Cubs Reduce Spring Roster; Van Buren Among Those Cut

March 25, 2005 by cubsnet

The Chicago Cubs announced today that they have reduced their spring training roster to 35 players. Pitcher Angel Guzman and infielder Ronny Cedeno have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Catcher Casey Kopitzke and pitcher Jermaine Van Buren have been returned to minor league camp.

The only potential surprise (if even that) here is Van Buren, who Phil Rogers had profiled earlier in February. Last year, Van Buren posted a 1.87 ERA for Double-A West Tennessee with a 64/24 K/BB ratio in 53 innings.

This spring, Van Buren's posted a 5.40 ERA in 10 innings, with a 7/4 K/BB ratio. He was vying for one of the last bullpen spots. His chances increased with Joe Borowski's broken bone, but with Jon Leicester, Michael Wuertz, and Todd Wellemeyer all throwing well this spring, Van Buren did not have much of a chance.

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