The Curse of Wrigley Field

Felix Pie tops the list of Cubs prospects over at Minor League Ball.  It’s not a bad list with five players having a B rating or higher.  Unfortunately, nobody warranted even an A- and like Sickels says in his column, there’s not a ton of depth.

It’ll be interesting to see if Lou Pinella can work any of these guys into the lineup at some point in the season.  Pie could catch on as an extra outfielder at with this team, there could be a pitcher at any time so Veal could find himself called up even though with his walks, he could use some fine tuning.

The Cubs signed Daryle Ward to a one year deal.  I figure he’s outfield or first base insurance in the event of an injury.  Ward is one of those slugging prospects who never quite worked out. He showed flashes back in 2000 when he hit 20 homeruns in part of a season but that’s been his career high ever since.  He put together a decent season last year where he split time between the Braves and Nationals so maybe that’s something to build on.  Hopefully the guys just a late bloomer or something.

The Cubs are also close to adding another piece to their rotation puzzle.  Jason Marquis looks like he’s in the Cubs cross hairs and while he’s hardly a big deal, the Cubs don’t need all studs.  Back of the rotation guys like Marquis and Suppan would be a nice complement to say, Barry Zito.  I know, wishful thinking.

The Cubs may have lost out in the Jason Schmidt sweepstakes but they won a consolation prize in Ted Lilly.  The Cubs signed Lilly to a four year, $40 million deal and the left hander will have a definite spot in the rotation.  Lilly won 15 games last year and he struck out 160 batters in 181 2/3 innings.

The Cubs also traded utility man Freddie Bynum to the Orioles for a player to be named later.  Bynum played all three outfield spots and second base and he hit .257 while doing it.  He is 26 so he’s past the “prospect” age so it’s probably best we cut him lose.