Results tagged ‘ Tony Campana ’
Cactus Notes: Quotes from spring camp
Today was the second full day of Cubs camp in Mesa, Ariz., and the team definitely stayed busy. Outfielder Tony Campana was traded to the Diamondbacks, it was photo day, the bunting competition got underway, and Dale Sveum and Jed Hoyer addressed the media. Though GM Hoyer said the team is not overly concerned about Matt Garza’a lat injury, the team will schedule an MRI for the right-hander in the next 24-48 hours. Here are some select quotes from Monday’s session.
Hoyer on Garza’s Lat Injury
“The good news is his arm felt really strong and he was throwing really well. It’s unfortunate for sure, and it’s going to set him back a little bit. But we’re still really confident. Our concern, obviously, was with the elbow injury that shut him down last year.”
“It wasn’t the most fun live BP session to watch. He looked great and free and easy where you feel really good about what you’re watching, and the next thing you know, you see a guy stretching his side. Right away, when you see a guy like that stretching, you think the worst. It was a bummer but I’m glad his arm feels good, and Matt is in real good spirits because of that. It’s the kind of injury that you’re thankful happened in the first live BP. When these injuries happen in the last start of Spring Training it really hurts you in the season.”
Sveum on Kyuji Fujikawa
“I’ve probably seen him throw a good four bullpens. I missed him yesterday. I was on another field when he threw. But everybody said his split was really nasty, and that’s his out pitch. … When you have a split finger like that and you throw strikes and you can get ahead of hitters, it’s a pretty devastating pitch. So I think he’s going to do fine. He’s a great athlete, so I think he can make things happen. Even on the days he doesn’t have his split, he knows how to elevate, pitch inside, pitch down and away, use his two-seamer.”
Sveum on Alfonso Soriano
“I had never met him at all in my life until the first day of camp last year. We have a great relationship. I consider him a friend now as much as somebody I manage.”
“Seeing him on the other side of the fence, I was completely blown away by the kind of person he is and the work ethic he puts in. I rank him in the top five people I’ve ever been around in the game as far as work ethic, people and everything.”
Cubs finalize deal with Scott Hairston, DFA Campana
(Alex Trautwig/Getty Images)
The Cubs and outfielder Scott Hairston have agreed to terms on a two-year deal, believed to be worth $5 million dollars with another $1 million in incentives.
Hairston, 32, hit .263/.299/.504 (AVG/OBP/SLG) with 25 doubles, 20 home runs and 57 RBI in 134 games with the New York Mets last season, setting career highs in home runs, games played and slugging percentage (.504). He was one of only eight National League outfielders to have at least a .500 slugging percentage and reach 20 home runs and 25 doubles last season. The versatile outfielder saw action in left field (59 games), right field (48 games) and center field (14 games).
A right-handed hitter, Hairston hit .286 with 11 home runs against lefties. He’ll likely platoon in right field with left-hander Nate Schierholtz. According to fangraphs.com, the nine-year veteran rates out as a below-average fielder, accumulating a -2.4 UZR in the outfield last season.
The 6-foot, 204-pound Hairston joins the Cubs after playing all or part of nine major league seasons with Arizona (2004-07), San Diego (2007-09, 2010), Oakland (2009) and the Mets (2011-12). He is a career .247 hitter (543-for-2,197) with 124 doubles, 17 triples, 95 homers and 279 RBI in 777 big league games.
Hairston is one of five members of his family to play in the majors and becomes the third member of his family to join the Cubs organization. His uncle, Johnny, played for the Cubs in 1969 and his brother, Jerry, played for the Cubs from 2005-06. Scott, his brother, his father (Jerry) and his grandfather (Sam) are one of only four families that have seen three generations play in the big leagues, joining the Bells, Boones and Colemans. Scott is also one of three third-generation players now in the Cubs organization, joining pitcher Casey Coleman and third base coach David Bell.
To make room for Hairston on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated popular outfielder Tony Campana for assignment. The speedster hit .264 in 192 plate appearances last year, and stole 30 bases.
1000 Words: On the road with Tony and Dave
(Photo by Stephen Green)
Cubs outfielders Tony Campana and Dave Sappelt kill some time and get cozy on the road with the Cubs Caravan.
Cubs Convention kicks off next Friday
(Photo by Stephen Green)
Ready to get the 2013 baseball season started? The Cubs campaign kicks off next weekend, Jan. 18-20, at the 28th Annual Cubs Convention, held for the first time at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in downtown Chicago. The event will feature more than 75 current, past and future Cubs players and coaches, and will offer more than 100 photo and autograph opportunities.
The Opening Ceremony begins on Friday, Jan. 18, at 5 p.m., and will feature player and alumni introductions on a red carpet runway that will offer special VIP access to children 16 and under. Following the Opening Ceremony, guests will find some of their favorite Cubs throughout the hotel for an exciting Autograph Hunt Game. The evening will conclude with longtime Cubs Convention favorite Cubs Bingo, led by Wayne Messmer, as well as a live radio broadcast of WGN Sports Night.
Saturday’s program continues the gaming fun with the return of Cubs Jeopardy, which pits alumni pitchers Milt Pappas, Scott Sanderson, Lee Smith and Rick Sutcliffe against alumni position players Jose Cardenal, Jody Davis, Randy Hundley and Todd Walker. Cubs Family Feud makes its Cubs Convention debut Saturday afternoon, as Cubs alumni Bobby Dernier, Jon Lieber, Gary Matthews and Billy Williams take on current Cubs Michael Bowden, Shawn Camp, Brett Jackson and Ian Stewart.
Fans can meet many of the club’s offseason acquisitions—including pitchers Scott Baker, Scott Feldman and Edwin Jackson; catcher Dioner Navarro; and outfielder Nate Schierholtz—at the Meet the New Cubs session hosted by new television analyst Jim Deshaies and play-by-play broadcaster Len Kasper.
Additional Saturday sessions include:
- Ricketts Family Forum—Tom, Laura, Pete and Todd Ricketts speak with Len Kasper and fans about their experience as team owners over the past three years.
- Meet Cubs Baseball Management—President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer, Assistant General Manager Randy Bush, Assistant General Manager Shiraz Rehman and manager Dale Sveum speak about the club’s recent moves and what lies ahead for the 2013 season.
- From Draft Day to the Big Leagues—Cubs minor league prospects Dallas Beeler, Matt Szczur, Robert Whitenack and Tony Zych discuss what it’s like to get drafted by the Chicago Cubs and advance through the minor leagues.
- Dale Sveum and the Coaching Staff—The Cubs manager, bench coach Jamie Quirk, hitting coach James Rowson, assistant hitting coach Rob Deer, bullpen boach Lester Strode, first base coach Dave McKay and third base coach David Bell speak with Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies about what’s in store during the staff’s second year.
- For Kids Only Press Conference, presented by Advocate Health Care—A unique Q&A session where kids ask the questions to Darwin Barney, David DeJesus, Brooks Raley, Anthony Rizzo and Chris Rusin.
- Renew Wrigley Field—Cubs executives discuss ideas to preserve and renew iconic Wrigley Field based on input from Cubs fans, season ticket holders and the community.
- Not for Women Only—Scott Baker, Scott Feldman, Matt Garza, James Russell, and Travis Wood discuss their personal sides and lives off the field.
- WGN Radio’s Sports Central—This live broadcast with WGN Radio’s Jim Memolo and Glen Kozlowski will feature segments with David DeJesus and Matt Garza; Darwin Barney and Jeff Samardzija; Tony Campana and Starlin Castro; and Brett Jackson, Edwin Jackson and Anthony Rizzo.
Sunday’s program features two panel sessions to close out the Convention:
- Down on the Farm—Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Jason McLeod, Director of Pro Scouting Joe Bohringer and Director of Player Development Brandon Hyde will be joined by Cubs farmhands Chris Rusin and Josh Vitters to give a breakdown of the Cubs minor league teams from Iowa down to Mesa. Hosted by Vine Line editor Gary Cohen and broadcaster Dave Otto.
- Stat Sundays—Broadcasters Jim Deshaies, Len Kasper and WGN’s Bob Vorwald offer insight into the statistics they analyze and feature during Stat Sundays throughout the season.
In addition to the sessions highlighted above, the Convention includes many new and returning activities throughout the weekend for fans:
Rookie of the Year Movie Night, presented by the Cubs Kids Club, makes its Cubs Convention debut. Fans can eat popcorn and relax with family and friends Saturday evening while watching the popular film, Rookie of the Year.
Walgreens Field is a new miniature turf diamond that gives kids a fun place to take practice batting, play pick-up wiffle ball games or participate in professional instructional clinics as part of the Baseball Interactive Zone. Cubs players and coaches will pair up with Illinois Baseball Academy instructors to conduct a series of training opportunities for fans of all ages throughout the weekend.
Comcast SportsNet Chicago is giving fans the chance to test their play-by-play broadcasting skills in a custom-built fantasy broadcasting booth. Guests will call a pre-recorded play in the booth, then download a recorded copy of their work for keeps.
MLB Network’s Strike Zone allows fans to test their arm speed and win prizes at an inflatable speed pitch.
The Sony PlayStation Gaming Zone gives attendees a chance to take a break from the action to play MLB 12 The Show at one of several Sony PS3 kiosks.
The LEGOLAND® Discovery Center returns with an area dedicated for families to exercise their creativity with the small building blocks.
American Girl’s Activity Area features activities inspired by American Girl dolls and the chance to win a new doll and book.
The Chicago Sun-Times Photo Kiosk lets fans have their picture taken for the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times with customizable headlines that make for a memorable souvenir.
Fans can learn about or contribute to the history of the Cubs franchise in collaboration with team archivists. Historical pieces of memorabilia will be on hand for viewing, and guests can receive professional tips on how to preserve their own valuable keepsakes. Attendees are invited to share their personal stories with a video crew, and they may be used in future promotions or publications.
Limited individual weekend passes for the 2013 Cubs Convention are still available for $60 per pass plus convenience fees. Visit www.cubs.com/convention or call 1-800-THE-CUBS. A percentage of the proceeds from the Cubs Convention benefits Chicago Cubs Charities. To date, Cubs Convention has raised approximately $4 million for Chicago Cubs Charities.
Winter League Highlights: Negrin powers Leones to victory
Right-handed starter Yoanner Negrin has had a solid 2012 winter ball campaign for the Leones del Caracas of Venezuela. He’s been tough all year, posting a 2.61 ERA in 12 starts, fourth-best of all starters in the league. The 28-year-old also has a 4-1 record, which is tied for third in the league. Over his last 20 innings, he’s allowed just two earned runs and struck out 10 batters.
Negrin continued his consistent ways Thursday, allowing three hits over five innings and surrendering one unearned run in a Leones victory. He was awarded the win for his efforts.
Other notes around the Caribbean:
Rafael Dolis pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the Estrellas of the Dominican league, striking out a batter in the loss. Dominican teammate Nelson Perez had a pair of hits.
Justin Bour had a two-RBI double and scored a run for Carolina of the Puerto Rican league.
Tony Campana had a pair of hits and a walk for Leones. He also scored a run.
Dave Sappelt had a base hit for the Bravos de Margarita of the Venezuelan league.
1000 Words: Soriano’s career change
(Photo by Stephen Green)
Cubs left-fielder Alfonso Soriano kills time during a rain delay by commandeering some of photographer Stephen Green’s equipment (with reluctant model Manuel Corpas).
This is another shot that didn’t make it into our 2012 photos of the year feature in the December issue of Vine Line. All month, we’ll be posting some of the extras here on the blog.
Winter League Highlights: Jay Jackson bounces back in Mexico
(Photo by Stephen Green)
After enduring a rough summer, Cubs pitcher Jay Jackson found it necessary to spend the winter working on his game in the Mexican league.
Jackson struggled for Triple-A Iowa in 2012. He finished the year with a 3-7 record and a 6.57 ERA, and was removed from his starter role in early June. In 86.1 innings, he struck out 76 batters, but he also walked 43 and surrendered 14 home runs.
Drafted by the Cubs in 2008, Jackson saw immediate success at the lower levels. In 2009, he started at Class-A Daytona, spent most of the season at Double-A Tennessee and finished the year at Iowa. Heading into 2010, Baseball America rated him the Cubs’ fifth-best prospect.
Jackson has been solid this offseason for Venados de Mazatian. In seven starts, he has a 2-2 record with a 2.53 ERA in 32 innings, and has allowed just one home run. In three of his winter outings, he went at least five innings without surrendering a run, including a Nov. 9 game in which the righty went five strong and gave up only one hit.
But on Thursday, Jackson might have had his finest outing of the season. He went seven scoreless innings, scattering five hits and striking out three in a 7-0 win over Mayos de Navojoa.
Other news from around the Caribbean:
Dave Sappelt had a 2-for-4 day with an RBI and a pair of runs scored in the Venezuelan league for Margarita.
Tony Campana recorded a hit and scored a run in a losing effort for Leones del Caracas of the Venezuelan league.
Eduardo Figueroa pitched 1.2 innings of hitless baseball in a Tiburones win in Venezuela.
Winter League Highlights: Campana capitalizes on opportunity
(Photo by Stephen Green)
Cubs outfielder Tony Campana might not pass the eye test of most major league scouts. At 5-foot-8 and no more than 170 pounds, Campana doesn’t possess a lot of raw power—and his two career professional home runs back that notion.
But in 89 games with the Cubs last season, he put his speed and defense on display, stealing 24 bases and taking away numerous hits in center field. In just 37 minor league games last year, the 26-year-old swiped 18 bases and posted a .280 average.
Campana has continued his base stealing exploits this winter for Leones del Caracas of the Venezuelan league. He’s played in only 11 games, but he has managed to steal six bags. And he hasn’t been caught yet.
Although he’s hitting only .214 so far, he made the most of his start Tuesday, going 2-for-5, driving in a run in the fifth inning and scoring a run in the eighth in a 10-7 win over the Bravos de Margarita.
Other highlights around the Caribbean:
Dave Sappelt finished 2-for-4 with a pair of runs in a losing effort for his Margarita team in Venezuela.
In the Dominican league, Junior Lake went 1-for-4 with two runs scored in an Estrellas de Oriente win.
Now Playing: Cubs Clinic with Tony Campana
The ability to steal bases consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses and allows runners to get into scoring position without the benefit of a hit. And no one does it better than Tony Campana. The Cubs center fielder is currently tied for the major league lead in stolen bases at 24 with Dodgers speedster Dee Gordon. But Campana has only 143 at-bats to Gordon’s 274. In other words, Campana knows how to swipe a bag.
For the July issue of Vine Line, Campana showed Cubs fans how he does it by getting a good lead, keeping an eye on the pitcher and using proper footwork. For more insider access to the Cubs, subscribe to Vine Line. And read the complete story in the July issue, which also features articles on the likely Cubs All-Stars, the legacy of Kerry Wood and the fans’ all-time best Cubs lineup.
