The New Cubs are operating just like the Old Cub management. There is a fear that real competition for roster spots is a bad thing: it creates a negative atmosphere. It is not good for morale. It upsets pricey veterans that we have to play because they will get paid.
Brett Jackson is hitting lights out this spring, but manager Sveum said there is no room for him on the major league roster. He will only be called up if he plays everyday. Therefore, Iowa is his destination because no one wants to make the hard decision to sit or cut a Soriano, or a Byrd.
This camp comes down to a hand full of roster decisions. First, back up catcher. Soto came to camp and immediately sat with a groin strain. Ex-Pirate Jaramillo is now also hurt, leaving the catching duties to Castillo and Clevenger. One of those two will probably be the back up catcher on the opening day roster.
Sveum also said he has "a heck of bench" in Reed Johnson, Baker and DeWitt (who is not on the roster). And he said he does not need to carry a backup for Castro because Barney plays that role. (The same thinking of last season). So the one open bench spot is for a reserve outfielder between Campana, Sappelt and Joe Mather, none of which can match the skill set and current performance of Brett Jackson.
Third, the 5th starter appears to be the only open pitching spot. A shotgun approach of throwing Volstad, Samardzija, Coleman, Lopez, Sonnanstine and the kitchen sink to the mound to see who can throw strikes is going to be inconsequential in the long run. The bullpen will be sewed together by whomever does not make the starting rotation ("all relievers are failed starters.")
So, the 2012 Cubs are going to be an almost mirror image of the 2011 Cubs, except with new players on the infield corners, less power hitters, and more average pitchers.
