What a weekend for the Chicago Cubs that all started with an unforgettable moment at the Cubs’ facility on Thursday afternoon.
Dexter Fowler returned to the Cubs on a one-year deal and the next day, the front office announced a minor league contract with veteran outfielder Shane Victorino.
Jake Arrieta was sensational facing hitters for the first time this spring. And he’s one of the best 100 players in Major League Baseball, along with five of his teammates.
Practice is underway in Mesa as the Cubs prepare to kick off the Cactus League games this week.
Here are the headlines filled with all the news to get you caught up from the last weekend without a Cubs game for eight months …
Surprise! Cubs Re-Sign Dexter Fowler, Trade Chris Coghlan to Oakland
The Cubs surprised the baseball world and even caught the players off guard when Dexter Fowler walked onto Field 6 at the team’s facility and announced that he had re-signed.
The Cubs moved Chris Coghlan to Oakland to help afford Fowler and in the process added an arm to the system with a minor league option in Aaron Brooks.
The Cubs placed Zac Rosscup on the 60-day DL to make room for Fowler on the roster.
Report includes info on the Cubs current plans for the outfield, lineup, Javier Baez, the payroll and the team’s June Draft picks.
Dexter Fowler Creates Flexibility for Joe Maddon and the Cubs
Re-signing Dexter Fowler created flexibility for Joe Maddon. Jason Heyward moves to right. And Maddon can play Jorge Soler and Kyle Schwarber in left.
Fowler’s agent, Casey Close issued a statement and was not very nice to the Orioles about the way his client was handled.
Includes links to reaction from around the league to Fowler re-upping with the Cubs.
The Daily CCO: Cubs Make Additions to Sloan Park to Improve Fan Experience and Other Spring News
The Cubs Spring Training home is one of, if not the best, in the Cactus League. The team made several improvements to make the fan experience better than it already was.
Austin Jackson turned down an offer from the Angels.
Daily report includes the very popular look back in Cubs history and all of the news, notes, links and rumors from camp and around the league.
Cubs Announce Plans to Celebrate a Century of the Cubs at Wrigley, 2016 Promotional Schedule
The Cubs announced the plans for a season-long celebration at Wrigley Field. This season marks the 100th year the Cubs have played baseball at the corner of Clark and Addison. The Cubs have a lot planned to honor the anniversary.
And the team announced its promotional schedule for the upcoming season.
Click on the link to see which game the Cubs are giving away an Anthony Rizzo bobblehead or a Ron Santo replica status or a Ryne Sandberg flag.
Cubs Sign OF Shane Victorino to Minor League Contract with Spring Training Invite
A day after shocking the baseball world by bringing back Dexter Fowler, the Cubs finalized the minor league contract with free agent outfielder Shane Victorino.
Victorino is going to try to play his way on a roster this spring that really has only one opening.
A Case for More HERlers in MLB
The CCO has a new contributor and Sue Draper announced her presence with authority.
Click on the link and read Sue’s case for inclusion of women in Major League Baseball.
Jake Arrieta Shines at Cubs Spring Practice
Jake Arrieta pitched live batting practice on Friday and was simply outstanding. Arrieta was in mid-season form according to his catcher, Miguel Montero.
The Cubs starting infield and outfield all practiced together.
Neil Ramirez completed a live BP session. And the notes from Friday’s practice include info on David Ross, Kyle Schwarber, Jorge Soler, Carl Edwards Jr., Addison Russell and Ben Zobrist.
The Daily CCO: Six Cubs Make MLB Network’s Top 100 and Other Spring Training News
MLB Network’s list of the best 100 players in the game right now includes six Cubs … Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant, Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber and Jake Arrieta. Click on the link to find out where each player was ranked.
Javier Baez is now the Cubs primary backup at five positions … short, second, third, center field and first base, yes first base. Shane Victorino talked about signing with the Cubs. And Joe Maddon has a very extravagant ride this spring …
Daily report includes news and notes from Cubs camp, the ever-popular This Day in Cubs History and of course, all of the news, notes and links.
Cubs Updated Spring Training Roster
The Cubs’ Spring Training roster looks much different from when pitchers and catchers reported on Feb. 19 … click on the link to get caught up on which 63 players are in camp.
Cubs Believe Daily Preparation is Key to Success for Jorge Soler
Jorge Soler turned 24 last Thursday and only a few around the league think he’s even scratched the surface on the type of player he can be. Soler has all the tools to be a superstar in the big leagues.
Soler admitted he was not as focused last season on daily basis as he should have been. Soler said those days are behind him.
Joe Maddon has a rather crowded outfield. But he could have the best group of outfielders in the big leagues if he can find enough at bats to keep everyone happy.
Travis Wood to Start Cubs Spring Training Opener
Joe Maddon announced Saturday that Travis Wood will get the ball in the Cactus League opener against the Brewers on March 3 in Maryvale. Kyle Hendricks will follow Wood in the Cubs first exhibition game of the spring.
Cubs Power on Display at Spring Practice
The Cubs projected starting lineup and reserves put on quite a show during Saturday’s practice. Balls were flying out of the park on two fields. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber hit tape measure shots.
Hector Rondon was electric in his live BP session. Andury Acevedo is an arm to keep a close eye on. And Armando Rivero was pretty good too.
Notes from Saturday’s practice include Tommy La Stella, David Ross, Kyle Hendricks, Javier Baez and Jason Heyward.
The Daily CCO: Addison Russell Just Wants to Win and Other Cubs Spring Training News
Addison Russell is only 22 years old and is the anchor for the Cubs’ infield. Russell is mature beyond his years and it’s all about winning. Jerry Crasnick posted an excellent report about the Cubs’ soon-to-be Gold Glove shortstop.
Daily report includes notes from Cubs camp, new info on an old trade, This Day in Cubs History and all of the news, notes and links.
Report: Jorge Soler is Drawing A lot of Interest
The Cubs re-signing Dexter Fowler was a surprise. The Cubs receiving a lot of interest in Jorge Soler is not. Soler could be an impact player in the big leagues for many years … and there are teams that would like to have a player that doesn’t seem to fit on the Cubs’ roster right now.
Cubs Prospect Christian Villanueva Sidelined with Broken Right Fibula
Christian Villanueva’s season was cut short Sunday before it started. Villanueva suffered a broken leg when he landed awkwardly on it fielding a high-chop during infield practice.
The Cubs have not given a timetable on a possible return, but this injury will take months for Villanueva to rehab from and get back on the field.
Cubs Prospects Front and Center on the Backfields at Spring Practice
While the Major Leaguers worked out Sunday at Sloan Park, several of the Cubs top prospects in camp got their work in on the backfields.
Ryan Williams, Carl Edwards Jr. and Pierce Johnson threw live batting practice. Albert Almora Jr. and Willson Contreras stuck out in batting practice.