In another strange last minute twist, the Cubs claimed infielder Luis Valbuena from the Blue Jays. Valbuena was out of options and could not be outrighted to the minors.
Valbuena, 26, a career .226 hitter in the majors, had been traded by the Indians to the Blue Jays last November. He spent most of 2011 with Cleveland's Triple-A affiliate where he hit .302/.372/.476 with 17 homers in 472 plate appearances. The infielder played 194 games for the Indians' varsity squad in 2009 and 2010 and saw a good deal of time at second base. The Cubs signed him to be the backup shortstop to Castro.
Which is odd realization as the team broke camp that it did not have a backup shortstop on the roster (Barney was the backup on the depth chart). So in order to add another journeyman infielder to the roster, the Cubs cut recently picked up reliever De La Cruz. In order to get Valbuena on the 25 man roster, the Cubs brass have decided to go with an 11 man pitching staff.
The Cubs blew up their bullpen (which was the best "asset" in 2011) by getting rid of Marshall, Cashner and moving Samardzija to the rotation. So the solution to rebuilding the pen is to have one less arm. That seems counterproductive.
The bullpen to start the season will be Marmol (closer), Kerry Wood (set up), Russell, Dolis, Camp and Rule 5 pick up Lenny Castillo, who is a AA player making a large leap. The Cubs have to keep Castillo on the major league roster all season or he has to be returned to the Phils. Dolis is a rookie and Camp was picked up off the scrap heap only a week ago. Fans should have little confidence on how the bullpen was pieced together at the end.
But even more puzzling than the Valbuena claim is the report that LaHair has a sore back and may not be able to play. Looking at the roster, the Cubs have no designated back up first baseman, just a few utility guys (Baker and Mather) who can play first. But Sveum told the media that DeWitt would back up LaHair at first. DeWitt has never played first base!!! (This is another Hendry 2.0 move: playing a player out of position). So what if DeWitt bats left handed: there are other lefty hitters in the lineup.
And if LaHair goes on the DL, Rizzo would not be called up to replace him. Sveum said that designated pinch runner Campana would be making the trip to Wrigley just in case. So, the Cubs plan if LaHair is hurt is to activate a 6th outfielder instead of a real first baseman. Again, it does not make much common sense.
But common sense may be the last thing on management's mind. Epstein is going to string out the honeymoon period with fans and media as long as possible. He really does not care what people think ("it's just noise," he said). With the public having no expectations for this season, you would think they would be more forgiving if the Cubs went on a youth movement. But that rebuild plan is on hold; the plan is to jury-rig a season of players seeking a comeback season.
