July 4, 2008 Reliever Jose Ascanio has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, according to the AP. Carlos Zambrano has been activated from the DL, and Ascanio was viewed as expendable to make room on the roster.
Our View:Ascanio held no fantasy value as a middle-reliever, as he allowed five earned runs and four walks over 5.2 innings, with only three strikeouts.
June 7, 2008 Manager Lou Piniella mentioned that he is considering recalling reliever Jose Ascanio from Triple-A Iowa, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View:He would be brought in to provide depth in middle relief. Piniella was pleased with his previous stint with the Cubs this season, as he only allowed one run over five innings, with three strikeouts. He has solid upside, but his fantasy value would remain limited in a middle relief role.
May 20, 2008 Right-handed hurler Jose Ascanio will be the next minor league pitching prospect to join the Cubs' big league club, according to Scout.com. The team is expected to recall him from Triple-A, and place righty Chad Fox on the DL with his elbow injury. Cubs' assistant GM Randy Bush said, "He was a guy we were real excited to acquire. We’re excited about his future and we see him as an eighth or ninth inning guy in Chicago."
Our View:In 17 appearances with Triple-A Iowa, Ascanio was 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA, nine saves and 23 strikeouts over 21.2 innings. His fastball hits the high 90's and he compliments it with a changeup and slider. He has strong upside, but his fantasy value would be limited while fighting for playing time in a crowded Cubs' pen.
February 24, 2008 Jose Ascanio had a swollen face and left eye after someone attempted to rob him outside a convenience store Saturday night, according to MLB.com. "He didn't get robbed," manager Lou Piniella said. "The guy asked for money, and the young man said, 'I don't have any money,' and the guy punched him a few times. [Ascanio] went over to the hospital. His eye was closed and he had some swelling on the left side of his face." Ascanio, who was acquired by the Cubs from the Braves in December, is day-to-day.
December 4, 2007 The Cubs acquired Jose Ascanio from the Braves Tuesday in exchange for utilityman Omar Infante and reliever Will Ohman. Ascanio held a 5.06 ERA over 16 innings with the Braves in '07. He should compete for a bullpen spot with the Cubbies.
