November 2005 Archives

More Cubs Rumors

The Cubs Rumor Mill and Major League Hot Stove were going full steam on Tuesday. The Cubs inked the deal with Bobby Howry and there were confirmations on John Mabry agreeing to a one-year guaranteed deal. Mabry is expected to sign later in the week, physical depending. The report came out about Jim Hendry's visit last weekend with Rafael Furcal in Chicago.

I said yesterday, I really like the addition of John Mabry to the Cubs bench. Buck Martinez on XM's morning show said the same on Tuesday. Does this mean the end to Jose Macias? I think the Cubs will add more to their bench soon. Mark Sweeney? Kenny Lofton? Either one of those would be nice. Anyway back to the Cubs Rumor Mill....

I have updates on Bobby Abreu, A.J. Burnett, Grady Little, Dusty Baker, Adam Dunn, Kyle Farnsworth, Barry Zito, Johnny Damon and Rafael Furcal.

More Cubs Rumors

As predicted the Cubs Rumor Mill and the Major League Hot Stove was in full swing on Monday. With the formal announcement of B.J. Ryan with the Blue Jays, Carlos Delgado with the Mets and the late in the day announcement of Billy Wagner signing with the Mets as well, Monday was a sign of what the next 2 weeks could bring.

The Cubs apparently signed free agent John Mabry late Monday night and the details are unknown at this time. I really like this signing. Beside the fact he used to beat the Cubs on a regular basis, the Cubs now have an excellent left-handed bat off the bench and a quality backup for Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and the two corner spots in the outfield. Mabry will be a GREAT addition to the Cubs.

I do have updates on Jarrod Washburn, Rafael Furcal, Juan Pierre, Corey Patterson, A.J. Burnett, Brian Giles, Jacque Jones, Alfonso Soriano, Kevin Mench and Barry Zito. Plus two additions to the Cubs Rumor Mill: Preston Wilson and Bill Mueller.

John Mabry Signs With the Cubs

A report just came in the Cubs have signed free agent John Mabry. Check back for updates as they roll in.

update added 11/29

More Cubs Rumors

The Cubs Rumor Mill and Hot Stove were very quiet on Sunday. I guess Jim Hendry was watching football. Speaking of that, congratulations goes out to the Chicago Bears. 8-3, first place and the number one defense in football....not bad. No one is giving them a shot and they keep winning....I actually heard a comparison on Sunday to the '85 Bears. Also, the Tennessee Titans picked up a much needed win on Sunday. McNair looked great....way to go boys. I will warn all football fans now....watch out for the Titans over the next few years. Anyway back to the Cubbies....

I have updates on Rafael Furcal, Juan Pierre, Kenny Lofton, Aubrey Huff and Alfonso Soriano. Plus a new name to add to the Cubs Rumor Mill: Joey Gathright.

More Cubs Rumors

I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving. The Cubs Rumor Mill and Hot Stove took a short break, but came back with a vengeance on Saturday with the report from scout.com (scroll down). I do not know how much of that to believe, but we will all find out soon. Don't forget to check back here at the CCO and in the 'Cubs News from the Wire', because if Furcal signs or the trade with the Texas Rangers goes through....you will be able to read about it here.

I do have updates on Nomar Garciaparra, Kenny Lofton, Juan Pierre, B.J. Ryan and 2 new names added to the Cubs Rumor Mill: Mark Sweeney and Alfonso Soriano. Plus my take on what the Jim Thome / Aaron Rowand trade could mean to the Cubs.

The BIGGEST Cubs Rumor

I thought the Cubs Rumor Mill and Hot Stove would take a long weekend off, but boy was I wrong. There is a report in 'Cubs News From The Wire (scroll down) from scout.com and Yahoo Sports titled 'Hot Stove: The Greatest Infield Ever?' that is UNBELIEVABLE. This one is the BIGGEST RUMOR of them all.

The report says the Cubs have all but finalized a deal the would bring Rafael Furcal to the Cubs for the next 5 years with a mutual option for a 6th year and could pay Furcal as much as $100 million with significant performance bonuses. I heard on ESPN 1000 in Chicago yesterday the Cubs were going to offer Furcal a 4 year deal in the $36 million dollar range....but that's what rumors are. Here is the big one....

Like most men, I grew up playing baseball and now 2-3 times a week I strap on the cleats and play softball. I never had great power, just a base hitter....but I always could (and still can) catch anything you throw at me. I always liked players that were not natural athletes; Pete Rose, Ryne Sandberg, George Brett....those guys were my childhood heroes. I always played shortstop or second base, because the coach knew I could catch the ball and throw that runner out. So those middle infielders were always my favorites. Enter Nomar Garciaparra.

XM Radio and the Chicago Cubs

Welcome to Black Friday. As the holiday shopping season begins today, everyone should keep XM Radio in mind for the baseball fan in your life. Satellite radio is definitely the wave of the future. You get commercial free music, news channels, sports channels and BASEBALL. XM Radio is no longer just for the car; it has become portable and recordable.

10 Things All Cubs Fans Should Be Thankful For

As we all sit around with our family and friends today, ask yourself a question....what am I thankful for today?There are many things I am thankful for and the Cubs are one of them. Granted the 'Lovable Losers' can drive you crazy and make you pull your hair out, but can any of you actually imagine a summer without the Cubs or going to Wrigley Field? I can't. For a lot of us following the Cubs from year to year has become a battle of wills....who will give in first?....will the Cubs finally win a World Series?....or will I jump ship and root for another team? For me it is root for the Cubbies and here is my Top 10 List of (Cubs) things I am thankful for:

According to the Associated Press, the Cubs agreed to terms with Bobby Howry on Wednesday night. Howry signed a 3-year, $12 million dollar contract. Howry spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Indians and appeared in 79 games in 2005, posting a 7-4 record with a 2.47 ERA. He allowed only four home runs in 73 innings. Howry becomes the second reliever to sign with the Cubs this off-season.

The addtions of Bobby Howry and Scott Eyre should help the Cubs bullpen. In 2005, Cubs relievers posted a 21-27 record with a 4.24 ERA and had 19 blown saves. In 2004, Cubs relievers had a 28-22 record with a 4.03 ERA and 24 blown saves.

This is a very good addition to the Cubs bullpen.