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JAF373 · 05-29-2021, 01:12 AM

April 5, 2023

After a 2021 season in purgatory and an improved-but-unsatisfying 2022, the Cubs are on the precipice of Opening Day in a season in which we expect to compete for a division title. The game is just a bit more pessimistic, projecting a 73-89 record. Given our depth, I'd be stunned if that morose prediction came to fruition.

There were few open questions regarding the roster, but an early March addition surprised everyone and made the Opening Day club.

Josh VanMeter, 28, put up monstrous numbers last season at AAA Reno and has experience playing everywhere except catcher and center field. He'll assume a super utility role for us, periodically DH'ing against RHP and filling in when guys need breathers. We signed him to a minor league deal in early March with a vesting $900,000 provision if he made the roster within 30 days. I thought recently-acquired top 100 prospect Michael Busch needed some more time at AAA and opted for VanMeter's versatility and experience to start the season. Matt Duffy was the other tough cut, but ultimately, VanMeter's power bat and outfield versatility was more appealing. With all three options remaining, I had little compunction about sending Jimmy Herron to Iowa. He's almost certainly going to be a fourth outfielder and we don't need him at the moment (at least until JaCoby Jones gets hurt).

On the pitching side, I opted for Brailyn Marquez over Clarke Schmidt for the fifth starter spot. Marquez showed improved control and stamina in Spring Training and has upside well beyond that of Schmidt, who will anchor the Iowa rotation to start the year. He'll form a solid trio with Cory Abbott and Tyler Ivey. We're attempting to convert Elieser Hernandez into a closer at Iowa. He has two filthy pitches (70 slider, 80 changeup) and the "stuff" should play up in a one-inning role.

Corey Knebel will miss the first week of the regular season with a strained hamstring. Bryan Garcia, acquired in December from Detroit for Mike Ford, will assume the gig until Knebel returns.

We opted for 13 hitters and 13 pitchers to start the season. As mentioned, Nabil Crismatt and Justin Steele are listed as starters but will be deployed as long relief/bulk.

So, without further ado, your 2023 Cubbies:

Injured List:
RHP Corey Knebel (hamstring strain) - 6 days

05-29-2021, 01:12 AM	#46
JAF373 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 256	Cubs Announce 2023 Opening Day Roster April 5, 2023 After a 2021 season in purgatory and an improved-but-unsatisfying 2022, the Cubs are on the precipice of Opening Day in a season in which we expect to compete for a division title. The game is just a bit more pessimistic, projecting a 73-89 record. Given our depth, I'd be stunned if that morose prediction came to fruition. There were few open questions regarding the roster, but an early March addition surprised everyone and made the Opening Day club. Josh VanMeter, 28, put up monstrous numbers last season at AAA Reno and has experience playing everywhere except catcher and center field. He'll assume a super utility role for us, periodically DH'ing against RHP and filling in when guys need breathers. We signed him to a minor league deal in early March with a vesting $900,000 provision if he made the roster within 30 days. I thought recently-acquired top 100 prospect Michael Busch needed some more time at AAA and opted for VanMeter's versatility and experience to start the season. Matt Duffy was the other tough cut, but ultimately, VanMeter's power bat and outfield versatility was more appealing. With all three options remaining, I had little compunction about sending Jimmy Herron to Iowa. He's almost certainly going to be a fourth outfielder and we don't need him at the moment (at least until JaCoby Jones gets hurt). On the pitching side, I opted for Brailyn Marquez over Clarke Schmidt for the fifth starter spot. Marquez showed improved control and stamina in Spring Training and has upside well beyond that of Schmidt, who will anchor the Iowa rotation to start the year. He'll form a solid trio with Cory Abbott and Tyler Ivey. We're attempting to convert Elieser Hernandez into a closer at Iowa. He has two filthy pitches (70 slider, 80 changeup) and the "stuff" should play up in a one-inning role. Corey Knebel will miss the first week of the regular season with a strained hamstring. Bryan Garcia, acquired in December from Detroit for Mike Ford, will assume the gig until Knebel returns. We opted for 13 hitters and 13 pitchers to start the season. As mentioned, Nabil Crismatt and Justin Steele are listed as starters but will be deployed as long relief/bulk. So, without further ado, your 2023 Cubbies: Injured List: RHP Corey Knebel (hamstring strain) - 6 days Last edited by JAF373; 05-29-2021 at 01:20 AM.