Bruce Levine

  (1:01 PM)

Now that we have the Theo compensation behind us, the comp for Hoyer will be a piece of cake. Welcome and remember my new Twitter handle at ESPNBruceLevine ...

brian (chicago)

bruce what are the chances the cubs get Michael Bowden as the player to be named

Bruce Levine

  (1:02 PM)

From what I understand it is going to be two players, one from each team, that are not on the 40-man roster. That's some pretty strong info.

Mike (Bartlett, IL)

Bruce, What is the ceiling on Chris Carpenter?

Bruce Levine

  (1:03 PM)

103 mph fastball. That says it all. Not many people have special arms like that.

Alex (Normal,IL)

Am I the only one who thinks we gave way to much to the Rex Sox!? Chris Carpender was one of our best prospects and DID play well in the majors. Why did we give such a good prospect for Theo?

Bruce Levine

  (1:04 PM)

The consensus was the Red Sox were not going to allow Epstein to go away for a marginal prospect. The Commissioner's office pretty much gave these teams a deadline to get this done. The deadline for the two players to be named is April 15.

Brian Silverstein (Quincy)

Hey Bruce, its your former intern Brian here. You know how much I love Carlos Marmol, but lets be honest, since I left the friendly confines in 2007 he just hasn't been the same. Can I expect him to return to form in 2012?

Bruce Levine

  (1:05 PM)

I think unless there is some damage to his shoulder, Brian, the answer is yes. The past four seasons he has been the most overused and abused reliever in the game. New pitching coach Chris Bosio told Marmol as much in their first meeting this spring.

Matt (Chicago)

Bruce, I got Volstad and the wide receiver winning the 4 and 5 spots in ST. Who are you going with?

Bruce Levine

  (1:06 PM)

I'm going with the two lefties, Wood and Maholm. And then a tossup between Volstad, Samardzija and Wells.

Adam (Des Moines)

Do you believe that Josh Vitters has a good chance of cracking a roster spot on Opening Day?

Bruce Levine

  (1:07 PM)

Yes indeed. At Triple-A. He needs some fine-tuning before playing in the majors. The good news is his power numbers were up last year.

James (Menlo, IA)

If Lehair is having a decent season as well as Rizzo, is there a chance they bring Rizzo up and move Lehair to a corner outfield position?

Bruce Levine

  (1:08 PM)

I hope not. Their OF defense is already in question. To me that's the most underrated stat when you talk about pitching, outfielders' range.

Adrian (Chicago)

Any update on Soler?

Bruce Levine

  (1:09 PM)

He has still not been declared a free agent by Major League Baseball. Until that time he can't sign. The Cubs do have a leg up on him.

Jared (Carol Stream, IL)

Over the past several years Kenny Williams has traded away a lot of prospects that have turned out to be successful for players that have not panned out or that we only here for a very short time, is it time for the team to change their focus and work on building from within the organization and placing more value in the prospects they have?

Bruce Levine

  (1:11 PM)

I think you've hit on something. For the first time in years, the Sox had numerous scouts roaming the Dominican Republic looking to sign young players this offseason. The Sox have spent the fewest dollars on the draft over the past three years. I see them re-directing their focus in the future.

Hula (Old Town, Chicago)

Bruce, we all see Theo executing his plan of piling up starting pitching. But do you think he has long term visions for any of the starters hes assembled? Or is it simply wait and see?

Bruce Levine

  (1:12 PM)

I think Travis Wood falls into that area. As far as the rest I think it's a wait and see. They expect Cuban left-hander Concepcion to be a good one.

Zach K. (Michigan)

Do you think there is any team in the A.L Central that can touch the Tigers?

Bruce Levine

  (1:13 PM)

Injuries can always impact a team. But the Tigers on paper look like a 95-win team. That said maybe the Sox can be a surprise this year.

John (Kalamazoo, MI)

Any reports on the Garza situation?

Bruce Levine

  (1:15 PM)

The Cubs have not talked to his agent about a long-term contract as of yet. But they expect to in the very near future. The comparisons will begin with the John Danks contract (5 years, $65 million).

Adrian (Chicago)

Where do you think the Cubs should bat Castro?

Bruce Levine

  (1:15 PM)

It's time for him to hit third. He's the best hitter in the lineup by far and in baseball history your best hitter usually hits third.

Chris (Oswego)

If Brett Jackson as a "lights out" spring...he will still be at AAA due to the Cubs wanting to aviod starting his Arb clock....I know this is naive, but I feel this is bad for the game...is there ever any talk of this in CBA issues? It sure would be nice if the best 25 made the team regardless of "years of control"

Bruce Levine

  (1:18 PM)

I don't think the Cubs would let that stand in the way if they felt he was the missing link on a championship team. But it would be economically prudent if they can avoid paying big dollars a year earlier. It's just good business that doesn't interfere with your team winning.

Rob (Chicago)

Are their going to be any major changes to the spring training routine this year compared to the Guillen/Cora-run spring trainings of the past? Is anything specifically going to be done to make sure Rios, Dunn, and Beckham in particular and the team as a whole get off to a good start quickly?

Bruce Levine

  (1:19 PM)

That will be a great question for Robin Ventura tomorrow when I'm in White Sox camp. I'll be sure to ask him that for you.

John (Lake Geneva)

Why Would the CUBS give David De Jesus a $10 Million dollar contract for 2 years when they could have sign Raul Ibanez for $1.2 Million and then traded Ibanez in July for some prospects (like the Oakland A's do all the time)?

Bruce Levine

  (1:19 PM)

Ibanez is 40 years old and cannot play RF. The Cubs needed a leadoff man option and a guy who is a good defender. Ibanez is neither.

Eric B. (Decatur, IL)

I've heard many people say that if the White Sox don't perform well this season, KW is on the chopping block. What would you say is the over/under on W's Kenny would need to stay on the south side?

Bruce Levine

  (1:20 PM)

It's all nonsense. Kenny will be there as long as Reinsdorf is. Their business and personal relationship are bound deeply.

Dave (Chicago)

I know its early but have any pitchers caught your interest?

Bruce Levine

  (1:22 PM)

Samardzija and Kerry Wood are throwing the ball already like it's the beginning of the season. Samardzija has been getting ready for four months. He was that serious about trying to win a spot.

Adam (Chicago)

What happened to the precedent set when the Cubs hired MacPhail? Carpenter is their best pen prospect. And Boston just happens to be weak in the pen, especially after losing their closer.

Bruce Levine

  (1:23 PM)

I agree with you. I think it's a joke. The compensation should have come in the form of money. That's how you close out a business deal.

Mike Carlson (Chicago)

Bruce, Do you see the Cubs making any more moves before opening day?

Bruce Levine

  (1:24 PM)

The need another backup infielder. Barney could end up backing up @B and SS if Cardenas wins the 2B job. That would make the team stronger although it wouldn't make Barney very happy.

Chris (Arlington Hts)

Who has steals more bases, BJackson or Castro? Who has more power between the two? Thanks

Bruce Levine

  (1:25 PM)

Very good question on the power. Both may be 25-30 home run guys eventually. I think Jackson will steal more bases although Castro doubled his output last season.

JD [via mobile]

Why dint the soxs go after burnett with how unastablished there rotation is ?

Bruce Levine

  (1:26 PM)

The White Sox aren't spending money. They are dumping salary and are trying to redirect their spending on younger players like Soler.

Phil Geyer (Frederick, MD)

Thanks for chatting. How exactly will the Cubs-Sox "players to be named" worked? Does each team have a pool that they can choose from and it will be the receiving team's choice? Any idea if the pools are roughly equal in terms of talent level? It seems like they must not be, otherwise why bother? Lastly, when are the players likely to be named?

Bruce Levine

  (1:28 PM)

This is just a procedural part of the deal where the transaction has to look like a trade. MLB rules prohibit the Cubs just giving up a player for an executive even though that's how it appeared when the Cubs hired MacPhail in 1994. This is just a wink and a nod move. The teams will have until April 15 to settle on the players.

Dave (Chicago)

Ian Stewart's said to have 30 homerun power. He's been hurt and underachieved in Colorado. What do you see him doing realistically in Chicago?

Bruce Levine

  (1:29 PM)

If he's healthy and can communicated with new hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, look for him to have a rebound season. The Cubs would be thrilled with 25 home runs.

Jerry (Chicago)

Why do you think the Theo compensation resolution was a joke? Crane Kenney supposedly promised "significant" compensation. He used that word and the Cubs never disputed. If someone agrees to buy my car for $5,000 - it really doesn't matter anymore that the real value is $1,000. You knew the Cubs were going to lose a significant piece on this.

Bruce Levine

  (1:30 PM)

Significant is to ambiguous of a word for me. The players should have been decided before the Cubs named Epstein president.

Bill (Chicago)

Will Blake DeWitt make the 25 man opening day roster in your opinion?

Bruce Levine

  (1:30 PM)

It depends on injury status. If Baker has any physical problems or Cardenas fails, DeWitt could be added to the 25-man roster.

Don (Columbus, OH)

Any chance after being 'designated for assignment' Blake DeWitt has a great spring and beats out Darwin Barney?

Doug Padilla

  (1:35 PM)

He will be in camp and wil have every opportunity to win the 2B spot, but a utilty role is probably more realistic.

JBR (Bloomington, IN)

Do you think Samardzija can truly be an effective starter?

Doug Padilla

  (1:37 PM)

Put this way, if he can get past all the competeition facing him he will have done something right this spring. It's clear he is confident and it was impressive that he decided to get to Arizona in November with the focus on becoming a starter. But he's had his chances before.

Eric B. (Decatur, IL)

I've seen many reports that have said Kenny Williams will likely be out as the GM of the Sox if the team does not perform well this season. Any idea what the over/under of W's are for Kenny to stay with the Sox?

Doug Padilla

  (1:40 PM)

I'll go back to my roots and talk a little White Sox. Kenny will surely be on the spot this season, but I don't think losing his job will be as black and white as a won-loss total. They have initiated a new plan that Reinsdorf has agreed upon and the real question is how long they are giving this plan to yield success.

Neil B. (Lombard, IL)

Bruce, is there any chance that Anthony Rizzo could win the starting first baseman job?

Doug Padilla

  (1:41 PM)

I'll take this one for Bruce. Rizzo will get plenty of chances with the big club this spring, but LaHair is the overwhelming favorite to start at first on Opening Day. Doesn't mean Rizzo can't be up by June if he shows he's ready.

Al (Kenosha)

In your opinion who is the most underrated prospect in the Cubs organization?

Doug Padilla

  (1:44 PM)

Lefty Jeff Beliveau was well off the radar until he lowered his walk total last year. Just 19 walks in 53 appearances between A and AA ball. I'll give the honor to him right now.

Jason (Chicago IL)

So with a looming trade coming in the future, the compensation for Theo isnt' behind us.. I just wanted to clear that up. Please no Samardzija in the rotation...he finally had success in the bullpen last year..

Doug Padilla

  (1:46 PM)

No it is not cleared up. The saga continues. As for Samardzija, just because they are stretching him out doesn't mean he has to start when the season begins. Why not give the guy the reward this spring of a shot at the rotation? Seems more than likely though that the bullpen is where he will land.

Joe B (Oxford, CT)

Do you think the Cubs will outbid other teams for Soler? Do you expect him to become a free agent soon?

Doug Padilla

  (1:48 PM)

Look for the Cubs to be aggressive on the youngster from Cuba. As of the weekend he was not a free agent but all indications are that it will happen soon and the bidding can begin.

lee (chicago)

Bruce, who is the backup catcher ?

Doug Padilla

  (1:51 PM)

Jaramillo is the non-roster invitee but at 29 and with more experience than the other candidates he fits the backup role a little better. Clevenger and Castillo will get their chances, but because it's a part-time role Jaramillo seems to have the edge.

lee (chicago)

Doug, do you think the Cubs are weak at the catcher position ?

Doug Padilla

  (1:52 PM)

Wouldn't call them weak, but if Soto goes down they have a lot of question marks.

Dan (Orlando)

Doug, Who looks to have arrived at Cubs camp in noticeably better shape?

Doug Padilla

  (1:55 PM)

The two guys who stand out so far are Byrd and Marmol. And not only has Byrd lost the weight (up to 20 pounds) but he was here well in advance of other position players to get in as much work as possible. It's ben impressive to see how many players showed up weeks before spring training was to begin. Marmol is down anywhere from 10-15 pounds.

Neil B. (Lombard, IL)

Any chance the "player to be named" for the Cubs could be Will Middlebrooks?

Doug Padilla

  (1:56 PM)

Way too early to tell but it figures to be a couple of A-ball types going back and forth. No 40-man guys. And then don't forget, there is also the Hoyer compensation still to be decided.

Adrian (Chicago)

More likely to have happened by July 31st, Garza signs an extension or he is traded?

Doug Padilla

  (2:00 PM)

Good question. It probably depends on how the season is going and how good of a package the Cubs can get for Garza. But you do need to build a rotation around somebody and the tempetation could be to do it around Garza. Neither might happen, though. Maybe an extension gets done later.

Adrian (Chicago)

Who is going to be the main set-up man for Marmol? Who steps in if he falters?

Doug Padilla

  (2:02 PM)

Perhaps Wood (righties) and Russell (lefties) trade off depending on the situation. But if Samardzija fails to make the rotation, his second half last season suggests he could get the job done too.

Cheese (Washington, DC)

Does Fukudome have anything left? Is he a platoon player or strictly bench at this point?

Doug Padilla

  (2:04 PM)

Back to some White Sox stuff. The guess is that he is the fifth outfielder and a lefty pinch hitter off the bench. Lillibridge probably ends up as the fourth outfielder. The plan all along is to get Lillibridge more at-bats than he got last year.

Cheese (Washington, DC)

How do you think the closer role is going to shake out for the Sox? Does Thorton get first shot or does Reed take the reins?

Doug Padilla

  (2:06 PM)

Don't forget Crain in this mix. It looked like he should have gotten more of a chance last season. I think Thoronton and Crain battle it out this spring. There is no rush on Reed. He will get there eventually. But if Thornton or Crain can't nail down the job his day could come sooner than expected.

Bob (Boston)

I am a Cubs fan living in Boston. The locals here seem to be upset with the Theo compensation saying it's "not enough," even though they blast him for signing Crawford and Lackey. Is this a lose-lose situation for Bud Selig?

Doug Padilla

  (2:07 PM)

Bud had nothing to do with the compensation. The teams were eventually able to reach an agreement on their own.

Neil Bogmenko (Lombard, IL)

Doug, do you think Trey McNutt could make the opening day roster?

Doug Padilla

  (2:08 PM)

No. Too soon. It'd be nice to see him make some noise this spring, though. He just needs to focus on leaving a good impression on the new big-league coaching staff.

Neil Bogmenko (Lombard, IL)

Doug, the Hoyer compensation should be quick, right?

Doug Padilla

  (2:08 PM)

All indications are that it won't take nearly as long as the compensation for Theo.

Doug Padilla

  (2:09 PM)

Thanks for the questions. Talk to you all next week.