Spring Cleaning Begins

There was a minor surprise today when manager Mike Quade and the Cubs made a couple of roster cuts today. Originally, it was not expected that Quade would make any roster decision until at least March 16th. However, today the Cubs cut Esmailin Caridad and John Gaub from their major league camp, and optioned the pair of relievers to Triple A-Iowa.

Neither were expected to be major contributors to the 2011 Cubs, which is why the news does not come as a big surprise. If anything Caridad may have had an opportunity to push himself into the bullpen, but after posting a 7.36 ERA through 3 2/3 innings this Spring, it was clear that he was facing an uphill battle. After having a successful rookie season where he posted a 1.40 ERA, Caridad has fallen off the map due to injuries and lack of effectiveness.

Up to this point Gaub, 26, has been a career minor leaguer. After coming to the Cubs as part of the Mark Derosa trade in 2009, Gaub has had a roller coaster ride throughout the Cubs’ farm system. In 2009, Gaub had a combined ERA of 2.27 in 52 minor league appearances between Double and Triple A. Last season in Triple A-Iowa, Gaub posted an ERA of 6.52 in 29 innings of work.

I would expect Mike Quade to make another round of roster cuts next week, as we inch closer to Opening Day.