While most celebrated the Fourth of July, the Cubs spent the weekend taking two of three from the Marlins and making a ton of roster moves and signings.
On the field, the Cubs found a way to win two games while scoring a combined nine runs on seven hits. Kris Bryant put on a show Saturday night that made the Cubs worry the post-game fireworks would pale by comparison.
The Cubs added at least five of the top International prospects to the organization and announced its Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Month for June.
The Cubs traded for a pitcher one day, the next day he won the game and that was just one of nine roster moves made at the big league level.
And the fans at Wrigley were finally able to Sing Along with Harry again.
Here are the headlines with links from the incredibly busy weekend packed full of all the news you can use from three days of celebrating the Red, White and Blue.
Cubs Expected to be Very Active During 2015-16 International Signing Period
The J2 signing period began Thursday and the Cubs have just begun adding talent to the system through International Free Agency.
Click on the Link for a preview of the players the Cubs have been linked to, including the ones the front office did not reportedly sign later in the day.
The Daily CCO: Alcantara is an All-Star, Positive News on Underwood Jr. and Other Cubs News
Arismendy Alcantara will represent the I-Cubs in the upcoming Triple-A All-Star Game.
RHP Duane Underwood is going to miss time, but the MRI on his right elbow was better than first thought. Underwood Jr. will not need Tommy John surgery and he is expected to pitch again this year.
Includes updates on Kyle Schwarber, Mike Olt, a must read on Dexter Fowler, all the links and This Day in Cubs History.
Cubs Agree to Terms with Six International Prospects
The Cubs reportedly agreed to terms with six International free agents … SS Yonathan Perlaza, Yonathan Sierra Estiwal, SS Aramis Ademan, RHP Yunior Perez, C Miguel Amaya and 3B Christopher Martinez.
For scouting reports and the signing bonus for each player, click on the link.
Cubs Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple, Complete Season Series Sweep over the Mets – Cubs 6, Mets 1
Jake Arrieta picked up the win with another excellent start. Anthony Rizzo drove in Starlin Castro with the game-winner. Jonathan Herrera plated a run with a safety squeeze and hit a two-run homer. Miguel Montero added a two-run shot of his own in the ninth. And the Cubs completed the series and season series sweep over the Mets … the first season series sweep of a team of five games or more since 2008 (Atlanta).
Cubs Homestand with Marlins, Cardinals and White Sox Includes Fireworks at Wrigley Field
The Cubs have played three of the 10 games of the homestand and had a tremendous fireworks display Saturday night … click on the link for details for the entire homestand leading up to the All-Star break.
Cubs Month in Review – June 2015
The Cubs ended up with a winning record in June and Chris provided the details in his monthly review. Jake Arrieta was the Cubs’ best pitcher, Chris Coghlan the team’s best hitter … For more than just a win-loss record, this recap is for you.
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/03/15
Pitching dominated the end of the week in the Cubs’ system. Eloy Jimenez stayed hot and Ian Happ made his presence known for Eugene. Gleyber Torres, Kyle Schwarber and Mike Olt finished the week with solid performances at the plate.
Rambling about the Cubs as the USA Celebrates a Birthday
Brian’s weekly look at the Cubs focused on Anthony Rizzo, Cole Hamels, pitching and a comp for Chris Coghlan.
Make sure to catch up on the latest ramblings.
The Daily CCO: Maddon’s Rotation Plans, Soler Back This Weekend? And Cubs News and Rumors
Joe Maddon announced the team’s pitching plans for the upcoming set of games that quickly changed later that afternoon. Dallas Beeler has pitched his way back into the conversation for a rotation spot. Jorge Soler was inching closer to a return.
The scandal in St. Louis reached very high in the Cardinals front office.
Includes the news, notes, links, rumors, an I-Cubs video and This Day in Cubs History.
Cubs Offensive Woes Continue – Marlins 2, Cubs 1
The Cubs could not figure out Tom Koehler on Friday afternoon and dropped the opener to the Marlins despite a very good outing from Jason Hammel. The Cubs’ right hander made two mistakes, both left the park and the offense gave him zero support.
From the Wire: Cubs Acquire LHP Clayton Richard from the Pirates, Option RHP Donn Roach to Iowa
During his post-game talk with the media Joe Maddon announced the Cubs acquired LHP Clayton Richard from the Pirates for cash considerations. And Richard, not Donn Roach, would be starting Saturday night’s game against the Marlins.
The Cubs optioned Donn Roach to Iowa to make room on the active roster for Richard.
Cubs Name OF Mark Zagunis, RHP Carlos Pimentel Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Month for June
OF Mark Zagunis had an excellent month, one that saw him play in an All-Star Game and take home a Carolina League Player of the Week award. RHP Carlos Pimentel was 4-1 with the I-Cubs during June with a 0.95 ERA that led the entire Pacific Coast League. Pimentel pitched his way into the conversation for the fifth spot in the big league team’s rotation.
- Cubs Name OF Mark Zagunis, RHP Carlos Pimentel Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Month for June
Cubs Announce Signing LHP Bryan Hudson, RHP Preston Morrison and RHP Scott Effross
The Cubs announced signing third round pick, LHP Bryan Hudson along with RHP Preston Morrison and RHP Scott Effross. The Cubs have signed 28 of the 40 players Jason McLeod and his staff drafted last month.
For scouting reports and stats, as well as where the Cubs stand with the draft bonus pool, click on the link.
Cubs Acquire LHP Manny Rondon, International Slot Money from Angels for C Rafael Lopez
The Cubs traded C Rafael Lopez to the Angels. The Cubs recently designated Lopez for assignment and turned him into an intriguing 20-year old lefty and the Angels’ International slot four worth $149,700. The Cubs picked up a valuable slot that can be traded to another team because the $149,700 that was added to the team’s International signing bonus pool will not help keep the Cubs from paying a large tax or being in the penalty box for two years.
The Daily CCO: Red, White and Cubs News
The Cubs hit the proverbial ball out of the park by using a vintage video to have Harry Caray lead the crowd in singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ during Friday’s 7th Inning Stretch.
Kyle Schwarber stayed hot with the bat while struggling behind the plate. Rafael Soriano is getting close to reporting to the Cubs’ facility in Mesa and Ian Happ may be on his way up a level soon.
Includes all of the news, notes, rumors and links along with This Day in Cubs History … and it was a rather important anniversary.
From the Wire: Cubs Place David Ross on 7-Day DL, Select Contract of C Taylor Teagarden from Iowa
David Ross had his bell rung and the headache had not gone away two days later. The Cubs placed him on the 7-day DL and did not give a timetable on when he will return. C Taylor Teagarden was added to the 40-man roster and called up.
The Cubs announced six roster moves before Saturday night’s game with the Marlins … C David Ross to the DL; LHP Clayton Richard and C Taylor Teagarden called up from Iowa; INF Tommy La Stella was transferred to the 60-day DL; RHP Gonzalez Germen was designated for assignment; RHP Donn Roach was optioned to Iowa.
Kris Bryant’s Grand Night – Cubs 7, Marlins 2
Kris Bryant drove in six of the Cubs’ seven runs with a two-run blast in the first and a Grand Slam in the second inning. Bryant put his name in the Cubs’ history book alongside of a Hall of Famer. The Cubs made the most out of four hits due to Bryant’s impressive show.
Clayton Richard picked up the win in his first action in the big leagues in over two years … just a day after the Cubs traded for him.
The Daily CCO: Kris Bryant the Run Producer and Other Cubs News and Notes
Kris Bryant’s home runs make headlines but he is producing with men on base and runners in scoring position. The numbers are rather impressive.
RHP Dylan Cease had an excellent outing in Arizona and the rumors continue to pile up.
Includes all of the news, notes and links … plus This Day in Cubs History.
From the Wire: Cubs Reinstate Jorge Soler from 15-Day DL, Option OF Matt Szczur to Iowa
Jorge Soler returned to the big league team after more than a month on the disabled list. Soler will help lengthen the lineup and ran well in Sunday’s game.
Hendricks Finishes Off the Fish – Cubs 2, Marlins 0
Kyle Hendricks picked up Sunday where he left off in New York. Hendricks put together one of his best outings of the season and made a one-run lead hold up while he was on the mound.
Chris Coghlan scored one run and drove in the other. The Cubs offense managed one hit through seven innings and three hits for the entire game. The Cubs got the job done and took two of three from the Marlins … and Joe Maddon got Meat Loaf.
Cubs Sign RHP Ben Rowen to Minor League Contract
The Cubs added an intriguing right hander to the system, the submariner Ben Rowen … and he could be an option for the bullpen later in the season.
Report includes video, scouting info and his excellent minor league numbers.