Tag: chris robinson

Does Triple-A Cub catcher Robinson have a chance to make it to the bigs soon?

I’m trying to find a silver lining in the dark cloud that surrounds the catcher situation in the Cubs’ clubhouse.  Piniella’s quote, "We’re not scared of using Fox.", does not inspire confidence. 

If there is indeed a silver lining, it would be that perhaps it might give Triple-A Chris Robinson a shot at the majors. 

Robinson, who plays for the Iowa Cubs and hails from my alum, the University of Illinois, would certainly be qualified.  He just was named to the PCL All-Star team and is hitting the ball well (.317).  Robbie is known as a very good defensive catcher. 

I’ve seen Robinson play.  Yes, he can hit (not a lot of HR but plenty of gap power) but what I was impressed with in his college days was his leadership skills, how he took charge of a game and how he handled the pitchers. 

And the Cubs certainly could use a catcher like that at least in the interim while Soto is on the DL however long THAT will be.

Bleacher Nation has some thoughts on the Cubs’ catcher situation.  Their coming away with the idea that the Cubs are probably going to look elsewhere to solve their backstop problems in the meantime.

But Robinson was always noted as a defensive catcher, and he just happens to be hitting this year. Certainly the Cubs aren’t expecting a great deal of offense out of a backup catcher (see the current starter, Koyie Hill), so why the diss of Robinson? It’s really hard to figure.

Perhaps the answer is that the Cubs aren’t just looking for a temporary backup catcher. Maybe they’re hoping to land a temporary starting catcher who can become a backup when Soto returns. That would explain the looking around, though it, too, would be a bit strange given Hill’s excellent handling of the staff, if not excellent hitting.

Time will tell.  Most importantly, we’ll need to find just how bad Soto’s oblique strain really is and how long he’ll be out for.  No doubt, those who really need to know, probably already have a good idea. 

And more than likely, Robbie will get some more time to season in Triple-A before Chicago decides what to do with him.

Former Illini Robinson interviewed by Chicago Trib

Chris Robinson who was a catcher for the University of Illinois and played for Team Canada in this year’s Olympics, did a Q&A for the Chicago Tribune. 

I was a bit puzzled by the Trib’s last question though. 

Q: Cubs vs. Tigers, World Series. Who do you root for?

Umm, considering that Robbie is currently on the roster of the Cubs Double-A team, the Tennessee Smokies, I would hope he would choose the Cubs.  Of course, he did. 

USA beats the Canucks

Team USA came from a 4-0 deficit to beat Canada Saturday.  With the score 4-3 in the bottom of 7th, Terry Tiffee was the hero of the game with two doubles and two key rbis. 

Box Score

A tough luck loss for former Illini catcher Chris Robinson who is playing for Team Canada.  He was 3 for 4 but with no runs or rbis. 

It’s been a rough journey for Canada so far this Olympics.  They are 1-3 and all three losses have been one-run losses.  Despite their record, they have scored seven more runs than their opponents. 

Team USA, however really needed this win.  Going into this game with a 1-2 record, this gives them some hope.

Nix nixed

On some rather unfortunate news, Rockies prospect Jayson Nix is out for the rest of 2008 Olympic games due to a 1 1/2 inch gash above his left eyebrow.  The injury is from a high and inside pitch/botched bunt in the game against Cuba. 

Nix was expected to be recalled by the Rockies September 1.  No word on whether this will affect his availability. 

Cuba enjoys success at expense of US, Canada

Three days into Olympic baseball and powerhouse Cuba has already shown they are a force to be reckoned with.  They are undefeated through three games having beaten US, Canada and Japan. 

The US took gold in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney but it will take a Cinderella story for that to happen this time.  At this time, they are 1-2 and will have to struggle to make the semi-finals. 

Canada’s catcher and former University of Illinois player, Chris Robinson already gotten 2 hits and scored a run.  

2008 Olympic baseball schedule and results

Update:  the US is publicly accusing Cuba of playing dirty. 

Feature article on former Illini turned Olympian

Steve Vedder from The Grand Rapids Press has a nice feature on former University of Illinois catcher Chris Robinson who is representing his home country by playing for Team Canada. 

Team Canada plays their first game of the Olympics on August 13 when they face China.

2008 Olympic Baseball schedule

Olympic Baseball starts Aug 13

I watched a bit of the Olympics today.  I admit I’m a fan when they come around.  Unfortunately, this will be the last time baseball and softball will be featured during the summer games.  I don’t agree with the decision especially since there are other "sports" that the Olympics are phasing in.  Whatever. 

That said, keep an eye out on August 13th when baseball tourney gets moving.  Four games will be played including the USA vs Korea. 

One other team that I’ll have my eye on will be Team Canada.  Why?  Because their catcher is none other than Chris Robinson.  Robbie is a former University of Illinois catcher who played before the Lars Davis era.  He is taking a hiatus from his stint in the Cubs farm organization.  When he left to help Team Canada, Tennessee Smokies in Double A ball.  Robinson is a good gap hitter and knows his way behind a plate so I hope once this is all over, he’ll come right back and get right back into the swing of things for the Cubs. 

If you’re interested, I interviewed Chris for Baseball Zealot Radio a year ago spring just before he reported to spring training. 

2008 Olympic Baseball Schedule

Robinson named to Canadian Olympic team

Congrats to Chris Robinson who made the Canadian Olympic Baseball team! 

Robinson, who is a University of Illinois alum, was taking a respite from his time in the Cubs farm system so he could help his fellow teammates on the Canadian team qualify for the Beijing games.  For his efforts, Robbie was named to the final squad. 

Canada will open against China on August 13. 

Robinson was a guest on Baseball Zealot Radio last spring before he went into spring training.