The grades are in on Jim Hendry's off-season. Of the 1097 votes placed on the CCO, 440 gave the Cubs' GM a grade of "C" for the winter of 2009-2010.

Here's how the votes finished up ...

One of the Faithful, JC.3-6-3 took photos of the Cubs at Fitch Park just before the Spring Training game began on March 4.

Click here for a slideshow of his photos.

Thanks JC for sharing ...

Hey everyone! Who does everyone want the cubs to get in the draft? im praying that Bryce Harper falls to use because a lot of teams are watching him fall on the big board
i think we should draft if we can get harper
A big time power hitter
power pitcher
corner INF
whats your thoughts?

Following are three short stories about the Cubs which have been published, one in an annual collection gone belly up, two others in a magazine which is like pulling teeth to get back issues from, so I'm posting them here.

'The Greatest" was in Knight Literary Journal, and is about a fictional all-star game played between white and black big leaguers in the early Thirties. "A Bunch of Guys Named Marion" is the story of a little boy who lives and dies with the 1945 Cubs, and "Right Field Out--Part Two" describes sneaking into Wrigley Field. The last two were in Spitball.

If you like them, there are more. And if you don't like them, those other ones
will stay put ... But I hope you like them.

Period.

I know the money they want to spend has been spent but they don't have a clear-cut leadoff hitter and Johnny Damon could lead off, is less expensive now than originally thought, and adds a quality clubhouse guy and winner to the team.

Sure, defense will be an issue. Who plays center? I say try Soriano or Damon in CF and understand that is going to be a weakness.

Thoughts?

"When You Reach For Your Food, It's Nice to Have Money."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyfzS9uvrzY

Inspired by Neil's:
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2010/02/cubsrumors02031.php

Since it's been seventeen years, since the graceful Grace actually walked this court for our starring milk money, the last arbitration-case for the club of Chicago Cubs, I'll like to quote here and highlight some important FYI from Bill James's classic, "This Time Let's Not Eat the Bones," published 1989. As also part of the group that represent players in arbitration, James wrote in this book a long essay that explains what arbitration is, why baseball needs it, and what exactly does the arb. influences (I'm using the acronym if the voice is me).

We start with the character that is true about arbs.

"Real arbitration cases are polite, reserved, extraordinarily orderly, and involve as a rule almost no bitterness or anger. Of course, underneath the veneer of ...

The CCO received an email from FanMisery.com regarding a new app they have released for the iPhone and iPod touch.

The Cubs FanMisery.com Index App chronicles the day-to-day exploits of the Cubs - a team that has a fanatical fan base of historic proportions. A unique set of statistics, opinions, and news provides you with insight into what is going on with the Cubs - on and off the field - and your level of misery or bliss - as a Cubs fan.

During the Cubs Convention news surfaced that Tyler Colvin was a victim of identity theft. According to a report emailed to the CCO from the Salt Lake Tribune, Matthew T. Van Meter, 24, was charged in Utah state court with felony counts of theft and forgery.

Van Meter used the name and documents identifying him as Tyler Colvin.

Link to full report from the Salt Lake Tribune

Hey, hey, Cubs fans!!! I have some interesting stuff that I've collected over the years. The recent financial BS has forced me to part with some of my treasures. I have a WGN promo mask of Harry Carrey that was autographed by the legend himself, A 1937 Cubs autograph book in beautiful condition, and an autographed ball, AND an autographed card of Billy Williams, all in one display. If you might be interested in owning some of these treasures, drop me a line at 2bz_n_2kz@sbcglobal.net. I will send photos of the items to you, and then we can negotiate prices.
Everybody have a great day, and GO CUBS!!!

The CCO ran an unscientific poll on the front page for the final three weeks of 2009. The question was 'Which player was the best on the North Side from 2000 to 2009?'

After 968 votes, the clear winner was Aramis Ramirez.