It was a very busy first full weekend in November for the Chicago Cubs that started with the release of a new logo to celebrate the franchise playing 100 years at Wrigley Field.
Friday was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers to free agents. Dexter Fowler received an offer and he’s expected to turn down the $15.8 million contract for next season. The deadline for players to accept or decline qualifying offers is Friday.
Baseball America released its Top 10 Cubs Prospect List and one of the team’s best young players had a good showing Saturday at the Fall Stars Game.
David Price and Jeff Samardzija dominated the rumor mill. There were a lot of rumors that surfaced ahead of the GM Meetings that begin Monday.
And the Cubs added a reliever to the roster on a waiver claim.
Click on the links to catch up on all the news, and rumors, you can use from the last three days.
Cubs to Celebrate a Century of Playing at Wrigley Field in 2016
The Cubs will celebrate 100 years of the franchise playing at Wrigley Field during the 2016 season. The Cubs released the logo the players will wear on the home jerseys next season late Thursday.
The team is planning a year-long celebration at Wrigley Field with details to be released throughout the winter.
Report: Cubs Considered Heavy, Heavy Favorites to Sign David Price
The front office is looking to acquire lots and lots of pitching this winter. The Cubs have been linked to just about every free agent pitcher, including David Price.
The Cubs have been connected to the lefty from Vanderbilt for several years and have tried to trade for him on more than one occasion. The Cubs are interested in Price and the southpaw would reportedly like to sign with the Cubs and reunite with Joe Maddon.
The Daily CCO: Contreras Leaves AFL Game Early, Another Change in Player Development and Other Cubs News
It was not-so-good news from Arizona late Thursday when arguably the top catching prospect in baseball was forced to leave an AFL game early with an apparent hamstring injury. The Cubs shut Willson Contreras down the next day.
Anthony Iapoce left the organization to be the new hitting coach with the Rangers. And the Alex Gordon rumors continued to surface.
Aramis Ramirez announced his retirement from the game. The second best third baseman in Cubs’ history put together ‘Hall of the Very Good’ stats over his 18-year career.
Report includes updates on Zack Greinke, news, notes, links and more rumors plus This Day in Cubs History.
Baseball America’s Top 10 Cubs Prospects for 2016
Baseball America released its ranking of the top 10 prospects in the system Friday morning.
An 18-year old shortstop tops the Cubs’ ranking followed by a catcher, a second baseman and a hard throwing right-handed starter.
For those still entrenched in Cubs’ prospects, this is a must-click on report filled with scouting info.
From the Wire: Cubs Claim RHP Ryan Cook Off Waivers from the Red Sox
The Cubs added what could be a good arm to the bullpen mix Friday. The Cubs claimed one-time All-Star Ryan Cook off waivers. If he’s healthy, this is a solid move.
With the addition, the 40-man roster officially stands at 30 players.
Cubs Extend Qualifying Offer to OF Dexter Fowler
Friday was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers to their eligible free agents. Dexter Fowler was the only Cubs’ player that was extended the $15.8 million offer. A record setting 20 players throughout baseball received a qualifying offer, something no one has accepted yet.
Report includes complete list of the 20 players that received qualifying offers.
Cubs Looking to Acquire Multiple Starting Pitchers
Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer said at the end of the season that the Cubs would like to add at least one quality starting pitcher to the roster this winter. Hoyer met with the beat writers Friday prior to the front office leaving for the GM Meetings. Hoyer said they would like to basically add as much pitching as possible and at multiple levels.
The Cubs need starting pitching depth in order to be prepared for injuries they hope never happen.
This rumor report includes updates on David Price, Denard Span, Austin Jackson and qualifying offers.
The Daily CCO: Cubs Shutdown Contreras, Martinez to Interview with Dodgers and Other News
The Cubs announced catcher Willson Contreras had been shut down with a mild left hamstring strain that he suffered Thursday night. Reports downplayed his injury but he will not play again this fall. The Cubs have not addressed if he will be playing winter ball.
Dave Martinez is scheduled to interview with the Dodgers for their managerial opening this week. Martinez appears to be a longshot, at best, to get the job. Reports have been rather consistent that Gabe Kapler is the frontrunner.
Mike Cather spent last season at the pitching coach for Triple-A Iowa. Cather left the organization for a position with the Marlins.
Report includes all of the news, links, a few rumors and This Day in Cubs History.
Reported Mutual Interest in a Cubs, Samardzija Reunion
Jeff Samardzija is a free agent. He is expected to reject the $15.8 million qualifying offer the White Sox made and will leave the South Side behind. There is interest from both camps on Samardzija signing with the Cubs … and it could be for similar money he turned down that led to him being traded to Oakland.
Samardzija had a lot of success with Chris Bosio as his pitching coach.
Cubs Prospect Jeimer Candelario Doubles In a Run in the AFL Fall Stars Game
Jeimer Candelario had a good night Saturday in the field and at the plate during the 10th annual Fall Stars Game. Candelario doubled in the East’s third run in an 8-3 loss to the West Stars.
Corey Black struggled and was hit rather hard in the eighth inning.
Click on the link for a full recap of the AFL’s Fall Stars Game.
The Daily CCO: The Calm Before the GM Meetings and Other Cubs News and Rumors
Speculation continued Saturday as the baseball world made its way to Boca Raton. The Cubs are going after pitching, all kinds of pitching, and could turn to a veteran centerfielder on a short-term deal to fill the hole that is expected to be left by Dexter Fowler.
The Cubs and Mets rumors hit the New York media again.
Report includes breakdown of the organizational changes, news, notes, links, rumors and This Day in Cubs History.
Cubs Plan to Revisit Trade Talks for Starting Pitching
The Cubs reportedly spent a lot of time leading up to the deadline last July trying to acquire starting pitching from the Padres, Braves and Indians. According to the Sun-Times, the front office plans to re-engage those trade talks during the GM Meetings.
Another must read report with info leading up to the annual gathering of general managers.