility and a rebuilt and enhanced Riverview Park on a 146-acre site – making the development the first and largest of its kind in the Cactus League. The new Spring Training facility was built in just 15 months by Hunt Construction Group and Populous. Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said the new Spring Training facility will dramatically improve player training and development and provide the team with a competitive advantage. “This new ballpark and player development facility will allow our players to better train and compete,” said Tom Ricketts. “To achieve our goal of winning a World Championship, we must be able to provide our players with the world-class facilities they deserve.”
From left to right: Principal David Bower, Populous; Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh, City of Mesa; Councilmember Chris Glover, City of Mesa; Fergie Jenkins, HOF, Chicago Cubs; Crane Kenney, Chicago Cubs President of Business Operations; The Honorable Janice K. Brewer, Arizona Governor; Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts; The Honorable Scott Smith, Mayor, City of Mesa; Chicago Cubs Owner Laura Ricketts; Councilmember Dave Richins, City of Mesa; Chairman & CEO Robert Hunt, Hunt Construction; Councilmember David Luna, City of Mesa; Manager Chris Brady, City of Mesa; Vice-Mayor Alex Finter, City of Mesa.
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This time in 2012, the spot where you bought this program was probably smack in the middle of a golf course fairway, or maybe a tee box. Certainly you wouldn’t be heading to your seat for a relaxing game of spring training baseball played by one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises.
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ndeed, the land once known as Riverview Golf Course has come a long way to this point as the new training home of the Chicago Cubs. This site has a history that is almost as interesting as the Cubs’ moves around Mesa and the Valley but make no mistake: the new Cubs Park will be the North Side club’s home for at least the next thirty years. Designed by Populous of Kansas City, Mo. and built by hometown Hunt Construction Group, the training facility is the biggest in the Cactus League, featuring a capacity for up to 15,000 fans and a player development center sure to play a part in the building of a championship team. “This will be a really comfortable place to watch baseball,” said Robert G. Hunt, Chairman and CEO of Hunt Construction in Scottsdale. There is no doubt it will be the best facility the Cubs have occupied since deciding to spend most of the last sixty-plus years training in Arizona. In 1952, when Mesa legend Dwight Patterson lured the Cubs here from their winter base on Catalina Island off the coast of California, the team set up shop at Rendezvous Park, where the Mesa Convention Center is today. Ballparks then were simple and uncomfortable, for fans and players alike. Many times they were shoehorned onto whatever scrap of land was available, pushing up against homes, shops or offices. Other times they were in
the middle of nowhere. Either way, they weren’t full-service facilities but they didn’t need to be given the players’ simpler training regimen. Cubs Park is just the opposite. It covers 142 acres in Mesa and is seen by hundreds of thousands of motorists each day as they drive the Loop 101 and Loop 202 freeways that partly border the complex. The facility was designed to make the best use of the site. There is plenty of room for fans to enjoy their time before, during and after each spring game. Wide concourses feature plenty of shade while
m a k e s ! BY ROBE RT J O H NSO N
We tracked down the people who make the bricks behind home plate at Wrigley Field. Those same bricks are behind home plate at Cubs Park. — TAB BAKER
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New Cubs Park Delivers for Fans and Players Alike
Ballpark Construction Facts Construction workers spent 2 million hours building Cubs Park and surrounding facilities Builders used 2,196 tons of steel and 13,000 cubic yards of concrete on the project The project features more than 1.4 million square feet of turf and sod Water for the grass comes from the lake at the southeast corner of the site 850 newly planted trees and 8,000 newly planted shrubs 33 miles of underground utilities 5,000 installed light fixtures all throughout the property
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a sprawling outfield berm gives sun worshippers space to thaw out from chilly Chicago temps. Ninethousand seats are in the lower seating bowl. The berm was built for 4,200 people. Many new Spring Training ballparks have opened in the Phoenix metropolitan area since 2003, but Cubs Park is more than just another pretty ballpark face. It was built to remind fans of historic Wrigley Field, itself marking 100 years of baseball this year. “We tracked down the people who make the bricks behind home plate at Wrigley Field,” said Tab Baker, Hunt’s Project Executive responsible for building the facility. “Those same bricks are behind home plate at Cubs Park.” The arches that support the ballpark roof and the light towers all remind Cubs faithful of the team’s vaunted home field. So does the viewing area that rises above the left field berm. “It’s going to be a unique way to watch a Spring Training game,” Baker said. Fans arriving early will find a bigger Team Shop than the one at Hohokam Stadium and expanded concessions and restroom facilities. There are four party areas around the park, a kid-sized field for the
youngest Cubs fans, a citrus grove picnic area, luxury suites and even an area for food trucks. “I hear positive comments from people all the time and they have yet to go to a game,” said Chairman Hunt. “Already people love it,” he said. For Cubs players, the new clubhouse and training center, at 65,000 square feet, testifies to the evolution of the game and the science that now goes into preparing a team for the grind of the six month regular season. The training center includes a weight room and cardio deck that together total more than 9,000 square feet. Locker rooms, offices, meeting space and a 120-seat theatre provide work and prep space for players and team personnel all year long. More than 60 years ago, players invited to spring training used the same field for practice and games. Today, there are six full-size fields, one half-field, an agility field, and batting tunnels for specific training. For fans, two years may seem to be a long time to spend working on one site, but it pales in comparison to the history of the first construction project here. Between A.D. 1100 and 1450, the ancient Hohokam people built canals to move water to 110,000 acres of land in the area. They used sticks to dig a massive system of trenches, some that reached 45 feet wide and 16 feet deep. The angles were perfect, moving water at just the right slope and speed. Hundreds of years later, golfers studied the pitch of the greens on the City’s Riverview Golf Course, the favorite of local duffers until it closed for construction in March 2012. Baker says Cubs fans shouldn’t be surprised if a golf ball turns up in the grass outside the ballpark. “It was amazing,” Baker said. “Months after excavation you would find golf balls popping up all over the place,” he said. “I doubt we found them all.” There is no question fans and players will find more than an old forgotten golf ball on their visit today. They will find a very comfortable place for watching baseball, a place that will deliver on their dreams of a warm winter break, and a place that will lay the foundation for a World Championship at Wrigley Field. “We all had one goal in mind for this project, to get it done and done well,” Mr. Hunt said. Cubs faithful will almost certainly agree.
Welcome from the Mesa
Hohokam s Take a good look around, there are many new offerings here at Cubs Park and we hope you make the most of your visit. And as always remember GO CUBS!
H o h o k a m s Steve Adams Joe Arriaga Peter Bardon Neil Barna Joe Bartko Tim Baughman Craig Berge Jeff Berning George Bliss III Carl Bramer Mike Breton Dilworth Brinton Jr. Bob Broughton Robert Brown Matt Burdick Joe Burr Paul Buser Milan Carnes Jim Carpenter Rick Carpenter Don Carter Louis Casillas, Jr. Al Childress Ron Christison Ann Cleghorn Joe Comparin
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Jim Cramer Craig Cummins Rich Curtis Don Dauwalder Randy Day Charlie Deaton Jerry DeLand John Dennett Vincent Di Bella Chip Dircks Mark Dobson Jim Driskill Frank Duranti Jimmie Duranti Ron Duranti Tom Eaton Bob Eccles Greg Eccles John Evans Jeremy Felstead Ron Felstead Paul Fischer Michael Flatt Tom Flores Sal Flores Pat Flynn
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Welcome to Spring Training. We hope you are ready for a whole new ball game. The Mesa HoHoKams are excited about the inaugural season at Cubs Park and we join Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts and the Ricketts family, Cubs Head of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Cubs Manager Rick Renteria and the entire team in welcoming fans from far and wide to Mesa, Arizona. We are pleased to share our warm hospitality with this season’s visitors and we are excited for many wins ahead on a brand-new turf. If this is your first time at spring training or your 50th, please sit back and soak up the sunshine that is so uniquely ours here in the Southwest and enjoy the wonders of Cubs Park. This is a year for new traditions and discovery as our guests enter the gates for the first time and warm up their seats, check out the new view of the field, and cheer on a winning team. This brand-new baseball playground is yours. All month long, the Mesa HoHoKams will roam the ballpark grounds as ambassadors just as we have done for generations. The Spring Training duties that you are used to seeing our volunteers do such
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Michael Flynn Milt Fort Mark Fullerton Ruben Garcia Mark Grant Rex Griswold Fernando Guerrero, Jr. Fernando Guerrero, Sr. Tim Gump Lyle Hamblin Jay Harper Kim Harris Harry Harvey Dennis Hawker Keno Hawker Jr Hernandez Hector Hernandez Stu Hogue Ric Hoks Steve Ikeda Sam Ingram Guy Isley Jimmy Jones Phil Kellis James Kelley Bob Kernagis
as parking cars, taking tickets and selling these Collector’s Edition programs, continue – all in an effort to raise much-needed funds for charity and youth sports. We are so glad you are here helping both the Mesa HoHoKams and Cubs Charities continue their missions. For more than 60 years our presence has been part of the wonderful spectacle that is Spring Training and while today’s environment is a modern, fresh take on baseball here in the desert, the Mesa HoHoKams will proudly preserve the hometown feel visitors have come to know and love this season and well into the future. So, welcome back and know that by joining us today you are helping us make history here in Mesa and sharing in the Cubs experience that takes place both on the field and off. Once you attend a Cubs game this spring, you’ll know. It’s indeed special. I proudly join our civic leaders in saying we have the best ballpark in the Cactus League. Take a good look around, there are many new offerings here at Cubs Park and we hope you make the most of your visit. And as always remember GO CUBS! Mike Whalen Big Ho Mesa HoHoKams
M e m b e r S
Steve Kernagis Milt Laflen James Lee Ken Lenhart Kyle Lenhart George Lindbloom Sandee Ling Dave Liniger Daniel Mackolin Tim Madden Phil Martin Joe Martin David Martin Andrew Masters Dave Mattson, Sr. Bob McKay Paul McKee Mark Meldrum Albert Mendoza Bob Middleton Tom Mousel Jim Nesbitt Shanlyn Newman Kent Nicholas Vern Nicholas Karl Nielson
Kent Nielson Kirk Nielson Nick Nielson Sherrie Nielson-Coker Craig Olson Jim Otten Bud Page Bill Passey David Passey Jim Passey, Jr. Greg Patt Michael Patt Jerry Paulus Norm Pearce Jerry Petrie Buddy Petsch Wayne Pomeroy Jim Pomush Gregory Pott Bill Raymond Tom Rhodes Cliff Richeson, Jr. Cliff Richeson, Sr. Mike Rieger Leslie Riell Dale Riggins, Jr
Randy Riggins Dave Richins Conley Rogers Paul Sale Kathy Santoni Eric Sauers Roger Schmuck Chris Schneck Robert Schweitzer Ric Shervheim Mike Shields Brandon Smith Keith Smith Murrell Smith Scott Smith Jason Spitler Ron Spitler Peter Sterling Don Strauch Randy Surls Tim Sweeney Wally Sykes Dave Tobey Roger Toon Mark Toon Stan Troutman
Dennis Tucker Ron Utke Jim Vernon John Vinson Bryan Vivian Marty Whalen Mike Whalen Bob White Gary Whitley Vic Whitman Mark Wiegenstein Dave Wier Guy Wolf David Workman Bernie Zeper In Memoriam Wayne Brown Officers Big Ho Mike Whalen Little Ho Paul Buser Immediate Past Big Ho Bud Page President of the Hohokam Foundation David Mattson
Baseball & Giving:
AWinning
Com bination Mes a Ho HoK a m s a n d Cub s Char itie s Please join us in furthering Charities’ mission of providing increased access to sports opportunities and targeting improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk
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More than 60 years ago, a handful of publicspirited citizens created an organization to bring Major League Baseball to Mesa in the spring of each year to train and prepare for the upcoming season. They called themselves the HoHoKams. Those founders came from many professions including banking, the legal profession, ranching, journalism and retail business. They all gave their professional talents to create Spring Training in Mesa and to support youth sports in the Mesa area, and they continue to do so today at the new Cubs Park. The 2014 season is a special one for fans as they return to the Southwest and welcome their beloved Cubs on a new field. Together with Cubs Charities, the Mesa HoHoKam Foundation will continue the tradition of raising funds during Spring Training to support dozens of Mesa and East Valley youth charities and continue to provide for stadium improvements in the future. Generations of HoHoKams have experienced the rites of passage such as parking cars and hawking programs, among countless other activities, to connect with fans and make the Spring Training experience a memorable
one. Today, the HoHoKams are comprised of nearly 200 community leaders who volunteer their time. Each member is here today for the love of the organization, love of Mesa, love of baseball, and love of the Cubs. In 2014, Wrigley Field will turn 100 and the Cubs have planned the “Party of the Century” to commemorate the occasion all season long. Cubs Charities will join the celebration by hosting events and initiatives benefiting the community. During its primary fundraiser, the Bricks & Ivy Ball, which will be held in April, the “Party of the Century” theme will be integrated into the event for an exciting night of fun, entertainment and charitable giving. Through the season, Cubs Charities will also mark the celebration by giving gifts to the community as part of its’ “100 Gifts of Service” program featuring Cubs players and associates engaging in community service projects large and small. Please join us in furthering Cubs Charities’ mission of providing increased access to sports opportunities and targeting improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk.
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Dia mond IN THE Desert New Cubs Park is the Latest Jewel in the Cactus League’s Modern Era
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ombining elements of the Cubs historic Wrigley Field home while incorporating the Cactus League’s open-air concourse atmosphere and signature scenic vistas, the new Cubs Park is a hybrid of modern ballpark design, setting the standard for both Spring Training and year-round player development facilities. Just when Cactus League fans thought they had seen it all, Cubs Park, located next to the newly-reconstructed Riverview Park, is the fourth new ballpark to arrive on the Cactus League’s desert horizon in the last six years. Already being heralded as the crown jewel of Spring Training facilities, Cubs Park boasts a 15,000 person capacity; the largest in the Cactus League with a 9,200-seat seating-bowl and expansive outfield berm with room for 4,200 sun-worshipping revelers. An infinite mountain vista beyond the outfield wall includes such iconic local imagery as the Superstition Mountains to the right, Four Peaks and Red Mountain to dead center and the vast McDowell Mountain range to north. Even Phoenix’s popular Camelback Mountain can be viewed from deep in left field. “Mesa has hit a home run this year and it’s probably a grand slam, because not only are they building a new facility, they’re also adding another team,” said Cactus League President Mark Coronado. The Cubs former Hohokam Park is undergoing a
series of renovations and will re-open in 2015 as the spring home of the Oakland A’s. While the Cubs had a spectacular run at two different Hohokam Parks from 1979-2013 setting Cactus League and MLB Spring Training attendance records and enjoying a wonderfully symbiotic relationship with the city and the fans, the team’s new multi-purpose Spring Training and player development facility is vastly improved and presents a multitude of opportunities.
By C harlie Vascellaro Coming on the heels of the Cubs new training academy in the Dominican Republic and in conjunction with renovations to the team’s Wrigley Field home and adjacent neighborhood restorations, the organization has made great strides under owner Tom Ricketts in terms of facilities and comprehensive player development accommodations – an essential step for a team looking to build from the lower levels up. Whereas previously the Cubs’ minor leaguers would conduct workouts at nearby Fitch Park, the new facility most notably consolidates the Cubs’ Spring Training operation into one location. The new facility puts all of the Cubs’ operations under
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Diamond in the Desert
Ballpark Amenities: A high definition 28ft(h) x 88ft(w) video board Luxury suites and two party decks with catering, and excellent field views Budweiser EIGHTEEN|76 viewing area in left field Six practice fields, one half-field, agility field, and additional training facilities State-of-the-art workout facility, the largest in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues Press box equipped with seven TV/Radio booths Six parking lots with approximately 5,000 spaces, all perfect for tailgating Pathway from Cubs Clubhouse to the ballpark, where fans get a close look at players
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one roof. This is an improvement for both the front office – which can better monitor the development on the team’s young players – and fans, who no longer have to make a trip down the road to watch top prospects like Albert Almora, C.J. Edwards and Pierce Johnson make their way to the big leagues.
BIGGER AND BETTER
Designed by Populous, formerly the renowned HOK ballpark architectural firm of Kansas City, Missouri, and built in conjunction with the Hunt construction company of Scottsdale, the $99 million facility was approved by the City of Mesa voters in 2010 ballot measure. Keeping the Cubs in town was a front-burner issue for the city and its mayor. “The Chicago Cubs have been coming to Mesa each spring for more than half a century. The team is a part of who we are as a community and I am excited to see that legacy continue for my children and grandchildren,” said City of Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. The massive 125-acre complex contains six practice fields, one infield practice diamond, 12 indoor batting cages, and a huge 65,000-squarefoot player development facility with a two-floor weight-room and gym filled with stationary bikes, four whirlpools and a hydrotherapy pool. The big league clubhouse, which dwarfs the space at Wrigley Field, has 68 lockers and there’s another clubhouse for minor league players with 200 spaces. The floor-to-ceiling windows look out on the vast mountain ranges, again offering those coveted desert views. In addition to being the Cubs’ Spring Training home, the new site will be the Cubs’ year-round player development and rehabilitation headquarters, and home to the Cubs Rookie League and Arizona Fall League teams. “This is our space to develop players to move onto the big league club so there’s also been a lot of focus and attention from the Cubs on our player development facilities and practice facilities on the site. This will be a Cubs facility for the next 30 years,” said Cubs Spring Training Operations Manager Justin Piper.
JUST LIKE HOME
As Major League Baseball continues to evolve and grow as an industry, its Spring Training season has also become a big business with host cities aggressively competing for entertainment and visitor dollars. It seems like almost every year one big league club or another is moving into an updated, state-of-the-art Spring Training and player development facility. The Cubs brand-new Spring Training site is located in the shadow of the city’s booming Mesa Riverview shopping and entertainment district. The vantage point from the busy crossroads of the 101 and 202 loop freeways ensure the ballpark won’t be hard to find and with so many dining and nightlife locales within close proximity, pre- and post-game options will be plentiful. North Side fans have always had a way of making themselves feel at home in Mesa and while the new Cubs Park is not intended to be scale model of Wrigley Field, reminders of the cozy confines abound in touches like the light towers, scoreboard clock, and a replica Wrigley Field marquee. “People will be able to walk right up to it, we can put their name on the marquee and they can take their photo next to it,” said Piper. Because of Arizona’s atmospheric conditions the dimensions of the outfield wall are about 15-20 feet deeper in various directions than those at Wrigley Field, but the two outfields share the same shape. Just like at Wrigley Field, the Cubs home dugout is situated on the third-base side whereas it was on the first-base side at Hohokam Park, and the wall behind home plate is made of Wrigley Field’s signature red brick. This detail will make Spring Training games broadcast on television appear strikingly familiar to home when the center field camera is in use. Of course, the ballpark’s Southwestern setting is also evident in its design elements, including massive louvered awnings that provide shade over most of the seating-bowl. More than anything else Spring Training baseball has evolved and morphed over time into a social gathering where the game on the field is only of secondary
Diamond in the Desert Ballpark Amenities: Kids Zone with fun activities located beyond Center field wall Club beyond Right field wall, serving beverages and food Citrus Park and Picnic Area, located beyond the Center field wall Food Trucks lined up beyond the Center field wall during games, offering unique cuisine offered throughout Arizona
significance to many of those in attendance who’ve come mostly to spend time catching up with their friends. The new Cubs Park has adequately addressed this phenomenon. “One of the most unique features will be the EIGHTEEN|76 viewing area in left field,” said Piper. The second-story deck comes equipped with bleachers and patios with loose furniture, and it will be accessed with a general admission ticket. “You’ll have a thousand people mixing and mingling sitting in the bleachers having a great time. It’s going to pretty unique,” said Piper. Other features include the massive, high-ceilinged press box situated above the main seating bowl on the same level as the suites and party decks extending along the first and third base lines. But the best aspect of Spring Training has always been the opportunity to rub shoulders with professional ballplayers in a relaxed environment. The walkway from the ballpark to the clubhouse is designed to be
a fan-friendly element of the facility, a long narrow dirt-path where players will make their way to and fro in close proximity to fans who will undoubtedly line the sides of the trail seeking autographs and photographs. There are no walls or barriers of any kind on either side of the trail but a string of oleander bushes have been planted in the medians along both sides that will in time create a bit of natural barrier.
ARIZONA LEGACY
Cubs fans have been making the pilgrimage to Arizona for more than six decades since the team set up a spring camp at Mesa’s Rendezvous Park in the spring of 1952, relocating from Catalina Island where the team had conducted Spring Training for the past 30 years on former Cubs’ owner William Wrigley Jr.’s own island paradise, 25 miles off the Los Angeles coast. Originally constructed in 1920, after the team’s first spring season at Rendezvous Park, owner Phillip K. Wrigley (William’s son) paid $20,000 for a grandstand in exchange for the City of Mesa paying for construction of a new clubhouse on the third-base side. The grandstand’s exterior Rendezvous Park label and water-tank towers looming beyond the outfield would become the signature image associated with the ballpark. The Cubs remained at Rendezvous Park until 1966 when the team moved to Long Beach, California for the spring but returned to Arizona in 1967, taking up spring residence at Scottsdale Stadium until 1979. The Cubs returned to Mesa at the original Hohokam Park, after swapping sites with the Oakland A’s who had occupied the park in its first two years after opening in 1977. The Cubs remained at the original Hohokam Park until a new one was built at the opposite corner of Brown and Center Street in 1997. The idea of moving into a yet another new ballpark after just 17 years in the old one is more of a testament to the advances made in ballpark design during the period than a reflection of the old ballpark’s obsolescence. And with the recent addition of three spectacular new training facilities in the Cactus League cities of Glendale, Goodyear and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, it’s also a matter of keeping up with the Joneses. “We’re real excited about the new Cubs facility,” continued Cactus League President Mark Coronado. “It’s these opportunities that continue to be the magnet for us to draw fans from across the country and the Cubs facility is going to be a Wrigleyville Mecca…the Disneyland of Baseball…It will be the jewel of Spring Training facilities, there’s no question about it. It will be a standard that will be hard-pressed to duplicate because they’ve spared no expense. I think once again you’ll start to see the Cubs become the number one attraction in the Valley.”
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COACHES
2014
Rick Renteria 16 M anager
Was named the 53rd manager in Cubs franchise history on 11/7/13, his first managerial experience at the Major League level. Coached six seasons at the Major League level with San Diego, three as bench coach...originally joined the Padres as first base coach after being named to the post on 12/12/07. Named as manager for Team Mexico for the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Spent four seasons managing in the Padres minor league system at Lake Elsinore (2004-06) and Triple-A Portland (2007). During his three-year stint as manager at Lake Elsinore, guided the Storm to a 212-206 (.507) record, advancing to the California League’s South Division final in 2006. Managed four seasons in the Florida Marlins organization at Single-A Brevard County (1998), Single-A Kane County (1999) and Double-A Portland (2000-01), becoming the first former Florida player to manage in the organization...named Midwest League Manager of the Year after leading Kane County to a league-best 78-59 record in 1999. POSITION AS A PLAYER: Infielder BORN: 12/25/61 in Harbor City, CA RESIDES: Temecula, CA NAMED TO CUBS COACHING STAFF: November 7, 2013
Chris Bosio 25 P itching C oach
3
Bill Mueller H itting C oach
Chris finished his second season as the Cubs big league pitching coach in 2013 ... under his watch, Cubs starting pitchers finished with 91 quality starts, tied for fifth-most in the N.L. Pitched in all or part of 11 big league seasons with Milwaukee (1986-92) and Seattle (1993-96) ... tossed second no-hitter in Mariners history, blanking visiting Boston, 7-0, April 22, 1993.
Was a career .293 hitter with a .373 on-base percentage and nearly as many walks (543) as strikeouts (only 571 in 4,886 plate appearances). Won the 2003 American League batting title with a .326 average (171-for-524) in 146 games with the Boston Red Sox. Played two seasons with the Cubs, hitting .277 (256-for-563) with 13 home runs and 60 RBI in 173 games. Has spent the last six seasons as a special assistant in the Dodgers front office.
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Pitcher BORN: 4/3/63 in Carmichael, CA RESIDES: CHICAGO, IL
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Infielder BORN: 3/17/71 in Maryland Heights, MO RESIDES: Chandler, AZ
17 Brandon Hyde B ench C oach
2
Eric Hinske F irst B ase C oach
Enters his third year with the Cubs organization and his first as a bench coach… serving as bench coach for Jack McKeon and the Marlins for 1.5 seasons from June 23, 2010-2011. Has 11 years of coaching experience, including nine seasons in the Marlins organization, following a four-year playing career in the White Sox system from 1997-2000. Hyde joined the Cubs organization in December of 2011 as minor league field coordinator and was named director of player development on August 29, 2012
Eric joins the Cubs as the team’s first base coach after a 12-year big league career with the Blue Jays (2002-06), Red Sox (2006-07), Rays (2008) Pirates (2009), Yankees (2009), Braves (2010-12) and Diamondbacks (2013). Owns a .249 batting average (947-for-3,797) with 240 doubles, 137 home runs and 522 RBI in 1,387 career big league games. Named the 2002 A.L. Rookie of the Year after leading all rookies in doubles, home runs and hits. A two-time World Series champion, he’s appeared in 10 playoff games from 2007-10, batting .286 (2-for-7) with two home runs and three RBI.
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Catcher/FIRST BASEMAN BORN: 10/3/73 in Santa Rosa, CA RESIDES: Evanston, IL
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Infielder BORN: 8/5/77 in Menasha, WI RESIDES: Scottsdale, AZ
1
Gary Jones T hird B ase C oach
35 Lester Strode B ullpen C oach
Will handle third base coach duties along with infield coach responsibilities during the 2014 campaign. Has spent the last 11 years in the Padres organization, including the last seven as minor league infield coordinator. Jones has 15 seasons of experience as a minor league manager, earning four minor league manager of the year awards. He originally signed with the Cubs as a non-drafted free agent in 1982 and appeared in 897 minor league games.
Lester completed his 26th season as a member of the Cubs organization in 2013, and his eighth at the major league level as the club’s bullpen coach. Pitched in the minor leagues from 1980-88 with Kansas City, Baltimore, St. Louis and the Cubs farm systems.
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Infielder/OUTFIELDER BORN: 11/11/60 in Henderson, TX RESIDES: Henderson, TX
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Pitcher BORN: 6/17/58 in McMinnville, TN RESIDES: ST. CHARLES, MO
GO C U BS
> 21
COACHES
Mike Borzello 58 Catching/STRATEGY Coach
2014
mike brumley 96
assistant hitting Coach
Mike completed his second season in the Cubs organization this year ... has 18 years experience with major league clubs since joining the Yankees as a bullpen catcher and batting practice pitcher in 1996. Was a member of four World Championship teams with the Yankees: 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
Mike enters his 17th year as a coach or manager, including his fifth as a big league first-base coach ... spent the previous four seasons (201013) as the Seattle Mariners first-base coach. Spent the 2009 campaign as the Los Angeles Dodgers minor league field coordinator after he was the organization’s assistant minor league field coordinator and managed Rookie League Ogden in 2008.
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Catcher BORN: 8/14/70 in Yonkers, NY RESIDES: Los Angeles, CA
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Infielder BORN: 4/9/62 in Oklahoma City, OK RESIDES: Keller, TX
jose castro 74
quality assurance Coach
FRANKLIN FONT 64 S TA F F A S S I S TA N T
Jose has 25 years experience as a coach or coordinator following a 14year playing career in the minors ... most recently served in Seattle’s farm system as a hitting coach and coordinator at various levels.Began 2008 as the Mariners minor league hitting coordinator before he was promoted to major league hitting coach on June 19 following manager John McLaren’s firing that led to a shuffling of the major league staff ... returned to his minor league hitting coordinator duties for the 2009 season.
Franklin returns for his 20th season in the Cubs organization and his third at the major league level, serving as staff assistant … spent the previous seasons as the Cubs minor league infield coordinator.Served the Cubs as a minor league manager, hitting coach and coordinator from 2002-11. Played six minor league seasons (1995-2000) in the Cubs system, reaching the Double-A level.
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Infielder BORN: 5/5/58 in La Habana, Cuba RESIDES: Miami, FL
POSITION AS A PLAYER: Infielder BORN: 11/4/77 in Maracaibo, Venezuela RESIDES: Caracas, Venezuela
22
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PLAYERS
BATS: switch THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 170 MLS: 0
24
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 141 501 49 104 152 25 1 7 41 36 5 64 4 2 .208 .266 .303 .569 1.06 470 1657 200 408 556 78 11 16 130 97 8 201 19 5 .246 .293 .336 .628 1.22
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2 0 1 4 C H I C A G O C UB S
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 5 4 4.78 14 14 0 0 0 0 75.1 59 41 40 9 5 41 1 60 .216 1.33 0.94 24 27 5.23 78 72 0 0 0 0 409.2 402 250 238 55 18 183 9 314 .256 1.43 1.04
71
BORN: 6/12/1989 in Tulsa, OK RESIDES: Tulsa, OK CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY:Ty Nichols HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in 41st round of 2010 draft
Has gone 12-18 with a 3.64 ERA (123 ER/304.0 IP) in 66 minor league games, all but eight as a starting pitcher. Made six starts and went 4-1 with a 2.49 ERA (6 ER/21.2 IP) for the Mesa Solar Sox during the 2013 Arizona Fall League after missing part of the regular season with a finger sprain on his right hand. Participated in the Cubs inaugural Rookie Development Program in Chicago in January of 2013.
> RHP
Darwin led Major League second basemen with a .993 fielding percentage (4 E/603 TC), and batted .208 (104-for-501) with a career-high tying seven home runs and 41 RBI in 141 games with Chicago. Began the year with a 71-game errorless streak at second base and finished it with a 52-game errorless streak. Ranked second among National League second basemen in defensive WAR (1.4) and made only four errors, the fewest by any everyday second baseman. Ranked fourth in the N.L. with 603 total chances at second base … ranked fifth in the Senior Circuit with 363 assists. Played 141 games at second base, making 139 starts.
> INfielder
Darwin Barney
BORN: 11/8/1985 in Portland, OR RESIDES: Beaverton, OR CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Al Geddes HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in fourth round of 2007 draft
2013 MLB
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 186 MLS: 3+53 2013 MLB
Jake was acquired by Chicago, July 2, with pitcher Pedro Strop and two international signing bonus slots (slot numbers three and four) for pitcher Scott Feldman and catcher Steve Clevenger ... went 4-2 and logged a 3.66 ERA (21 ER/51.2 IP) in nine starts for Chicago ... between his four stops in the majors and minors, threw a total of 154.2 innings. Between five starts with the Orioles and nine outings with Chicago, combined to go 5-4 with a 4.78 ERA (40 ER/75.1 IP) in 14 starts ...walked 41 and struck out 60. Recorded quality starts in five of his nine outings with the Cubs ...allowed 5.92 hits per 9.0 innings.
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 225 MLS: 2+145
Dallas Beeler
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO Minors 441 1671 234 467 696 79 30 30 213 137 8 362 91 23 .279 .334 .417 .751 1.26 Totals
15
BORN: 3/6/1986 in Farmington, MO RESIDES: Austin, TX CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Jim Richardson (Baltimore) HOW ACQUIRED: From Baltimore with RHP Pedro Strop and two international signing bonus slots (slot numbers three and four) 7/2/13 for RHP Scott Feldman and C Steve Clevenger
> RHP
> INfielder
Arismendy Alcantara
Alcantara is a .279 (467-for-1,671) career hitter in five minor league seasons, advancing as high as Double-A Tennessee, after signing as a nondrafted free agent November 3, 2008. Has 79 doubles, 30 triples, 30 home runs, 213 RBI and 91 stolen bases in 441 games. Was named a 2013 Southern League mid-season and post-season All-Star … also named a starter for the North Division in the Southern League All-Star game. Named the seventh-best Cubs prospect heading into the 2014 season by Baseball America … tabbed as the 10th-best Cubs prospect prior to the 2013 season.
49 Jake Arrieta
75
BORN: 10/29/1991 in Santo Domingo, D.R. RESIDES: Santo Domingo, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Jose Serra, Marino Encarnacion and Carlos Reyes HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Cubs as a non-drafted free agent 11/3/08
2014
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 210 MLS: 0 Minors Totals
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 12 18 3.64 66 58 1 0 0 0 304.0 334 153 123 22 14 80 1 191 .280 1.36 2.19
PLAYERS
> RHP BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 210 MLS: 0+93
> INfielder
Starlin Castro
13
BORN:3/24/1990 in Monte Cristy, Dominican Republic RESIDES: Monte Cristy, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2019, club option for 2020 SIGNED BY: Jose Serra HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as a non-drafted free agent by Cubs, 10/25/06 Starlin appeared in 161 games in his third full-season as the club’s starting shortstop ... hit .245 (163-for-666) with 34 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 44 RBI ... set a career high, going 29-straight games without an error at shortstop from July 21-August 21. His 692 hits since debuting on May 7, 2010 lead the National League and rank fourth-most in the majors ... Robinson Cano leads with 736. Additionally, his 692 hits in his first four big league seasons (2010-13) are a modern day franchise record, surpassing Glenn Beckert’s 691 hits in 1965-68.
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 210 MLS: 2+9 2013 MLB
26
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 161 666 59 163 231 34 2 10 44 30 0 129 9 6 .245 .284 .347 .631 1.41 606 2449 281 692 989 130 28 37 229 130 14 396 66 36 .283 .322 .404 .726 1.37
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G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 113 380 41 104 151 23 0 8 32 34 3 97 2 0 .274 .349 .397 .746 1.38 176 583 60 157 237 38 0 14 59 52 5 159 2 0 .269 .341 .407 .748 1.33
11
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 MLS: 3+150 2013 MLB
Welington spent his first full season in the majors with Chicago, appearing in 113 games, including 107 starts behind the plate... hit .274 (104-for-380) with 23 doubles, eight homers and 32 RBI before missing the final nine games of the season due to a partial tear of the meniscus in his right knee ... had successful arthroscopic surgery, September 23. His 28 multi-hit efforts ranked fifth among N.L. catchers. His 2.8 defensive WAR (wins above replacement) ranked first among all major league catchers. Threw out 21 of 88 (23.9 percent) baserunners attempting to steal. Had a .988 fielding percentage (10 E/825 TC) and allowed eight passed balls.
BORN:7/21/1980 in Kochi CITY, Japan RESIDES: Nishinomiya, Japan CONTRACT STATUS:Signed through 2014, vesting club option for 2015 SIGNED BY: Paul Weaver and Steve Wilson HOW ACQUIRED:Signed a two-year major league contract with Cubs 12/7/12
Kyuji’s first season with the Cubs, and his first in major league baseball following 12 years in Japan, was cut short due to Tommy John surgery on his right elbow performed on June 11 by Dr. James Andrews. Went 1-1 with two saves and a 5.25 ERA (7 ER/12.0 IP) in 12 relief appearances for Chicago ... walked two and struck out 14. Made his major league debut, and earned the save, on April 1 (Opening Day) in Pittsburgh … came in with two on, two out in the ninth, protecting a two-run lead and retired Russell Martin to end the game. Became just the second Cub ever to earn a save in his major league debut, joining Todd Wellemeyer, who did so on May 15, 2003 against the Brewers.
> RHP
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 0 0 4.50 7 0 0 0 0 0 6.0 7 3 3 0 1 5 0 4 .292 2.00 0.63 1 1 5.20 32 0 0 0 0 0 27.2 23 18 16 1 2 23 1 31 .225 1.66 0.85
Kyuji Fujikawa
2013 MLB
BORN: 4/24/1987 in San Isidro, D.R. RESIDES: San Isidro, Dominican Republic CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Jose Serra HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Cubs as a non-drafted free agent 12/8/04
> C ATC H E R
Alberto was a September call-up for Chicago, pitching to a 4.50 ERA (3 ER/6.0 IP) in seven relief appearances ... began the year with Double-A Tennessee and was named to the Southern League mid-season All-Star Team. Promoted to Chicago, September 1, and went on to hold the opponent scoreless in five of his seven relief outings. Held the opponent scoreless in his first four outings (2.0 IP). Made big league season debut, September 3 vs. Miami, tossing a scoreless 0.1 innings.
Alberto Cabrera
5
BORN: 10/25/1988 in Las Matas de Farfan, D.R. RESIDES:Las Matas De Farfan, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Jose Serra and Sandy Nin HOW ACQUIRED: Signed as a non-drafted free agent by Cubs 7/7/05
Welington Castillo
62
2014
BATS: left THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 MLS: 1+0 2013 MLB
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 1 1 5.25 12 0 0 0 2 3 12.0 11 7 7 1 2 2 0 14 .239 1.08 1.33 1 1 5.25 12 0 0 0 2 3 12.0 11 7 7 1 2 2 0 14 .239 1.08 1.33
PLAYERS
> RHP
> RHP
Justin Grimm
Justin was acquired by Chicago, July 22, in the five-player deal that sent Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers ... combined to go 7-9 with a 5.97 ERA (65 ER/98.0 IP) in 27 games (17 starts) between the Rangers and Cubs, including an 0-2 mark and a 2.00 ERA (2 ER/9.0 IP) in 10 relief appearances with the Cubs following his promotion, September 3. Combined to throw 146.0 innings between four clubs. Made his Cubs debut, September 6 vs. Milwaukee, tossing a scoreless inning while walking one. Held opponents scoreless in eight of his 10 relief appearances with Chicago.
39 Jason Hammel
52
BORN: 8/16/1988 in Bristol, TN RESIDES: Bristol, VA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Ryan Coe (Texas) HOW ACQUIRED: From Texas 7/22/13 with INF Mike Olt, RHP C.J. Edwards and a PTBNL (Neil Ramirez waiver claim 8/23/13) for RHP Matt Garza
2014
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 210 MLS: 0+170
Owns a .270 batting average (503-for-1,864) with 338 runs, 94 doubles, 39 triples, 61 home runs and 234 RBI in 497 career minor league games. Was named by Baseball America as the organization’s fifth-best prospect heading into 2013. In 2013, batted .210 (68-for-324) with 35 runs scored, 11 doubles, five triples, six home runs and 27 RBI in 95 games. Played for the USA Baseball Pan American Qualifying Team in the 2010 COP ABE Pan American Qualifying Tournament.
> OUTfielder
Brett Jackson
7
BORN: 8/2/1988 in Berkeley, CA RESIDES: San Francisco, CA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: John Bartsch HOW ACQUIRED:Selected by Cubs in first round (31st overall) of 2009 draft
2013 MLB
36
BATS: left THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 220 MLS: 0+60 2013 MLB
28
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 95 324 35 68 107 11 5 6 27 35 0 121 9 7 .210 .296 .330 .626 0.92 44 120 14 21 41 6 1 4 9 22 0 59 0 3 .175 .303 .342 .644 0.64
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W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 7 8 4.97 26 23 0 0 1 1 139.1 155 81 77 22 8 48 1 96 .284 1.46 0.96 49 59 4.80 215 158 2 1 4 4 989.1 1082 561 528 117 36 343 18 717 .280 1.44 1.19
BORN: 9/9/1983 in Neu-Ulm, Germany RESIDES: Atlanta, GA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2016 SIGNED BY: Lon Joyce and Jim Lester (Dodgers) HOW ACQUIRED: Agreed to four-year major league contract with Cubs 1/2/13
Edwin signed a four-year deal with the Cubs in January of 2013 and made 31 starts for the club, going 8-18 with a 4.98 ERA (97 ER/175.1 IP) and 135 strikeouts ... has made 30 or more starts in each of the last seven seasons (including 2013), one of just five pitchers to turn the trick ... is one of just two hurlers to do so by the age of 30 or younger (also, Justin Verlander). Allowed just 16 home runs in 175.1 innings pitched. Walked two or fewer batters in 21 of 31 starts, including five no-walk outings. Posted 14 quality starts, ranking third on the team.
> RPH
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 7 9 5.97 27 17 0 0 0 0 98.0 120 70 65 15 2 34 1 76 .300 1.57 1.04 8 10 6.35 32 19 0 0 0 0 112.0 142 84 79 16 2 37 1 89 .309 1.60 1.08
Jason went 7-8 with a 5.20 ERA (123.0IP, 71ER) in 21 starts through July 28 before landing on the DL, July 29-September 5, with a right flexor mass strain. Went 7-2, with the O’s going 9-2, in his first 11 starts through May 27. Pitched to a 3.31 ERA (16.1IP, 6ER, 2BB, 11K) in five games (2 GS) after returning from the DL. Set seasonhighs with 8.0IP and eight strikeouts, May 27 @WAS. Won four straight decisions, April 13-May 5, pitching to a 3.72 ERA (29.0IP, 12ER) in that time. Went 2-0 with a 2.55 ERA (17.2IP, 5ER) in three starts against the Yankees, his best ERA against any team he faced at least twice.
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 225 MLS: 6+153
Edwin Jackson
2013 MLB
BORN: 9/2/1982 in Greenville, SC RESIDES: Rehoboth, MA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: PAUL KIRSCH (TAMPA BAY) HOW ACQUIRED: SIGNED BY CUBS TO ONE YEAR CONTRACT 2/13/14
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 210 MLS: 8+70 2013 MLB
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 8 18 4.98 31 31 0 0 0 0 175.1 197 110 97 16 5 59 7 135 .281 1.46 1.63 78 89 4.47 265 235 5 3 0 1 1444.0 1524 778 717 158 29 556 29 1104 .272 1.44 1.14
PLAYERS
> out f i e l d e r
> catch e r
George Kottaras
George served as the Royals backup catcher, starting 29 games behind the plate...batted just .180, but recorded 5 homers, 12 RBI and a .370 slugging percentage. Drew 24 walks in just 126 plate appearances, the most in the Majors among players with 150 plate appearances or fewer...his .349 on-base percentage was the sixth-highest among American League backstops that appeared in 40 games or more... went 2-for-8 as a pinch hitter with four walks. Homered in three-straight starts (June 23 vs. Chicago, July 4 vs. Cleveland and July 7 vs. Oakland)...his homers on June 23 and July 4 were part of back-toback jacks.
21 Junior Lake
9
BORN: 5/10/1983 in scarbourough, ONTARIO, Canada RESIDES: TORONTO, ONTARIO, Canada CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Larry Decker and John Ferracuti (San Diego) HOW ACQUIRED: From Kansas City for a cash consideration 11/26/13
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 46 100 13 18 37 4 0 5 12 24 2 42 1 0 .180 .349 .370 .719 1.10 295 692 88 148 281 40 3 29 96 115 4 187 3 1 .214 .324 .406 .730 1.11
2013 MLB
8
BORN: 10/19/1984 in Long Beach, CA RESIDES: Long Beach, CA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Bobby Darling (Dodgers) HOW ACQUIRED: Signed a one-year contract with Cubs 2/13/14
BATS: Left THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 205 MLS: 4+74 2013 MLB
30
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 2 2 5.76 6 6 0 0 0 0 29.2 29 24 19 1 3 20 1 25 .252 1.65 0.74 32 30 4.20 131 82 1 0 0 0 512.1 487 261 239 56 19 231 21 442 .252 1.40 0.80
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BORN: 3/10/1983 in Lakewood, CA RESIDES: Scottsdale, AZ CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Gary Johnson (Kansas City) HOW ACQUIRED: Signed a minor league contract with Cubs 4/3/13
Donnie signed a minor league deal with Chicago, April 3, and was promoted, August 3 ... went on to hit a career-best 11 home runs in 46 games with the Cubs, equaling the 11 he hit between the 2008, 2010-12 seasons (163 games, 355 at-bats). Batted .255 (38-for-149) with eight doubles, 11 home runs and 23 RBI, producing an .849 OPS. Played 40 games (34 starts) at third base ... played three games (two starts) at shortstop. Was 9-for-27 (.333) with four home runs in “close and late” situations. Posted a .314 average (16-for-51) with six home runs in the seventh inning or later.
> INfielder
James, who has pitched in all or part of six major league seasons with the Dodgers (2008-10) and Pirates (2010-13), signed a minor league deal with Chicago in February ... he is a non-roster invitee to major league Spring Training. Is 32-30 with a 4.20 ERA (239 ER/512.1 IP) in 131 career minor league games, including 82 starts ... has pitched primarily out of the starting rotation since August of 2010 after he was acquired by Pittsburgh from the Dodgers with outfielder Andrew Lambo for pitcher Octavio Dotel. Is 28-26 with a 4.32 ERA (218 ER/454.0 IP) in 82 career starts ... is 4-4 with a 3.24 ERA (21 ER/58.1 IP) in 49 relief appearances, with 48 of those outings coming with the Dodgers from 2008-10.
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 64 236 26 67 101 16 0 6 16 13 0 68 4 4 .284 .332 .428 .760 1.00 64 236 26 67 101 16 0 6 16 13 0 68 4 4 .284 .332 .428 .760 1.00
Donnie Murphy
> RHP
James McDonald
55
Junior made his major league debut, appearing in 64 games following his promotion to Chicago, July 19 ... all told, hit .284 (67-for-236) with 16 doubles, six home runs and 16 RBI ... played 32 games in left field and 27 in center field. His 67 hits following the All-Star break ranked second among N.L. rookies (Miami’s Christian Yelich, 69) and fourth among big league rookies. Batted .377 (23-for-61) against southpaws, the ninth-highest average in the N.L. following his promotion on July 19. Had two career-high nine-game hitting streaks, done August 18-26 (.366/15-for-41) and August 31-September 12 (.448/13-for-29). …had four hitting streaks of at least seven games, including the first seven games of his big league career.
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 215 MLS: 0+73
BATS: left THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 202 MLS: 4+149 2013 MLB
BORN: 3/27/1990 in San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. RESIDES: San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Jose Serra and Marino Encarnacion HOW ACQUIRED: Signed by Cubs as a non-drafted free agent 2/2/2007
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 190 MLS: 4+101 2013 MLB
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 46 149 23 38 79 8 0 11 23 8 1 48 2 0 .255 .319 .530 .849 0.83 290 726 91 156 294 43 4 29 105 53 3 226 7 3 .215 .280 .405 .685 0.86
2014
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 210 MLS: 0+63 2013 MLB
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 107 373 49 75 142 20 1 15 42 55 2 132 0 0 .201 .303 .381 .684 0.81 16 33 2 5 6 1 0 0 5 5 0 13 1 1 .152 .250 .182 .432 0.80
BORN: 6/19/1985 in Fayetteville, AR RESIDES: Fayetteville, AR CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Brian Milner HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in 16th round of 2006 draft
Blake began the year at Triple-A Iowa, but was selected to Chicago on June 1 and went on to post a 2.72 ERA (14 ER/46.1 IP) in 49 games for the Cubs, going 1-2 with a save and seven holds. Averaged 10.7 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched, punching out 55 in 46.1 innings. In 26 games against N.L. Central opponents, had a 2.31 ERA (6 ER/23.1 IP) with a 1-1 record. Retired 36 first batters faced in his 49 relief appearances. Stranded 15 of 21 inherited runners ... six times entered a game with multiple inherited runners and stranded each of them. Kept the opponent off the board in 35 of his 49 games.
> RHP
> INfielder
Mike Olt
Owns a .258 batting average (321-for-1244) with 212 runs, 68 doubles, three triples, 67 home runs and 213 RBI in 344 career minor league games. Has recorded double-digit home run campaigns in three of his four minor league seasons. Selected as the 2012 Rangers Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year after leading all Double-A players in home runs (28) and OPS (.977) in the Texas League.
50 Blake Parker
30
BORN: 8/27/1988 in New Haven, CT RESIDES: Bradford, CT CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Jay Heafner (Texas) HOW ACQUIRED: From Texas 7/22/13 with P Justin Grimm, P C.J. Edwards and a PTBNL (P Neil Ramirez) for P Matt Garza
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 225 MLS: 1+89 2013 MLB
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 1 2 2.72 49 0 0 0 1 1 46.1 39 17 14 4 2 15 1 55 .220 1.17 0.42 1 2 3.10 56 0 0 0 1 1 52.1 49 24 18 7 2 20 2 61 .240 1.32 0.51
GO C U BS
> 31
PLAYERS
> INfielder
> RHP
NEIL RAMIREZ
Went 9-3 with a 3.84 ERA (44 ER/103.0 IP) and 127 strikeouts in 21 starts for Double-A Frisco before he was claimed off waivers by the Cubs from Texas, August 23, and assigned to Double-A Tennessee ... the move satisfied the player to be named portion of the Rangers-Cubs trade, July 22. Named a Texas League mid-season and post-season All-Star with Frisco. Ranked fifth in the Rangers minor league system with 127 strikeouts.
44 Anthony Rizzo
85
BORN: 5/25/89 in Virginia Beach, VA RESIDES: Virginia Beach, VA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Russ Ardolina (Texas) HOW ACQUIRED: Claimed off waivers from Texas 8/23/13, satisfying PTBNL component of 7/22/13 trade that sent P Matt Garza to Texas for P C.J. Edwards, P Justin Grimm and INF Mike Olt
2014
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 190 MLS: 0
Hector was selected from Cleveland in the major league portion of the 2012 Rule 5 Draft, posting a 2-1 record with two holds, a 4.77 ERA (29 ER/54.2 IP) and 44 strikeouts in 45 relief appearances for Chicago in his first career big league action. Struck out 44 in 54.2 innings, an average of 7.24 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched … walked 25. Retired the first batter faced 31 times in 45 outings … stranded six of 12 inherited runners. Held the opponent scoreless in 28 of 45 relief appearances. Tossed a season-high 2.0 innings of relief 11 times, most recently August 21 vs. Washington. Held left-handed hitters to a .190 batting average (19for-100).
> RHP
Hector Rondon
56
BORN: 2/26/1988 in Guatire, Venezuela RESIDES: Guatire, Venezuela CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Stewart Ruiz (Cleveland) HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs from Cleveland in the major league portion of Rule 5 Draft 12/6/12
2013 MLB
59
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 180 MLS: 1+0 Minors MLB
32
<
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 33 33 4.16 105 101 1 0 0 0 521.2 533 270 241 54 38 113 0 471 .263 1.24 0.95 2 1 4.77 45 0 0 0 0 1 54.2 52 29 29 6 3 25 5 44 .251 1.41 1.15
2 0 1 4 C H I C A G O C UB S
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 160 606 71 141 254 40 2 23 80 76 7 127 6 5 .233 .323 .419 .742 1.06 296 1071 124 255 441 63 3 39 137 124 9 235 11 8 .238 .324 .412 .735 1.14
BORN: 6/9/88 in Clackamas, OR RESIDES: Portland, OR CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Paul Kirsch (Tampa Bay) HOW ACQUIRED: From Tampa Bay 1/8/11 with P Matt Garza and OF Fernando Perez for P Chris Archer, C Robinson Chirinos, INF Hak-Ju Lee, OF Sam Fuld and OF Brandon Guyer
Zac was a September call-up with Chicago, and in his first major league action he pitched to a 1.35 ERA (1 ER/6.2 IP) in 10 relief appearances … combined to go 2-2 with three saves and a 2.12 ERA (12 ER/51.0 IP) in 46 relief appearances between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa to begin the year ... was his second season pitching primarily out of the bullpen. Had no record with a 1.35 ERA (1 ER/6.2 IP) in 10 games with the Cubs. Did not allow a run in nine of his 10 relief appearances with the big league club … walked seven and struck out seven. Held big league left-handed hitters to a .100 batting average (1-for-10), while limiting righties to a .154 mark (2-for-13).
> LHP
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 36 35 4.36 134 127 1 0 0 1 579.2 513 309 281 60 60 242 0 609 .240 1.30 0.67
In his first full major league season, Anthony’s 40 doubles were the most by a Cubs lefthanded hitter since Mark Grace had 41 in 2000 .... his 65 extra-base hits were the team’s most since Grace had 65 in 1999 ... on May 13, signed a seven-year contract through 2019 that includes club options for both 2020 and 2021. Batted .233 (141-for-606) with 40 doubles, two triples, 23 home runs, 71 runs scored and 80 RBI in 160 games. His 40 doubles and 65 extra-base hits both ranked fifth in the N.L. Led the team and ranked sixth in the N.L. with 76 walks. His .997 fielding percentage (5 E/1,441 TC) at first base ranked third in the N.L ... his 0.6 WAR led all full-season first basemen.
BATS: left THROWS: left HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 240 MLS: 1+168
Zac Rosscup
Minors Totals
BORN: 8/8/1989 in Fort Lauderdale, FL RESIDES: Parkland, FL CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2019, club options for 2020 and 2021 SIGNED BY: Laz Gutierrez (Boston) HOW ACQUIRED: Acquired from San Diego with RHP Zach Cates 1/6/12 for RHP Andrew Cashner and OF Kyung-Min Na
BATS: RIGHT THROWS: left HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205 MLS: 0+27 2013 Minors
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 0 0 1.35 10 0 0 0 0 0 6.2 3 1 1 1 0 7 1 7 .130 1.50 0.18 14 10 2.62 94 27 0 0 4 10 216.2 169 85 63 7 5 78 1 246 .212 1.14 1.00
PLAYERS
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 210 MLS: 3+19
James led the Cubs, and ranked tied for 10th in the N.L., with 74 relief appearances in his fourth season with Chicago ... went 1-6 with a 3.59 ERA (21 ER/52.2 IP) and a team-leading 19 holds. Is just the fifth Cubs lefty to record multiple 70-game seasons for Chicago, joining Paul Assenmacher (1990-92), Sean Marshall (2010-11), Chuck McElroy (199192) and Bob Patterson (1996-97). Had a 2.95 ERA (7 ER/21.1 IP) in 31 games against the N.L. Central. Finished with a 1.22 WHIP, his lowest in a single season.
> LHP
James Russell
BORN: 1/8/1986 in Cincinnati, OH RESIDES: Colleyville, TX CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Trey Forkerway HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in 14th round of 2007 draft
2013 MLB
29
BATS: left THROWS: left HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 200 MLS: 4+0 2013 MLB
34
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 1 6 3.59 74 0 0 0 0 8 52.2 46 21 21 7 1 18 6 37 .238 1.22 0.53 10 14 3.92 272 5 0 0 2 17 238.2 244 123 104 35 8 66 17 177 .266 1.30 0.69
<
2 0 1 4 C H I C A G O C UB S
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 2 6 3.93 13 13 0 0 0 0 66.1 66 30 29 8 3 24 3 36 .261 1.36 1.22 4 9 4.69 20 20 0 0 0 0 96.0 104 52 50 12 6 35 3 57 .278 1.45 1.29
> RHP
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 128 424 49 94 168 18 1 18 50 41 1 114 15 8 .222 .298 .396 .694 1.26 317 907 109 228 392 49 2 37 109 79 1 256 32 17 .251 .315 .432 .747 1.26
40
Chris posted a 3.93 ERA with a 2-6 record in 13 starts spanning two stints with Chicago ... tossed 22.1 consecutive scoreless innings on the road from July 27-September 12, the longest stretch by a Cubs left-handed rookie pitcher in franchise history. Pitched to a 2.64 ERA (13 ER/44.1 IP) in his first eight big league starts, July 2-August 25 ... had a 6.55 ERA (16 ER/22.0 IP) in his final five outings. His 3.03 ERA (13 ER/38.2 IP) in seven road starts was more than two runs lower than his 5.20 home ERA (16 ER/27.2 IP) in six outings. Twice pitched a seasonhigh 7.0 innings: July 27 at San Francisco (0 ER) and September 12 at Pittsburgh (2 ER).
BATS: left THROWS: left HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 195 MLS: 0+115
Jeff Samardzija
2013 MLB
BORN: 10/22/1986 in Detroit, MI RESIDES: Canton, MI CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Lukas McKnight HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in fourth round of 2009 draft
> LHP
Owns a .251 batting average (228-for-907) with 49 doubles, two triples, 37 home runs and 109 RBI in 317 games with Tampa Bay (2007-08, 2011) and Miami (2012-13). Has set career-highs in home runs each season following his rookie campaign in 2007 (two in 2008, four in 2011, 13 in 2012 and 18 in 2013). In 2013, he hit his first 12 homers of the season on the road, tying Derrek Lee’s franchise record in 2000 for most consecutive home runs hit on the road to begin a season. Was a member of Team USA that defeated Cuba to win the International Baseball Federation World Cup in 2012, snapping Cuba’s streak of ninestraight World Cup gold medal wins.
18 Chris Rusin
> out f i e l d e r
Justin Ruggiano
20
BORN: 4/12/1982 in Austin, TX RESIDES: Austin, TX CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Chris Smith (Dodgers) HOW ACQUIRED: From Miami 12/12/13 for OF Brian Bogusevic
2014
BORN: 1/23/1985 in Merrillville, IN RESIDES: Valparaiso, IN CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Stan Zielinski HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in fifth round of 2006 draft
Jeff set career marks with 33 starts, 213.2 innings pitched and 214 strikeouts in his second full season in the starting rotation for Chicago ... is the first Cubs pitcher to reach both 200 strikeouts and 200 innings since Ryan Dempster in 2010 (208 strikeouts, 215.1 innings) ... went 8-13 with two complete games, one shutout and a 4.34 ERA (103 ER/213.2 IP) in his 33 outings. Was one of four N.L. pitchers to reach 213.2 innings and 214 strikeouts. His 19 quality starts ranked second on the club. Spun two complete games, including his first career shutout, a two-hit effort, May 27 at the White Sox ... also went the distance, August 19 vs. Washington.
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 225 MLS:4+28 2013 MLB
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 8 13 4.34 33 33 2 1 0 0 213.2 210 109 103 25 8 78 3 214 .255 1.35 1.30 29 35 4.19 189 66 3 1 1 6 558.0 522 286 260 61 21 234 12 536 .246 1.35 1.10
PLAYERS
BATS: Left THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 215 MLS: 5+78 G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 137 462 56 116 217 32 3 21 68 29 3 94 6 3 .251 .301 .470 .770 0.94 677 1737 206 460 738 107 18 45 191 114 16 324 26 17 .265 .314 .425 .739 1.02
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO Minors 89 344 66 99 160 20 1 13 60 33 3 57 17 2 .288 .353 .465 .818 1.61 Totals
6
BORN: 6/13/1985 in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic RESIDES: Palenque, San Cristobal, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Rolando Fernandez & Felix FeliZ (Colorado) HOW ACQUIRED: From Baltimore with RHP Jake Arrieta and two international signing bonus slots (slot numbers three and four) 7/2/13 for RHP Scott Feldman and C Steve Clevenger
BATS: right THROWS: right HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 220 MLS: 2+156 2013 MLB
36
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 2 5 4.55 66 0 0 0 1 4 57.1 45 30 29 5 6 26 2 66 .210 1.24 1.68 9 8 3.86 181 0 0 0 4 16 163.1 135 71 70 9 12 88 4 165 .224 1.37 1.82
<
2 0 1 4 C H I C A G O C UB S
BORN: 2/20/1985 in Cedar Rapids, IA RESIDES: Cedar Rapids, IA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2015, club option for 2016 SIGNED BY: Paul Provas & Nathan Durst (White Sox) HOW ACQUIRED: Signed a one-year minor league deal with Cubs 4/3/13
Ryan signed a minor league deal with Chicago, April 3, and hit .337 (28-for-83) in 23 games with Triple-A Iowa before he was promoted to the Cubs, May 6 ... went on to bat .266 (51-for-192) with 13 doubles, two triples, six homers and 19 RBI in 70 games for the Cubs. His six home runs matched his career high. Played 45 games (41 starts) in center field, 10 games (five starts) in left field and four games (one start) in right field. Posted a .346 batting average (27-for-78) at Wrigley Field.
> out f i e l d e r
Pedro began the season with Baltimore and was acquired by the Cubs, July 2, in a four-player deal with Baltimore ... went 2-2 with 14 holds, one save and a 2.83 ERA (11 ER/35.0 IP) in 37 games with Chicago. Combined to go 2-5 with 17 holds, one save and a 4.55 ERA (29 ER/57.1 IP) in 66 relief appearances with Baltimore and Chicago ...walked 26 and struck out 66. Allowed just one home run in his final 42 games starting June 17 between Baltimore and Chicago, spanning 38.1 innings and 140 at-bats. His 0.94 WHIP with Chicago was sixth-lowest among N.L. relief pitchers from July 4 through the end of the season (min. 35.0 IP).
> RHP
Pedro Strop
46
Has hit .288 (99-for-344) with 20 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs and 60 RBI in 89 minor league contests. Recognized as the fifth-best prospect in the Cubs organization heading into the 2014 season by Baseball America ... the publication ranked him as the organization’s third-best prospect entering the 2013 campaign. Named a mid-season Florida State League All-Star and the league’s Player of the Week for the period ending, May 12, 2013. Participated in the second-annual Cubs Rookie Development Program in January of 2014.
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 215 MLS: 0
Ryan Sweeney
2013 MLB
BORN: 2/25/1992 in Havana, Cuba RESIDES: Port-Au-Prince, Haiti CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2020 SIGNED BY: Paul Weaver and Louis Eljaua HOW ACQUIRED: Signed a nine-year Major League deal with Cubs 6/30/12
> out f i e l d e r
In his first season with Chicago after signing as a free agent in December of 2012, Nate batted .251 (116-for-462) in a career-high tying 137 games, while setting career highs in at-bats, runs (56), hits, doubles (32), homers (21), RBI (68), walks (29), total bases (217), hit-by-pitches (6) and game-winning RBI (7). Ranked tied-for-first on the club with three triples, ranked second on the club with 21 homers and 68 RBI, ranked third in runs (56), hits (116), doubles (32) and slugging percentage (.470), fourth in games (137) and at-bats (462) and tied-for-fourth with six stolen bases. Was the eighth-hardest player to double up in the N.L., grounding into a double play just once every 77.0 plate appearances.
68 Jorge Soler
> out f i e l d e r
Nate Schierholtz
19
BORN: 2/15/1984 in Reno, NV RESIDES: San Francisco, CA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Matt Nerland (San Francisco) HOW ACQUIRED: Signed a one-year major league contract with Cubs 12/21/12
2014
BATS: left THROWS: left HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 225 MLS: 6+28 2013 MLB
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 70 192 19 51 86 13 2 6 19 17 0 31 1 0 .266 .324 .448 .772 1.19 605 1911 243 532 735 115 14 20 204 168 9 309 18 9 .278 .336 .385 .721 1.30
PLAYERS
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 195 MLS: 0
38
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 0 5 3.02 67 0 0 0 21 25 62.2 45 23 21 6 4 22 1 60 .199 1.07 0.78 19 22 3.84 394 0 0 0 26 42 377.0 300 171 161 39 20 194 12 388 .216 1.31 0.83
<
2 0 1 4 C H I C A G O C UB S
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 108 331 34 72 125 15 1 12 37 53 4 63 1 4 .218 .331 .378 .708 0.80 427 1331 144 296 468 77 4 29 122 148 6 282 5 11 .222 .302 .352 .654 0.93
33
BORN: 11/28/1983 in Santiago, Dominican Republic RESIDES: Santo Domingo, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Rick Raggazo (San Francisco) HOW ACQUIRED: Signed a two-year major league contract with Cubs 1/26/13
In his first season with Chicago, Carlos was 7-8 with a 4.06 ERA (58 ER/128.2 IP) in 47 games, including 15 starts ... posted a 6-1 record and a 3.03 ERA (13 ER/38.2 IP) in 32 relief appearances while going 1-7 with a 4.50 ERA (45 ER/90.0 IP) in 15 starts ... set a career mark with 128.2 innings pitched, surpassing 125.1 with Toronto in 2012. Opened the season in Chicago’s starting rotation, and was 1-3 with a 3.93 ERA (23 ER/52.2 IP) in eight starts before moving to the bullpen, May 19, in advance of Matt Garza’s return from the disabled list. Stranded 12 of 15 inherited runners and picked up two holds out of the bullpen.
> RHP
Jose began the season with Houston as the team’s closer before he was traded to Detroit in July, joining the Tigers in a set-up role en route to the American League Central division title … went 0-5 with a career-high 21 saves and a 3.02 ERA (21 ER/62.2 IP) in 67 relief appearances between the two clubs … struck out 60 while walking just 22 in 62.2 innings of work. Went 0-4 with a 2.93 ERA (14 ER/43.0 IP) in 42 relief appearances with the Astros before being dealt to Detroit on July 29 for outfielder Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later.
> RHP
JOSE VERAS
BORN: 10/20/80 in Santo Domingo, D.R. RESIDES: Santo Domingo, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014, club option for 2015 SIGNED BY: Rudy Santin (Tampa Bay) HOW ACQUIRED: Signed a major league contract with Cubs 12/27/13
2013 MLB
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 242 MLS: 6+128 2013 MLB
In his second season with Chicago, Luis set a career mark with 12 home runs ... hit .218 (72-for-331) with 15 doubles, one triple, 12 homers and 37 RBI in 108 games ... his 53 walks are a career high and ranked second on the team. His 12 home runs surpassed the 10 he hit with Cleveland in 2010 ... in 2012, he hit just four home runs in 265 at-bats with the Cubs. Twice homered in the ninth inning or later in a span of four games, April 22-25.
BATS: left THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 200 MLS: 3+148
Carlos Villanueva
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO Minors 375 1498 269 427 595 85 16 17 140 147 1 218 90 31 .285 .353 .397 .750 1.28 Totals
41
BORN: 11/30/1985 in Sucre, Venezuela RESIDES: Sucre, Zulia, VZ CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Seattle Mariners HOW ACQUIRED: Claimed off waivers from Toronto 4/4/12
> INfielder
> O ut f i e l d e r
MATT SZCZUR
Matt spent the entire campaign at Double-A Tennessee, posting a .281 average (144-for-512) with 78 runs scored, 27 doubles, four triples, three home runs and 44 RBI in 128 games ... he led the Southern League in hits, ranked tied for third in runs scored and tied for seventh in batting average. Set career-highs in games played, at-bats, hits, doubles and hitby-pitches (6). Had nearly identical averages against southpaws and right-handed hurlers, logging a .280 mark (40for-143) against lefties while hitting .282 (104-for-369) against righties.
24 Luis Valbuena
72
BORN: 7/20/89 in Cape May, NJ RESIDES: Cape May, NJ CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Tim Adkins HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in fifth round of 2010 draft
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 215 MLS: 7+30 2013 MLB
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 7 8 4.06 47 15 0 0 0 1 128.2 117 58 58 14 3 40 4 103 .248 1.22 0.96 40 43 4.23 348 71 0 0 6 18 786.0 739 378 369 110 26 269 25 674 .248 1.28 0.90
2014
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 210 MLS: 0 G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO Minors 443 1628 229 450 730 110 7 52 262 124 5 357 58 26 .276 .340 .448 .788 0.72 Totals
BORN: 8/27/1989 in Anaheim, CA RESIDES: Anaheim, CA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Denny Henderson and Tim Wilken HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in first round (third overall) of 2007 draft
Owns a .282 batting average (582-for-2,063) with 132 doubles, nine triples, 69 homers and 309 RBI in 562 career minor league contests. In 2013, he batted .387 (12-for-31) with three doubles and two home runs against left-handed pitching. Named a Pacific Coast League mid-season All-Star in 2012. Recognized as the ninth-best prospect in the Cubs organization heading into the 2012 season by Baseball America.
> OUTfielder
Owns a .276 batting average (450-for-1,628) with 110 doubles, seven triples, 52 home runs and 262 RBI in 443 games. Has recorded doubledigit home runs while posting 128 hits or more in three-straight seasons. Named to the 2013 Southern League mid-season and post-season All-Star teams. Was named the Southern League Hitter of the Week for the week of August 26-September 2, 2013,Was named the Southern League Hitter of the Week for the week of August 26-September 2, batting .304 (7-for-23) with three home runs and six RBI. batting .304 (7-for-23) with three home runs and six RBI.
27 Josh Vitters
> INfielder
Christian Villanueva
61
BORN: 6/19/1991 in Guadalajara, Mexico RESIDES: Guadalajara, Mexico CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Bill McLaughlin and Mike Daly (Texas) HOW ACQUIRED: From Texas with P Kyle Hendricks 7/31/12 for P Ryan Dempster
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 200 MLS: 0+60 2013 MLB
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 33 101 15 27 47 5 0 5 12 15 0 24 1 0 .267 .368 .465 .833 1.57 36 99 7 12 20 2 0 2 5 7 0 33 2 0 .121 .193 .202 .395 1.65
GO C U BS
> 39
PLAYERS
53
BATS: Right THROWS: left HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 175 MLS: 3+4 2013 MLB
40
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 9 12 3.11 32 32 0 0 0 0 200.0 163 73 69 18 8 66 2 144 .222 1.15 0.61 26 35 3.83 97 93 0 0 0 0 564.2 499 255 240 62 24 186 11 425 .238 1.21 0.64
<
2 0 1 4 C H I C A G O C UB S
G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS GO/AO 27 38 2 8 9 1 0 0 0 3 0 14 0 0 .211 .268 .237 .505 3.25 27 38 2 8 9 1 0 0 0 3 0 14 0 0 .211 .268 .237 .505 3.25
BORN: 1/28/85 in Montgomery, AL RESIDES: Montgomery, AL CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Clarence Johns (L.A. Dodgers) HOW ACQUIRED: Signed a one-year Major League contract with Cubs 12/19/13
Wesley is in his first full season with the Cubs after signing a one-year major league contract with the club in December of 2013 … is 10-15 with two saves and a 4.37 ERA (122 ER/251.1 IP) in six major league seasons with Houston (2008-13) and Tampa Bay (2013). Has struck out 253 hitters compared to 113 walks in 251.1 career innings, an average of 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Primarily used as a left-handed specialist, has limited left-handed opponents to a career .231 batting average (103-for445) with 137 punchouts. Appeared in a career-high 77 games in 2012, which marked the thirdhighest total among lefthanders in Astros history.
> LHP
Travis was named to the N.L. All-Star team and led the Cubs with 24 quality starts ... set a career mark with 200.0 innings pitched, becoming the first Cubs southpaw to turn the trick since Ted Lilly in 2008 (204.0) ... all told, posted a 3.11 ERA (69 ER/200.0 IP) and went 9-12 in a career-high 32 starts for Chicago. His 24 quality starts ranked tied for fourth in the N.L. and tied for sixth in the majors. Began the season with nine-straight quality starts, becoming the first Cubs hurler to accomplish the feat since Mordecai Brown tossed 11-straight – all complete games – to begin the 1908 season. Became the fourth Cub in franchise history to have 17 quality efforts prior to the All-Star break
> LHP
Travis Wood
37
BORN: 2/6/1987 in Little Rock, AR RESIDES: Alexander, AR CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY:Mike Keenan (Cincinnati) HOW ACQUIRED: Acquired from Cincinnati with OF Dave Sappelt and INF Ronald Torreyes 12/23/11 for P Sean Marshall
2013 MLB
WESLEY WRIGHT
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 1 1 4.67 17 0 0 0 0 2 17.1 16 9 9 1 1 9 1 17 .239 1.44 0.36
Logan joined a major league roster for the first time in his career as he was recalled by Chicago, August 4 ... appeared in 27 games for the Cubs, hitting .211 (8-for-38) with a double and three walks. Played nine games at second base, making five starts. Went 3-for-4, September 19 at Milwaukee, to set a career-high in hits. Hit .243 (100-for-412) with 18 doubles, seven triples, eight home runs and 26 RBI in 107 games in Triple-A prior to his promotion.
BATS: left THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 195 MLS: 0+57
BATS: Right THROWS: Right HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 190 MLS: 2+50 MLB
BORN: 8/29/1989 in Wichita, KS RESIDES: Wichita, KS CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY:Brandon Mozley HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Cubs in 21st round of 2008 draft
> INfielder
> RHP
Arodys Vizcaino
Acquired from Atlanta in a four-player deal, July 30, 2012, Arodys has spent the past two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery performed during Spring Training of 2012. Baseball America named him the fourth-best Cubs prospect heading into 2013 ... named the 10th-best prospect in the organization following the season. Is 19-15 with a 2.91 ERA (87 ER/268.2 IP) in 65 career minor league appearances (50 starts) in four professional campaigns. Made 17 relief appearances for the Braves in 2011, his first career big league action, going 1-1 with a 4.67 ERA (9 ER/17.1 IP).
22 Logan Watkins
47
BORN: 11/13/1990 in Yaguate, Dominican Republic RESIDES: Yaguate, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014 SIGNED BY: Alfredo Dominguez (Yankees) HOW ACQUIRED: From Atlanta with P Jaye Chapman 7/30/12 FOR P PAUL MAHOLM AND OF REED JOHNSON
2014
BATS: Right THROWS: left HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 183 MLS: 4+105 2013 MLB
W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR HB BB IBB SO AVG WHIP GO/AO 0 4 3.69 71 0 0 0 0 4 53.2 54 24 22 7 3 19 2 55 .261 1.36 1.89 10 15 4.37 303 4 0 0 2 10 251.1 240 134 122 35 16 113 9 253 .250 1.40 1.32
non.roster invitees
78 Albert Almora O utfielder
70 Javier Baez I N fielder
Has batted .326 (127-for-389) with 29 doubles, five triples, five home runs and 42 RBI in 94 career minor league games over two seasons. Named by Baseball America as the organization’s fourth-best prospect heading into the 2014 season ... the publication named him the second-best prospect heading into 2013. Named Midwest League Player of the Week for May 2026, 2013, batting .538 with five doubles. Earned a spot on the Arizona Fall League’s West Division Fall Stars team ... hit .307 (23-for-75) with six doubles, two triples, one homer and 12 RBI in 21 games for the Mesa Solar Sox.
Has batted .286 (237-for-828) with 49 doubles, 10 triples, 53 homers and 158 RBI in 215 minor league games. Named the 2013 Cubs Minor League Player of the Year by the organization after combining to hit .282 (146-for-517) with 34 doubles, four triples, 37 homers and 111 RBI in 130 games with Single-A Daytona and Double-A Tennessee. Named the Cubs top prospect heading into the 2013 and 2014 seasons by Baseball America ... was ranked as the organization’s second-best prospect heading into 2012 by the publication. Hit four home runs, June 10, 2013 vs. Fort Myers, becoming just the second player to record a four-homer game in the 94-year history of the Florida State League ... joined former Cubs farmhand Ryan Harvey who turned the trick, July 28, 2006, vs. Clearwater.
BORN: 4/16/1994 in Hialeah, FL RESIDES:Hialeah, FL CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 12/1/1992 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico RESIDES: Jacksonville, FL CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
john baker 38 C AT C H E R
Emilio Bonifacio 43 I nfielder
John joins the Cubs on a minor league deal with an invite to major league Spring Training after spending all or part of the last six big league seasons with Florida (2008-11) and San Diego (2012-13) … in 291 big league games, he is a .258 hitter (231-for-894) with 50 doubles, 14 home runs and 105 RBI.
Emilio was traded to Kansas City on August 14 in exchange for a player to be named or cash considerations...hit .285 (45-for-158) with the Royals, including a .305 average (25-for-82) at Kauffman Stadium. Ranked 12th in the A.L. with 28 steals, which included 16 with KC...hit .295 (38-for-129) with 20 runs scored and a .352 OBP out of the No. 2 spot of the Royals’ batting order...played six different positions between KC and Toronto, making starts at second base (78), center field (13), left field (11), third base (5) and right field (3). Matched a career-high with 4 hits against Seattle on September 5, his first 4-hit game since July 4, 2009.
BORN: 1/20/81 in Alameda, CA RESIDES: Danville, CA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 4/23/1985 in Santo Domingo, D.R CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
Kris Bryant 77 I N fielder
Chris Coghlan 28 O utfielder
Combined to hit .336 (43-for-128) with 14 doubles, nine home runs and 32 RBI in 36 games between three stops in 2013. Rated as the Cubs second-best prospect heading into the 2014 season by Baseball America. Earned the 2013 Arizona Fall League Joe Black MVP Award, and named an AFL ALl-Star, after leading the league with a .457 slugging percentage, 22 runs, six home runs, 15 extra-base hits and 56 total bases. Attended the University of San Diego ... his 31 home runs in 2013 led the nation and are a singleseason school record. Named a finalist for the 2013 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, and earned numerous collegiate awards including the 2013 Baseball America Player of the Year, the 2013 Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year and the 2013 Louisville Slugger National Player of the Year.
Opened the season by batting .277 (36x130) in 51 games (30 GS) through June 8, including a .360 stretch (18x50) from May 25-June 8, but was placed on 15-day disabled list on June 9. Returned from DL on Sept. 1 and batted .215 in 19 games (16 GS) over final month of season. Has a 208-game errorless streak as an OF, which is third-longest active streak, behind Curtis Granderson (266) and Michael Brantley (245).
BORN: 1/4/1992 in Las Vegas, NV RESIDES: Las Vegas, NV CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 6/18/1985 in Rockville, MD RESIDES: Clearwater, FL CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
48 AARON CUNNINGHAM
73 MARCUS HATLEY
In his first and only season with the Rangers organization, Aaron spent the entire campaign at Triple-A Round Rock, hitting .247 (104-for-421) with 63 runs scored, 31 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 50 RBI in 115 games. Recorded a monthly-best .295 batting average (31-for-105) in 27 May games. Seven of his 10 homers and 32 of his 50 RBI came against right-handed pitchers. Recorded a season-high four hits, May 10 at Las Vegas, going 4-for6 with a home run and four RBI.
Marcus is a non-roster invitee to major league Spring Training for the first time in his career ... begins his eighth pro season in the Cubs organization after joining the club as a 2006 draftee … is 22-18 with 18 saves and a 4.20 ERA (174 ER/372.2 IP) in 206 minor league games (39 starts). Has struck out 341 hitters compared to 180 walks in 372.2 career innings, an average of 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
BORN: 4/24/86 in Anchorage, AK RESIDES: Phoenix, AZ CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 3/26/88 in Honolulu, HI RESIDES: San Marcos, CA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
O utfielder
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RHP
2014
79 Kyle Hendricks 65 TOMMY HOTTOVY RHP
LHP
In his first full season in the Cubs organization, Kyle combined to go 13-4 with a 2.00 ERA (37 ER/166.1 IP) and a complete-game shutout in 27 starts between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa, earning the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year award. Tabbed by Baseball America as having the “best changeup and best control” among Cubs minor league pitchers heading into the 2014 season. Led Cubs minor league system with 13 wins and a 2.00 ERA (37 ER/166.1 IP) ... struck out 128 batters and walked just 34 in 166.1 innings, good for a 3.76 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Was 10-3 with a 1.85 ERA (26 ER/126.1 IP) in 21 starts to begin the season with Tennessee, earning Southern League mid-season and post-season All-Star honors.
Tommy begins his first season with Chicago after signing a minor league deal with the club in December of 2013… has no record with a 4.05 ERA (6 ER/13.1 IP) in 17 career big league relief appearances with the Red Sox (2011) and Royals (2012). Has spent majority of his professional career in the minor leagues, going 26-41 with 10 saves and a 4.02 ERA (305 ER/683.2 IP) … has struck out 563 hitters compared to just 244 walks.
BORN: 12/7/1989 in NEWPORT BEACH, CA RESIDES: San Juan Capistrano, CA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 7/9/81 in Kansas City, MO RESIDES: Kansas City, MO CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
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non.roster invitees
80 ERIC JOKISCH LHP
51 Ryan Kalish O utfielder
Eric begins his fifth season of professional ball after being drafted by the Cubs in 2010 out of Northwestern University … is 33-25 with three complete games and a 3.48 ERA (189 ER/489.1 IP) to go along with 401 strikeouts in 97 games (73 starts) spanning four minor league seasons. Has walked just 167 hitters while surrendering 44 home runs in 489.1 career innings of work.
Ryan begins his first season with Chicago after signing a minor league deal with the Cubs in January … owns a .243 batting average (63-for-259) with 14 doubles, one triple, four home runs and 29 RBI in 89 career big league games in two seasons with the Red Sox (2010, 2012). Missed the entire 2013 campaign after undergoing right shoulder surgery to repair his posterior labrum. Named the 2010 Red Sox Rookie of the Year from the Boston Baseball Writers after making his major league debut in July … hit .252 (41for-163) with four home runs and 24 RBI in 53 games.
BORN: 7/29/89 in Virginia, IL RESIDES: Virginia, IL CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 3/28/1988 in Northridge, CA RESIDES: VENICE, CA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
12 chang-yong lim 82 rafael lopez RHP
C atcher
Chang-Yong begins his second year in the Cubs organization following a combined 17 seasons in South Korea (1996-2007) and Japan (2008-12). Made his major league debut in September of 2013, making six relief appearances for Chicago ... capped his return from Tommy John surgery in 2012. Recorded at least 28 saves in four-straight seasons for the Yakult Swallows in the Japan Baseball League from 2008-11.
Rafael is an invitee to big league Spring Training for the secondconsecutive season after he was selected by the Cubs in the 16th round of the 2011 draft. Named a Southern League mid-season All-Star with Double-A Tennessee in 2013. Owns a .276 minor league batting average (214-for-774) with 50 doubles, two triples, 16 homers and 110 RBI in 222 career games. Has drawn 102 walks compared to 126 strikeouts in 890 plate appearances.
BORN: 6/4/76 in Gwangju, South Korea RESIDES: Sungnamsi, South Korea CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 10/2/87 in Philadelphia, PA RESIDES: Wellington, FL CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
mitch maier 45 O utfielder
Darnell McDonald 54 O utfielder
Mitch joined the Cubs as a non-roster invitee to major league Spring Training after signing a minor league contract in December of 2013 … owns a .248 batting average (242-for-977) with 122 runs scored, 36 doubles, 14 triples, 10 home runs and 93 RBI in 360 games spanning six major league seasons with the Kansas City Royals (2006, 2008-12). Has appeared primarily as a center fielder (208 games) in the majors, but has also played right field (101 games), left field (38 games), and first base
Darnell signed a minor league deal with Chicago in January ... after starting the season with Triple-A Iowa, in which he appeared in 92 games, he was promoted to the Cubs, August 10 ... played in 25 games for Chicago. With Chicago, played eight games (six starts) in right field, seven games (five starts) in left field and two games (one start) in center field. Was 5-for-11 (.455) with runners in scoring position. Hit .379 (11-for-29) with four doubles, one homer and five RBI in 12 September contests. Was 9-for-29 (.310) when hitting with two strikes. Was the hero, September 25 vs. Pittsburgh, as his three-run homer in the sixth inning snapped a 1-1 tie and led the Cubs to the 4-2 win.
BORN: 6/30/82 in Petoskey, MI RESIDES: South Lyon, MI CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 11/17/1978 in Fort Collins, CO RESIDES: Phoenix, AZ CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
carlos pimentel 84
armando rivero 81
Carlos signed with the Cubs as a minor league free agent in November of 2013 following seven minor league seasons in the Texas Rangers organization... has gone 41-39 with a 3.99 ERA (318 ER/716.2 IP) in 172 career minor league games, including 118 starts. Reached the Triple-A level for the first time in 2013 ... started the year with Double-A Frisco before being promoted to Triple-A Round Rock to close out the campaign - posted a 1.59 ERA (2 ER/11.1 IP) in six relief appearances.
Armando begins his second season with the Cubs after signing a minor league deal with the club in March of 2013 … is 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA (14 ER/30.1 IP) in 20 career minor league relief appearances. Participated in the Cubs Rookie Development Program in January of 2014.
BORN: 12/1/89 in Santiago, D.R. RESIDES: Santiago, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 2/1/88 in Ciudad de la Habana, Cuba RESIDES: Port-au-Prince, Haiti CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
RHP
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4
ryan roberts I nfielder
57 jonathan sanchez LHP
Ryan begins his first season with Chicago after signing a minor league deal with an invite to major league Spring Training in January ... owns a .245 batting average (363-for-1,481) with 204 runs scored, 71 doubles, four triples, 46 home runs and 169 RBI in 510 career big league games in eight seasons with Toronto (2006-07), Texas (2008), Arizona (2009-12) and Tampa Bay (2012-13).
Jonathan is in his first season with the Cubs after signing a minor league contract with the organization in January of 2014…is 39-58 with one nohitter and a 4.70 ERA (411 ER/786.1 IP) in 194 games (137 starts) in eight big league seasons with San Francisco (2006-2011), Kansas City (2012), Colorado (2012) and Pittsburgh (2013).
BORN: 9/19/80 in Fort Worth, TX RESIDES: Dallas, TX CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 11/19/82 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico RESIDES: Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
63 brian schlitter RHP
60 chris valaika I nfielder
Brian is in his eighth professional baseball season and his seventh with the Cubs after being acquired from the Phillies in August of 2008 for pitcher Scott Eyre … is 11-24 with 78 saves and a 2.99 ERA (107 ER/322.1 IP) in 258 career minor league relief appearances. Made seven big league relief appearances with the Cubs in 2010, going 0-1 with a 12.38 ERA (11 ER/8.0 IP) while striking out seven. In eight minor league campaigns, has struck out 303 hitters while walking just 103 in 322.1 innings.
Chris signed a minor league deal with Chicago in November of 2013 following a season in which he was part of the Miami Marlins organization ... has appeared in parts of three major league seasons with the Cincinnati Reds (2010-11) and Marlins (2013), hitting .244 (31-for-127) with seven doubles, one triple, two home runs and 11 RBI in 55 contests.
BORN: 12/21/85 in Oak Park, IL RESIDES: Park Ridge, IL CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 8/14/85 in Santa Monica, CA RESIDES: Oxnard, CA CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
jeudy valdez 76 I nfielder
tsuyoshi wada 67 LHP
Jeudy is in his first season in the Cubs organization following eight minor league seasons with the San Diego Padres ... the infielder was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by San Diego, November 1, 2005 ... is a non-roster invitee to major league Spring Training in 2014. Owns a .252 batting average (695-for-2,761) with 162 doubles, 29 triples, 56 home runs and 345 RBI in 721 career minor league games ... has 137 stolen bases, and has been caught stealing 62 times.
Tsuyoshi is in his first season in the Cubs organization, signing a minor league deal with a major league Spring Training invite in December of 2013, following two seasons in Baltimore’s system ... prior to coming to the U.S., pitched nine seasons for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of the Japanese Pacific League in Nippon Professional Baseball.
BORN: 5/5/89 in Bani, D.R. RESIDES: Bani, D.R. CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 2/21/81 in Izumo, Japan RESIDES: Fukuoka, Japan CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
66 Casper Wells O utfielder
eli whiteside 32 C atcher
Casper joins the Cubs on a minor league contact with an invite to major league Spring Training ... has played in parts of four major league seasons with Detroit (2010-11), Seattle (2011-12), Oakland (2013), the White Sox (2013) and Philadelphia (2013). Owns a .230 major league batting average (158-for688) with 31 doubles, four triples, 25 home runs and 81 RBI in 277 games. Has played 123 games (67 starts) in right field, 97 games (74 starts) in left field and 29 games (23 starts) in center field ... pitched in two games last season (1.2 IP), his first big league appearances on the hill.
Is in his 14th season of professional ball, and joins the Cubs after signing a minor league contract in November of 2013 … owns a .215 batting average (105-for-489) with 21 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs and 43 RBI in 208 career major league games in parts of five seasons with Baltimore (2005) and San Francisco (2009-2012).
BORN: 11/23/1984 in Grand Rapids, MI RESIDES: Scottsdale, AZ CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
BORN: 10/22/79 in New Albany, MS RESIDES: New Albany, MS CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2014
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Building A Team One Prospect At A Tim e Cubs Park is brand-new this year with facilities that are among the best in the Cactus League. Cubs players, both the major leaguers and minor leaguers, have practice fields adjacent to the main ballpark, a gorgeous new player development center and an amazing workout room that is top-notch. This is good news for the team’s young players trying to make the squad this spring, and also provide hope for winning Cubs clubs in the future. In the recent past, the Cubs farm system produced quite a number of pitchers (Carlos Zambrano, Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Carlos Marmol, among others), but few position players. That’s changed in recent years with the emergence of Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney, but now, there are position players ready to break into the big time in both the infield and the outfield. Here are some of the top prospects you’ll see this spring, beginning with infielders.
Opposite page: Kris Bryant at last season’s Arizona Fall League. Above: Albert Almora (L) and Jorge Soler (R)
by A l Y ellon
When Kris Bryant was drafted last June, he was asked when he thought he would play in the major leagues. “Right now,” was his answer, as he felt he had the confidence to do that. Obviously, the Cubs wanted him to get a little more experience before unleashing him to major-league pitching. In the Arizona Fall League, he showed that “right now” might not be too far off. The AFL features talent that teams think is big-league ready, and Bryant mashed AFL pitching, hitting .364/.454/.727 with six home runs in 77 at-bats. For that, he earned league MVP honors.
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10 Reasons For Future Hope
Kris Bryants’ probable landing spot to begin the 2014 season is Double-A, but if he hits as he did last year, he could be smacking baseballs out of Wrigley Field very soon.
Javier Baez got everyone’s attention in spring training 2013 by hitting .298/.313/596 with four home runs in 47 at-bats, including one of the longest homers ever hit at HoHoKam Park, a blast that cleared the scoreboard and landed six cars deep into the north parking lot. During the regular season, he had a four-homer game for the High-A Daytona Cubs and hit even better for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, with 20 home runs in just 54 games there. Baez still needs work on his defense, so he’ll likely begin this year at Triple-A Iowa... but before that, watch for him to pound baseballs out of Cubs Park this spring. Kris Bryant was the Cubs’ No. 1 draft pick in 2013, the second overall choice in the June draft. He dominated two minor-league levels, hitting .336/.390/.688 with nine home runs in just 36 games. A third baseman in college, Bryant might wind up in the outfield as a major leaguer, but will likely get some time at third base this spring. His probable landing spot to begin the 2014 season is Double-A, but if he hits as he did last year, he could be smacking baseballs out of Wrigley Field very soon. Arismendy Alcantara burst onto the national scene last July when he homered off Red Sox prospect Anthony Ranaudo in the All-Star Futures Game at Citi Field. A middle infielder who has good plate discipline (62 walks and a .352 OBP for Double-A Tennessee last year), he might need a bit more work on his fielding in the minor leagues before he gets his shot in Chicago. Mike Olt was nearly part of the Dempster trade as well, but at the time he was considered
untouchable by the Rangers. Playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic in late 2012, he was hit in the head by a pitch and suffered a concussion, which led to vision problems and a poor 2013. The Rangers thought he was expendable and included him in the Garza deal. Olt had a poor year at the plate in the Texas organization and it didn’t get better at Triple-A Iowa (.168/.276/.275 in 152 at-bats). He’s reported to be healthy now and the vision issues have supposedly cleared up. The Cubs very much want him to get back to his previous level and claim the starting third-base job this spring. The Cubs haven’t really produced an everyday outfielder from the system who lasted more than a few years since Billy Williams in the 1960s. But now, the system is overflowing with potential outfield stars. One of the best is Albert Almora, the first No. 1 pick of the Theo Epstein regime, chosen sixth overall in 2012. Injuries shortened his 2013 season to just 66 games, but his .329/.376/.466 line at Low-A Kane County and his solid play in center field give hope for the future. Almora won’t turn 20 until April, and if he shows well in spring games this year, he could jump a level to Double-A Tennessee. Meanwhile, Jorge Soler had some troubles in 2013, including a shin injury that cut his season to just 55 games, as well as being suspended for his involvement in a bat-wielding brawl. Healthy now and ready to improve on his .281/.343/.467 performance for High-A Daytona in 2013, Soler should be assigned to Double-A Tennessee, but watch for him in early games this spring in Mesa. If you’re thinking the system is focused on hitting, there also are some good young pitchers in camp,
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MMC.ONL.07675.C.101 • ©DCE 2014
including a couple who have a chance to make the Opening Day roster. Foremost among those is Arodys Vizcaino, who spent four straight years in Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects, first as a Yankee farmhand and then in the Braves organization before the Cubs acquired him in the Paul Maholm/ Reed Johnson trade. But he has not pitched in an actual game since 2011, recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2012 and then another arthroscopic procedure on his elbow in 2013. It’s really impossible to know if he will get back to his earlier level after nearly three years away, but he is still young enough (just 23) that if he can, he might have a significant big-league career. Also vying for a possible 25-man roster spot is Kyle Hendricks, who came to the Cubs as part of the deal that sent Ryan Dempster to Texas in 2012. His combined line between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa last year: 27 starts, 2.00 ERA, 1.058 WHIP. Hendricks doesn’t have great stuff, but keeps the ball down well and changes location well. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he’s been described as having “an uncommon mind” even for that rarefied Ivy League atmosphere. He’ll probably start 2014 at Iowa, but could be in the Cubs’ rotation soon if he keeps up this sort of work. A bit farther away from Wrigley, but still worth watching, is C.J. Edwards, who was acquired from the Texas Rangers as part of the Matt Garza deal last July. After dominating Low-A in the Rangers organization, Edwards had six excellent starts for High-A Daytona (1.83 ERA, 0.913 WHIP, 33 strikeouts in 23 innings) during the regular season, then threw five one-hit innings in the deciding game of the Florida State League playoffs, helping win the league championship for the D-Cubs. He’s 22 and will pitch at Double-A Tennessee in 2014 – at least to begin the season. If his domination continues, he could be at Triple-A Iowa before long, and on the fast track to Chicago. So it’s not just young players like Castro, Barney, Anthony Rizzo and Junior Lake that are worth watching as Cubs Park makes its debut in Mesa. There are many other prospects who are on track to contribute to a future Cubs champion, and you can see them all play this spring.
Cubs Park is brand-new this year, with facilities that are among the best in the Cactus League. Cubs players, both the major leaguers and minor leaguers, have practice fields adjacent to the main ballpark, a gorgeous new clubhouse and an amazing workout room that is top-notch.
Right: Jorge Soler in the field at Arizona Fall League last November. GO C U BS
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Celebrate
CHICAGO CUBS
CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF WRIGLEY FIELD FANS INV IT E D TO TH E PA R TY O F T HE C E NT U R Y A L L S E A S O N L O NG Wrigley Field will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2014, and Chicago Cubs fans are invited to the “Party of the Century” throughout the 2014 season. Last fall, the team announced plans to commemorate the ballpark’s rich century of history during 10 decadethemed homestands complete with historic player uniforms, specialty food offerings, promotional items and entertainment. Wrigley Field’s 100th birthday will be celebrated April 23, 2014, vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Wrigley Field has played host to a century of remarkable events. We’re honored and humbled to commemorate such a treasured icon that millions of fans have enjoyed, whether to watch Cubs baseball, Chicago Bears games, summer concerts or other special events,” said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. “We look forward to looking back at the last 100 years while working toward our family’s goal of ensuring Wrigley Field is restored and improved for the next generation of Cubs fans.”
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, WRIGLEY FIELD!
WrigleyField100.com To learn more about Wrigley Field’s 100 years of history and the team’s planned celebrations, fans will be able to visit the custom website, WrigleyField100.com. The site will highlight each of Wrigley Field’s 100 Great Moments as they’re unveiled at the ballpark and on social media. Fans can learn more about each decade-themed homestand and corresponding entertainment – plus facts about the country and baseball in 1914. Cubs players, alumni, celebrities and fans will contribute videos and testimonials. The Cubs will invite fans to participate in polls to determine their “All-Wrigley Team,” as well as other topics, such as their favorite broadcasters or concession items.
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While the entire season will be dedicated to celebrating 100 years of Wrigley Field, one game will stand out as Wrigley Field’s actual 100th birthday. On April 23, 2014, the Cubs will host the Arizona Diamondbacks exactly a century after the Chicago Federals opened then-Weeghman Park against the Kansas City Packers on April 23, 1914. Like any good birthday party, Wrigley Field’s celebration will feature special guests, gifts, cake, entertainment and even a serenade to the tune of “Happy Birthday.” An extended pre-game ceremony will give fans a chance to welcome a lineage of Wrigley Field’s most important icons back to the cherished ballpark. Throughout the day, Wrigley Field will mirror the sights and sounds of a century ago, including throwback uniforms, music and décor. Birthday tributes from players, alumni and celebrities will play on the right field video board throughout the game, and the crowd will have a chance to sing “Happy Birthday” to their favorite ballpark in the 5th inning. This birthday party even has dessert for its guests – fans will receive a special treat. A LOOK BACK: WRIGLEY FIELD HISTORY In 1914, a one-level, 14,000-seat ballpark was built on the North Side of Chicago on the grounds once occupied by a seminary for a cost of $250,000. Originally named Weeghman Park after Chicago Federals owner Charles Weeghman, the ballpark was first home to the Chi-Feds (later the Chicago Whales) of the Federal League. The park hosted its first game April 23, 1914, with the Chi-Feds defeating the Kansas City Packers 9-1, and hosted the Federal Leaguechampion Chicago Whales in 1915. In December of 1915, the Federal League folded. Charles Weeghman assembled a group of investors including William Wrigley Jr. to purchase the Chicago Cubs and move them to Weeghman Park for the 1916 season. Weeghman sold his shares to Wrigley Jr. in 1919 and the park was renamed Cubs Park – eventually becoming Wrigley Field in 1926. Many of the iconic features of today’s modern-day ballpark were installed in 1937, such as the bleachers, scoreboard and ivy on the outfield walls.
Celebrate 10 Decades, Experience 10 Homestands
Wrigley Field has since hosted some of the game’s most historic moments, such as Babe Ruth’s alleged “called shot” in the 1932 World Series, Gabby Hartnett’s famous “Homer in the Gloamin’,” Ernie Banks’ 500th home run, Pete Rose’s 4,191st career hit (tying Ty Cobb for the most hits in baseball history at the time), Kerry Wood’s 20-strikeout game, Sammy Sosa’s 60th home runs in 1998, 1999 and 2001, Tom Glavine’s 300th career victory, Greg Maddux’s 3,000th career strikeout and the 1947, 1962 and 1990 All-Star Games. Wrigley Field’s history includes much more than just baseball. The ballpark has played host to the Chicago Bears and collegiate football games, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, a Harlem Globetrotters game, the NHL Winter Classic, ski jumps, a circus and rodeo, boxing match, soccer games, golf challenges, movie nights and a number of popular concerts. Wrigley Field continues to be one of the most popular entertainment destinations in the country.
Following Opening Week, fans coming to Wrigley Field will be treated to a variety of elements of each decade at the ballpark during 10 unique homestands. These festivities include: • Wrigley Field’s 100 Great Moments presented by Budweiser: Starting at Cubs Convention, taking place here at Spring Training and continuing throughout each regular season home game, the Cubs will unveil and pay tribute to 100 great moments in Wrigley Field history. Several former athletes, performers and dignitaries associated with these moments will be honored at Wrigley Field, and fans worldwide will be able to follow these unveilings via social media. • Historic Bobbleheads: During the first Friday home game of each decade-themed homestand, the first 10,000 fans in the ballpark will receive a never-before-produced bobblehead honoring key individuals or events from that decade. The historic bobbleheads were unveiled to fans at Cubs Convention this past January. • Throwback Uniforms: The Cubs have partnered with Majestic Athletic to recreate throwback uniforms from significant events at Wrigley Field during each decade of the ballpark’s history. The first uniform, a 1914 Chi-Feds uniform, will be worn on the actual 100th birthday game April 23, 2014, vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. The remaining uniforms will be worn on the “Throwback Sunday” game; the first Sunday of each corresponding decade. Fans of the visiting teams will also enjoy the vintage atmosphere, as many visiting clubs plan to wear retro uniforms as well. In addition to the Cubs’ home threads, the team will introduce an alternate road jersey for 2014 that pays homage to the team’s road jersey worn in the 1920s. • Retro Toys: In addition to the retro uniforms, “Throwback Sunday” games will offer a great family atmosphere complete with retro toy promotional giveaways to children 13-and-under.
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Take M e Out Baseball Basics: Know the Lingo A Fan’s Guide to Commonly-used Terms and Phrases ace — A team’s best starting pitcher. alley — The section of the outfield between the outfielders. Also “gap.” around the horn — A double play going from third base to second to first. backdoor slider — A pitch that appears to be out of the strike zone, but then breaks back over the plate. bag — A base. Baltimore chop — A ground ball that hits in front of home plate (or off of it) and takes a large hop over the infielder’s head. bandbox— A small ballpark that favors hitters. bang-bang play — A play in which the baserunner hits the bag a split-second before the ball arrives or vice versa. basket catch — When a fielder catches a ball with his glove near belt level. Bronx cheer — When the crowd boos. brushback — A pitch that nearly hits a batter. bush — Also “bush league.” An amateur play or behavior. can of corn — An easy catch by a fielder. caught looking — When a batter is called out on strikes. cellar — Last place. Also “basement.” cheese — Also “good cheese.” Refers to a good fastball. chin music — A pitch that is high and inside.
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Ball Gam e C u b s C r e a t e t h e Ul t i m a t e F a n E x p e r i e n c e While building Cubs Park, officials wanted to create an atmosphere conducive to baseball that would merge hints of Wrigley Field and its treasured history with all the new Spring Training amenities fans now come to expect at today’s modern ballpark. What they ended up with was all that and more.
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ne of the first things to immediately catch the eyes of visitors to the all-new Cubs Park is the clock affixed to the top of the video scoreboard, placed intently to mirror its compliment at Wrigley Field. This and other touches such as the brick wall behind home plate and the arch design in the light supports, are just some of the many ways the Cubs Park design team are making fans feel at home. Even the press box with its rows of windows offering the best glimpse of centerfield, looks similar to the press box at Wrigley. Perhaps the best and most iconic ode to Wrigley Field is in the new interactive replica marquee located on the main concourse just inside the first base gate. Modeled after the famous welcome sign at Clark and Addison, this scaled-down bright red marquee will soon be the staging point for fans to start their spring training experience. According to Evan Hill, coordinator of tour experiences at Wrigley Field and manager of guest services in Mesa, people will be able to type in their names using the marquee’s computer. Once typed in, fans’ names will then appear on the marquee with the time and date stamp to commemorate their visit to Mesa’s Cubs Park.
Many people come to spring training to enjoy the winning combination of desert warmth, beer and baseball. The Cubs have taken that into consideration throughout the park. While Wrigley has the Budweiser Patio in right field, at Cubs Park fans can enjoy the new EIGHTEEN|76 viewing area, which features bleachers and hightop tables to remind fans of the Wrigley Field Budweiser Bleachers experience. There are also party decks located on the first and third base sides of the ballpark. Near the right field gate, there is a party/tent bar for fans who want to watch the game from above the outfield playing area. Fans will appreciate that tickets for the EIGHTEEN|76 patio are the same price as sitting
By M i r iam Romain on the berm and offer an equally as sociable experience. For fans with mobility issues, there is an elevator to get to that deck located on the north side to access the party deck. But the left-field patio is not the only new place to gather with friends. The design of Cubs Park will appeal to all types of fans with areas carved out of the ballpark’s design for special gatherings and buyouts. The suite level has seating for 1,600 fans and there are both the 1st Base Party Deck and 3rd Base Party Deck for shaded gatherings. Tiered seating on the decks ensures no fan will miss a power play or any action taking place on the field. Of course there
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Take Me Out to the Ball Game Baseball Basics: Know the Lingo Cont. circus catch — An outstanding catch by a fielder. closer — A team’s relief pitcher who finishes the game. cutter — A cut fastball (one with a late break to it). cycle — When a batter hits a single, double, triple and home run in the same game. dinger — A home run. dish — Home plate. fireman — A team’s closer or late-inning relief pitcher. fungo — A ball hit to a fielder during practice. It’s usually hit by a coach using a “fungo bat,” which is longer and thinner than a normal bat. gap — See “alley.” A ball hit here is a “gapper.” gopher ball — A pitch hit for a home run, as in “go for.” heat — A good fastball. Also “heater.” high and tight — Referring to a pitch that’s up in the strike zone and inside on a hitter. Also known as “up and in.” hill — Pitcher’s mound. homer — A home run. Other terms include: blast, dinger, dong, four-bagger, four-base knock, moon shot, tape-measure blast and tater.
is the berm, locally referred to as Arizona’s beach, where sun worshippers bask and friends and families spread out and keep their eyes peeled for a pop-fly. The berm in the new stadium was designed at a better pitch than the one at Hohokam and is larger, holding 4,200 people. Fixed stadium seating holds 9,000 guests and while the park holds 15,000, the Cubs have succeeded in keeping the venue intimate. A citrus grove, newly planted behind right field, consists of orange trees and picnic tables and benches for gathering before and during the game. This same area will welcome some of Arizona’s most popular food trucks. On game days, fences will open up making the picnic, grove and the food trucks all part of the Spring Training ambience. The adjacent Kids Zone will be another welcome area for parents with restless little ones and give them a chance to run around and be less disruptive to fans focused on the field. The On Deck Eats + Drinks bar in the right field corner offers shade and Budweiser brews, with plenty of space to meet up with friends. The wideopen concourse allows fans to see the game from every angle, so action won’t be missed even if fans are standing in long lines at the concession stands. Fans that arrive early enough are invited to watch batting practice on the practice fields outside the ballpark to the west. The Player Walkway will be the most opportune chance at seeing a favorite player as they walk from the club house and batting practice field to the ballpark. Fans should line up here early for autographs and photos. Fans can also try to get autographs after games on the designated walkway. Both the Cubs and opponents have bullpens that are easy to view. Fans can watch pitchers warming up, much like they can see at Wrigley and that fans became accustomed to at Fitch Park. The Cubs Spring Training tradition of tailgating will remain with parking lots open five hours before each game and gates open two hours before the designated start time. In addition to merging old traditions and new experiences, the Cubs have also provided for the ultimate in player and fan conditioning. It all converges at Cubs Park, making it accessible for everyone and offering several options for food, drink and venues to watch the games. This spring, be sure to take a look around and find your favorite new hangout and see which view you like best at the ballpark. Cubs Park is a true gem.
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Riverview Park: Baseball Basics: Know the Lingo Cont. hot corner — Third base. in the hole — The batter after the on-deck hitter. jam — When a hitter gets a pitch near his hands, he is “jammed.” Also when a pitcher gets himself in trouble, he is in a “jam.” leather — Refers to how good a player plays defensively or handles the glove. Ex: “He flashed some leather on that play.” meatball — An easy pitch to hit, usually right down the middle of the plate. Mendoza line — A batting average of around .200. moon shot — A very long, high home run. nail down — As in “nail down a victory.” Refers to a relief pitcher finishing off the game. on the screws — When a batter hits the ball hard. Also “on the button.” painting the black — When a pitcher throws the ball over the edge of the plate. pea — A ball traveling at high speed, either batted or thrown. pepper — Pepper is a common pre-game exercise where one player bunts brisk grounders and line drives to a group of fielders who are standing about 20 feet away. The fielders try to throw it back as quickly as possible. The batter hits the return throw. (Some ballparks ban pepper games because wild pitches could land in the stands and injure spectators). pick — A good defensive play by an infielder on a ground ball. Also a shortened version of “pick-off.” pickle — A rundown. punchout — A strikeout. rhubarb — A fight or scuffle. ribbie — Another way of saying RBI. Also “ribeye.” rope — A hard line drive hit by a batter. Also “frozen rope.”
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Delivering
on a Dream Pl e n t y of a m e n t i t i e s a n d a t t r a c t i o n s fo r f a n s a n d f a m i l i e s Riverview Park in the heart of Mesa will be among very few like it in the nation. By combining a training stadium for the Chicago Cubs with ball fields intended for amateur play and a gorgeous park packed with dozens of stunning amenities, the newest gem in the East Valley will offer something for everyone as a true “destination” attraction. “As a parks and recreation professional, this is the most exciting and fun project I’ve ever worked on,” says Marc Heirshberg, director of Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities for the City of Mesa. “We were told to dream and dream big and we’ve been able to deliver on that dream.” Riverview Park has been a staple in Mesa for decades, but now, with $84 million invested in building the stadium, $15 million in infrastructure and $9 million invested in park improvements, it is dazzling. The property sits on 140-plus acres between Dobson Road, Loop 101, Loop 202 and Rio Salado Parkway. Riverview Park Lake is the focal point which has a lighted fountain next to it and stocked with
fish. Connecting Riverview Park Lake to the stadium is the Paseo, a central street shaded with paved paths and wood-grain boardwalks connecting all of the elements of the site. Parents and their children can enjoy a whimsical, colorful splash pad and a children’s “adventureland” designed as “a place for kids to get lost in their imagination,” Heirshberg said. It includes a sunken playground, enclosed on one end by a 300 linear-foot climbing wall, a 75-foot zipline, and
By D eb r a G elba rt features the world’s largest climbing tower. “Kids can feel like this is their own place and space.” Adjacent to the kids’ area is a Ramada with a 360-degree view that lets parents watch their children enjoy playing on rolling hills. “Until you see this beautiful new place,” Heirshberg says, “you don’t realize how cool it is.” Reprinted Courtesy of City of Mesa and Republic Media
Baseball Basics: Know the Lingo Cont. rubber game — The deciding game of a series. run-down — When a baserunner gets caught between bases by the fielders. Ruthian — With great power. seeing-eye single — A soft ground ball that finds its way between infielders for a base hit. set-up man — A relief pitcher who usually enters the game in the 7th or 8th inning. shoestring catch — A running catch made just above the fielder’s shoetops. southpaw — A left-handed pitcher. sweet spot — The part of the bat just a few inches from the barrel. table setter — Batter whose job is to get on base for other hitters to drive him in. Usually a leadoff or No. 2 hitter. tape-measure blast — An extremely long home run. tater — A home run. Texas Leaguer — A bloop hit that drops between an infielder and outfielder. tools of ignorance — Catcher’s equipment. touch ‘em all — Hitting a home run (touching all the bases). twin killing — A double play. Uncle Charlie — Curve ball. utility player — A player who fills in at many positions. wheelhouse — A hitter’s power zone. Usually a pitch waist-high and over the heart of the plate. wheels — A ballplayer’s legs. whiff — Strikeout. yakker — Curve ball. Prepared by the Publishing Department of Major League Baseball Properties.
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The 2013 Cubs improved their starting pitching depth, played some great infield defense, strengthened their minor league system … and still lost 96 games. Though the organization took huge steps forward, there’s still a long way to go. We sat down with GM JED HOYER to discuss the good, the bad and all points in between.
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ou don’t have to tell General Manager Jed Hoyer how difficult the Cubs’ 2013 season was. He was there for every pitch, hit and out. And no one in the organization—from the groundskeepers to the players to the men in charge—is happy with 96 losses. But the GM also knows the organization has made a great deal of progress since he took the helm. The plan was clear from the get-go: Hire the best player development team in the business, stockpile as much high-ceiling talent as possible as quickly as possible, and develop a young, talented team that has the ability to compete year in and year out. When Hoyer and President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein arrived in Chicago two years ago, the Cubs minor league system was universally seen as low on impact talent. Now, most experts agree the Cubs have one of the top three systems in the game, thanks to budding stars like Albert Almora, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant and Jorge Soler. The organization has accomplished this through astute scouting, smart draft picks, opportunistic trades, aggressive international signings and, most of all, patience. The front office has a plan, and they have no intention of taking shortcuts that steer them off course just so they can win, say,
74 games instead of 66. Which is not to say Hoyer has had an easy two years. The goal of all this is to win at the major league level— that’s the standard by which general managers are judged. And no matter how well the farm teams do, no one much cares if that success doesn’t translate to the big leagues. While players like Travis Wood and Welington Castillo made significant strides, Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro struggled, the bullpen stumbled out of the gate, and the offense couldn’t put enough runs on the board to keep the Cubs competitive. As the 2013 season came to a close—and as Hoyer was nearing his two-year anniversary with the club—he sat down with Vine Line for a candid Q&A about the team’s progress, developing young players, the managerial decision and why he has the best opportunity in baseball.
Welington Castillo
BY G A RY C O H E N When we got here, we felt like there was a really big talent deficit, especially when you consider the other teams in our division. We’ve done everything we can under the new rules to try to make sure we can close that gap. In that regard, I think we’ve done a really good job. We’re a lot closer today to playing in and winning a World Series than we were two years ago. — JED HOYER
Travis Wood
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We should be a financial monster sitting here in the city of Chicago with a team that’s unbelievably popular, but we can’t be that until the stadium gets renovated. — JED HOYER
Starlin Castro
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VINE LINE: It was a disappointing season at the major league level, but the minor league system made big strides. How do you evaluate a year like this? JED HOYER: One of the things about this job is that your report card is in the paper every morning. Obviously, that report card tells us we’re not good enough. We’re not talented enough at the major league level, and we have to improve that. You can never run away from that, and you can never deny it. I think 2013 was certainly a year of a lot of positive developments at the minor league level. We haven’t made any secrets about our desire to accumulate as much talent as possible, and I think this was a really positive year in that regard. When I go down and watch our guys in the instructional league right now or our guys in the fall league, the amount of talent and the athleticism we have is a long, long way from where it was when we first got here, and we’re excited about that. But all those things don’t hide the fact that the goal is to get better at the major league level, and we need to improve on what we’ve done in 2012 and 2013. VL: What positives do you take from a season like this? JH: In a year like this, you have to focus on individual positives. Obviously, we’re very happy with the way Travis Wood developed this year. He’s worked really hard over the last two years with [pitching coach] Chris Bosio, [bullpen coach] Lester Strode and [staff assistant] Mike Borzello. He made huge strides as a pitcher, and that was really exciting to see. He was really consistent throughout the year, and his ability to use both sides of the plate helped him. You have to give him credit for working on it. And Welington Castillo really improved over the course of the year. He had a fantastic second half. He showed an ability to get on base. He’s a good defensive catcher, and I think he’ll continue to improve. So I think you always look at individual positives in a year like this, and there are some. But obviously if there were a ton of individual positives, you’d have a better record. VL: There were some positive developments this year. The pitching staff is much deeper than it was a year ago, and the infield defense—especially on the right side—was as good as anybody’s. JH: Our right side of the infield was excellent. I do think we played better defense this year. Obviously, we struggled in the bullpen early in the year, but I felt like we tightened up some of those holes later in the year. We acquired some power arms over
Anthony Rizzo
the course of the summer that will really help our bullpen in the future. We’ve really tried to acquire as many power arms as we can because that was a weakness coming in, and we’re starting to show some improvements in the bullpen with those guys. The pitching staff in general, given the number of quality starts we had—especially before we traded [Scott] Feldman and [Matt] Garza—our starting pitching was good enough to compete. When you look at our offense, our relief pitching and our starting pitching, I would say the starting pitching was good enough to be a solid team. The other two areas are areas we definitely have to improve. VL: Some of the key guys on the roster—mainly Rizzo and Castro—didn’t develop like you expected in 2013. What can you do to reverse that trend heading into next season? JH: That’s certainly a major focus for us. I don’t think either guy had the numbers they were expecting coming into Spring Training. There’s no doubt both guys would say that. But both guys are hard workers. They’re certainly committed to coming into 2014 and putting that behind them. Certainly in the case with Anthony, there’s a guy that ended the year [sixth] in the National League in walks. He was [fifth] in extra-base hits. On a lot of defensive metrics, he was the best first baseman. So with Anthony, there are some silver linings. Obviously, his batting average wasn’t where he probably hoped, but there were a number of positives in his year. If he can build on that—and certainly he has the ability to—with that many extra-base hits and that kind of patience, that’s pretty exciting for a 23-year-old. With Starlin, the beauty of Starlin is he’s done it. He did it at age 20 and 21, and there’s no question he can get back to that. A lot of great players have had a down year at the beginning of their careers and bounced back. For us to get where we need to go, those guys need to keep improving, but there’s no doubt they’re going to work hard this winter to get back to where they need to be. VL: Do you think the emphasis on Castro trying to be more patient at the plate might have hamstrung his development a little bit this year? JH: I personally think that line of thought is a little bit overblown. Every young player can improve. He had a great two seasons when he first came up, but I still think for the power that he has to come out, he’s going to have to be able to hit in better counts. To say, “Just keep your hands off him, and don’t try to improve him,” we’re not going to be a championship organization if guys don’t continue to get better and better. Whether he tried to do some things that confused him during the course of the year or not—and he might have—we want all our guys to focus on getting a pitch in the strike zone and looking to drive it. That’s how you become a really good offense. … We’re not going to shy away from trying to develop players that way. VL: You and Theo Epstein have talked a lot about building the core of this team. Have guys like Castillo and Wood put themselves in the category of players you want to grow with? JH: Yeah, both of those guys really proved they can make improvements and keep getting better. And I think both of those guys are winning players, and that’s what you’re looking for is guys who will continue to improve, guys who are winning players. The more guys like that in their prime years we can acquire and have on our team, that’s what the best teams have. We’re excited to have both those guys.
The Best-Laid Plans
Javier Baez
When Theo and I started talking about [coming here] in October of 2011, a big part of why we were so excited to come here and be part of this was that we lived through 2004 [in Boston], and we saw just how much it impacted the city, just how incredible the entire thing was. Really, there’s only one place in all of baseball that we have a chance to relive that. — JED HOYER
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Kris Bryant VL: You called Castillo and Wood “winning players.” What’s your definition of a winning player? JH: I think everyone has a different definition of it. Obviously, you have to be talented to be a winning player, but also someone who does all the little things necessary to win, whether that’s making a productive out, being heads up on the bases, being clutch on defense, being into the game all the time or making your teammates better. Those are all characteristics of players who are on championship teams. Whenever I think of winning players, I think of someone that is a part of every play and someone that really makes everyone around them better. Certainly Welington, with the way he played in the second half, was that kind of player. VL: You’ve said you and Epstein had some pretty frank discussions with former manager Dale Sveum at the All-Star break. It seemed like momentum to replace him really picked up in the last few weeks of the season. How hard of a decision was it to let Sveum go after just two years, and what qualities are you hoping the new manager can bring to the team? JH: For both Theo and for me, it was a very difficult decision. We’ve both known Dale since 2004. He’s an incredibly hard worker. I think he wore a lot of losses in a really impressive way. He was very stoic about it. That’s a difficult thing. You have to talk to the media twice a day. You have to talk to the team every day. When you’re losing, keeping your chin up like that is really impressive. He did a great job of dealing with adversity. So it was very difficult. I feel like when you list off some of the things we’re looking for in the next manager, one of the problems is people right away say, “Oh, those are all things Dale didn’t have.” And that’s simply not true. I think Dale can go on to be a really good manager. Theo used the analogy in the press conference. When we hired Terry Francona in Boston, he had, I think it was, four losing seasons with the Phillies and had really struggled there. He went to the Red Sox, and now he’s a potential Hall of Fame manager. I think Dale certainly has a lot of the characteristics of a very good manager, and I certainly hope he gets the chance to do it again because I think he’ll be successful. VL: You’re just finishing your second year with the team. How would you grade your performance so far? JH: Like I said at the beginning, any answer that doesn’t involve the wins and losses at the major league level is problematic. We’ve really tried to be as transparent as we possibly can. When we got here, we
felt like there was a really big talent deficit, especially when you consider the other teams in our division. We’ve done everything we can under the new rules to try to make sure we can close that gap. In that regard, I think we’ve done a really good job. We’re a lot closer today to playing in and winning a World Series than we were two years ago. And we just have to keep on pushing like that. But there’s no question it’s difficult. Two years in a row, we’ve traded 40 percent of our rotation at the deadline. August and September of both years were real struggles, especially when in both years we actually played pretty well in July and had things going in a good direction. But we made all those decisions for the same reason, which is that we have to stockpile as much talent as possible to compete with teams in our division that have been doing that for a long time. We’ve tried to be transparent about what our goals are. Our goal is to build a team that can come into Spring Training year in and year out and have a chance to win, and we’ve been really focused on achieving that. In a lot of ways, we’ve been really successful in that, but we’re nowhere close to our goal. VL: How different has it been for you working in Chicago versus working in Boston or San Diego? JH: One of the things I really like about being in Chicago and being with the Cubs is we have the same goal as the other 29 teams, but, in some ways, it’s a bigger goal because it hasn’t been done in so long. And I think we know just how much that means to the city. When Theo and I started talking about this in October of 2011, a big part of why we were so excited to come here and be part of this was that we lived through 2004 [in Boston], and we saw just how much it impacted the city, just how incredible the entire thing was. Really, there’s only one place in all of baseball that we have a chance to relive that. You don’t ever need more motivation in this job because it’s so obvious what your goal is, and winning is such a great thing. But here, if possible, it’s even bigger because of what it means to the city and what it means to the fan base. VL: How important is the impending stadium restoration to the organization? As beautiful as Wrigley Field is from a fan perspective, does it hinder the baseball side that the players are dealing with inferior facilities compared to most other major league teams? JH: It’s really important for us to get this done successfully—and hopefully sooner rather than later. We’re not going to have the kind of revenues that a team in a city like Chicago needs to have until the renovations get going. We need to be able to have more signage. We need to be able to have a scoreboard so we can sell advertising. People don’t realize how important that is to the organization. Those are the dollars that flow right back into the team. We should be a financial monster sitting here in the city of Chicago with a team that’s unbelievably popular, but we can’t be that until the stadium gets renovated. And from a player standpoint, we do have inferior facilities. We don’t have a really functional weight room. We have a batting cage that’s out in left field. The layout of the clubhouse I don’t think is conducive to the kind of oneness you want from a major league clubhouse. That’s a really big factor, and I think when we do have the renovations here and we can give our players first-class facilities, it will be a huge plus in not only improving our current players, but also in improving players going forward.
The Best-Laid Plans
Jorge Soler
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VL: Pitching was the main priority last offseason. What are the main things you’re focusing on going into 2014? JH: You’re always going to be looking for pitching. The teams that have pitching depth are able to survive the marathon of the season so much better, so I think you’re always going to be looking for pitching every offseason. But our biggest focus— and it will be for quite some time—is improving our offense. We’ve got to get on base more. We have to have better quality at-bats. There’s no way around it. Our current offense isn’t good enough to be competitive. Obviously, we have a lot of young offensive talent coming in the minor leagues, but we need to add on top of that and really make our approach at the plate and getting on base a huge priority. Until we do that, we’re not going to be as successful as we need to be. VL: You mentioned some of the young guys who are putting up good offensive numbers in the minor leagues. Javier Baez hit 37 home runs this year. Kris Bryant hit 31 home runs in college and continued to hit in the minor leagues. How difficult is it for you to be patient with those guys, especially when you need help at the major league level? JH: There’s no question it’s fun to look at our minor league box scores now, and it’s great that those guys are performing. But they’re not finished products, and they need to keep developing. I always think the easiest way to remain patient is to look at the careers of other really good players and realize that being rushed, giving up all those developmental minor league at-bats [can be harmful]. You have to learn how to hit in professional baseball. You have to learn how to pitch in professional baseball. Rushing a guy through, at some point, the lack of development is going to catch up with him. We want to teach these guys how to play the right way in the minor leagues, so when they come up here, they’re as ready as possible. VL: High-A Daytona and Double-A Tennessee had good postseason runs. You moved both Bryant and Dan Vogelbach up to High-A to get them some playoff action. How important is it for young players to experience high-pressure baseball and to learn to win together at the lower levels? JH: That’s the biggest focus and what you really want. We were going to send [Albert] Almora there also before he got hurt. You want them to have that experience of bonding together, playing in a playoff environment when every run is really important, every defensive play is really important. Playoff baseball is so much more focused than the games over the course of the whole season. When
Albert Almora
a player can experience playoff baseball, I think it helps them not only in future playoff games, but also in how they prepare for regular season games in the future. I think it’s really important, and hopefully we’ll have some really good minor league teams in the next couple of years so more players can get that experience. VL: During the two years you’ve been here, the Cubs have gone from being ranked as one of the weaker minor league systems to one of the top three, according to most experts. How difficult is it to turn a system around quickly given some of the restrictions imposed by the new collective bargaining agreement? JH: It’s certainly more challenging than it had been. There was no question what our playbook was going to be coming in here. We were going to do exactly what we did in Boston and what I was doing in San Diego, which is really emphasizing spending on scouting and player development. You try to spend as much money on young players as possible. There’s so much more impact to your dollars when you’re spending them at that level, because if you’re successful with those players, they can give you exponential value. There was no doubt we were planning to do that, and obviously the CBA restricts us. So as I said before, within the rules that have been given to us, we’ve been as aggressive as possible, and we’ll continue to be. VL: After losing clubhouse leaders like Alfonso Soriano and David DeJesus, do you worry that there will be a leadership void in the clubhouse, or do you feel like you have guys ready to step up and assume that role? JH: It’s something that we’re focused on. We need to add some guys who can help teach our young players the right way to do things. No coach can do what a player can do. Player-to-player teaching, player-to-player coaching is so valuable. When you have really good veteran players who can take these guys under their wing and show these guys what they’ve done—as hard as coaches work, it’s difficult for them to have that same sort of relationship. So we know we have to add some leadership to the clubhouse, and certainly that will be a priority. VL: If you could get one message out to the fans about where this organization is going or what to expect in the coming seasons, what would it be? JH: From where I sit, I think we’re about to enter an incredibly exciting time for the Cubs. We have a new Spring Training home this year. We’re going to have a renovated Wrigley. The fans who follow us closely can see how much young talent we’ve added and how much we’ll continue to add. I think all of those things are going to come together at roughly the same time, and when they do come together—when that baseball plan and that business plan come together at the same time—I think we have a chance to stay on top and be a really competitive team that has a chance to go to the playoffs every year for quite a while. That’s something Cubs fans haven’t had in a really long time is a young, talented team that is competitive every year. That’s what we’re trying to build. We feel really good about where we’re going. We’ve asked for a lot of patience. We’ll probably still ask for some more. But I think everything is going to come together really nicely at the same time, and when it does, it’s not going to be a oneyear type situation where you’re putting all your eggs in one basket. I think it’s going to be the kind of thing where we can have that sustained success that everyone is looking for.
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SETTING THE TONE
Inside Pitch By Bruce Levine and Joel Bierig
Rick Renteria is tasked with developing young talent and creating a positive environment For new Cubs manager Rick Renteria, the job will up trust with the pitchers,” Castillo said. “And they be about more than just winning games; it will also were right.” be about influencing people. Renteria’s main near-term challenge will be Renteria’s mission is clear. He must impact the developing the organization’s young position young talent already on the roster and create a players. From 2011-13, Castro’s average dropped from vibrant atmosphere for the plethora of prospects .307 to .245, and Barney’s went from .276 to .208. nearing his doorstep. Rizzo hit .285 after his recall from the minors in 2012 Losing wasn’t the reason Cubs bosses Theo but slumped to .233 last season. Epstein and Jed Hoyer jettisoned their first manager, With more talent due to arrive soon, the Cubs Dale Sveum, two years into a three-year contract. brass felt a change was needed. When Hoyer was With the club committed to rebuilding, Sveum San Diego’s GM, he observed Renteria as Black’s might have survived his 127-197 record if players like bench coach in 2010-11 and came away impressed. Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo and Darwin Barney “Rick was always very good with the players hadn’t regressed on his watch. and staff,” Hoyer said. “When we started to Epstein and Hoyer wanted to revive look for a candidate here, we were sure we their young nucleus and generate wanted him to interview.” And it doesn’t a positive environment for fastsound like Renteria will be cowed by approaching talent such as Cuban working with still-developing players. free agent Jorge Soler and No. 1 draft The father of four children, ages 18 to 35, picks Javier Baez (2011), Albert Almora joked he’s been dealing with kids almost (2012) and Kris Bryant (2013). Enter the his whole life. bilingual Renteria, whose reputation as “The one thing these players will find is a communicator transcends his ability to that Rick is a fair guy with everyone, but he speak both English and Spanish. is not above using tough love to get his point Rick was “I know Rick speaks both languages across,” Bryk said. well, but that really isn’t the With Castro and others, Renteria plans always very good essence of what he’s about,” said a firm but upbeat approach. “I think Bill Bryk, a top scout for the Arizona everybody moves more confidently with with the players Diamondbacks and longtime Renteria positive information and reinforcement and staff. When friend. “We worked together in San than with the heavy hand,” Renteria said. Diego, but I saw him develop players “That being said, I can bark and bark just we started to look everywhere he went. He is equally like a dog. In the end, the players just shut for a candidate efficient at helping players improve you out. You have to build a relationship regardless of where they are from.” and have them understand that when you here, we were The 52-year-old Renteria is a 30raise the tone, it’s for real.” sure we wanted year baseball lifer with the full gamut To help Renteria in his task, the Cubs of experiences—he has been a major have employed new hitting coach Bill him to interview.” league utility player, a minor league Mueller, assistant hitting coach Mike — JED HOYER, CUBS GM manager and a major league coach. Brumley, bench coach Brandon Hyde, He spent the past six seasons in San first base coach Eric Hinske, third base Diego, and the last three as manager coach Gary Jones and quality assurance Bud Black’s bench coach. coach Jose Castro. The Cubs gave Renteria a threeyear contract plus Epstein and Hoyer are relying on former Cubs club options for 2017 and 2018. Moving forward Mueller and Brumley to help improve last season’s from Sveum’s tenure, the new manager will need to moribund offense. During his 11-year career, Mueller, finish the heavy lifting involved in short- and longa Cub from 2001-02, compiled a .291 batting average term player development. and .373 on-base percentage. In 2003, then-Boston Pitching and catching aside, Renteria will oversee GM Epstein watched Mueller hit .326 to win the AL a mostly new set of coaches. Returning from batting title as the Red Sox’s third baseman. Sveum’s staff are pitching coach Chris Bosio, bullpen “I wasn’t the best bat on the team,” Mueller said. coach Lester Strode and catching instructor Mike “I had to work to get everything I achieved.” Borzello, along with staff assistant Franklin Font. Mueller was the Dodgers’ interim hitting coach in Management awarded Bosio a two-year contract the second half of 2007 but spent the last six years extension with a third-year club option after off the field as a special assistant. Before accepting witnessing the growth of young pitchers such as the Cubs job, he asked Epstein to consider Brumley, Travis Wood, Jeff Samardzija and James Russell. whom he had worked with in Los Angeles, for the Borzello and Strode worked tirelessly with assistant’s post. catcher Welington Castillo, whose improved signal That Brumley began his big league playing career calling and defense were keys to the pitching with the Cubs in 1987 wasn’t lost on Epstein. More staff’s progress. than ever, Epstein values those who understand the “They convinced me my offense would come Cubs experience. It is one thing that’s difficult to later, after I improved my pitch calling and built translate—in any language.
I think everybody moves more confidently with positive information and reinforcement than with the heavy hand. That being said, I can bark and bark just like a dog. In the end, the players just shut you out. You have to build a relationship and have them understand that when you raise the tone, it’s for real. —RICK RENTERIA, CUBS MANAGER
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MOVING FORWARD New Cubs manager Rick Renteria refuses to dwell on the past. The upbeat baseball lifer is focused on teaching the organization’s young talent and advancing the development process. BY G A RY C O H E N
Y
P HOTOS BY DAVID DUROCHIK
ou could call it a premonition. About 10 years ago, with the Cubs in the early stages of a successful run that saw them claim the NL Central crown three times in six years, Rick Renteria was coaching his son’s baseball team when one of the moms, who happened to be from Chicago, mentioned he would make a great manager for the North Siders. Perhaps it was his calm demeanor or the way he patiently explained things to the young players, but something struck a chord with her. Renteria didn’t think much of it, but the conversation stuck with him over the years. “Well, I hope she had a premonition that we’re going to have a lot of success,” joked the 52-year-old California native, who was recently named the 53rd manager in Cubs franchise history. Renteria, a 30-year baseball veteran who has spent the last three seasons as the bench coach for manager Bud Black’s San Diego Padres, wasn’t the most likely choice or the highest-profile name out there. But what that team mom said a decade ago turned out to be surprisingly prescient. The firsttime big league manager joins the Cubs organization with a reputation as a relentless optimist and an experienced shaper of young talent. And he might be the perfect fit for a team that is looking for a new voice and is stacked with high-upside young prospects just a year or two away from the major leagues. Though Renteria is well aware of the Cubs’ recent history, it’s not his style to dwell on the past. It’s his job to take a franchise in the midst of a youth movement and help it improve and move forward. He credits much of his positive coaching style to his former Single-A manager Johnny Lipon, who coached Renteria at Single-A Alexandria in his third professional season in 1982. “[He was] the most positive individual I’ve ever seen,” Renteria said of Lipon. “Here’s a guy who was a shortstop with the Detroit Tigers in a different era. He was an infielder. His demeanor was one that kept moving you forward, and that stayed and resonated with me.”
Renteria was officially hired on Nov. 7, 2013, but he didn’t make his first appearance at Wrigley Field until Dec. 5 because of offseason hip surgery. In his initial foray in front of the Chicago media, he certainly lived up to his reputation as an excellent communicator and an easy guy to get along with. “I was struck by how comfortable I was watching him,” said President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein of Renteria. “Normally when you hire somebody new, and he meets the media for the first time, you’re kind of holding your breath to make sure he doesn’t put his foot in his mouth. We’ve worked with Ricky for a month now, and I was totally comfortable. I was actually checking emails while he was talking because I feel I already trust who he is as a human being. He comes from a genuine place, he’s extremely intelligent, relates to people really well, so it’s nice to really trust somebody in that role.” The Cubs’ new hire has spent his early days as manager reaching out to his new players by phone or text and filling out his first coaching staff. He’s planning to head out to Arizona soon to see the new practice facility firsthand and to start working with his coaches on a plan for Spring Training. Vine Line was there for Renteria’s introduction to the Chicago media, at which he opened up about his plans for 2014, his notoriously positive disposition and his previous relationship with Cubs GM Jed Hoyer.
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Moving Forward
I think you’re playing in the big boy division [in the NL Central]. We all grew up wanting to play against the big guys. Well, here we are. You know, that’s our lot. That’s the challenge. We have to accept it and do what we can with it and move forward.”
Vine Line: What was it that made you want to take the job here in Chicago? You may have heard from guys like Dusty Baker and Lou Piniella, this can be a difficult place to manage. Rick Renteria: It’s a wonderful city, first of all. But the team that’s out there, the kids that are here, as you’re watching from the other side, they’re a very talented group. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to be here and be with this particular club. I’m looking forward to hopefully moving things forward and chipping away at whatever we need to chip away at to continue to advance the process. It’s just a great challenge. It’s a great opportunity. VL: Is there any overall philosophical difference we’re going to notice from the first days of Spring Training? RR: I think everybody comes in probably not trying to reinvent the wheel. We want guys that are going to give us great effort, guys that are going to hustle, guys that are going to prepare. I’m sure these are things that everybody asks of their players. They’re young players. [They need to understand] that, as professionals, this is part of who they’re supposed to be. We want to be a club that’s going to be aggressive on the bases, that’s going to be smart, that’s not going to be reckless. A club that’s going to hopefully continue to grind through atbats, execute, and get beyond falling into the trap of if you get a bad call against you, you get bothered and that you continue to add to that spiral by not finishing out a plate appearance or a tactical hit or whatever the case might be. A club that’s there to pick each other up. Hopefully, these guys come together as a kind of family. I think if you have that, you start to build your own chemistry, and it can be a strength. VL: You said in your initial press conference that you think the team can compete this year. The Cubs lost 96 games last year and haven’t made significant improvements yet. What’s going to be different in 2014?
RR: Well, I can’t speak to the losses of the past. My mentality has always been to continue to move forward. What we can do is learn from that experience. What occurred? What kind of mentalities did we have? What approaches did we have? What were the things that occurred during a particular ballgame that maybe changed the dynamic of that particular ballgame? Those are the things we have to study and retrack and retrace and use to our advantage. The players we have, they’re intelligent. They’re gifted. Starlin Castro, [Darwin] Barney, [Anthony] Rizzo. You had a combination of guys at third base with [Luis] Valbuena and [Donnie] Murphy. Then you had Welington Castillo and Junior Lake, who came up later on during the year. These are guys that have talent. [Ryan] Sweeney. Nate Schierholtz is an experienced player who’s been around a little bit. You have the makeup of a club that can do some things. I think you’re playing in the big boy division [in the NL Central]. We all grew up wanting to play against the big guys. Well, here we are. That’s our lot. That’s the challenge. We have to accept it and do what we can with it and move forward. VL: This is a team that’s going through some growing pains right now. So how is a guy with your positive disposition going to manage that? RR: I try to maintain an even-keeled approach. No player wants to go out there and fail. They want to do well, and I think I understand that. We know that the game is about the players and that sometimes we need to help them through those moments when things aren’t going very well. Hopefully, we’re able to articulate what it is they need to do to improve, whether it’s their approach or if it’s a physical action that we’re able to address and help them move forward.
. RENTERIA S ReSUMe This may be Rick Renteria’s first opportunity as a major league manager, but he has been coaching since the late ’90s and spent parts of five seasons as a big league infielder. Coached six seasons at the major league level with the San Diego Padres, three as bench coach. He originally joined the Padres as first base coach in 2007. • Named as manager for Team Mexico in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. • Spent four seasons managing in the Padres minor league system at Single-A Lake Elsinore (2004-06) and Triple-A Portland (2007). • During his three-year stint as manager at Lake Elsinore, he guided the Storm to a 212-206 (.507) record, advancing to the California League’s South Division final in 2006. • Managed four seasons in the Florida Marlins organization at Single-A Brevard County (1998), Single-A Kane County (1999) and Double-A Portland (2000-01), becoming the first former Florida player to manage one of the team’s affiliates. He was named Midwest League Manager of the Year after leading Kane County to a league-best 78-59 record in 1999. • Hit .237 (100-for-422) with 20 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 41 RBI in 184 career major league games with the Pirates (1986), Mariners (1987-88) and Marlins (1993-94). He was selected by Pittsburgh in the first round of the 1980 First-Year Player Draft.
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Moving Forward
People ask me about Starlin, and I watch him from the other side and think, ‘Gosh, what a tremendously gifted athlete.’ First of all, I’ve got to get to know him as a person, and I have to figure out what it is that moves him. He was one of the first guys I called, and he’s willing to do anything we ask him to do.
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VL: Did you put your coaching staff together with that in mind? RR: I think so. Speaking to all of the [coaches], their attitudes are extremely positive. They’re going to bring in the idea of wanting to continue to teach. Sometimes we forget that players still want to learn. They’re never not learning. We have to be able to present a consistent message. I think all these guys that are going to come on board have that ability. VL: You talk of being even-keeled. Do you have a temper? RR: Oh, I can get hot. Any competitor can get hot. You’ve got to pick your spots. I don’t think players appreciate people just losing it for the sake of losing it. Will I do it for the sake of people watching me do it? No. You may not see me do it at all, but I can’t guarantee that. When it happens, it’s got to be the right time. Those things kind of take care of themselves. It’s a feel thing. If you’re a guy that’s pretty evenkeeled and then you end up losing it, [players] understand that you mean business, that it means a little bit more. But, for the most part, I think conversations need to be had behind closed doors. VL: This organization has a lot of potential stars that are perhaps a year or so away. Have you looked at some of those players, and how excited are you to manage them down the road? RR: Obviously, I’m very excited about the guys we have right now. And I look at the players that are coming, and we have some talent in the organization. They’ve done a wonderful job in drafting and selecting some of these players. Right now, my focus is going to continue to be on the guys that are here. They’re extremely talented, and—it’s like anything—they have to put it forward between the lines. I think if we maintain a consistent and positive message, we’ll be able to have some of these players do what they’re capable of doing. There are peaks and valleys, but that’s where, as a manager and a coaching staff, we have to remain even-keeled and give them an opportunity to keep moving forward. VL: Castro has been in that valley for a while. What’s your approach to turning a young veteran like that around? RR: People ask me about Starlin, and I watch him from the other side and think, “Gosh, what a tremendously gifted athlete.” First of all, I’ve got to get to know him as a person, and I have to figure out what it is that moves him. He’s a wonderful kid. I actually was able to speak to him at length. He was one of the first guys I called, and he’s willing to do anything we ask him to do. I know people talk about him losing focus and having bad atbats and things of that nature, and we have to address those things. Sometimes we don’t have conversations thinking we don’t want to have a confrontation or maybe we won’t like the answer we’re going to get. But the reality is you have to have dialogue. The only way you can improve things is to converse and to try to [give players]
a plan or an idea of how they can move forward. That’s one of the things we’re going to have to do as teachers. The whole coaching staff is going to have to approach this as being teachers. VL: What’s your take on using advanced metrics to influence pitching decisions, defensive positioning and the like? RR: I think all information is actually quite useful. It’s how you decipher it and how you use it—how you apply it. If you limit your understanding, you’re doing yourself a disservice. I use numbers. I’ve used numbers since I was in the minor leagues. I used to keep numbers on my board when people weren’t using numbers. But it’s how you use them and how you apply them [that determines] how beneficial they really are. It’s basically consequences and outcomes. It’s telling you what guys have been doing. Sometimes you still have to put your eyes on those guys to have an idea of what they’re doing at that particular moment. You can’t limit yourself. You’ve got to use a combination. VL: You have a reputation for connecting with young players. In your career, you’ve done just about everything. You’ve played, you’ve managed in the minor leagues, you’ve coached in the major leagues. Is that what allows you to understand what players are going through? RR: Probably that and probably the idea that, you know, I was pretty much a grunt coming up through the systems [as a player]. I fought and hustled through every ground out and everything I could possibly do to play this game. I understand and appreciate the privilege it is to be here as a player. I understand that most people when they come out to see a ballgame, they want to see somebody give you a good effort—beyond winning. They want to know that you’re invested in what it is you’re doing. Hopefully, that comes out in how I approach the players, because I am invested in this. VL: Describe your relationship with Jed Hoyer. You worked together in the Padres organization. Is that familiarity one of the factors that made you want to come here? RR: Jed, you know, was in San Diego. And when he was there, we used to have conversations when he’d come down to talk to Buddy [Black] and what have you. For me, it’s nice to be in a familiar setting, knowing the people I’m going to be working for, or alongside. That played a factor in how things progressed. I expressed that this was the place I wanted to be. I saw the makeup of what’s coming up. I like who we have here now, and I think it’s going to be something that we can move forward. VL: Everybody has an opinion about playing at Wrigley Field. You’ve been here as a player and as a coach. What was your take on this place as an outsider? RR: Awesome. I don’t think there’s any player that ever comes into Chicago thinking, “This is a bad place to play.” We loved coming here. Everybody does. It’s a great city. The fans are always there. Even if they’re booing against you, at least you know everybody’s in it. That’s a tremendous asset for this team to have, quite frankly. Their home-field advantage is their community—is their fan base. When we understand it and use it and take it to our advantage and really understand how it works, hopefully we’ll be able to articulate that message, and we’ll get it, and we’ll be able to do some things that make the fans feel really good.
. COACH S BOX Moving Forward
In the weeks following new manager Rick Renteria’s hiring, the Cubs filled out their coaching staff with a mix of familiar faces, veterans and newcomers. Renteria, baseball president Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer said they were looking for energetic coaches who were eager to teach the organization’s young talent and help move the growth process forward. “It takes a certain personality to be able to actually reach the modern player and to dig deep and engage and relate to them and not relate to a player on a perfunctory level, but to find out what makes him tick and impact him on and off the field in a positive way,” Epstein said. “That’s what we were looking for.” Here is a rundown of the Cubs’ 2014 coaching staff.
I don’t think there’s any player that ever comes into Chicago thinking, ‘This is a bad place to play.’ We loved coming here. Everybody does. It’s a great city. The fans are always there. Even if they’re booing against you, at least you know everybody’s in it. That’s a tremendous asset for this team to have.
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CHRIS BOSIO, 50 returns for his third season as the club’s major league pitching coach. This is his third stint as a big league pitching coach, with previous assignments in Tampa Bay (2003) and Milwaukee (2009). A veteran of 11 big league seasons, the righthander worked as a special assignment pitching coach in the Seattle organization (2000-02), before joining Lou Piniella’s staff in Tampa Bay. Bosio has also served as a pitching coach in Milwaukee’s farm system and as an advance scout for the Brewers. BILL MUELLER, 42 joins the Cubs for his first full season as a major league hitting coach. The 2003 AL batting champ served as interim hitting coach for the Dodgers in the second half of the 2007 campaign. He joined the Los Angeles front office following an 11-year playing career with the Giants, Cubs, Red Sox and Dodgers, finishing with a career .293 batting average, .373 on-base percentage and nearly as many walks (543) as strikeouts (571). Mueller spent the past six seasons as a special assistant in the Dodgers front office. BRANDON HYDE, 40 enters his third year in the Cubs organization and begins his second stint as a major league bench coach, previously serving as bench coach for Jack McKeon’s Marlins (2010-11). Overall, Hyde has 11 years of coaching experience, including nine seasons in the Marlins organization, following a four-year playing career in the White Sox system. Hyde joined the Cubs in December 2011 as minor league field coordinator and was named director of player development in August 2012. ERIC HINSKE, 36 takes on his first coaching assignment as the Cubs’ first base coach. Last season wrapped up a 12-year major league career that included 2002 American League Rookie of the Year honors with Toronto. He also made three straight World Series appearances, bookended by championships with Boston (2007) and the Yankees (2009). Overall, Hinske played 1,387 major league games with Toronto, Boston, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, the Yankees, Atlanta and Arizona. He
was originally selected by the Cubs in the 17th round of the 1998 draft. GARY JONES, 53 joins the Cubs as third base and infield coach after spending the last 11 years in the Padres organization, including the last seven as minor league infield coordinator. He has one year of major league experience as a first base coach for Oakland (1998) and 15 years of experience as a minor league manager, earning four Minor League Manager of the Year awards. He originally signed with the Cubs as a nondrafted free agent in 1982 and appeared in 897 minor league games. LESTER STRODE, 55 returns for his eighth season as Cubs bullpen coach and his 26th year in the organization. Prior to assuming his current role, Strode spent 11 seasons as the Cubs’ minor league pitching coordinator (1996-2006), two seasons with the big league club as a pitching assistant (1994-95) and five seasons as a minor league pitching coach (1989-93). Strode pitched in the minor leagues for nine years (1980-88) in the Kansas City, Baltimore, St. Louis and Cubs farm systems. MIKE BORZELLO, 43 enters his third season with the Cubs and takes on the expanded role of catching and strategy coach. Prior to joining the organization, he spent four seasons (2008-11) as the Dodgers’ bullpen catcher and 12 years in the Yankees organization starting in 1996. Overall, Borzello has 18 years of experience with three major league clubs. MIKE BRUMLEY, 50 joins the Cubs as assistant hitting coach after spending the last four seasons as first base coach with the Mariners. A seven-year major league veteran, Brumley began his big league career with the Cubs (1987) and later played for Seattle, Boston, Houston and Oakland. After retiring, Brumley spent 13 seasons as a minor league manager, field coordinator and instructor (1997-2009) before joining Seattle’s major league staff in 2010. FRANKLIN FONT, 36 returns for his 20th season in the Cubs organization, his third at the major league level as staff assistant. Prior to joining the big league club, he spent three seasons as the Cubs’ minor league infield coordinator. Font played in the Cubs farm system for six seasons (1995-2000) before becoming a staff assistant at Single-A Daytona in 2001. He served the Cubs as a minor league manager, hitting coach and coordinator from 2002-11. JOSE CASTRO, 55 joins the Cubs as quality assurance coach after spending the last 25 years as a minor league hitting coordinator or hitting coach in the Kansas City, Seattle, Florida, San Diego and Montreal organizations. He also served an interim stint as Seattle’s major league hitting coach (2008).
V I S I T O R S POS
NO. PLAYER
1
2
3
4
5
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AB R H RBI
COMMUNITIES TOTALS NO.
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IP H R ER BB K BULLPEN
BENCH
NO. PLAYER
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C H I C A G O 1
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C U B S 4
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AB R H RBI
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keeping score Cubs fans can enjoy baseball more this spring by keeping score of the game. The best part about keeping score is that it’s easy. All you need is a basic knowledge of baseball’s rules. Experts use a simple code which is based on numbering players by their positions.
Number Players As Follows
1 Pitcher 2 Catcher 3 First Baseman 4 Second Baseman 5 Third Baseman
Ad ditio n a l Sym b o l s :
6 Shortstop 7 Left Fielder 8 Center Fielder 9 Right Fielder DH Designated Hitter
Every time a batter goes to the plate, use the number to indicate how he was retired or how he reached base. Fielding plays, retiring batters or runners also call for use of the numbers. For instance, the batter who grounds out to the shortstop is retired 6-3 in your scoring. If he flies to the right fielder, merely use the figure 9. If it is foul: 9F.
I W for intentional walk L for line drive Kc for called out on strikes B for bunt and a wavy line indicating a change, either for a new pitcher or batter.
Symbo ls fo r Pl ays Single Double Triple Home Run Sacrifice Walk Strikeout BalK Foul Fly
SH BB K BK F
Fielders Choice Hit by Pitch Wild Pitch Passed Ball Stolen Base Force Out Double Play Error Sacrifice Fly
WP SB
FC HP WP PB SB FO DP E SF
PB
In the example to the left, batter reached first on an error by the second baseman, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a passed ball. It is convenient to encircle all runs as shown so that scoring plays may be seen at a glance.
Sa mple Score S h eet TEAM
4 2nd Baseman
8 Center Fielder
5 3rd Baseman
1 2-6
HP
3 1st Baseman
8
2 Catcher
7 Left Fielder
9 Right Fielder
6 Shortstop
1 Pitcher
TOTALS
2
FC PB 4-3
DH Designated Hitter
6-4 BB DP 6-4-3 3F
R
H
1
2
1
E-4
1
Inning 1 4 singled, thrown out stealing (catcher to shortstop) 8 doubled, advanced to 3rd on a fielder’s choice, scored on passed ball 5 thrown out (2nd to 1st)fielder’s choice DH hit by pitch, took 1st base 3 flied out to center field- end of inning Inning 2 2 walked, later forced out shortstop to 2nd base (1st half of double play) 7 hit into double play (shortstop to 2nd base to 1st base) 9 hit home run 6 fouled out to 1st base
2014
CUB S N UM ERICAL ROSTE R 1 Gary Jones Coach 2 Eric Hinske Coach 3 Bill Mueller Coach 4 Ryan Roberts* INF R/R 5 Welington Castillo C R/R 6 Ryan Sweeney OF L/L 7 Brett Jackson OF L/R 8 Donnie Murphy INF R/R 9 George Kottaras C L/R 11 Kyuji Fujikawa RHP L/R 12 Chang-Yong Lim* RHP R/R 13 Starlin Castro INF R/R 15 Darwin Barney INF R/R 16 Rick Renteria Manager 17 Brandon Hyde Coach 18 Chris Rusin LHP L/L 19 Nate Schierholtz OF L/R 20 Justin Ruggiano OF R/R 21 Junior Lake OF R/R 22 Logan Watkins INF L/R 24 Luis Valbuena INF L/R 25 Chris Bosio Coach 27 Josh Vitters OF R/R 28 Chris Coghlan* OF L/R 29 Jeff Samardzija RHP R/R 30 Mike Olt INF R/R 32 Eli Whiteside* C R/R 33 Carlos Villanueva RHP R/R 35 Lester Strode Coach 36 Edwin Jackson RHP R/R 37 Travis Wood LHP R/L 38 John Baker* C L/R 39 Jason Hammel RHP R/R 40 James Russell LHP L/L 41 Jose Veras RHP R/R 43 Emilio Bonifacio* INF S/R 44 Anthony Rizzo INF L/L 45 Mitch Maier* OF L/R 46 Pedro Strop RHP R/R
47 Arodys Vizcaino RHP R/R 48 Aaron Cunningham* OF R/R 49 Jake Arrieta RHP R/R 50 Blake Parker RHP R/R 51 Ryan Kalish* OF L/L 52 Justin Grimm RHP R/R 53 Wesley Wright LHP R/L 54 Darnell McDonald* OF R/R 55 James McDonald RHP L/R 56 Hector Rondon RHP R/R 57 Jonathan Sanchez* LHP L/L 58 Mike Borzello Coach 59 Zac Rosscup LHP R/L 60 Chris Valaika* INF R/R 61 Christian Villanueva INF R/R 62 Alberto Cabrera RHP R/R 63 Brian Schlitter* RHP R/R 64 Franklin Font Coach 65 Tommy Hottovy* LHP L/L 66 Casper Wells* OF R/R 67 Tsuyoshi Wada* LHP L/L 68 Jorge Soler OF R/R 70 Javier Baez* INF R/R 71 Dallas Beeler RHP R/R 72 Matt Szczur OF R/R 73 Marcus Hatley* RHP R/R 74 Jose Castro Coach 75 Arismendy Alcantara INF S/R 76 Jeudy Valdez* INF R/R 77 Kris Bryant* INF R/R 78 Albert Almora* OF R/R 79 Kyle Hendricks* RHP R/R 80 Eric Jokisch* LHP R/L 81 Armando Rivero* RHP R/R 82 Rafael Lopez* C L/R 84 Carlos Pimentel* RHP R/R 85 Neil Ramirez RHP R/R 95 Chad Noble Bullpen Catcher 96 Mike Brumley Coach
* Non-Roster Invitee Roster as of February 15, 2014
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Spring Fever Mesa Puts on a Month-Long Show of Events & Activities for Baseball Fans It’s spring in the desert. In Mesa, this time of year every weekend is jam-packed with activity. When not basking in the sun at a Cubs game, visitors can be found blazing trails at our regional parks, shopping at our popular malls and centers, dining al fresco at our chef-driven restaurants and cafes, and exploring Downtown Mesa – home to the award-winning Mesa Arts Center and the city’s renowned museums. Mesa is a sprawling metropolis that is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, home to rivers and lakes that allow for every recreational pursuit you can imagine. Venture down the historic Apache Trail in an open-air Jeep, or hit the links on one of Mesa’s more than 40 golf courses. No matter how long your stay, you will find plenty of action on and off the field this spring in Mesa.
No matter how long your stay, you will find plenty of action on and off the field this spring in Mesa.
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Motorcycles on Main Downtown Mesa March 7, 6 PM – 10 PM Don’t miss this family friendly that takes place on Mesa’s main drag. Roads are closed to car traffic and open to motorcycles so you can cruise down Main Street, enjoy a fabulous show of motorcycles, or park and show your bike. The fun includes live music, beer gardens, food, vendors, and more. A Night in the ‘40s Big Band Dance Commemorative Air Force March 8, 5 PM – 11 PM Relive the memories of the 1940s. Wander and view the WW II aircraft and memorabilia on display and enjoy the live entertainment of the Sonoran Swing band, composed of 19 veteran big band players. Raffles, costume contests and swing dance lessons round out the evening celebration. Tickets required.
Out To Lunch Free Concert Series Mesa Arts Center March 6, 13, 20, 27, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Enjoy this free concert series in Downtown Mesa before heading to the ballpark. This popular event takes place every Thursday on the outdoor stage at Mesa Arts Center. Bring your lunch and enjoy live music in a serene setting. Folding chairs, cushion and blankets are welcome. MACFest Downtown Mesa March 8 and 15, 10 AM – 4 PM This free arts and culture festival features unique artist creations, music and fun for the whole family. Treasures can be found at every turn along MacDonald and Main Street including handmade jewelry, crafts, glass work, ceramics and culinary items. Everything from salted caramels to stained glass can be found at MACFest.
Guided Moon-lit Hikes Through the Superstition Mountains Lost Dutchman State Park March 13 and 14, 7 PM – 9 PM See the desert like never before – by the light of the moon. This guided 2.5 mile hike takes place on Jacob’s Crosscut Trail at the base of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Hikers should dress appropriately and wear trail shoes or boots. After the hike gather round the campfire for a marshmallow roast. All ages welcome. Reservations recommended. Park entrance fee required. Chicago Fest presented by Vienna Beef and Visit Mesa Riverview Park March 14 – 16, Times vary by day Enjoy Mesa’s newest visitor experience, Riverview Park, at Chicago Fest. This three-day celebration of all things Chicago features the Vienna Beef’s Taste of Chicago Food Court, live entertainment on the Chicago Blues Stage and Chicago Polka Stage, a tribute to Chicago’s finest athletes at the Chicago Sports Stage, the Cactus League Museum exhibit, and the History of Chicago interactive exhibit. Ticket required for entry.
By M ichelle S t r eete r spark! Mesa’s Festival of Creativity Mesa Arts Center March 19 – 23, Noon – 7 PM Experience an immersive environment to celebrate the work of amazing, creative people and to discover the creative thinker inside every visitor. Hands-on activities, a community yarn-bombing project, live music, original performances, live artist mural demonstrations and more. This year’s festival features the Austin Bike Zoo, which creates giant animals on bicycle frames that you can ride, including an 80-ft. snake, butterflies, fireflies, an owl, a bat and a bike carousel. Friday and Saturday the festival keeps going until 10 p.m.
For a complete list of things to do and see while visiting Mesa during the Spring Training season, go online to VisitMesa.com and ArizonaGuide.com
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CACTUS LEAGUE AR I Z ONA
DIAMONDBACKS
CUBS
CH I CAGO
WHITE SOX
C I NC I NNAT I
Reds
CLE V ELAND
INDIANS
P i tche r s
P i tc h e rs
Pitc her s
Pitc her s
Pitc her s
8 4 Chase Anderson 61 Bronson Arroyo 77 Charles Brewer 35 Trevor Cahill 55 Josh Collmenter 46 Patrick Corbin 56 Eury De La Rosa 48 Randall Delgado 38 Will Harris 30 David Hernandez 81 Marcos Mateo 32 Brandon McCarthy 36 Wade Miley 47 Joe Paterson 40 J.J. Putz 43 Addison Reed 45 Matt Reynolds 82 Santos Rodriguez 28 Alex Sanabia 58 Bo Schultz 52 Zeke Spruill 54 Joe Thatcher 29 Brad Ziegler
4 9 Jake Arrieta 71 Dallas Beeler 62 Alberto Cabrera 11 Kyuji Fujikawa 52 Justin Grimm 39 Jason Hammel 36 Edwin Jackson 55 James McDonald 50 Blake Parker 85 Neil Ramirez 56 Hector Rondon 59 Zac Rosscup 18 Chris Rusin 40 James Russell 29 Jeff Samardzija 46 Pedro Strop 41 Jose Veras 33 Carlos Villanueva 47 Arodys Vizcaino 37 Travis Wood 53 Wesley Wright
51 Ronald Belisario 43 Mitchell Boggs 50 John Danks 66 Frank De Los Santos 37 Scott Downs 45 Erik Johnson 65 Nate Jones 61 Charlie Leesman 27 Matt Lindstrom 63 Nestor Molina 55 Felipe Paulino 52 Jake Petricka 62 Jose Quintana 64 Andre Rienzo 49 Chris Sale 53 Eric Surkamp 46 Donnie Veal 60 Daniel Webb
34 Homer Bailey 53 Pedro Beato 51 Jonathan Broxton 54 Aroldis Chapman 58 Nick Christiani 52 Tony Cingrani 73 Carlos Contreras 67 Daniel Corcino 47 Johnny Cueto 74 Ismael Guillon 64 David Holmberg 60 J.J. Hoover 55 Mat Latos 44 Mike Leake 63 Sam LeCure 41 Brett Marshall 45 Sean Marshall 66 Logan Ondrusek 43 Manny Parra 46 Curtis Partch 78 Chad Rogers 31 Alfredo Simon Catc her s
73 Austin Adams 37 Cody Allen 44 John Axford 51 Scott Barnes 47 Trevor Bauer 59 Carlos Carrasco 36 Preston Guilmet 50 Nick Hagadone 56 Frank Herrmann 70 T.J. House 61 Colt Hynes 28 Corey Kluber 20 C.C. Lee 63 Justin Masterson 34 Zach McAllister 88 Josh Outman 52 Vinnie Pestano 71 Bryan Price 35 Marc Rzepczynski 31 Danny Salazar 27 Bryan Shaw 43 Josh Tomlin 49 Blake Wood
6 8 Tucker Barnhart 39 Devin Mesoraco 29 Brayan Pena
Catc her s 10 Yan Gomes 41 Carlos Santana
Infiel der s
Infiel ders
2 Zack Cozart 21 Todd Frazier 9 Jack Hannahan 4 Brandon Phillips 25 Skip Schumaker 50 Neftali Soto 19 Joey Votto
1 David Adams 74 Jesus Aguilar 4 Mike Aviles 13 Asdrubal Cabrera 8 Lonnie Chisenhall 46 David Cooper 78 Erik Gonzalez 22 Jason Kipnis 62 Jose Ramirez 33 Nick Swisher
Catche r s
C atc h e rs 5 Welington Castillo 9 George Kottaras
Catc her s 21 Tyler Flowers 32 Adrian Nieto 36 Josh Phegley Infiel der s
12 Eric Chavez 44 Paul Goldschmidt 1 Didi Gregorius 2 Aaron Hill 16 Chris Owings 4 Cliff Pennington 14 Martin Prado
75 Arismendy Alcantara 15 Darwin Barney 13 Starlin Castro 8 Donnie Murphy 30 Mike Olt 44 Anthony Rizzo 24 Luis Valbuena 61 Christian Villanueva 22 Logan Watkins
O utfie l d e r s
O u t fi e l d e rs
7 9 Jose Abreu 15 Gordon Beckham 22 Matt Davidson 44 Adam Dunn 39 Jake Elmore 28 Leury Garcia 12 Conor Gillaspie 7 Jeff Keppinger 14 Paul Konerko 10 Alexei Ramirez 77 Carlos Sanchez 5 Marcus Semien
19 Tony Campana 63 Ender Inciarte 17 Alfredo Marte 8 Gerardo Parra 11 A.J. Pollock 7 Cody Ross 15 Mark Trumbo 27 Matt Tuiasosopo
7 Brett Jackson 21 Junior Lake 20 Justin Ruggiano 19 Nate Schierholtz 68 Jorge Soler 6 Ryan Sweeney 72 Matt Szczur 27 Josh Vitters
2 0 Jordan Danks 30 Alejandro De Aza 1 Adam Eaton 26 Avisail Garcia 29 Jared Mitchell 75 Trayce Thompson 24 Dayan Viciedo
9 Tuffy Gosewisch 26 Miguel Montero In fie l d e r s
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40-MAN ROSTERS
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I n fi e l d e rs
Outfiel der s
Outfiel der s 32 Jay Bruce 69 Juan Duran 6 Billy Hamilton 28 Chris Heisey 65 Ryan LaMarre 48 Ryan Ludwick 23 Donald Lutz 77 Yorman Rodriguez
Outfiel d ers 24 Michael Bourn 23 Michael Brantley 75 Carlos Moncrief 7 David Murphy 9 Ryan Raburn
Inside Pitch
PHASE TWO The Cubs system is flush with young talent; now they need to get that talent to Wrigley If you insist on grading Theo Epstein only two seasons into his Cubs mission, it would be hard to assign him anything other than an “incomplete.” At this stage of the most demanding assignment in professional sports, no letter grade is appropriate. From the day he arrived in October 2011, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations knew starting from scratch would be a difficult way to satisfy a then-103-year-old World Series championship itch. But it was also the best way to get things turned around for the long haul.
BY BRUCE LEVINE & JOEL BIERIG “I really think the Cubs are turning the corner to becoming a consistent contender,” said a pro scout who has been watching the Cubs organization closely. “They’re putting together some impact position players at the lower levels. Pitching must be their next and No. 1 goal in the next couple of years.” Epstein is now entering Year Three of his fiveyear contract and the second phase of his plan to revamp the organization to the specifications of Chairman Tom Ricketts and President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. Epstein, General Manager Jed Hoyer and scouting guru Jason McLeod have fully embraced Phase One: signing and developing the best talent in the world. During Epstein’s tenure, the minor league system has improved by leaps and bounds through the draft, trades and international signings. Phase Two will be getting those impact players to Wrigley Field in the near future. Unfortunately, the days of outscouting and outspending the competition are gone. Almost from the day Epstein arrived in Chicago, baseball’s rules for the amateur draft changed dramatically. In 2011, the Cubs spent a franchise-record $14.5 million on draft choices. With slotting and spending caps now firmly in place, that’s no longer an option. Meanwhile, Epstein’s pursuit of free agents and international talent has started to feel the pinch from outside forces. The Cubs landed Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler with a nine-year, $30 million contract in 2012, but Epstein’s future budget depends on new revenue streams from the five-year Wrigley Field restoration plan. And that plan is behind schedule because of unforeseen legal and political issues. Regardless, the baseball department’s efforts are beginning to bear fruit. Prospects such as Soler and the last three No. 1 draft picks—third baseman Kris Bryant (2013), outfielder Albert Almora (2012) and shortstop Javier Baez (2011)—are enticing. In the next few years, they should blend at the major league level with on-the job trainees Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo. With new manager Rick Renteria in place, Epstein and Hoyer will continue to seek short-term solutions while keeping an eye on the future. And much of that future will depend on whether the Cubs can develop or acquire enough pitching to compete in the rough-and-tumble NL Central. When
Epstein took over, there was a dearth of high-upside, power arms in the Cubs farm system. And while the position prospects tend to get the most coverage, the organization has also been stockpiling pitchers. “If you noticed, they got back pitching in every deal they made this past July,” a rival GM noted. “That is bound to pay off. Look at the Baltimore and Texas deals and evaluate them going into 2014 and 2015. They picked up some great arms that can help now and some real good-looking prospects for the future.” In the Baltimore deal for Scott Feldman, the Cubs landed starter Jake Arrieta and potential closer Pedro Strop. The Matt Garza trade with Texas brought three highly rated arms (C.J. Edwards, Justin Grimm and Neal Ramirez) along with third-base candidate Mike Olt. And Travis Wood’s emergence as a bona fide starting pitcher has vindicated Epstein and Hoyer for dealing popular reliever Sean Marshall to the Reds to acquire the left-hander in 2011. Yet, despite the front office’s aplomb, not every move has been a plum. First-year returns on the fouryear, $52 million signing of Edwin Jackson were disappointing, as he led the majors in losses (8-18 record) and had the fourth-worst ERA (4.98). Moreover, the lure of third baseman Ian Stewart’s power bat snared Epstein and Hoyer not once but twice, and the firing of manager Dale Sveum was, at best, a step sideways. Still, if convinced he wasn’t their man, the Cubs were right to eat the final year of his contract and move on. Though the $100 million commitment to Castro and Rizzo didn’t look as encouraging by season’s end as it did in May, the Cubs still believe each player will reach his full potential. The team was careful to hire a manager with a reputation for developing young players to help speed that process. Epstein has acknowledged the Cubs’ culture is more complex than he imagined, and the Red Sox’s World Series victory in 2013, two years after he left Boston, has provided scant solace. It was the Sox’s third championship in 10 years and also the third on which Epstein had a major imprint. Almost half the roster was comprised of players he drafted or acquired. While the Beantown success may be additional proof that Ricketts hired the right man, Epstein doesn’t expect it to mean a hill of beans to Cubs fans. His immediate burden is to prove what he constructs in Chicago is built to last, not finish last.
Unfortunately, the days of outscouting and outspending the competition are gone. Almost from the day [Theo] Epstein arrived in Chicago, baseball’s rules for the amateur draft changed dramatically.
Look at the Baltimore and Texas deals and evaluate them going into 2014 and 2015. They picked up some great arms that can help now and some real good-looking prospects for the future. — CUBS RIVAL GM
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CACTUS LEAGUE COLORADO
ROCKIES
K ANSAS C I TY
ROYALS
ANGELS
LOS ANGELES
DODGERS
M I LWAU K EE
BREWERS
Pi tc he r s
P i tc h e rs
Pitc her s
Pitc her s
Pitc her s
3 0 Brett Anderson Jayson Aquino 34 Matt Belisle 35 Chad Bettis 49 Rex Brothers 45 Jhoulys Chacin 32 Tyler Chatwood 29 Jorge De La Rosa Raul Fernandez 53 Christian Friedrich 32 LaTroy Hawkins Tommy Kahnle 48 Boone Logan 59 Wilton Lopez 24 Jordan Lyles Tyler Matzek 56 Franklin Morales 12 Juan Nicasio 0 Adam Ottavino 62 Rob Scahill Kraig Sitton
67 Francisley Bueno 52 Bruce Chen 62 Maikel Cleto 31 Louis Coleman 55 Tim Collins 43 Aaron Crow 17 Wade Davis 41 Danny Duffy 36 Chris Dwyer 11 Jeremy Guthrie 40 Kelvin Herrera 44 Luke Hochevar 56 Greg Holland 49 Donnie Joseph 38 John Lamb 48 Michael Mariot 46 Justin Marks 33 James Shields 51 Jason Vargas 30 Yordano Ventura
Catc he r s
12 Brett Hayes 26 Francisco Pena 13 Salvador Perez
55 Joe Blanton 54 Buddy Boshers 62 Ryan Brasier 24 Sean Burnett 39 Robert Carson 65 Dane De La Rosa 49 Ernesto Frieri 40 Kevin Jepsen 58 Michael Kohn 63 Nick Maronde Brian Moran 46 Cory Rasmus 43 Garrett Richards 51 Michael Roth Fernando Salas 53 Hector Santiago 52 Matt Shoemaker 45 Tyler Skaggs 38 Joe Smith 45 Josh Wall 36 Jered Weaver 33 C.J. Wilson
62 Pedro Baez 61 Josh Beckett 58 Chad Billingsley 60 Jose Dominguez 57 Scott Elbert 59 Stephen Fife 98 Onelki Garcia 63 Yimi Garcia 21 Zack Greinke 55 Javy Guerra 11 Dan Haren 56 J.P. Howell 74 Kenley Jansen 22 Clayton Kershaw 43 Brandon League 36 Matt Magill Paul Maholm 76 Jarret Martin 54 Chris Perez 75 Paco Rodriguez 71 Seth Rosin 99 Hyun-Jin Ryu 0 Brian Wilson 44 Chris Withrow 28 Jamey Wright
54 Michael Blazek 46 Hiram Burgos 50 Jose De La Torre 65 Miguel De Los Santos 41 Marco Estrada 64 Mike Fiers 45 Alfredo Figaro 49 Yovani Gallardo 22 Matt Garza 32 Tom Gorzelanny 63 Brooks Hall 40 Johnny Hellweg 29 Jim Henderson 53 Brandon Kintzler 26 Kyle Lohse 52 Jimmy Nelson 58 Ariel Pena 38 Wily Peralta Francisco Rodriguez 60 Kevin Shackelford 13 Will Smith 30 Tyler Thornburg 51 Wei-Chung Wang 47 Rob Wooten
Catc her s
2 0 Jonathan Lucroy 12 Martin Maldonado
20 Wilin Rosario Infie l d e r s 65 Cristhian Adames 28 Nolan Arenado Rosell Herrera 9 DJ LeMahieu 33 Justin Morneau 15 Jordan Pacheco 14 Josh Rutledge 2 Troy Tulowitzki 4 Ryan Wheeler O utfie l d e r s 1 Brandon Barnes 19 Charlie Blackmon 3 Michael Cuddyer 23 Charlie Culberson 6 Corey Dickerson 5 Carlos Gonzalez Kent Matthes Kyle Parker 13 Drew Stubbs
C atc h e rs
I n fi e l d e rs 37 Pedro Ciriaco 24 Christian Colon 61 Cheslor Cuthbert 2 Alcides Escobar 9 Johnny Giavotella 35 Eric Hosmer 14 Omar Infante 8 Mike Moustakas 19 Danny Valencia O u t fi e l de rs 63 Lane Adams 23 Norichika Aoki 6 Lorenzo Cain 1 Jarrod Dyson 4 Alex Gordon 27 Justin Maxwell Carlos Peguero D e s i g n at e d Hit t e r 16 Billy Butler
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40-MAN ROSTERS
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Catc her s 16 Hank Conger 22 John Hester 17 Chris Iannetta Infiel der s 2 Erick Aybar 12 Tommy Field 6 David Freese 10 Grant Green 13 Luis Jimenez 47 Howie Kendrick 68 Efren Navarro 5 Albert Pujols 7 Andrew Romine
31 Drew Butera 17 A.J. Ellis 18 Tim Federowicz Infiel der s 23 Adrian Gonzalez 9 Dee Gordon 7 Alex Guerrero 13 Hanley Ramirez 28 Justin Sellers 5 Juan Uribe
Outfiel der s
Outfiel der s
56 Kole Calhoun 19 Collin Cowgill 32 Josh Hamilton 28 Raul Ibanez 3 J.B. Shuck 27 Mike Trout
3 0 Mike Baxter 48 Nick Buss 25 Carl Crawford 16 Andre Ethier 27 Matt Kemp 66 Yasiel Puig 33 Scott Van Slyke
Catc her s
Infiel ders 14 Jeff Bianchi 21 Juan Francisco 2 Scooter Gennett 11 Sean Halton 3 Elian Herrera 25 Hunter Morris 16 Aramis Ramirez 61 Jason Rogers 9 Jean Segura 23 Rickie Weeks Outfiel d ers 8 Ryan Braun 18 Khris Davis 15 Caleb Gindl 27 Carlos Gomez 1 Logan Schafer
CACTUS LEAGUE OA K LAND
ATHLETICS
PADRES
SAN F RANC I SCO
GIANTS
SEATTLE
MARINERS
TE X AS
RANGERS
Pi tc he r s
P i tc h e rs
Pitc her s
Pitc her s
Pitc her s
56 Fernando Abad 70 Raul Alcantara 60 Jesse Chavez 48 Ryan Cook 62 Sean Doolittle 54 Sonny Gray 44 Luke Gregerson 64 A.J. Griffin 45 Jim Johnson 26 Scott Kazmir 68 Arnold Leon 25 Josh Lindblom 57 Tommy Milone 39 Eric Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Flaherty 61 Dan Otero 11 Jarrod Parker 13 Drew Pomeranz 33 Fernando Rodriguez 58 Evan Scribner 67 Dan Straily 66 Michael Ynoa
Joaquin Benoit 34 Andrew Cashner 41 Robbie Erlin Jesse Hahn Josh Johnson 49 Casey Kelly 22 Ian Kennedy 52 Cory Luebke Juan Pablo Oramas Donn Roach 38 Tyson Ross Keyvius Sampson Patrick Schuster 26 Burch Smith 46 Tim Stauffer 16 Huston Street 53 Eric Stults 55 Dale Thayer Alex Torres 50 Nick Vincent 43 Joe Wieland
41 Jeremy Affeldt 40 Madison Bumgarner 18 Matt Cain 46 Santiago Casilla Erik Cordier Jose De Paula 51 Jake Dunning 82 Edwin Escobar Kendry Flores 38 Heath Hembree 17 Tim Hudson David Huff 59 Mike Kickham 70 George Kontos 55 Tim Lincecum 49 Javier Lopez 63 Jean Machi 52 Yusmeiro Petit 54 Sergio Romo Hunter Strickland 32 Ryan Vogelsong
38 Logan Bawcom 49 Blake Beavan 40 Danny Farquhar 64 Anthony Fernandez 41 Charlie Furbush 34 Felix Hernandez 60 Danny Hultzen 18 Hisashi Iwakuma 30 Bobby LaFromboise 44 Lucas Luetge 37 Brandon Maurer 31 Yoervis Medina 45 Hector Noesi 65 James Paxton 46 Stephen Pryor 50 Erasmo Ramirez Fernando Rodney 32 Taijuan Walker 54 Tom Wilhelmsen
Catc he r s
C atc h e rs
Catc her s
35 Chris Gimenez 5 John Jaso 36 Derek Norris 21 Stephen Vogt
12 Yasmani Grandal 4 Nick Hundley 44 Rene Rivera
2 8 Buster Posey 29 Hector Sanchez
4 John Buck 63 Jesus Montero 2 Jesus Sucre 3 Mike Zunino
Lisalverto Bonilla 57 Cory Burns 56 Neal Cotts 11 Yu Darvish 30 Neftali Feliz Pedro Figueroa 53 Wilmer Font 44 Jason Frasor 54 Matt Harrison 45 Derek Holland 50 Michael Kirkman 55 Roman Mendez Miles Mikolas 41 Alexi Ogando 58 Joseph Ortiz 33 Martin Perez 46 Robbie Ross Ben Rowen 52 Tanner Scheppers 28 Joakim Soria 49 Nick Tepesch Shawn Tolleson 75 Matt West
Infiel der s
In fie l d e r s
I n fi e l d e rs
Infiel der s
23 Yonder Alonso 2 Everth Cabrera 9 Jedd Gyorko 7 Chase Headley Ryan Jackson 54 Tommy Medica
10 Tony Abreu 53 Ehire Adrianza 13 Joaquin Arias 9 Brandon Belt 35 Brandon Crawford Adam Duvall 21 Nick Noonan 48 Pablo Sandoval 19 Marco Scutaro 74 Angel Villalona
8 Willie Bloomquist 22 Robinson Cano 35 Ji-Man Choi 6 Nick Franklin 27 Corey Hart 5 Brad Miller 20 Logan Morrison 15 Kyle Seager 17 Justin Smoak 1 Carlos Triunfel
Outfiel der s
Outfiel der s
Outfiel d ers
7 Gregor Blanco Gary Brown 22 Roger Kieschnick Michael Morse 16 Angel Pagan 8 Hunter Pence 2 Juan Perez
13 Dustin Ackley 36 Abraham Almonte 39 Xavier Avery Franklin Gutierrez 26 James Jones 76 Julio Morban 7 Stefen Romero 55 Michael Saunders
35 Jim Adduci 43 Engel Beltre Alex Castellanos Michael Choice 17 Shin-Soo Choo 2 Leonys Martin 51 Alex Rios
10 Daric Barton 18 Alberto Callaspo 20 Josh Donaldson 7 Nate Freiman 8 Jed Lowrie 37 Brandon Moss 12 Andy Parrino 32 Shane Peterson 1 Nick Punto 28 Eric Sogard Ou tfie l d e r s 52 Yoenis Cespedes 4 Coco Crisp 3 Craig Gentry 16 Josh Reddick 23 Michael Taylor
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40-MAN ROSTERS
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O u t fi e l d e rs 5 Alexi Amarista Yeison Asencio 88 Kyle Blanks 13 Chris Denorfia 27 Reymond Fuentes 62 Rymer Liriano 24 Cameron Maybin 18 Carlos Quentin Seth Smith 25 Will Venable
Catc her s
Catc her s J.P. Arencibia 61 Robinson Chirinos 8 Geovany Soto Infiel ders 1 Elvis Andrus 29 Adrian Beltre 84 Prince Fielder 18 Mitch Moreland 13 Jurickson Profar 9 Adam Rosales Luis Sardinas
2014
CUBS ROSTER
NO. 49 71 62 11 52 39 73 79 65 36 80 12 55 50 84 85 81 56 59 18 40 29 57 63 46 41 33 47 67 37 53 NO. 38 5 9 82 32 NO. 75 70 15 43 77 13 8 30 44 4 60 24 76 61 22 NO. 78 28 48 7 51 21 45 54 20 19 68 6 72 27 66
HT 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-6 6-5 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-0 6-5 6-1 6-6 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-11 5-11 HT 6-1 5-10 6-0 5-9 6-2 HT 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-11 6-5 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-3 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-11 HT 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-2
PITCHERS (31) B-T Arrieta, Jake R-R Beeler, Dallas R-R Cabrera, Alberto R-R Fujikawa, Kyuji L-R Grimm, Justin R-R Hammel, Jason R-R Hatley, Marcus* R-R Hendricks, Kyle* R-R Hottovy, Tommy* L-L Jackson, Edwin R-R Jokisch, Eric* R-L Lim, Chang-Yong* R-R McDonald, James L-R Parker, Blake R-R Pimentel, Carlos* R-R Ramirez, Neil R-R Rivero, Armando* R-R Rondon, Hector R-R Rosscup, Zac R-L Rusin, Chris L-L Russell, James L-L Samardzija, Jeff R-R Sanchez, Jonathan* L-L Schlitter, Brian* R-R Strop, Pedro R-R Veras, Jose R-R Villanueva, Carlos R-R Vizcaino, Arodys R-R Wada, Tsuyoshi* L-L Wood, Travis R-L Wright, Wesley R-L CATCHERS (5) B-T Baker, John* L-R Castillo, Welington R-R Kottaras, George L-R Lopez, Rafael* L-R Whiteside, Eli* R-R INFIELDERS (15) B-T Alcantara, Arismendy S-R Baez, Javier* R-R Barney, Darwin R-R Bonifacio, Emilio S-R Bryant, Kris* R-R Castro, Starlin R-R Murphy, Donnie R-R Olt, Mike R-R Rizzo, Anthony L-L Roberts, Ryan* R-R Valaika, Chris* R-R Valbuena, Luis L-R Valdez, Jeudy* R-R Villanueva, Christian R-R Watkins, Logan L-R OUTFIELDERS (15) B-T Almora, Albert* R-R Coghlan, Chris* L-R Cunningham, Aaron* R-R Jackson, Brett L-R Kalish, Ryan L-L Lake, Junior R-R Maier, Mitch* L-R McDonald, Darnell* R-R Ruggiano, Justin R-R Schierholtz, Nate L-R Soler, Jorge R-R Sweeney, Ryan L-L Szczur, Matt R-R Vitters, Josh R-R Wells, Casper* R-R
*Non-Roster Invitee
WT 225 210 210 190 210 225 220 190 205 210 185 176 205 225 178 190 190 180 205 195 200 225 198 235 220 242 215 190 180 175 183 WT 213 210 202 190 218 WT 170 190 186 205 215 190 190 210 240 185 207 200 190 210 195 WT 180 197 215 220 213 215 209 205 210 215 215 225 195 200 220
BORN 3/6/86 in Farmington, MO 6/12/89 in Tulsa, OK 10/25/88 in Las Matas de Farfan, D.R. 7/21/80 in Kochi City, Japan 8/16/88 in Bristol, TN 9/2/82 in Greenville, SC 3/26/88 in Honolulu, HI 12/7/89 in Newport Beach, CA 7/9/81 in Kansas City, MO 9/9/83 in Neu-Ulm, West Germany 7/29/89 in Virginia, IL 6/4/76 in Gwangju, South Korea 10/19/84 in Long Beach, CA 6/19/85 in Fayetteville, AR 12/1/89 in Santiago, D.R. 5/25/89 in Virginia Beach, VA 2/1/88 in Cuidad de la Habana, Cuba 2/26/88 in Guatire, Venezuela 6/9/88 in Clackamas, OR 10/22/86 in Detroit, MI 1/8/86 in Cincinnati, OH 1/23/85 in Merrillville, IN 11/19/82 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 12/21/85 in Oak Park, IL 6/13/85 in San Cristobal, D.R. 10/20/80 in Santo Domingo, D.R. 11/28/83 in Santiago, D.R. 11/13/90 in Yaguate, D.R. 2/21/81 in Izumo, Japan 2/6/87 in Little Rock, AR 1/28/85 in Montgomery, AL BORN 1/20/81 in Alameda, CA 4/24/87 in San Isidro, D.R. 5/10/83 Scarbourough, Ontario, Canada 10/2/87 in Philadelphia, PA 10/22/79 in New Albany, MS BORN 10/29/91 in Santo Domingo, D.R. 12/1/92 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico 11/8/85 in Portland, OR 4/23/85 in Santo Domingo, D.R. 1/4/92 in Las Vegas, NV 3/24/90 in Monte Cristy, D.R. 3/10/83 in Lakewood, CA 8/27/88 in New Haven, CT 8/8/89 in Fort Lauderdale, FL 9/19/80 in Fort Worth, TX 8/14/85 in Santa Monica, CA 11/30/85 in Sucre, Zulia, Venezuela 5/5/89 in Bani, D.R. 6/19/91 in Guadalajara, Mexico 8/29/89 in Wichita, KS BORN 4/16/94 in Hialeah, FL 6/18/85 in Rockville, MD 4/24/86 in Anchorage, AK 8/2/88 in Berkeley, CA 3/28/88 in North Ridge, CA 3/27/90 in San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. 6/30/82 in Petoskey, MI 11/17/78 in Fort Collins, CO 4/12/82 in Austin, TX 2/15/84 in Reno, NV 2/25/92 in Havana, Cuba 2/20/85 in Cedar Rapids, IA 7/20/89 in Cape May, NJ 8/27/89 in Anaheim, CA 11/23/84 in Grand Rapids, MI
MANAGER:
Rick Renteria 16
RESIDENCE 2013 CLUB(S) Austin, TX Baltimore Tulsa, OK Tennessee-AA Las Matas de Farfan, D.R. Tennessee-AA Nishinomiya, Japan CUBS Bristol, VA Round Rock-AAA Rehoboth, MA Baltimore San Marcos, CA Tennessee-AA San Juan Capistrano, CA Tennessee-AA Kansas City, MO New Hampshire-AA Atlanta, GA CUBS Virginia, IL Tennessee-AA Sungnamsi, South Korea Mesa-R Long Beach, CA Pittsburgh Fayetteville, AR Iowa-AAA Santiago, D.R. Frisco-AA Virginia Beach, VA Frisco-AA Port-Au-Prince, Haiti Kane County-A Guatire, Venezuela CUBS Portland, OR Tennessee-AA Canton, MI Iowa-AAA Colleyville, TX CUBS Valparaiso, IN CUBS Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico Pittsburgh Park Ridge, IL Tennessee-AA Palenque, San Cristobal, D.R. Baltimore Santo Domingo, D.R. Houston Santo Domingo, D.R. CUBS Yaguate, D.R. Fukuoka, Japan Norfolk-AAA Alexander, AR CUBS Montgomery, AL Houston RESIDENCE 2013 CLUB(S) Danville, CA San Diego San Isidro, D.R. CUBS Toronto, Ontario, Canada Kansas City Wellington, FL Tennessee-AA New Albany, MS Round Rock-AAA RESIDENCE 2013 CLUB(S) Santo Domingo, D.R. Tennessee-AA Jacksonville, FL Daytona-A Beaverton, OR Iowa-AAA# Santo Domingo, D.R. Kansas City Las Vegas, NV Mesa-R Monte Cristy, D.R. CUBS Scottsdale, AZ Iowa-AAA Bradford, CT Frisco-AA Parkland, FL CUBS Dallas, TX Tampa Bay Oxnard, CA Miami Sucre, Zulia, Venezuela CUBS Bani, D.R. San Antonio-AA Guadalajara, Mexico Tennessee-AA Wichita, KS Iowa-AAA RESIDENCE 2013 CLUB(S) Hialeah, FL Kane County-A Clearwater, FL Miami Phoenix, AZ Round Rock-AAA San Francisco, CA Iowa-AAA Venice, CA Injured - Did Not Play San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. Iowa-AAA South Lyon, MI Pawtucket-AAA Phoenix, AZ Iowa-AAA Austin, TX Miami San Francisco, CA CUBS Port-Au-Prince, Haiti Daytona-A Cedar Rapids, IA Iowa-AAA Cape May, NJ Tennessee-AA Anaheim, CA Iowa-AAA Scottsdale, AZ Oakland
W-L 1-2 4-2 9-3 1-1 1-0 7-8 1-2 10-3 0-1 8-18 11-13 0-0 2-2 0-1 8-7 9-3 0-0 2-1 2-1 8-7 1-6 8-13 0-3 0-2 0-3 0-4 7-8 5-6 9-12 0-4 AVG .150 .274 .180 .247 .187 AVG .271 .274 .500 .285 .167 .245 .265 .333 .233 .247 .219 .218 .251 .261 .243 AVG .329 .256 .247 .223 .295 .310 .236 .222 .251 .281 .337 .281 .295 .000
ERA 7.23 3.13 3.20 5.25 1.59 4.97 3.00 1.85 4.74 4.98 3.42 3.60 5.76 2.04 4.09 3.84 5.40 4.77 2.49 3.35 3.59 4.34 11.85 0.83 7.25 2.93 4.06 4.03 3.11 3.92 G 16 113 46 95 67 G 133 76 3 42 2 161 89 3 160 60 22 108 125 133 107 G 61 70 115 61 40 31 92 128 137 55 23 128 28 3
Gary Jones 1 Chris Bosio 25 Bill Mueller 3 Eric Hinske 2 Lester Strode 35 Brandon Hyde 17 Mike Borzello 58 G GS CG SHO SV IP H R 5 5 0 0 0 23.2 25 19 9 9 0 0 0 54.2 43 26 18 18 1 0 0 112.2 102 41 12 0 0 0 2 12.0 11 7 1 1 0 0 0 5.2 4 1 26 23 0 0 1 139.1 155 81 14 0 0 0 2 18.0 13 6 21 21 1 1 0 126.1 107 34 18 0 0 0 1 24.2 26 16 31 31 0 0 0 175.1 197 110 27 26 2 1 0 160.2 144 71 5 5 0 0 0 5.0 5 2 6 6 0 0 0 29.2 29 24 16 0 0 0 7 17.2 8 4 22 21 0 0 0 116.2 102 59 21 21 0 0 0 103.0 77 46 11 0 0 0 1 18.1 19 11 45 0 0 0 0 54.2 52 29 37 0 0 0 3 43.1 31 12 19 18 1 1 0 121.0 113 49 74 0 0 0 0 52.2 46 21 33 33 2 1 0 213.2 210 109 5 4 0 0 0 13.2 25 18 16 0 0 0 2 21.2 24 8 29 0 0 0 0 22.1 23 19 42 0 0 0 19 43.0 29 15 47 15 0 0 0 128.2 117 58 INJURED â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DID NOT PITCH 19 19 0 0 0 102.2 112 50 32 32 0 0 0 200.0 163 73 54 0 0 0 0 41.1 45 20 AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB 40 0 6 0 0 0 2 6 380 41 104 23 0 8 32 34 100 13 18 4 0 5 12 24 316 44 78 22 0 8 43 49 225 21 42 6 0 5 25 16 AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB 494 69 134 36 4 15 69 62 299 59 82 19 4 17 57 21 10 4 5 1 0 0 0 3 158 21 45 6 2 0 11 17 6 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 666 59 163 34 2 10 44 30 302 32 80 18 2 12 41 27 12 1 4 2 0 1 2 0 606 71 141 40 2 23 80 76 162 15 40 6 0 5 17 11 64 4 14 5 0 1 9 3 331 34 72 15 1 12 37 53 443 46 111 29 5 10 49 27 490 60 128 41 2 19 72 34 412 51 100 18 7 8 26 52 AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB 249 39 82 17 4 3 23 17 195 10 50 10 3 1 10 17 421 63 104 31 2 10 50 50 215 24 48 7 3 6 23 21 156 30 46 10 2 4 18 10 113 32 35 7 0 3 22 24 263 31 62 13 2 4 26 27 424 49 94 18 1 18 50 41 462 56 116 32 3 21 68 29 210 38 59 13 1 8 35 21 83 12 28 2 2 6 16 8 512 78 144 27 4 3 44 50 88 14 26 4 0 5 12 11 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 COACHES:
Mike Brumley 96 Jose Castro 74 Franklin Font 64 Chad Noble 95 ER BB SO MLS 19 17 23 2+145 19 17 35 0 40 39 107 0+93 7 2 14 1+0 1 2 4 0+170 77 48 96 6+153 6 14 25 0 26 26 101 0 13 8 23 0+62 97 59 135 8+70 61 54 137 0 2 0 4 0+26 19 20 25 4+74 4 10 26 1+89 53 37 122 0 44 42 127 0 11 9 28 0 29 25 44 1+0 12 19 66 0+27 45 27 69 0+115 21 18 37 4+0 103 78 214 4+28 18 8 15 6+110 2 6 13 1+39 18 15 24 2+156 14 14 44 6+128 58 40 103 7+30 2+50 46 35 80 1+76 69 66 144 3+4 18 16 40 4+105 SO SB E MLS 12 0 0 4+141 97 2 10 2+9 42 1 4 4+149 67 0 11 0 61 0 4 3+66 SO SB E MLS 125 31 33 0 78 12 31 0 3 1 0 3+53 37 16 3 5+66 1 0 3 0 129 9 22 3+150 75 5 9 4+101 6 0 0 0+63 127 6 5 1+168 39 0 4 4+83 16 0 3 1+34 63 1 7 3+148 106 16 33 0 117 5 24 0 98 10 13 0+57 SO SB E MLS 30 4 1 0 43 2 3 3+171 84 12 1 1+158 77 7 1 0+60 2+33 33 14 9 0+73 26 3 1 4+1 50 8 2 3+130 114 15 4 3+19 94 6 3 5+78 38 5 3 0 15 1 0 6+28 75 22 2 0 19 1 4 0+60 1 0 0 3+40
GO C U BS
> 87
Clockwise from top: Downtown Mesa, hot-air ballooning over the Sonoran Desert, Arizona sunset, Tempe Marketplace, Mesa Riverview, Cactus Moon Sports Grill, Lost Dutchman State Park.
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Extra
Innings
A Dining & Entertainment Guide to the New Cubs Park and Beyond Whether it was Harry Caray leading the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” from the press box or Ronnie Woo’s team roll-call from the stands, it’s always felt like being in Chicago at Cubs’ Cactus League games in Mesa. But there’s a lot more than just “peanuts and crackerjacks” available at concession stands in around the new Cubs Park offering a wide variety of cuisines for both those seeking familiar comfort foods from back home and local flavors of the Southwest.
A
culinary stroll around the ballpark’s concourse from either the Home Plate or Center Field Gate begins with the Taste of Chicago, featuring Vienna Beef’s signature Italian Beef and Italian Beef Combo sandwiches at the Home Plate location and individual 7” deep-dish Chicago style pizza out beyond center field. Named in homage to the Cubs’ first spring training home in Mesa, the Rendezvous Park Grill’s specialty items include, Bacon and Whiskey Chicken, a Windy City Garlic Steak and Blackbean and Chipotle Chicken. Also on the first base line, Mesa Tortilla Flats brings the local flavor with the Red Mountain Burrito Plate, Center Street Fajita Bowl and the Zonies Quesadilla, a cheese-drenched delight that all ages will enjoy. Down the right field line at the new On Deck: Eats + Drinks fans can choose from a variety of fresh options including the Chipotle Chicken Wrap, and this is also the spot where salad choices are plentiful. Chicken Caesar Salad for the traditionalist and the Southwestern Salad with kick are just two menu items to choose from at this soon-to-bepopular stand. The EIGHTEEN|76 left-field viewing area recreates a classic Cubs fan experience for the
BY CHARL IE VASCE L L ARO
There is simply no shortage of places to sit a spell both before and after a Cubs game in Mesa.
price of a general admission ticket and features a full-service bar of Budweiser products paired with a light fare menu and a variety of salads. Downstairs on the concourse level, Burger Prime serves up premium-crafted gourmet burgers located just below the deck.
GO C U BS
> 89
Extra Innings
Rancho de Tia Rosa
Rounding third and heading for home, Windy City Dog features not one but five signature delights including: the Wrigleyville, Mesa, Chicago, Sheffield and Bison. All these options are right next to The Show, featuring a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, O’Hare Boneless Wings and a spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Of course traditional post-modern ballpark fare (nachos, hot dogs, French fries, peanuts and pretzels) is also available at most of the concession stands on the concourse as well as a variety of food carts with items like a rib-sandwich, grilled Vienna Beef Polish and Italian Sausage, and assorted Budweiser beers and other adult beverages are all conveniently accessible. Mesa Riverview and Tempe Market Place The old saying “If you build it, they will come” has been applied in many aspects to the arrival of a new ballpark in reference not only to the droves of fans that will flock in abundance to attend games but also to the development of new businesses that sprout from the surrounding region. In the case of the Cubs’ new ballpark, the Mesa Riverview entertainment and shopping district was built in advance of the team’s arrival and was a definite
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selling point in securing the ballpark facility’s location. The city’s largest retail center, Mesa Riverview, is home to the Cactus Moon Sports Grill (1017 Dobson Road), a huge multi-purpose venue featuring 48 65” HD TVs, 15 pool tables, foosball and other games as well as nightly entertainment including live-music, line-dancing, and karaoke. Right next door, Big Sticks Fine Cigars Mesa’s only cigar bar, offers a variety of craft and domestic beers as well as fine wines and ports at its indoor lounge and outdoor patio. Another taste of Chicago can be found at Portillo’s Hot Dogs Inc. at the Tempe Marketplace shopping complex, (65 S. McClintock Drive). This Old World Chicago institution was founded by Dick Portillo out of a small trailer in Chicago in 1963 and has grown to include dozens of locations all over Illinois, with two in California and two in Arizona, just a mile down the road from Cubs Park in Mesa. Also located in the Tempe Marketplace is San Felipes Cantina. This non-stop beach party inspired by its partners’ frequent spring-break visits to Rocky Point and San Felipe, Mexico has become a regular tradition for Arizona college kids. It feels like spring break in here all the time. Free trolley to the Cubs games from Tempe Marketplace Park your car at Tempe Marketplace and ride the free Spring Training Trolley to the Chicago Cubs Spring Training games at Mesa Riverview Park. The trolley leaves every 30 minutes beginning at 11 a.m. and brings you back to Tempe Marketplace throughout and after the game. Downtown and Around Town The Cubs’ new ballpark is just a four-mile drive from downtown Mesa and there are constant reminders of the Cubs affiliation with the City of Mesa all over town. The Diamond Sports Grille (161 N. Centennial Way), formerly the original location of Harry and Steve’s owned by Cubs broadcasters Harry Caray and Steve Stone, is a virtual shrine for Cubs fans with its walls covered with murals depicting the team’s Hall of Fame legends as well as autographed memorabilia and Chicago-themed paraphernalia – including Clark & Addison street signs. One of the best offers here is the free game day shuttle that departs at 11 a.m. and runs nonstop to the new stadium.
Extra Innings Mesa’s Downtown Main Street Corridor is also the location of the Mesa Arts Center, (1 E. Main Street) home to four performance theaters, five art galleries and a collection of art studios. Something’s always happening at the architecturally-inspiring Mesa Arts Center. Upcoming events include spark! Mesa’s Festival of Creativity (March 19– March 23), an interactive five-day affair featuring live music performances, art exhibitions, culinary delights
Mesa Arts Center
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and more. All festival activities and outdoor performances are free of charge with the exception of ticketed performances in the MAC’s theaters. By way of Branson, Missouri, The Dutton’s Family Theater (7420 E. Main Street) features performances by the multi-talented, multi-instrumentalists, multigenerational musical family with shows scheduled throughout the month of March and into April. Mesa’s authentic Mexican and Southwestern flavors can be sampled at Rancho de Tia Rosa’s two locations in North Mesa (3129 E. McKellips Road) and the newly-developed neighboring town of Gilbert (891 N. Higley Road), both offering a full gourmet restaurant menu and on-site taqueria for to go orders. The Blue Adobe Santa Fe Grille’s (144 N. Country Club Drive) New Mexican inspired cuisine features sauces made with green and red Hatch Chile peppers and is located in Mesa’s historic downtown on Country Club Drive. The Chicago-inspired Half-Moon Windy City Sports Grill (2121 E. Highland Ave. and 288 E. Greenway), serves up Vienna Beef hot dogs, Italian beef on hoagie buns from Alpha Baking Co. and Eli’s Chicago cheesecake. The Half Moon’s original downtown Phoenix location was named one of the Top 10 Sports Bars in Phoenix by locals and is still a popular watering hole for Cubs fans. There is simply no shortage of places to sit a spell both before and after a Cubs game in Mesa. Whether you’re here for a week or just a couple of days options are endless for where to eat and drink while catching the boys of spring warm up for summer.
. FOOD BEVERAGE
2014 GUIDE
CENTER FIELD GATE
KIDS ZONE
PICINIC
100 3RD BASE PARTY DECK ACCESS
101
FOOD TRUCKS
102 103 104 105 106 107 122
108 120 119 118 HOME PLATE GATE
124
RIGHT FIELD GATE
121
109 SUITE ACCESS
123
110 111 GUEST SERVICES FIRST AID
114 115 112 113
116
TEAM SHOP
117
INFORMATION
1ST BASE PARTY DECK ACCESS MARQUEE TICKET OFFICE FIRST BASE GATE
GO C U BS
> 95
CACTUS LEAGUE SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH THESE TICKET AGENCIES: • TICKETS.COM 800-905-3315 • TICKETMASTER 800-745-3000, OR VISIT: FRY’S MARKETPLACE OR TICKETMASTER.COM GAMES START AT 1:05 PM ARIZONA TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED. DATES, TIMES, AND TEAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. * = SPLIT SQUAD
WEDNESDAY OAK @ SF SCOTTSDALE LAD @ ARI SALT RIVER CIN @ CLE GOODYEAR
THURSDAY CLE @ CIN GOODYEAR ARI* @ CHC MESA ARI* @ LAD GLENDALE SD @ SEA PEORIA MIL @ OAK PHOENIX TX @ KC SURPRISE
2014 SCHEDULE
FRIDAY CIN @ CLE GOODYEAR CHC @ LAA TEMPE COL @ ARI SALT RIVER CWS @ LAD GLENDALE SEA @ SD PEORIA MIL @ SF* SCOTTSDALE SF* @ OAK PHOENIX KC @ TX SURPRISE
26 27 28 FEB
FEB
FEB
SATURDAY COL @ CIN GOODYEAR SF @ CHC* MESA CLE @ CWS GLENDALE MIL* @ ARI* SALT RIVER LAA @ SEA PEORIA LAD @ MIL* MARYVALE TX @ OAK PHOENIX SD @ KC SURPRISE CHC* @ ARI* (7:10 PM) SALT RIVER
1
SEA @ CLE GOODYEAR OAK @ LAA TEMPE KC @ CHC MESA MIL @ COL SALT RIVER SD @ LAD GLENDALE ARI @ SF SCOTTSDALE CWS @ TX SURPRISE CIN @ SD PEORIA
SEA* @ CIN GOODYEAR CHC @ MIL MARYVALE CLE @ TX SURPRISE LAA @ ARI* SALT RIVER KC @ CWS GLENDALE COL @ SEA* PEORIA LAD @ OAK PHOENIX SD @ SF SCOTTSDALE CLE @ TX SURPRISE ARI* @ COL (7:05 PM) SURPRISE
CWS @ CLE GOODYEAR TX @ LAA TEMPE OAK* @ CHC MESA SF @ COL SALT RIVER SEA @ LAD GLENDALE MIL* @ OAK* PHOENIX CIN @ KC SURPRISE ARI @ SD PEORIA
COL* @ CHC MESA CLE @ SEA PEORIA KC @ ARI SALT RIVER SD @ CWS GLENDALE OAK @ MIL MARYVALE LAA @ SF SCOTTSDALE COL* @ TX SURPRISE LAD @ CIN (7:05 PM) GOODYEAR
CHC @ CLE GOODYEAR LAD @ LAA TEMPE OAK @ ARI SALT RIVER SEA @ CWS GLENDALE COL @ MIL MARYVALE CIN @ SF SCOTTSDALE CWS @ KC SURPRISE TEX @ SD PEORIA
CWS @ CIN* GOODYEAR CHC* @ LAA* TEMPE CLE @ CHC* MESA LAA* @ COL SALT RIVER TX @ LAD GLENDALE CIN* @ SEA PEORIA SD @ MIL MARYVALE ARI @ OAK PHOENIX SF @ KC SURPRISE
CHC @ CIN GOODYEAR ARI* @ LAA TEMPE CLE @ SD PEORIA OAK @ COL SALT RIVER ARI* @ CWS GLENDALE SEA* @ SF SCOTTSDALE KC @ MIL MARYVALE LAD @ TX SURPRISE SEA* @ LAD (7:05 PM) GLENDALE
MIL* @ CLE GOODYEAR CIN @ LAA TEMPE MIL* @ CHC MESA SD @ ARI SALT RIVER SF* @ LAD GLENDALE SF FUTURES @ SF SCOTTSDALE TX @ SEA PEORIA CWS @ OAK PHOENIX COL @ KC SURPRISE
LAA @ CLE GOODYEAR CHC @ SF SCOTTSDALE SD @ COL SALT RIVER OAK @ LAD GLENDALE KC @ SEA* PEORIA CWS @ MIL MARYVALE CIN @ TX SURPRISE SEA* @ ARI (7:05 PM) SALT RIVER
SF @ CIN GOODYEAR SEA @ LAA TEMPE COL @ CHC MESA CLE @ ARI SALT RIVER TX @ CWS GLENDALE OAK @ SD PEORIA LAD @ KC SURPRISE
SD @ CLE GOODYEAR MIL @ LAA TEMPE CIN @ COL* SALT RIVER ARI* @ LAD GLENDALE KC @ OAK PHOENIX CWS @ SF SCOTTSDALE LAA @ TX SURPRISE ARI* @ COL* (7:05 PM) SALT RIVER CHC @ SEA (7:05 PM) PEORIA
KC @ CLE GOODYEAR CWS @ LAA TEMPE SEA @ ARI SALT RIVER CIN @ LAD GLENDALE MIL @ SD PEORIA COL @ OAK (7:05 PM) PHOENIX SF @ TX (6:05 PM) SURPRISE
LAD @ CHC MESA CLE @ CWS GLENDALE ARI @ MIL MARYVALE COL* @ SF SCOTTSDALE OAK @ KC SURPRISE TX @ CIN (7:05 PM) GOODYEAR SEA @ COL* (7:05 PM) SALT RIVER
ARI @ CLE GOODYEAR CHC* @ KC SURPRISE NYM @ CHC* LAS VEGAS LAA @ COL SALT RIVER SD @ LAD* GLENDALE SF* @ SEA PEORIA CIN @ MIL MARYVALE TX @ OAK* PHOENIX OAK @ SF* SCOTTSDALE CHC @ KC SURPRISE LAD* @ CWS (7:05PM) GLENDALE
OAK @ CIN GOODYEAR SEA @ LAA TEMPE CLE* @ CHC* MESA NYM @ CHC* LAS VEGAS CLE* @ SF SCOTTSDALE MIL @ ARI SALT RIVER COL @ LAD GLENDALE CWS @ TX SURPRISE KC @ SD PEORIA
CLE @ CIN GOODYEAR SF @ LAA* TEMPE LAA* @ CHC MESA CWS @ MIL MARYVALE CHC @ OAK PHOENIX COL @ SD PEORIA TX @ KC (6:05 PM) SURPRISE
OAK @ CWS GLENDALE TX* @ MIL MARYVALE CHC @ TX* (7:05 PM) SURPRISE SF @ CLE (7:05 PM) GOODYEAR SD @ SEA (7:05 PM) PEORIA
OAK @ CLE GOODYEAR CHC @ COL* SALT RIVER LAA @ CWS GLENDALE MIL @ SEA PEORIA CIN @ KC (6:05 PM) SURPRISE CHC @ COL* (7:05 PM) SALT RIVER
TX @ CIN GOODYEAR SEA @ CHC MESA MIL @ COL SALT RIVER LAA @ KC SURPRISE SF @ SD (7:05 PM) PEORIA
KC* @ CIN GOODYEAR KC* @ LAA TEMPE CHC @ CWS GLENDALE CLE @ COL SALT RIVER SD @ SEA (7:05 PM) PEORIA OAK @ SF (7:05 PM) SCOTTSDALE MIL @ TX SURPRISE
COL* @ CLE GOODYEAR CIN @ CHC MESA SEA* @ COL* SALT RIVER SF @ CWS* GLENDALE SEA* @ OAK PHOENIX LAA @ MIL MARYVALE TX @ KC SURPRISE CWS* @ SD PEORIA
MIL @ CIN GOODYEAR CLE @ LAA TEMPE CWS @ COL SALT RIVER OAK* @ SEA PEORIA CHC @ OAK* PHOENIX KC @ SF SCOTTSDALE SD @ TX SURPRISE
CLE @ CIN GOODYEAR SF @ LAA* TEMPE KC @ COL SALT RIVER CWS @ SEA PEORIA OAK @ TX SURPRISE SD @ CHC (7:05 PM) MESA
TX @ CLE GOODYEAR LAA* @ CHC* MESA COL @ CWS GLENDALE SF @ MIL MARYVALE CIN @ OAK PHOENIX SEA @ KC (6:05 PM) SURPRISE CHC* @ SD (7:05 PM) PEORIA
MIL @ CLE GOODYEAR CHC @ ARI SALT RIVER CIN @ CWS GLENDALE LAA @ OAK PHOENIX COL @ SF SCOTTSDALE SEA @ TX (12:05 PM) SURPRISE KC @ SD (12:05 PM) PEORIA
CWS @ CHC MESA CLE @ ARI* SALT RIVER OAK @ SF PETCO PARK ARI* @ CIN* (12:05 PM) GOODYEAR CIN* @ MIL (12:05 PM) MARYVALE
CHC @ ARI CHASE FIELD CLE @ SD PETCO PARK OAK @ SF AT&T COL @ SEA (7:05 PM) PEORIA
CHC @ ARI CHASE FIELD CLE @ SD PETCO PARK SEA @ COL SALT RIVER OAK @ SF AT&T
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
ARI - ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS CHC - CHICAGO CUBS CIN - CINCINNATI REDS CLE - CLEVELAND INDIANS COL - COLORADO ROCKIES CWS - CHICAGO WHITE SOX KC - KANSAS CITY ROYALS LAA - ANGELS BASEBALL LAD - LOS ANGELES DODGERS MIL - MILWAUKEE BREWERS OAK - OAKLAND A’S SD - SAN DIEGO PADRES SEA - SEATTLE MARINERS SF - SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS TX - TEXAS RANGERS GO C U BS
> 97
CUBS SCHEDULE S UND A Y
MON DAY
HOME AWAY OFF MAR
2
1:05
KC
9
MIL
3
1:05
MAR
10
1:05
SF
MESA
SCOTTSDALE
16
1:05
MAR
MARYVALE
1:05
MAR
AZ - Arizona Diamondbacks CHI - Chicago Cubs CIN - Cincinnati Reds CLE - Cleveland Indians COL - Colorado Rockies
MIL
MESA
MAR
TUESDAY
1:05
MAR
17
1:05
1:05
CLE NYM LAA OAK
MESA LAS VEGAS
MESA PHOENIX
MAR
MAR
1:05
OAK
23
PHOENIX
7:05
SD
MESA
24
CWS - Chicago White Sox KC - Kansas City Royals LAA - Angels Baseball LAD - Los Angeles Dodgers MIL - Milwaukee Brewers
MAR
4
1:05
OAK COL 7:05
18
TEX
1:05
AZ
5
7:05
MAR
25
7:05
LAA SD
MESA PHOENIX
MAR
6:40
6
1:05
CLE
MAR
13
AZ
MAR
19
26
SALT RIVER
MAR
1:05
20
7
1:10
MESA
TEMPE
CLE LAA
SEA
14
1:05
12:05
27
MAR
6:40
AZ
AZ
MAR
8
1:05
CIN
GOODYEAR
MAR
15
1:05
1:05
KC NYM
21
GLENDALE
CWS MESA
1:05
7:10
SURPRISE LAS VEGAS
CWS
MESA
MAR
MAR
1
1:05
SF
1:05
MAR
MAR
MESA SALT RIVER
MESA
COL 1:10
28
1:10
LAD
SALT RIVER
MAR
FEB
SATURDAY
TEMPE
GOODYEAR
12
FRIDAY
LAA
PEORIA
SURPRISE
MAR
MAR
27
SEA
MESA
MAR
1:05
1:05
MESA
MESA
11
1:05
MAR
THU RSDAY
FEB
OAK - Oakland A’s SD - San Diego Padres SEA - Seattle Mariners SF - San Francisco Giants TEX - Texas Rangers
COL
MESA
MAR
WEDNESDAY
2014
28
CHASE FIELD
MAR
22
1:05
CIN MESA
MAR
1:10
29
AZ
CHASE FIELD
GO C U BS
> 99
. TICKETS SEATS BOX OFFICE Tickets may be purchased at Cubs Park located at 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway Mesa, AZ. The box office standard hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST, Jan. 11 through March 27. PURCHASING TICKETS Tickets may be purchased over the phone by dialing 1-800-THE-CUBS (800-843-2827) and Cubs.com. Fans may direct ticket and additional Spring Training questions to mesa@cubs.com. For continuously updated information and to take a virtual tour of Cubs Park, please visit www.cubs.com/mesa. ITEMS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE CUBS PARK: The following are additional security guidelines that Major League Baseball has implemented for the Spring Training Season for the safety of everyone: · No coolers of any size · No backpacks · No bags larger than 16” x 16” x 8” · All bags will be inspected before they are permitted into the ballpark · No cans, glass containers, or open containers · No alcohol or weapons · Gates will open 90 minutes prior to all R VISITO home day games. (Subject to change) HomePlease Plate arrive early, and Gate be prepared to comply with these additional Ticket Office security measures. If you First Base Gate have any questions please call 1-800-THE-CUBS. Thank you for helping the Home Plate Chicago Cubs make this Gate a safe and memorable Spring Training Season.
2014
Center Field Gate Center Field Gate
Kids Zone
Kids Zone
100
100
101
101
102
103
102
104
103
105
104
106
105
107
CUBS
108
124
106
121 120
119
109
118
Right Field Gate
123 122
Team Shop
107
124
CUBS
116
111
112
114
113
115
Right Field Gate
123
117
110
108
122 121 120 119
109
Team Shop
118
R VISITO
110
117 116
111 112
113
114
115
2014 CUBS SPRING TRAINING TICKET MAP AND PRICES
Ticket Office First Base Gate
Single Game Tickets Section
Infield Box Seats Infield Reserved Seats Outfield Reserved Seats Bullpen Reserved Seats General Admission Lawn *
Price
Marquee Game Price
$24 $18
$28 $22
$8 $8 Section
$12 $12
2014 CUBS SPRING TRAINING $34 $38 TICKET $29 $33 MAP AND PRICES
$2 Premium for day of game sales.
Infield Box Seats Infield Reserved Seats Outfield Reserved Seats
Single Game Tickets Price
$34 $29 $24
Marquee Game Price
$38 GO C U BS$33 > 101 $28 Center Field Gate
VALLEY MAP
2014 E S Y R T
O F
T
H
O
U C
E
B
RD
MILLER RD PIMA RD
44TH ST 48TH ST
LINDSAY DR
MESA DR
STAPLEY DR
GILBERT RD
COOPER RD
McQUEEN RD
ARIZONA AVE
ALMA SCHOOL RD
DOBSON RD
PRICE RD
Mc CLINTOCK RD
RURAL RD
SCOTTSDALE RD
PIMA RD
HAYDEN RD
MILLER RD
HIGHLEY RD
101 VAL VISTA
60
TEMPE DIABLO STADIUM 2200 W ALAMEDA DR, TEMPE
202
RIO SALADO PKWY
CHANDLER MILL AVE
PHOENIX MUNICIPAL STADIUM 5999 E VAN BUREN ST, PHOENIX
BASELINE RD GUADALUPE RD
87
BASELINE RD
LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
DOBSON RD
PIMA RD
HAY
68TH ST GOLDWATER BLVD
HAYDEN RD 56TH ST
COUNTRY CLUB DR
32ND ST
7TH ST 16TH ST
CENTRAL AVE
24TH ST
PRIEST
101
SOUTHERN AVE
60
202
PRIEST DR
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
48TH ST
UNIVERSITY DR
40TH ST
52ND ST
52ND ST
64TH ST
GALV PKW IN Y
CAMELBACK RANCH 10710 W. CAMELBACK RD., GLENDALE
BROWN RD UNIVERSITY DR MAIN ST BROADWAY RD
GILBERT
SOUTHERN AVE
202 PRIEST DR
99TH AVE
107TH AVE
LITCHFIELD RD
ST IN
GOODYEAR BALLPARK 1933 S. BALLPARK WAY, GOODYEAR
LOS ANGELES DODGERS/ CHICAGO WHITE SOX
153
CHANDLER BLVD
ALAMEDA DR
AVE
CLEVELAND INDIANS/ CINCINNATI REDS
143
McKELLIPS RD
MESA
ELLIOT RD WARNER RD RAY RD
BROADWAY
101
CAMELBACK RD
143
L MIL
MA
36TH ST
27TH AVE
36TH AVE
43RD AVE
51ST AVE
59TH AVE
VAN BUREN ST BUCKEYE RD
THOMAS RD
202
60
UNIVERSITY DR 68TH ST
115TH AVE
GLENDALE AVE YUMA RD
HW
McDOWELL RD
TEMPE 10
McDOWELL RD
10
Y
INE
EL BE
OSBORN RD
202
© TheDesignIdea.com 480-403-1020
101
SCOTTSDALE STADIUM 7408 E OSBORN, SCOTTSDALE
APACHE BLVD
PHOENIX
BASELINE RD
CAMELBACK RD INDIAN SCHOOLRD
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
INDIAN BEND RD
PHOENIX SKY HARBOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
SOUTHERN AVE DYSART RD
LITCHFIELD RD
BROADWAY RD
67TH AVE
AVONDALE
75TH AVE
BUCKEYE RD
COTTON LN ESTRELLA PKWY
10
TOLLESON
VAN BUREN ST
83RD AVE
McDOWELL RD
7TH AVE
99TH AVE
THOMAS RD
L
OSBORN RD
PARADISE VALLEY 60
N
101
McDOWELL RD
LINCOLN RD
INDIAN SCHOOL RD
L
O
THOMAS RD
48TH ST
GLENDALE
CAMELBACK RD
101
FRA WR NK L IGH LOY TB D LVD
VIA DE VENTURA RD
VE DA
BETHANY HOME
I
UNIVERSITY DR
DOBSON RD
51 AN
GOODYEAR
ESTRELLA PKWY
52ND ST
17 GR
GLENDALE AVE
A
SHEA BLVD
40TH ST
67TH AVE
PHOENIX
59TH AVE
NORTHERN AVE
75TH AVE
EL MIRAGE
CACTUS RD 83RD AVE
303
DUNLAP AVE
MIRAGE RD
PEORIA AVE
THUNDERBIRD RD
101
CACTUS RD
A T
DEN
35TH AVE
43RD AVE
59TH AVE
SCOTTSDALE RD
TATUM BLVD
32ND ST
40TH ST
7TH ST
19TH AVE
27TH AVE
51ST AVE
43RD AVE
36TH AVE
75TH AVE
83RD AVE
99TH AVE
LITCHFIELD RD
BULLARD AVE
REEMS RD
GREENWAY RD THUNDERBIRD RD
I
SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK 7555 N. PIMA ROAD, SCOTTSDALE
SCOTTSDALE
BELL RD GREENWAY RD
C
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS COLORADO ROCKIES
MILWAUKEE BREWERS MARYVALE BASEBALL PARK 3600 N. 51ST AVE, PHOENIX
BELL RD
E B
MCDONALD DR
101
SURPRISE
O
INDIAN BEND RD
10
PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX 16101 N 83RD AVE, PEORIA
S
GREENFIELD RD
E AV
THUNDERBIRD RD
S
VIA DE VENTURA RD
DA VE
THOMAS RD
SAN DIEGO PADRES/ SEATTLE MARINERS
SURPRISE RECREATION CAMPUS 15850 N. BULLARD AVE, SURPRISE
S
NORTH
PEORIA
KANSAS CITY ROYALS/ TEXAS RANGERS
A
AN
INDIAN SCHOOL RD
GREENWAY RD
THUNDERBIRD RD
GR
CAMELBACK RD
101
BELL RD
CAVECREEK RD
D AN
UNION HILLS DR
51ST AVE
GR
BELL RD
A
QUEEN
CHICAGO CUBS CREEK
CUBS PARK 2330 W RIO SALADO PKWY, MESA
GO C U BS
> 103
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INDEX 2014
Portillo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rancho De Tia Rosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 San Felipes Cantina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Starwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sunland Springs Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Superstition Springs Lexus . . . . . . . . . . 29 Tempe Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Uncle Dougie’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Valley Metro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Vienna Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Vine Line Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 VIP Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Wallick & Volk Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Zipps Sports Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96