Cubs reduce spring roster

Following a 10-5 Cactus League win vs. the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium, the Cubs reduced their Spring Roster by 14 players. Barring any injuries we pretty much know what the Cubs Opening Day Roster will be, so there were no surprises with the moves made Monday night.

Optioned to Iowa (AAA)
IF Scott Moore
LHP Clay Rapada

Optioned to Tenn (AA)
1B Brian Dopirak

Optioned to Daytona (A)
RHP Jeff Samardzija

The following non-roster invitees were sent to the minor league camp:
RHP Jason Anderson
RHP Sean Gallagher
RHP Adam Harben
RHP Ben Howard
RHP John Webb
RHP Randy Wells
IF-OF Mike Kinkade
2B Eric Patterson
OF Tyler Colvin
OF Chris Walker

According to AZ Phil at the Cub Reporter Adam Harben is rehabbing from off-season Tommy John surgery at Fitch Park and Mike Kinkade is out 4-6 weeks with a broken hand.

Jeff Samardzija capped off his first big league camp with two scoreless innings in Scottsdale. The Cubs brain trust was impressed with the golden domers poise this spring in camp. This from Jim Hendry:

"It was very entertaining," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said, "but I've been excited about this kid since the day we got him. He handled himself like a pro with a lot of poise. He's a big-time guy."

and Uncle Lou:

"He's pitched like a veteran really," Piniella said. "You could see that he's had big-time exposure playing football at Notre Dame. This hasn't fazed him too much. I think he's looked at some of our veteran pitchers and how they go about their business, what it takes to be a big leaguer, and he'll take that with him. I wouldn't be surprised that he'll have good, steady progress in the Minor League system."

I am very interested to see how the Cubs handle Samardzija. On this springs television broadcasts Len commented that he is on the "fast track" to the big leagues. So it will be fun to watch how he progresses this summmer-his first as a baseball player only.