The last full weekend without Cubs baseball for eight months started with the team releasing the TV schedule and making a couple of roster moves.
The Cubs will have at least 60 players on the Spring Training roster when camp officially opens at the end of the week thanks to two additions to the list of non-roster invitees.
Dexter Fowler stayed in the news while Baltimore and Yovani Gallardo continued working on a deal. And Jed Hoyer spent a lot of time on the radio at the end of the week … the first of two appearances is included in the weekend recap.
Here are the reports from the last three days filled with Cubs news, notes and rumors to catch you up on this Presidents Day.
Cubs Announce 2016 Television Broadcast Schedule
The Cubs released the TV schedule for the upcoming season. Opening Night against the Angels will be carried by WLS-TV/ABC 7 and ESPN2 … and the home opener vs. the Reds on April 11 will be on WGN-TV.
Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies will be back in the booth this season.
Report also includes link to Spring Training broadcast schedule.
Report: Orioles Exploring Multiple Options Including Dexter Fowler
Dexter Fowler is still looking for a team as camps open in Arizona and Florida this week. The Orioles are very interested in Fowler, according to multiple reports. But Yovani Gallardo would have to sign first. The Orioles are willing to give up multiple draft picks, the first round pick has to be surrendered for Gallardo.
Dan Duquette is also talking to Scott Boras about signing another one of his clients … and discussing a deal with a team in the NL Central for its right fielder.
The Daily CCO: Reno Sportsbook Sets Cubs Win-Total at 89, Second Highest in Baseball and Other News
The Steamer projections have the Cubs winning more games than any team in baseball. According to Steve Mikkelson, the Cubs win-total for the upcoming season is second to only the Giants. Mikkelson thinks there are more questions about the Cubs than with a team that signed Denard Span to play center and Johnny Cueto this off-season.
The Wrigley McDonald’s is closing at the end of the month.
Along with This Day in Cubs History, the Daily Report includes all of the news, notes, links and rumors for the last Friday in February without Cubs’ baseball.
The CCO Talks Cubs Pitching Prospects on South Bend Cubs Radio
Tom’s segments on South Bend Cubs Radio talking prospects with Darin Pritchett and Rick Carter continued Wednesday. The fourth of the five-part series focused on the pitching prospects in the system … and the potentially loaded SB Cubs rotation.
This is a must read for all those that still follow the Cubs’ minor league system.
Lazarito Armenteros Reportedly Not Close to a Decision
Lazarito became eligible to sign with a team on Feb. 10 and was expected to decide on his future at that time. Lazarito did not say he would sign, just announce his decision. And four days later Lazarito has not done either one.
Click on the link for the updates on the 16-year old outfielder.
From the Wire: Cubs Claim LHP C.J. Riefenhauser Off Waivers from the Orioles, DFA LHP Edgar Olmos
The Cubs switched out lefty relievers on Friday. Joe Maddon knows C.J. Riefenhauser from their days together in Tampa, plus he has a minor league option left. Olmos attended the Cubs Convention last month and could still end up back in the system.
The Cubs’ 40-man roster stood at 40 players after Friday’s moves.
Three Cubs Prospects Ranked in Baseball America’s Top 100
Baseball America is not as high on the Cubs’ system as other publications … and only three Cubs prospects (Gleyber Torres, Willson Contreras and Ian Happ) cracked its Top 100.
Click on the link to compare Baseball America’s short list to Keith Law, Baseball Prospectus and MLB Pipeline’s rankings.
The Daily CCO: The Chance to Win a Championship if Why John Lackey Signed with the Cubs
John Lackey is rather intense on the days he pitches. Lackey signed on to help the Cubs win a championship … and reportedly took less money from the Cubs than other teams were offering. Lackey’s two-year, $32 million contract has been called one of the best free agent signings of the off-season.
Daily report includes another update on Lazarito … And Tommy Hunter signed with a team. Plus Khris Davis was sent to Oakland for a very good catching prospect. Mets’ RHP Jenrry Mejia received a lifetime ban after his third positive test for PEDs. News, notes, links, rumors and a really cool postcard from Boys of Spring.
Orioles Prefer Dexter Fowler, White Sox and Cubs Still Possibilities
Dexter Fowler may or may not sign soon. The Orioles are very interested … and according to multiple reports so are the White Sox. The Cubs remain a possibility for Fowler according to Bruce Levine.
Updated Cubs Spring Training Roster and Non-Roster Invitees
With Friday’s roster moves, signing OF Matt Murton to a minor league contract and adding RHP Ryan Williams to the list of non-roster invites, the Cubs’ Spring Training roster has 60 players on it, 58 that can actually participate in the exhibition season.
Jed Hoyer Talks Cub on ESPN 1000
Jed Hoyer made the radio round at the end of last week, this is the first of two radio spots, the second will post on Monday.
This report is a must-read for all Cubs’ fans.
The Daily CCO: Theo Epstein is the Most Interesting Person in Baseball
Joel Sherman tabbed Theo Epstein as the most interesting person in the baseball and labeled the 2016 season as the Cubs’ year, and it doesn’t matter to Sherman if this is the team that ends the drought or not.
The Cubs begin Spring Training as one of the teams most of the writers and talking heads think has the best chance at being the last team standing this year.
The Daily Report not only contains This Day in Cubs History, but all of the news, notes and links … plus a look at the new protective headwear that will be available to pitchers in Spring Training. And could the All-Star Game return to Wrigley Field soon?
Joe Maddon Tops Boston Globe’s Annual Managerial Ranking
The Cubs skipper is the best manager in baseball according to those within the game that Nick Cafardo and the Globe staff surveyed. Just don’t tell the Cardinals, their fans, announcers or media.