The Baltimore Orioles claimed Roberto Novoa off of waivers on Tuesday afternoon according to a report by Paul Sullivan in the Chicago Tribune. Novoa was 2-1 with a 4.26 ERA in 2006, his last full season with the Cubs and was a favorite of then manager Dusty Baker. Novoa missed the entire 2007 season with an injury to his right shoulder. Novoa joins a long list of former Cubs that now call Baltimore home. The Cubs acquired Roberto Novoa from the Orioles along with Bo Flowers and Scott Moore for Kyle Farnsworth in February of 2005. Paul Sullivan also mentioned Andy MacPhail will likely be interested in free-agents-to-be Kerry Wood and Michael Barrett this off-season.
The Cubs also made a few promotions in the front office.
Jay Blunk was named Vice President of Marketing and Broadcasting. Oneri Fleita was named Vice President of Player Personnel. Mark O’Neal was named Director of Athletic Training.