The weekend started out on a positive note with Jon Lester picking up his first win and Addison Russell going deep for the first time in the big leagues. But the other two games against the Brewers didn’t go the Cubs way.
The Cubs made a couple of roster moves and Welington Castillo found himself back in the rumor mill.
Here are all the headlines and a few videos too with links to the news and rumors from the last three days …
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/01/15
Gleyber Torres and Jeremy Null finished the week with good performances in South Bend. The Bash Brothers cooled off a little for Double-A Tennessee while Javier Baez reported to Iowa and played in his first game of the season.
The Daily CCO: Cubs Show Significant Ratings Increase, Pace-of-Play and Other News and Notes
The buzz created in the winter carried into the first month of the season for the Cubs. And the first winning April in seven years didn’t hurt either. The fan base, which has been starving for good baseball at the Major League level, is tuning back in for Cubs’ games. Comcast SportsNet showed a significant ratings increase for Cubs telecasts. And WGN has also noticed a new level of interest in the Cubs.
MLB and the MLBPA agreed not to implement the pace-of-play fines that were supposed to go into effect on May 1.
Pierce Johnson is not close to reporting to a minor league affiliate. The front office is not expecting Albert Almora to be on the DL longer than 10 days. RHP Barret Loux landed back on the disabled list with a right triceps strain.
Plus other news, notes, rumors, all the links and This Day in Cubs History.
Cubs Month In Review – April 2015
Chris posted his first monthly review of the season. The Cubs had a very good April. The team finished with a 12-8 record led at the plate by Starlin Castro and on the mound by Jake Arrieta. The Cubs hit .251 as a team and ended up with a 3.71 ERA for the month.
Dexter Fowler, the call-ups of Kris Bryant and Addison Russell, Anthony Rizzo and the surprising patience were among the Cubs other April highlights.
Jon Lester Shut ‘Em Out, Addison Russell Hit It Out – Cubs 1, Brewers 0
The first day of May was a day of firsts for the Chicago Cubs. Jon Lester picked up his first Cubs win with seven shutout innings. And Addison Russell smacked his first big league homer for the only run of the game.
Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon were lights out in the eighth and ninth innings.
Welington Castillo an Option for the Red Sox?
Within minutes of the Red Sox announcing Ryan Hanigan would miss significant time with a broken finger, questions were asked if Welington Castillo could be an option for the Red Sox. Boston called up top prospect C Blake Swihart but is believed to be looking for a veteran backstop. The Red Sox were linked to Castillo after the Cubs acquired Miguel Montero.
The Daily CCO: MLB Changes a Draft Rule, Players Can Be Traded After World Series and Cubs News
According to Dave Cameron, teams were notified that beginning this year players that are selected in the most recent draft can be traded the day after the conclusion of the World Series. The new rule takes the loophole out that teams can trade players without actually trading them. And players like Trea Turner will not have his development and career put on hold any longer.
Grant Balfour found a new-old home. Dallas Beeler completed his second rehab start and Rob Manfred visited Wrigley Field. Plus all the news, notes and links and This Day in Cubs History
Arrieta and the Cubs Offense Mis-Fiers in an Ugly Loss to the Brewers – Brewers 6, Cubs 1
Other than an Anthony Rizzo solo home run, Saturday was one of those days that Joe Maddon said would happen this season. Jake Arrieta had a bad day. The Cubs struck out 18 times and managed only one run for the third game in a row.
Cubs Notes from Down on the Farm – 05/03/15
Tom posted his first minor league notes column of the season with insight on all four of the affiliates down on the farm.
If you want more than box scores and recaps, this report is for you.
The Daily CCO: Edwards is Adjusting to New Role and Other Cubs News and Notes
Carl Edwards Jr., or the top prospect formerly known as C.J. Edwards, is healthy. Edwards’ arm feels good. He’s just had a hard time moving from the starting rotation to the bullpen. Edwards took responsibility for his struggles but says he is learning and improving.
Tsuyoshi Wada had a very good outing with the Iowa Cubs. And Joe Maddon explained his decision to bat Jorge Soler in the leadoff spot. Plus all of the news, notes, links and This Day in Cubs History.
Kyle Schwarber and Dan Vogelbach Named to Baseball America’s All-Prospect Team for April
The Bash Brothers had a very good month of April. Dan Vogelbach was named Southern League Player of the Week twice and will likely be named the Cubs Minor League Player of the Month for April on Monday.
Kyle Schwarber has hit the baseball rather well, just not as good as Vogelbach. Both sluggers ended up on Baseball America’s first All-Prospect Team of the year.
From the Wire: Cubs Claim RHP Anthony Varvaro Off Waivers from Red Sox, DFA LHP Joseph Ortiz
The front office is trying to find solutions for the bullpen and claimed RHP Anthony Varvaro off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. To make room on the 40-man, LHP Joseph Ortiz was designated for assignment.
Anthony Varvaro is out of options and will have to be added to the 25-man roster, unless the Cubs try to sneak him through waivers. It appears at least one more roster move will be made before Monday’s opener in St. Louis.
Cubs Unable to Strop Aramis Ramirez and the Brewers – Brewers 5, Cubs 3
The Cubs ended the weekend with a disappointing loss to the Brewers. Aramis Ramirez drove in three of the Brewers five runs as the offense continued to swing and miss and swing and miss and swing and miss …
Anthony Rizzo tripled and Kris Bryant doubled in the loss. Jorge Soler was on base twice and Addison Russell extended his hitting streak to six games.