MLB Network is scheduled to air a documentary on the legendary Harry Caray. “Holy Cow! The Story of Harry Caray” will premier Feb. 2 at 8:00pm CST as part of the latest edition of MLB Network Presents.
Lifelong Cubs’ fan William Peterson narrates the special that features Steve Stone, Pat Hughes, Rick Sutcliffe, Bob Costas, Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Jeff Garlin, John McDonough and Tom Dreesen.
According to the report from Carrie Muskat, the hour-long documentary “covers a rare look into Caray’s childhood and relationship with his family” that includes interviews with Chip Caray and Dutchie Caray.
Harry Caray passed away in February 1998 and is remembered during the seventh inning of every game at Wrigley Field. Caray started leading the crowd in the 7th Inning Stretch during his time on the South Side calling games for the White Sox. Caray brought, what is now a tradition at Wrigley, with him.
• Report from the New York Daily News with video of the best and worst Wrigley Field celebrity singers
Cubs Numbers
The fine folks at MLB Jersey Numbers, with an assist from RosterResource.com, posted a couple of number changes for the Cubs on Wednesday.
Tommy La Stella switched his number to No. 2 from the 11 he wore with the Cubs last season. Hitting coach John Mallee will wear No. 11.
And Matt Szczur changed his number to 20, last worn by Mike Olt. Szczur wore No. 41 last year. John Lackey received his number when he signed with the Cubs last month. Lackey will wear No. 41.
Cubs 2016 Schedule Change
ESPN announced Wednesday the World Wide Leader picked up the May 22 game between the Cubs and Giants at AT&T Park. The game will be televised on Sunday Night Baseball with a first pitch scheduled for 7:05pm CDT.
The Sunday night game will be the last of the three-game series in San Francisco. The Cubs will be in the middle of a challenging nine-game road trip that begins in Milwaukee on May 17. The Cubs play three against the Brewers (May 17-19) before traveling west for three with the Giants (May 20-22). The three-city trip ends in St. Louis with three games versus the Cardinals (May 23-25).
News, Notes and Rumors
• Joe Maddon sees no reason to use the DH in the NL according to FOX Sports.
• FanGraphs posted the biggest hypothetical losers of a raised strike zone … and there is a very familiar name at the top of the list.
• According to Dayn Perry, it’s a good time to have a bad outfield defense in Major League Baseball.
• Former Cubs’ farmhand INF Ronald Torreyes is on the move again. Two days after claiming Torreyes off waivers from the Yankees, the Angels designated Torreyes for assignment on Wednesday to make room on the 40-man roster for Jefry Marte. If Torreyes is claimed by another team, it would be his sixth different organization in eight months … Astros, Blue Jays, Dodgers, Yankees and Angels since May 15.
• Rob Bradford reported LHP Craig Breslow is drawing interest from multiple teams. Breslow would like to start and has been preparing as a starter this off-season. Teams are viewing Breslow’s versatility as a possible starter and long-reliever as a plus. With Spring Training closing in, pitchers like Craig Breslow might have to sign a minor league contract and earn a spot on an active roster in camp. The Cubs have not been linked to Breslow this winter, last off-season Breslow chose the Red Sox over the Cubs.
• RHP Francisco Carrillo has landed with a team in Independent ball. According to a report from Randy Reinhardt, the Normal CornBelters signed Carrillo to a contract in order to replace RHP Cole Brocker in their pen. The Cubs recently purchased Brocker from the CornBelters. Carrillo was 0-5 in 16 games, all in relief, for Low-A South Bend last season with a 4.40 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.
• According to David Schoenfield, despite strange off-season the Dodgers are still the team to beat in the National League West.
• Speaking of the NL West, Ken Rosenthal reported it is tough to figure out what the Rockies are doing this off-season. And according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post, the Corey Dickerson trade rumors are just talk and “should be taken with a decent-sized grain of salt.” The Rays are believed to prefer Dickerson in trade talks with the Rockies over Charlie Blackmon.
• And the Rays did not make the roster move necessary to officially add Steve Pearce to the 40-man roster. Marc Topkin expected the team to announce signing Pearce on Wednesday along with the corresponding roster move.
• It’s unknown at the end of January if one of the biggest Cubs killers of them all will be ready on Opening Night or not. Jon Paul Morosi reported Albert Pujols is making progress from right foot surgery. He’s been cleared to start hitting off a tee. But it doesn’t appear Pujols will be ready to resume full baseball activities until late-March. If the Angels do not move up the timetable, Pujols is expected to start the season on the DL.
• Major League Baseball announced Wednesday the Reds will host the 2016 and 2017 RBI World Series, which will include games at Great American Ball Park.
• According to Chris Cotillo, “several teams” are showing interest in RHP Justin Masterson. The veteran right hander is starting a throwing program this week and could throw for teams in mid-March.
This Day in Cubstory
2015 – Cubs signed free agent Mike Baxter
2009 – Cubs traded Ronny Cedeno and Garret Olson to the Mariners for Aaron Heilman
1987 – Jose Ceda, born
1986 – Brandon Guyer, born
1985 – Wesley Wright, born
1982 – Cubs signed free agent Larry Cox
1968 – Kiki Cuyler was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. Cuyler played for the Cubs from 1928-35. Cuyler batted .325/.391/.485 in 949 games with the Cubs over eight seasons with 220 doubles, 66 triples, 79 home runs and a .876 OPS.
1967 – Cubs selected Alec Distaso in the first round, first overall pick, of January’s Draft. Distaso signed with the Cubs on Feb. 7, 1967.
1967 – Cubs selected Gary Ross in the first round, seventh overall pick, of January’s Draft
1967 – Cubs selected Jim Dunegan in the second round of January’s Draft
1967 – Cubs selected Earl Stephenson in the third round of January’s Draft
1967 – Cubs selected Pat Jacquez in the fourth round of January’s Draft. Jacquez signed on Feb. 1, 1967.
1916 – Bob Muncrief, born