Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Mesa one month from today … The Cubs landed the biggest free agent outfielder of this year’s class. And as it turns out, the Cubs have had Jason Heyward in their sights for well over a year. According to a report from Patrick Mooney, the presentation given to Jon Lester last off-season to sell him on the team had Jason Heyward playing center field. Mooney explained “the elaborate presentation during Jon Lester’s recruiting visit to Wrigleyville, the … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: The Convention, Arrieta Exchanged Numbers and Minor Signings
It was a wild, loud weekend at the 31st Annual Cubs Convention. The three days was chock full of information from the Ricketts family, Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, Joe Maddon and his coaching staff and minor league updates. The Cubs avoided arbitration with six players Friday, but were unable to agree to terms with Jake Arrieta. The two sides exchanged salary numbers and will continue to negotiate and work to avoid the hearing. Two players were signed to minor league deals. And one of the best … [Read more...]
Day Three of 2016 Cubs Convention: Down on the Farm with Jason McLeod, Jaron Madison
The 2016 Cubs Convention wrapped Sunday morning with the Down on the Farm session hosted by Double-A Tennessee’s play-by-play man Mick Gillispie. Jason McLeod and farm director Jaron Madison were joined by RHP Carl Edwards Jr., LHP Eric Jokisch and 1B Dan Vogelbach. The Cubs still have one of the top 10 farm systems in the game even with the graduations to the majors last year. Theo Epstein thinks the Cubs will be ranked in the five-seven range when the pre-season lists come out. There is … [Read more...]
Day Two of 2016 Cubs Convention: The Ricketts Family Forum
Day Two of the 2016 Cubs Convention began with the Ricketts family forum hosted by Mully and Hanley (670 The Score), featuring Tom, Laura and Todd Ricketts. There was a common theme throughout the day in the leadership sessions. Ownership, the front offices and field staff all thanked the fans for their patience with rebuilding the team and Wrigley Field. The first question Tom Ricketts fielded Saturday morning was about Theo Epstein’s extension. Tom was asked what is the holdup and if he … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Jake Arrieta and the Cubs Exchange Numbers
Before the Sheraton Grand Chicago erupted in cheers, news surfaced the Cubs and Jake Arrieta exchanged salary numbers after not agreeing to terms on a contract for the upcoming season. The Cubs avoided arbitration with six more players prior to Friday’s deadline. And of the nine arbitration eligible players on the 40-man roster, only Jake Arrieta remains unsigned. Travis Wood ($6.17 million), Justin Grimm ($1.275 million), Hector Rondon ($4.2 million), Adam Warren ($1.7 million), Pedro … [Read more...]
A Grand Opening to the 2016 Cubs Convention
The 2016 Cubs Convention got underway Friday at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. There was an energy and excitement on the first day of Cubs Convention that has not been there in at least the last 10 winter gatherings. Thousands upon thousands of diehard Cubs fans filled the hotel in Downtown Chicago with one thing and one thing only on their minds. Day One of Cubs Convention is usually filled with optimism and a level of excitement. The Opening of this year’s convention was like someone turned … [Read more...]
It’s Time for the 2016 Cubs Convention
Harry Caray referred to the Cubs Convention as the “Unofficial Opening Day” and most call the convention the “Kick Off to Spring Training.” But the bottom line is Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in 35 days (Feb. 19) and baseball is just around the corner. The 2016 Cubs Convention begins Friday at the Sheraton Grand Chicago and runs through Sunday (Jan. 15 – Jan. 17). Pat Hughes will once again have the honor of kicking off the convention by introducing Cubs’ players from … [Read more...]
31st Cubs Convention Schedule and List of Attendees
The Cubs released the schedule and a list of attendees for the 31st annual convention, which begins Friday (Jan. 15-17) at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. The 2016 Cubs Convention will feature more than 75 guests comprising of the current Cubs roster and coaching staff, alumni, Minor Leaguers, broadcasters and team executives. Cubs Convention’s Opening Ceremony begins Friday, January 15, at 6:00pm, kicking off the weekend with player introductions. Following the Opening Ceremony, guests will … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Lots on Tap for the Cubs This Week and Other News, Notes and Rumors
The next seven days will be anything but boring for the Chicago Cubs. The 31st Annual Cubs Convention kicks off Friday (Jan. 15-17) and runs through the weekend. The Cubs Caravan (Jan.13-14), Anthony Rizzo’s Laugh Off for Cancer (Jan. 14) and Woody’s Winter Warm-Up (Jan. 15) are also this week. Additional minor league signings should surface and/or be announced this week. The Cubs signed 1B Jesus Guzman to a minor league contract, the only minor deal that’s hit the wire in the New … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: Convention Info, Tom Ricketts, Prospect List and Pitching Rumors
It was a rather busy three days as the countdown to the Cubs Convention and pitchers and catchers continued … just five days left before the unofficial start to Spring Training and 40 days until camp begins in Mesa. The Cubs released a list of attendees and sessions for the Convention on Friday. And rumors continued throughout the weekend. The Cubs were linked to a free agent starter, Fernando Rodney remains a possibility to return and Rays’ President of Baseball Ops, Matt Silverman, admitted … [Read more...]
