The Cubs announced Wednesday that they’ve designated right-hander James Norwood for assignment. His spot on the roster goes to catcher Tony Wolters, whose rumored one-year deal with the club has now been formally announced.
Norwood, 27, has spent parts of the past three seasons in the big leagues with Chicago, pitching to a 4.50 ERA through 22 innings with sub-par strikeout and walk percentages (19.6 percent and 13.0 percent, respectively). He struggled in big league camp this spring as well, serving up eight runs (four earned) on eight hits and nine walks with 14 strikeouts through 7 1/3 innings of relief.
Norwood’s heater averages better than 97 mph, and he has a minor league option remaining, which could appeal to another club willing to take a speculative bullpen flier on a live arm. The 2014 seventh-rounder carries a 3.91 ERA, a solid 26 percent strikeout rate and a 10.3 percent walk rate through parts of six minor league seasons.
Yeah sure he averages 97 on his fastball, but there’s no movement on it whatsoever. So long, Stinktown.
Why the hate? Did this dude get with your wife or something?
I have never understood this kind of response. The guy is “only” one of the top 1000 baseball players in the country, not the top 750, so he stinks?
Actually not making the 40 man roster means he is not one of 1200 so he is a little further down the list unless a club picks him up
Fair enough, but it still doesn’t mean he stinks.
The Reds are interested, I bet.
Was hoping he’d figure things out. That fastball does seem awfully straight though. Seems like every team has multiple high 90s guys out of the pen every year. The ones the Cubs have/have had have always come with asterisks though, ala Carl edwards.
Dillon Maples will probably be next. He has to perform well early or he is gone.
If not, they can take a flier on Marla Maples. She mowed down the royal family!
Once again another so called Cubs drafted and developed pitching prospect fails. Cubs FO into their 10th year, still can’t draft and develop pitching. Not much better on the position player side either.
Your act is getting old, and you make zero sense. Do I have to remind you what this group has accomplished?
The Orioles can definitely use this guy. Drop Fey and sign Norwood.
The Orioles can definitely use this guy. Drop Fry and sign Norwood.
The Pirates have the first waiver option.
What minor prospect is worth jumping them in the waiver line?
Or, should Baltimore only go Norwood if he’s run through waivers, which is somewhat doubtful.