Starting pitchers
Jeff Samardzija, Edwin Jackson, Jason Hammel, Travis Wood, Carlos Villanueva.
Relief pitchers
Jose Veras, Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm, James Russell, Wesley Wright, Hector Rondon, Brian Schlitter.
Catchers
Welington Castillo, John Baker
Infielders
Anthony Rizzo, Darwin Barney, Starlin Castro, Mike Olt, Emilio Bonifacio, Luis Valbuena
Outfielders
Junior Lake, Justin Ruggiano, Ryan Sweeney, Nate Schierholtz, Ryan Kalish
Two points of note: off-season acquisition George Kottaras was cut, so minor league veteran John Baker is the new back-up catcher. Kottaras was touted as a defensive play caller who had the experience to help the young pitching staff. Somewhere along the line, the scouting report and reality conflicted and he was cut.
The bullpen is different than what most people thought. Rondon and Schlitter took the two final pen spots. Schlitter has had minor league closer experience, so this may be a hedge against a very inconsistent Veras spring. However, Schlitter has had several seasons of arm major injuries. He last pitched in the majors in 2010. Rondon and Schlitter took the places of Blake Parker and Alberto Cabrera, who is out of options. Cabrera was doing well until his last outing blow-up. With Villanueva in the rotation, Grimm becomes the long reliever/spot starter role.
Two points of note: off-season acquisition George Kottaras was cut, so minor league veteran John Baker is the new back-up catcher. Kottaras was touted as a defensive play caller who had the experience to help the young pitching staff. Somewhere along the line, the scouting report and reality conflicted and he was cut.
The bullpen is different than what most people thought. Rondon and Schlitter took the two final pen spots. Schlitter has had minor league closer experience, so this may be a hedge against a very inconsistent Veras spring. However, Schlitter has had several seasons of arm major injuries. He last pitched in the majors in 2010. Rondon and Schlitter took the places of Blake Parker and Alberto Cabrera, who is out of options. Cabrera was doing well until his last outing blow-up. With Villanueva in the rotation, Grimm becomes the long reliever/spot starter role.
