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Logjam Averted
2006-03-28 09:43
by Derek Smart

At least partially. The Cubs traded Todd Wellemeyer to the Marlins today for two minor league pitchers, righty Lincoln Holdzkom and lefty Zach McCormack. I tried to find some numbers on these guys, but for some reason I couldn't get anything beyond what was in the cubs.com piece, which basically told me they were both 24, both spent time in A-ball (making them, perhaps, a bit old for the leagues), both are relievers, and both have pretty high strikeout rates. In other words, a live arm from the 40-man for a couple live arms off the 40-man. Fair enough.

Not only does this help clear up the bullpen situation, it also might resolve a possible overall roster crunch, depending on whether or not Marquis Grissom or Michael Restovich break camp with the team. If they don't, then all's good for Opening Day, when Wade Miller will take the spot on the roster vacated by Wellemeyer. If one or both of them come north, then some other shenanigans will be necessary. Stay tuned.

Comments
2006-03-28 09:52:26
1.   Erik Siegrist
McCormack I don't know anything about, but Holdzkom barely pitched in '05 after missing all of '04 with shoulder trouble. So 'live' arm could be a stretch in his case...
2006-03-28 09:57:01
2.   Derek Smart
'Attached,' then?
2006-03-28 10:53:15
3.   Doug
Best info I could find on Holdzkom is here:

http://marlinsminors.mostvaluablenetwork.com/marlins-top-30-prospects/29-lincoln-holdzkom/

Searching elsewhere on the site also turned up the following info:

"Lincoln Holdzkom, rhp, Marlins
Born: March 23, 1982. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 240. Drafted: Arizona Western JC, 2001 (7th round). Signed by: David Finley.

When he returned last July from reconstructive elbow surgery, Holdzkom pitched at 90-92 mph and topped out at 94 mph at high Class A Jupiter. This was a couple of ticks below the 97 mph he reached pre-surgery, but he showed signs of a successful recovery. He worked multiple innings, pitched back-to-back twice and the ball came out of his hand with ease. His slurvy breaking ball was inconsistent, but his fastball showed both cut and run at times, making him an uncomfortable matchup for hitters. Holdzkom is physically imposing and has a glowering mound presence. He projects as a top-quality set-up man and figures to return to high Class A for 2006. Drafted in the seventh round in 2001, Holdzkom signed for $105,000 after getting kicked off the baseball team at Arizona Western Junior College. He believes he would have gone much higher if not for clashing with his college coach. While his nipple rings and seven tattoos sometimes give people the wrong impression, Holdzkom is devoted to his craft. His brother John was a 15th-round pick of the Mariners last June but went to Salt Lake Community College, though he could still sign as a draft-and-follow."

I couldn't really find anything on Zach McCormack other than that the Reds drafted him in the 18th round in 2002, but he didn't sign. The Marlins then took him in the 11th round in 2003.

2006-03-28 11:23:25
4.   Tom K
Our long national nightmare is over! Mr. Goodbody has retired! All hail common sense!

We may actually have a full 25 man roster of useful players.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-060328cubsgrissom,1,6318210.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

2006-03-28 19:46:01
5.   rynox
Holdzkom barely pitched in '05 after missing all of '04 with shoulder trouble.

Yay, another pitcher with arm troubles. Prolly career minor-leaguers anyways.

2006-03-29 05:35:47
6.   The Boar
Erik, I believe it was elbow troubles, which he fixed with TJ surgery. So, with the high recovery rate, that's a little less worrying than shoulder problems.

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