Cubs Roster Finally Set, For Now

With Opening Day less than 24 hours away, the Chicago Cubs finally have a 25 man roster in place. If you have been keeping up with Cubbies Crib, you have had the chance to keep up with how the roster was molding into shape over the last couple of weeks. To summarize, Dave Sappelt earned the final outfield job while Steve Clevenger and Brent Lillibridge are the last two in for the infield mix.

That left us waiting for confirmation that Hisanori Takahashi was indeed the final arm for the bullpen. To make room for the non roster invitee, the Cubs moved Scott Baker to the 60 day disabled list. The Japanese import joined fellow countryman Kyuji Fujikawa and the rest of the team in Pittsburgh today ahead of the opening ceremonies tomorrow.

Mar 16, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Hisanori Takahashi (47) in the first inning during a spring training game against the Kansas City Royals at HoHoKam stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports

However, today’s roster is subject to change in the next day or two due to the Darwin Barney injury. Alberto Gonzalez is also with the club on the road and figures to be the addition to the roster should Barney hit the 15 day DL. Gonzalez is also a non roster invitee, so the Cubs would need to make another move to the 40 man. The easy way out would be to place Ian Stewart on the 60 day DL as well. There has yet to be any clarification regarding the third baseman’s non guaranteed contract and his injury status. There was some talk a few weeks ago as to a restructuring of the agreement so that Stewart could get some reps in minor league camp and the minors before eventually making his way back to Wrigley, but little has been said since. As it stands, the Cubs third sacker is on the 25 man roster.

Regardless, Opening Day is almost here Cub fans!