Descalso is owed money, not play time
The Cubs were preparing to pare their spring roster before the coronavirus pandemic caused a historic March 12 shutdown.
That process restarts soon but under different circumstances: a 60-game schedule and plenty of rules implemented to enhance player safety.
Here’s a look at how the roster potentially could shape up for the season opener July 23 or 24:
Roster locks
Pitchers (10): Yu Darvish, John Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana, Tyler Chatwood, Craig Kimbrel, Alec Mills, Kyle Ryan, Rowan Wick, Jeremy Jeffress.
Catchers (2): Willson Contreras, Victor Caratini.
Infielders (6): Anthony Rizzo, Jason Kipnis, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Nico Hoerner, David Bote.
Outfielders (6): Jason Heyward, Ian Happ, Albert Almora Jr., Kyle Schwarber, Steven Souza Jr., Ian Miller.
Analysis: Mills represents an attractive option as a long reliever or starter if the Cubs opt for a six-man rotation, especially if a starter isn’t ready to pitch five innings by the fourth weekend of July. There won’t be many days off, so using a six-man rotation isn’t so far-fetched. Mills is out of minor-league options, and the Cubs need to retain him with the possibility of losing three-fifths of their rotation after 2020.
Another short preseason for Kimbrel means Jeffress could pick up more save opportunities, provided Jeffress can avoid the nagging injuries that hindered him last season.
The shortened season, combined with no true minor-league season, makes Hoerner’s presence on the opening-day roster essential. Hoerner can spell Kipnis at second and Baez at shortstop.
The designated hitter comes at the right time for the Cubs and offers manager David Ross the chance to give one of his starters a minibreak. For instance, Bote can play third when Bryant is the DH, and Caratini can start at first if Rizzo’s back barks. Souza’s versatility will allow Ross to keep his outfielders sharp.
Miller’s speed caught Ross’ attention immediately, and his pinch-running talent will come in handy — especially in late-inning or extra-inning situations.
On the bubble
Pitchers (7): Casey Sadler, Trevor Megill, Ryan Tepera, Dan Winkler, Duane Underwood, Rex Brothers, Michael Rucker.
Catchers (1): Josh Phegley.
Infielders (2): Daniel Descalso, Hernan Perez.
Analysis: There are no limits on the number of pitchers a team can carry, so look for the Cubs to keep at least 15 on the opening roster. Sadler is out of minorleague options and pitched well for the Rays and Dodgers last season. Megill, a Rule 5 selection, must stay on the majorleague roster for 50 days or be offered to the Padres. Tepera and Winkler have minorleague options. Brothers, a left-hander, overcame the control problems he suffered in spring 2016.
Descalso is guaranteed a prorated portion of his $2.5 million salary, but playing time might be hard to find. Despite Descalso’s financial status, Ross didn’t guarantee him a spot shortly before spring training was suspended.
Other considerations
■ The roster must be trimmed to 28 players after two weeks of the season and to 26 four days later.
■ If the Cubs have a rough start, expect trade talks to escalate with the deadline pushed back to Aug. 31. They could use more financial flexibility for the future as they try to avoid paying a penalty for exceeding the luxury-tax threshold.
■ Adbert Alzolay and Colin Rea, each of whom was optioned before the shutdown, could get a late look in the event of a rotation shuffle with an eye on 2021.
■ Duane Underwood Jr. is out of options but made a successful transformation to reliever with Triple-A Iowa and would have a better chance in another organization.
■ Phegley seems destined for the threeplayer traveling taxi squad unless the Cubs carry a third catcher.
■ Some players who could be part of the taxi squad that likely will train at Class A South Bend will garner plenty of attention. The group is expected to include top pitching prospect Brailyn Marquez, who will receive plenty of work to make up for the valuable innings lost because of the shutdown.
■ Some other top prospects, such as outfielder Brennen Davis and Ryan Jensen, could be added in an effort to enhance their development.