MESA, Ariz. -- Former first-round picks Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson along with flame-thrower Arodys Vizcaino were among eight cuts from big league camp on Tuesday, Chicago Cubs manager Rick Renteria announced.
Vizcaino is the most intriguing of the names to be cut. There was some speculation he could make the team as a reliever after missing the last two seasons because of arm problems. He has been throwing in the mid to upper 90s throughout camp, but the Cubs are going to be cautious, as they've said all along.
"We're still following the plan," Renteria said. "We want him to get his innings in, in a controlled environment and kind of ease him back in. He's been out for two years, we want to get him in more game situations and things of that nature and make sure he can handle it all."
Vizcaino could be an early to midseason call-up after throwing three scoreless innings this spring. It might be a tougher path back to the majors for Vitters and Jackson. Vitters was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 draft, but he has struggled to make it and stay in the big leagues. Jackson has had similar problems but showed some signs of finding his swing again during camp, winning a game last Saturday over the Royals with five RBIs.
"I was impressed," Renteria said of Jackson. "Did some damage. I don't worry too much about his strikeouts because there is a lot of damage that comes with his stick."
Jackson struck out 10 times in 20 at-bats this spring. Vitters went down swinging or looking in 11 of 17 at-bats.
"His [Vitters] approaches were pretty good, I think the results may not have been what you wanted," Renteria said.
Being optioned to Triple-A Iowa along with Vitters, Jackson and Vizcaino are Zac Rosscup and Christian Villanueva.
Sent to minor league camp were Mitch Maier, Rafael Lopez and Armando Rivero.
With the cuts, the Cubs' roster is down to 45.
