"For the Chicago Cubs, today marked their second round of cuts, and, as it was with the first round, there is no one yet getting moved out who was likely to make the Opening Day group. Outfielders Justin Dean and Brett Bateman, catchers Ariel Armas and Casey Opitz, lefties Luke Little and Ryan Rolison, and righty Vince Velazquez were the players sent out today."
"Little and Rolison are also on the 40-man, and very well could/should be part of the up-down group of relievers this season, given their remaining option years. Velazquez is with the Cubs on a minor league deal as he tries to reestablish himself in the big leagues. He could be a reliever conversion project for the Cubs, or he could possibly head to Iowa as veteran starting depth."
"Armas and Opitz are glove-first catchers who are likely to be working in the upper minors this year, with a realistic future target being a big league back-up job in the years ahead if the opportunity presents itself."
The Chicago Cubs conducted their second round of spring training cuts, reducing their roster to 46 players two weeks before the regular season. Players removed include outfielders Justin Dean and Brett Bateman, catchers Ariel Armas and Casey Opitz, relievers Luke Little and Ryan Rolison, and pitcher Vince Velazquez. None of these cuts involved players expected to make the Opening Day roster. Dean and Bateman may be optioned to Iowa or placed on waivers. Little and Rolison, both on the 40-man roster with remaining option years, could serve as up-and-down relief options. Velazquez, signed to a minor league deal, may pursue relief conversion or serve as veteran starting depth. Armas and Opitz, defensive-oriented catchers, will likely develop in the upper minors with future backup catcher potential.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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