Thursday Morning Starters, Including More International Signings

With the Chicago Cubs season beginning to look more and more obsolete, there will be more focus on the future and how to turn the Cubs back into contenders. The Cubs have already put the focus on the future with some of the international signings they’ve made over the past week. The Cubs made two more international signings yesterday, we will take a look at the new additions to the Cubs organization, and an update on Ryan Dempster after jump.

The Cubs announced yesterday that they have signed two Venezuelan prospects, catcher Mark Malave and third baseman Ricardo Marcano. Here is some info on the two prospects courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors:

"Malave has a strong arm that may be his best tool. The switch-hitter isn’t a lock to remain at catcher and not all scouts believe in his hitting ability. Marcano has one of the best left-handed swings available and could hit for average and power. He is an average runner who may have to move to left field, according to Badler."

The Chicago Cubs will decide todaywhether or not to place starting pitcher Ryan Dempster on the disabled list. Dempster was scratched from his start on Monday due to back soreness. Dempster has hardly been able to play catch this week due to his back issue, and will throw a bullpen session today. If the session goes well, Dempster will avoid the disabled list and make one more start before the All-Star break. Though if Dempster is still feeling discomfort after his throwing session, then he will be headed towards the disabled list. If Dempster goes on the disabled list, that would mean that all five pitchers of the Cubs Opening Day rotation have spent time on the disabled list.  

After another disappointing start for Randy Wells, the future for Wells is looking bleak. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times reports that Wells may have to pitch himself back into the Cubs’ future plans, though, Wittenmyer notes that the Cubs may look to add a starting pitcher at the trade deadline. The Cubs right hander is 1-3 this season with an ERA of 6.80. This figured to be an important season for Wells, who is coming off of a 2010 season that saw him go 8-14 with a 4.26 ERA. After an impressive Spring Training, Wells was viewed by many as a potential breakout pitcher for the Cubs this season. However, after sustaining an early season injury, Wells has yet to get back on track and regain his Spring Training form. If Wells does not find success this season, there is a strong chance that he will not be in the Cubs rotation next season.

During the Cross-Town series last weekend,  there was a Nike Customization Center set-up outside of Wrigley Field. At this center, Cubs players were allowed to create their own tee shirts. Ryan Dempster, Darwin Barney, and Aramis Ramirez were among the Cubs players to create shirts. Here is a look at them.