Yesterday, I mentioned that I was getting donuts from this new place in our area, and the worst has happened … they are amazing. They are uniquely layered (kinda like a cro-nut), totally different in a way that would justify getting them regularly, and I am not going to be able to resist eating five of them at a time if I have them in the house. This is a problem. I am in trouble.
Because the Chicago Cubs leave for Japan in just 12 days, and because they’re going to want to bring with them the guys they’ll ultimately be using for the opener in Japan against the Dodgers on March 18, the clock is really ticking on certain health-related roster decisions. We talked yesterday about the Matt Shaw situation (oblique), and although he’d close to being back to game-like action, the question is how much time do the Cubs want to give him to ensure he’s ready to go? I’m just not sure he’s a guy the Cubs are going to want to rush, especially when it’s just two games, and if you wait, you’re buying him almost two additional weeks to ramp up. (It also spares you a 40-man roster move until later, since Shaw is not currently on the 40-man.) Similarly, Nico Hoerner is still in his throwing progression as he rehabs from forearm surgery after last season. All has been going according to plan as far as we know, and Cubs.com adds that Hoerner has been getting in some hitting work (I don’t know if we’ve seen video of that yet, though). The article indicates that Craig Counsell says the Cubs could be in a better spot to map out his progression come this weekend. I wonder, in turn, whether that’s when the Cubs will start making out roster-related plans for these guys. Keep in mind, two of the bench bubble players who’d be most directly affected by Shaw and/or Hoerner being out are guys for whom there is no minor league flexibility. Vidal Brujan is out of minor league options, so he either makes the Opening Day roster or he has to hit waivers; Gage Workman is a Rule 5 Draft pick who either makes the Opening Day roster or he has to be offered back to the Tigers. In other words, punting on Shaw and Hoerner for Japan not only gives those two guys an extra two weeks to ramp up, but would also give the Cubs an extra two weeks, potentially, to make decisions on guys like Brujan and Workman. The Associated Press reported on a number of offseason contracts, which includes some of the salary details for a few minor league signings that we didn’t previously have. Here are the big league rates for these guys if they make the big league team: Chris Flexen, $1.5 million; Travis Jankowski, $1.25 million; Brooks Kriske, $900,000. Obviously the Cubs had several other minor league signings who likely also have above-minimum rates if they make the big league team (Brad Keller, Phil Bickford, Nicky Lopez, and Reese McGuire would be among my guesses), but now we know the rates for at least those three. The last couple days, I have noticed that the Cubs have had some younger/less-experienced prospects with the big league team for the games, but they haven’t gotten into the game, including Angel Cepeda and Eriandys Ramon. I think that’s very cool, and probably a great opportunity for those guys. Cristian Hernández was there, too, and did get into yesterday’s game (notched a hit!). Speaking of which, in addition to meeting with players in big league camp, Sammy Sosa visited with a number of the Cubs’ international prospects who are participating in the club’s education program, talking to them in part about the importance of being able to communicate in English (Marquee). More from Sosa (Tribune): “Every adjustment, or everything that I say to them, they’re going to take it because it’s coming from me. I worked hard every day, every day, so I never cheated myself, going to the cage every day, made sure that I was ready before the game. So when you do that, at least you have a plan to go to the plate. … Time goes fast, but I’m happy to explain to anyone or everyone who wants to listen to me and make things comfortable because this game is mental.”“I’m happy here. I’m gonna enjoy this week, then we’ll see what happens.”Sammy Sosa on if he’d consider coaching full-time. pic.twitter.com/5g5DDqIecr
Boog Sciambi on ESPN and MLB ending their television rights deal: "The league made a mistake, because the league was the one that initially offered or asked for the opt-out. And then ultimately ESPN got one as well. It was a major mistake."Listen: t.co/o1boZwULxu pic.twitter.com/rYttjQKocZ
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) February 26, 2025 For his part, Sciambi suspects the sides will eventually come back together on a new deal. Once MLB shops around, and probably once MLB lines up additional packages with a new streaming partner or two, I do believe some kind of relationship will be worked out with ESPN. Different than before, but still something. META: Today is the 10TH ANNIVERSARY of Michael and Luis joining Bleacher Nation. That’s crazy to me. A decade with these guys. I am blown away, and grateful for the time. Two of the best decisions I ever made.MORE FROM BLEACHER NATION: Check Out BN Fantasy | Subscribe to The BN Newsletter
Ryan Poles Wants to be Selective *AND* Aggressive in Free Agencywww.bleachernation.com/bears/2025/0…
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@bn-bears.bsky.social) 2025-02-26T23:20:32.302Z#Blackhawks Moves I Would Make Before the Trade Deadlinewww.bleachernation.com/blackhawks/2…
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@bn-blackhawks.bsky.social) 2025-02-26T16:39:43.326Z Read More Details
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