The afternoon sessions on Saturday have been a little more relaxed in recent years ... but not at the 25th Cubs Convention. After Lou Piniella and his coaching staff fielded more questions and revealed a couple of interesting tidbits, Crane Kenney and the Cubs Business Management dealt with a variety of topics ...
Leaders of the Pack
Lou Piniella and his coaching staff (Alan Trammell, Larry Rothschild, Ivan DeJesus, Matt Sinatro, Lester Strode, Rudy Jaramillo and Mike Quade) discussed their players ... and others for an hour in the Grand Ballroom with Bob Brenly.
Greg Maddux will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Cubs organization according to Piniella. Maddux was a great pitcher, a first ballot Hall of Famer. Piniella said Maddux will work with Jim Hendry and will be in big league camp when Spring Training begins. Piniella indicated Maddux would probably spend time in the Cubs minor league system working with players when the season begins.
Larry Rothschild added that Maddux does not think in the box, always throws out something new ... out of the box. Maddux will also assist in evaluating players for possible trades during the season.
Piniella reinforced the fact he and his coaches know the fans have waited a long time to win a World Series. Piniella said he and his staff will do everything they can to win games this year. Piniella added, "We hurt after we lose games. We take this very seriously."
Lou Piniella was asked about Ben Sheets, again. Piniella said the Cubs' focus, pitching wise, is to add a veteran right-handed setup man. Piniella mentioned Carlos Silva, Tom Gorzelanny, Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija and Andrew Cashner as possibilities for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Rudy Jaramillo discussed Alfonso Soriano. He said Soriano's mechanics are off. They have to slow him down and remind him to stay closed longer which will allow him to recognize pitches earlier ... especially a breaking ball. Piniella asked Rudy if he will be talking to Soriano in Spanish. Rudy said he loves "teaching in Spanish."
The Cubs like Reed Johnson. They told him at the end of the year to go out and see what else might be available. The Cubs have not ruled bringing Johnson back, but it appears they would like to go in a different direction. Piniella called Johnson "a pro."
Piniella was asked if he would have a different approach in the last year of his contract. Piniella said no ... players play, managers manage and coaches coach. Piniella pointed out that games in April are just as important as ones in September.
Piniella's focused on this year's team, not on his own future with the Cubs.
The question about a possible successor was brought up to Piniella. Lou did a good job of dancing around the question. He said there are coaches on his staff that would do a good job.
Piniella added, "My situation will basically take care of itself at the end of the year." Piniella then pointed out he would like to hear "Go Cubs Go" about 60 times this year.
Heath Bell is available according to Lou Piniella. He said the Padres want a lot of young talent in return. Piniella then caught himself and said he does not like talking about other team's players.
When asked about playing high-priced veterans that are not producing over young players, Piniella said, "Players make money because they've had success." He explained there is a fine line. A manager must have patience with players and not give up on them too quickly.
Later in the session, Lou was asked about sticking with Alfonso Soriano in the leadoff spot. Piniella appeared to get a little aggravated as he answered the question. Piniella said he had to give Soriano a chance to do what he was brought in to do. Piniella does not feel they took too long to move Soriano out of the leadoff spot. Piniella admitted that Soriano is a very hot and very cold hitter ... and that is one thing Jaramillo has to do, get Soriano more consistent with his bat.
Jaramillo pointed out that Soriano's struggles last year started with his knee injury. The lower body is the foundation for a hitter according to Jaramillo.
Toward the end Piniella said he thinks Hendry will sign another outfielder before long to add to the mix with Sam Fuld, Tyler Colvin and Micah Hoffpauir.
Meet Cubs Business Management
The Cubs' business management session has been held on Sunday morning in recent years ... but was moved to Saturday afternoon. Crane Kenney, Mark McGuire, Wally Hayward, Mike Lufrano and Carl Rice fielded questions from the audience in the Grand Ballroom.
Here are the highlights:
- Crane Kenney cannot imagine a day Wrigley Field is not called Wrigley Field.
- The Cubs have been putting a lot of resources into player development for the last five years.
- The Cubs are not planning on adding PSL (Personal Seat License) anytime soon. They have discussed it.
- The Ricketts have no interest, right now, in pursuing more night games. And no plans to ask if they can at this point.
- The Cubs cannot add Friday or Saturday night games to their home schedule.
- The players would like more night games.
- The Cubs are exploring ways to add signage to Wrigley. The ivy will not be removed but they would like to add the revenue extra signage would provide.
- Crane Kenney sees an All-Cubs channel in the future after the current contracts with WGN and Comcast expire.
- The Cubs will announce their decision in the next few days on Florida or Arizona.
- The Ricketts family has no intention of tearing down Wrigley Field.
- A few years back, the Cubs bought back land around Wrigley that they will be able to use in the near future.
- The Cubs are looking at partners to add WiFi technology to Wrigley Field to help provide real time info to the fans in attendance.
- The Cubs are never going to touch the old scoreboard. If they add a jumbotron around the park, Kenney promised they would leave the "kiss cams, fireworks and mascots on the South Side."
Crane Kenney has called the MLB front office and the Hall of Fame on a daily basis since Andre Dawson was elected to the hall. Kenney has spoken to Bud Selig but it is up to the hall as to which cap he will wear.
Kenney hopes the hall picks the right cap and he said the Ricketts family will make the final decision on whether or not to retire his number.
Plans for Wrigley 2014 will be released in the coming weeks and months. The Cubs are looking to have major improvements to Wrigley and the surrounding area completed by then. Those improvements include the Triangle Building and improving the team's facilities.
The Ricketts family is committed to Wrigley Field and committed to the Wrigley 2014 celebration. Kenney pointed out that the Cubs will not play a single home game away from Wrigley ... but the fans and players will have to deal with dust and construction.
The Cubs are working to get the 2014 All-Star game at Wrigley.
Crane Kenney was asked about Lou Piniella's future. The Cubs feel like they have the best manager in baseball.
Kenney pointed out the Cubs have won the second most games in the National League over the last three years (Phillies top the list) ... and have posted the most home wins in the NL over the last three years under Piniella.
Kenney said Piniella will have to sit down with Hendry toward the end of the season and decide his future with the team.
Crane Kenney ended by saying, "We all ended up with a great ownership group."
The CCO attended Baseball in the Dominican on Saturday afternoon and will include those notes in the recap of Down on the Farm ... with James Adduci, Andrew Cashner, Welington Castillo and Brett Jackson.
Bill Buckner
Recaps of the 2010 Cubs Convention
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Re Heath Bell...while he led the National League in saves last year...
he faded in the 2nd half.
(6.58 era and 1.55 whip)
His $4 million, 1 year salary could probably be squeezed in somehow...and I don't see that as a problem.
But I'm not in favor of the move for 4 reasons...
1)Pinella said the Padres want a ton of young talent in return...Who is the talent?
2)Why put Marmol in that situation again?
3)Bell is likely a one year deal...because he'll get more expensive
as it goes.
4)After watching Bradley and a few other
F/A's perform at Wrigley...the 1rst year
adjustment of performing at Wrigley while coming from a low pressure backwater is questionable.
Given his slide the second half last year
and the expense in both prospects and $$$...I'd have to say 2 Thumbs down to Bell.
Interesting information on Bell in the 2nd half. JH commented that they did not consider OHUD because of his 2nd half drop so you have to wonder why JH thinks that Bell is worth the gamble.
Also, based on Lou talking about Bell it is obvious he remains on the radar screen.
I still think the Cubs need to go after Jason Frasor. Frasor will costs less and Bell will likely still be there at the trade deadline or if Marmol struggles early the Cubs can then look at making a trade. This would also give the Cubs time to determine if Bell can still be a top flight closer and bounce back from a poor 2nd half.
Agreed SuzyS Marmol doesn't need Bell breathing down his neck, Cashner was projected as a top-tier reliever and could be that set-up man for Marmol should he not make the starting rotation although the cubs want a "veteran" that always works out so well (Gregg, Heilman, Howry) we also have Caridad, Berg, Jeff Gray and lots of other youngsters capable. I would rather the cubs go with the younger guys and save the money for the trade deadline, and I also don't want to give up a bunch of young talent for Heath Bell. Also I can't remember where I read it but in an interview with Hendry a couple weeks back, he said with the Ricketts he will have a lot more flexibility this year at the tradedeadline.
I am beginning to wonder if the Cubs are concerned with Marmol's arm. He has worked an awful lot of games at a young age over the past few years and they may be wondering if at some time that toll will show itself and he will get injured. That could explain somewhat why they might be interested in Bell.
Now as far as Marmol wiill take it that will depend on how JH and Lou spin it and on how Marmol percieves it. Competition can be a positive thing and as Lou has pointed out every ST, few players are certain and every job is open when ST starts. If the Cubs did decide to bring in Bell, Marmol may instead take it as a challenge and work even harder to cut down on his walks and ensure he keeps his CL job.
Also, I personally think Marmol has Mariano Rivera talent and could be really great but if he cannot consistently throw strikes it will keep him from reaching his full potential.
I am skeptical too of the Cubs spending to much on prospects or money and as I noted the other day I still think that Guzman is more that adequate. You know Lou though he has never been a very patient man and patience is what you need with younger players and again Guzman's health likely remains a question mark.
As I noted before if the Cubs really do want another reliever then Jason Frasor is probably the best option as the Cubs will not have to give up as much for him and he does not pose a threat to Marmol.
In the even that Marmol would get hurt or struggle then the Cubs have someone that can step in right away and at least hold down the fort. There right now no one else on the roster that can do that.
The question still remains though if Bell can rebound from his 2nd half swoon and given the rumors continue the Cubs must be convinced that he can.
I like Heath Bell, but he's a streaky pitcher--absolute dominance when hot, seems burned out as he cooled.
So it seems Lou wants Tyler Colvin in the Big as soon as April?
Billy Buck looks good...seems like yesterday I was rubbing the outer walls
of Fenway for good luck in the '86 World Series....Won't do that again.
He gets a bad rap...I remember Leon Durham doing the same thing in San Diego
in '84. Anyone know what Leon is doing these days?
Suzy, I do not know what Durham is up to these days ... but he was at the convention last year. Looked good.
Suzys....he was sent down to AA to work on his groundball defense but has not been able to put it behind him. [Think Ace Ventura Dolphin's kicker "laces out"]
He did had Lasik surgery and does not use his "Chips" Glasses!!
Just like Buckner he was a class act and it is too bad that happened because he was a star.
Augustin and Neil...thanks for the info on Leon...Toledo Mud Hens??? ...what a great name when you stop to think about it. :)
He's been the hitting coach for the Toledo Mud Hens for the last 9 years. There's a picture of him on the team's web site and he's looking a little beefy, but none the worse for wear.
Here we go again.....playing with Marmol mind again.....lasy year gregg was a flop...repeat that mistake again would be the most stupid move in the history of the franchise after the Bradley signing. Remember, we went 5 months with Gregg as closer only to see several blown saves, a record number of HR's, several singles & doubles, and flyouts to the warning track. Beleive me, Marmol is our closer (11 for 11).
Does Lou & Larry still hold it against Marmol for going to the World Baseball Classic still. Those thoughts cost us the NL Central because of idioticity.
I'd rather have Dye on board than Bell.
Can u hear me Hendry.
I agree with you that Billy Buck gets a bad rap. The guy was a ball player in the "Hawk" mold.
Despite the bad wheels Billy would always run out the ball to 1B no matter what. He was a "gutsy" players.
Todays players could take a lesson from Billy on how to play the game. I personally thought the Cubs did not do a good job handling the transition between him and Durham in 84.
Has anyone seen if the Cubs will have some money to spend come the 31 Jul trade deadline?
Trades for quality players will obviously be dictated by whether the Cubs will be in contention or not but I am wondering if the Ricketts have told JH that if the Cubs are in position will they be willing to pull the trigger?
I was wondering that myself, but I would imagine...with Lilly and DLee currently scheduled to come off the books that if the Cubs were close and needed a move to get over the hump...Ricketts would do whatever is necessary to get us there...IF...that move would really do it.
Hendry recently said if the Cubs are in contention come the trading deadline he feels the Ricketts family will give him the go ahead to add players.
Pretty bold of Hendry to make a promise that he'll never have to keep.
I still believe the best available veteran available for our pen is Kerry Wood. Yes, I know he is at 10 M a season, but if Hendry got the Indians to pay half or so, something could be worked out. Not to say that he has the best arm any longer, but what he brings to the clubhouse and the city of Chicago is enough. But I think he could settle in nicely into that Bob Howry role for the eighth inning and spot closer.
Suzy, I think it was you that made the statement yesterday or day before that actually has some serious validity to it concerning the Cubs in 2010 - the Hunger seems to be there. Maybe Lou and co. probably had some serious discussions with the Z's and Soto's etc, that these guys need to do what it takes to get themselves turned around next season.
Most of the pieces are there for one more run this year, if "bounce back" years happen. I think Hendry still has his priorities wrong on what is needed on this team. Yes the available second basemen is very lackluster, so waiting for the midseason deadline makes sense, whether it's Castro coming up or a trade at the deadline. Our biggest hole is still the ROTATION. The interesting name that has popped up at the convention is Cashner being considered, still no mention of Diamond however. Sheets still makes the most sense.
Right now to start the season there are two locks in the rotation. Dempster and Z. That's it. Yes, Wells was pretty consistent last year, but sophomore slump will come with the league seeing him the second year. Will Lilly be back in May? June? even July? We are basically hoping that Wells, and two others surprise next season to be successful. That's a lot to ask for from a team that has World Series aspirations.
Here is our rotation as currently stands:
1. Z
2. Dempster
3. Gorzelanny
4. Wells
5. Silva/Samardzija
upon Lilly's return
1. Z
2. Lilly
3. Dempster
4. Wells
5. Gorz/Silva/Shark
I would personally feel better with:
1. Sheets
2. Z
3. Lilly
4. Dempster
5. Wells
Woody...I do sense that genuine hunger this year...I don't know how it will translate...each season seems to generate
it's own flavor...or feeling.
I, like you, have a lot of concerns with this team....notably the starters...But then...we went into the 85 and O4 seasons
with the feeling that our staffs would dominate...and they did...the DL.
I'd feel better with Sheets in the fold.
We do not appear strong iup the middle...
which is where most championships are won...(defensively)...so I don't see this as a world series team...but hey,
it's January...and who knows when Roy Hobbs might come calling.
Woody...re Kerry Wood, can't say enough good things about him...but if you watched or read any of JH's comments this weekend...JH would have him back in
a Cubs uniform if it was doable and he could utilize him....It doesn't seem like it's in the cards just now...but who knows?
I hope Kerry has the best season in mlb...whereever he plays...But he'll always, always be a Cub.
Anybody know why exactly the Cubs dont play friday or saturday night games?
Brian, it was an agreement mde with the neighborhood (Wrigleyville/Lakeview) to keep congestion/traffic down on weekend nights.
Crane Kenney acknowledged the traffic in the neighborhood has changed over the years ... people fill the bars in the winter even when the Cubs are not playing. But they do not want to ask for more night games at this time.
Eventually they will and I would think adding games on Friday night will be first.
I think they have their eyes on bigger projects first ... like the Triangle Building.
They need to be smarter when they schedule night games.
"Crane Kenney sees an All-Cubs channel in the future after the current contracts with WGN and Comcast expire."
When do those contracts expire?
Eric, the deal with WGN TV and radio run through 2022 and Comcast for a minimum of 10 more years (2020).
Here's a link ...
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sherman.pl?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&uid=f5555513-c950-4657-a93a-80db16fdf4ad&plckPostId=Blog%3af5555513-c950-4657-a93a-80db16fdf4adPost%3a448fc8a0-82d0-4a80-b99d-a42d860f5dc3&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest
Somewhat surprisingly, the Pirates fans are starting to think they can win the division this year. Here's a link:
http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/4831913
what autos did everyone get?!?!?! i got
Derrek Lee on an 8x10
Carlos Zambrano on a ball
Andre Dawson on a 8x10 with HOF 2010
Fergie Jenkins 8x10 with HOF 91
Geovany Soto on an 8x10
Billy Williams on a ball with HOF 87
Fergie Jenkins on a ball with HOF 91
Ted Lilly on a ball
Marlon Byrd on a ball
Cubs Convention program signed by Randy Wells
Cubs Con program signed by Randy Wells, Sean Marshall, Mike Fontenot, Carlos Marmol, Ted Lilly and Tom Gorzalany
Cubs Playoff program from 2008 got a couple for that project already had Aramis Ramirez, got Ted Lilly, Ryan Theriot, Ryan Dempster and Lou pinella
And finaly a cubs con program signed by all 4 ricketts!
Hey Grant...Congrats on your Haul !!!
I didn't go...but those are some pretty cool things you got...I'm sure you'll
cherish them for a long time!
Grant ... WOW! At least I know what you did all weekend.
Great Job!
I came away empty handed as far as autographs.
Neil, the detail of your reports just amaze me...how many reporters do you have "on staff"?
Thanks for bringing it all alive for us...someday, you'll have to share your tricks for notetaking.
Imagine...Caridad speaks Spanish and Japanese fluently...but not English.
Thank you. I will tell my "staff" of one "they" did a good job.
One day I will share ... thanks again.
He's a multi-tasking machine.