The front office continues to address the Cubs needs as the end of the best year in franchise history quickly approaches. The World Series Champions have added relievers to the bullpen, most notably Wade Davis. And the Cubs have reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Koji Uehara.
Once Uehara’s deal is official, three of the last four pitchers to record the final out to win a World Series will be on the Cubs roster.
The Cubs continue to be linked to Tyson Ross and Rays’ pitchers. But Matt Silverman and Tampa’s front office is looking for a lot in return for any of the starters, and closer, on his roster.
And unfortunately, it was time to say ‘Thank You’ and good-bye to Dexter Fowler.
Here are the headlines with all of the news, notes, links and rumors from the last three-plus days as the rest of baseball recovered from a little bit of a hangover from the Winter Meetings …
Cubs Announce Chicago Cubs Trophy Tour
The Cubs World Series Trophy is on tour and the first stop was last Friday at the new team store on Michigan Avenue.
The Commissioner’s Trophy will make its way around the Chicagoland area and Midwest. The Cubs Trophy will be at the Convention next month and in Mesa for Spring Training.
Click on the link for all of the details …
Javier Baez on Initial List of Confirmed Players for 2017 World Baseball Classic
It’s time for the WBC again. The World Baseball Classic is in the spring and thankfully only one player on the Cubs roster has committed to playing.
MLB released an initial list of 30 players during the Meetings that will play in the WBC this spring … and right now Javier Baez is the only Cubs’ playing.
Jake Arrieta has been asked about pitching for Team USA. Anthony Rizzo has not said if he will play for Team Italy again.
The Daily CCO: Two More Pitchers for the Cubs Pen and Other News
The front office addressed the bullpen before, during and after the Winter Meetings. The Cubs signed LHP Brian Duensing, acquired RHP Wade Davis from the Royals, traded for LHP Caleb Smith and agreed to terms on a one-year contract with RHP Koji Uehara. The Cubs’ pen will have a much-different look in April than the one Joe Maddon had during The World Series.
Jake Arrieta is under team control for one more season. Scott Boras said the possibility of a long-term extension will be talked about in January as the two sides at least work toward avoiding arbitration.
The Daily Report included all of the news, notes, links and rumors, along with This Day in Cubstory, for the day after the end of The Meetings.
Thank You, Dex
Dexter Fowler was introduced by the Cardinals on Friday after signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract that includes a full no-trade clause. Fowler will spend the next five seasons in St. Louis. And his goal will be to help beat the team that made him famous.
Dexter Fowler was part of the two best seasons in Cubs history and will forever be linked to the team that won it all. Fowler became a fan favorite as he made the Cubs’ offense go and go and go.
And for that, every fan is thankful for what Fowler did for the two years he wore a Cubs jersey.
Includes video …
Report: Cubs Remain in Talks with Free Agent Tyson Ross
The front office is looking for pitching and the Cubs have really, really liked Tyson Ross for a long time. Ross is now a free agent after the Padres non-tendered him and the Cubs are one of the many teams interested in the Friars former Opening Day starter.
Click on the link for all of the details …
The Daily CCO: Cubs Love the Idea of Kyle Schwarber Leading Off and Other News
With Fowler now on the wrong side of the rivalry, Joe Maddon doesn’t have a clear cut leadoff man. Ben Zobrist is an option and Jon Jay is another on the days he plays.
The Cubs love the idea of Kyle Schwarber hitting leadoff according to Jed Hoyer. A 1-2-3 of Schwarber, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo would be a tough task for any big league pitcher. Schwarber can get on base, and that’s the name of the game.
The Cubs offense actually has a chance of being better next season … and the same could be said about the defense.
Kris Bryant signed what is believed to be a 10-year extension with Adidas.
Dexter Fowler was introduced during what can only be described as an awkward and uncomfortable press conference. Sure doesn’t look like Mike Matheny would be much fun to play for … maybe all of those rumors are right. It’s hard to say right now if Fowler will miss the Cubs more or vice versa.
Welington Castillo appears to be nearing a deal with the Orioles. And Jeff Passan discovered a new wrinkle, that is good for both the players and the teams, in the new CBA.
The Daily includes the news, notes and links, and the extremely popular This Day in Cubstory.
Rays Have Reportedly Placed Hefty Price Tag on Pitching, Especially Chris Archer
The Rays have made one of the best young arms in the game available in the right deal. Chris Archer is under club control for the next five years. Not only does he have the talent to be one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, his incredibly team-friendly contract makes him very valuable … and the Rays know it.
The Rays reportedly want a Chris Sale-like return for Archer, if not more, and they have placed big price tags on Jake Odorizzi, Drew Smyly, Alex Cobb and Erasmo Ramirez.
The Daily CCO: Wade Davis and Other Cubs Sunday News and Notes
The Cubs are receiving a lot of praise for the acquisition of Wade Davis. The front office had to let go of Jorge Soler in the process but many feel the Cubs moved depth for one of the best closers in baseball.
Davis is the second cousin of Jody Davis and he’s pitched extremely well since he moved to the bullpen.
The Cubs increased ticket prices. Under Armour signed an exclusive deal with MLB that begins with the 2020 season.
The Cubs appear to have made a minor signing with Jhondaniel Medina.
The Daily includes all of the usual, plus video, and This Day in Cubs History.
Cubs Rule 5 Guy, LHP Caleb Smith
The Cubs made a deal with the Brewers and took LHP Caleb Smith off their hands following the Rule 5 Draft. In what was likely a pre-arranged deal, the Brewers selected Smith in the Rule 5 and dealt him to the Cubs for cash considerations.
Smith has a big arm. Numbers point out that his stuff is more effective against right-handed hitters than lefties.
Click on the ink for more info about LHP Caleb Smith …