By Steve Rhodes
One in an occasional series tracking the movements of ex-Cubs.
1. Carlos Zambrano.
Oh how we miss Big Z around here. Now that he’s with the Chicago Dogs, we might have to start a Dog Factor column. Or, we could just wait ’til he’s with the Cubs again.
2. Aramis Ramirez.
Spotted.
3. Terrance Gore.
Just a guy with a stupid number.
4. Peter Bourjos.
On the verge of being released by the Angels, the journeyman outfielder instead filled in as emergency second baseman against the Yankees on Monday night and made a spectacular, web gem of a play. Another one who got away, Theo!
5. Welington Castillo.
Game-tying jack.
6. Arodys Vizcaino.
One of those transaction magnets who shows up often in this column, the onetime Cubs’ closer-of-the-future is out for the year with a shoulder.
7. Mike Freeman.
Back to the big leagues and getting some starts for the Indians. Also namechecked this week in relation to the White Sox.
8. Jen-Ho Tseng.
Another Cubs pitching bust whose somewhat mysterious release flew under the radar, Tseng was the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2017 and entered 2018 ranked as the Cubs’ 12th-best prospect. The Cubs gave up on him a few weeks ago and now he’s on a minor-league contract with the Rangers.
9. Tommy Hunter.
The Phillies have shifted Tommy Two Towel and his sore elbow to the 60-day IL. Hunter was a bust with the Cubs in 2015, but he’s been damn good since.
–
Comments welcome.
Posted on April 23, 2019