Countdown to Pitchers and Catchers: 6 Days If all goes as planned in Spring Training, John Lackey will make his Cubs’ debut on April 7 in Arizona in the first of four games with the Diamondbacks. Lackey enters camp next week slotted as Joe Maddon’s third starter behind Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester. Lackey is coming off a very successful first full season in the National League. Lackey was 13-10 with a 2.77 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 3.57 FIP for the NL Central Champs in 33 regular season starts. And … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Momentum Gaining for National League Adopting the DH and Cubs News and Notes
In a decision that seems inevitable, Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday from the Owners Meetings that the National League “adopting the designated hitter is gaining momentum.” Commissioner Manfred expects it to be addressed in the negotiations for the new CBA. Joe Torre said the possibility of the DH coming to the National League “hasn’t even been talked about” and there “really hasn’t been any conversation.” There is expected to be resistance from National League owners. And … [Read more...]
Cubs Reportedly Showed Interest in RHP Norge Ruiz, OF Jorge Ona and INF/OF Jonatan Machado
The Cubs are expected to be heavily involved with the top Cuban players subject to the bonus pool. The Cubs have shown interest in RHP Norge Ruiz, OF Jorge Ona and INF/OF Jonatan Machado. And Baseball America reported last month, the Cubs are the considered the favorites to sign LHP Adrian Morejon. Jesse Sanchez reported the Cubs are among several teams interested in LHP Adrian Morejon, OF Jorge Ona and INF/OF Jonatan Machado. The Cubs attended Norge Ruiz’s showcase earlier this … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: A Big Helping of Rumors with Lots of Leftovers
The extra-long Holiday Weekend was filled with more rumors than actually movement throughout the game. That was until Sunday morning when news surfaced the Tigers and RHP Jordan Zimmermann had agreed to terms on a five-year, $110 million contract. One possible option for the Cubs to upgrade the rotation was taken off the board with Zimmermann now in Detroit. Jeff Samardzija and John Lackey may have moved closer to the top of the Cubs list in the process. David Price and Ben Zobrist rumors … [Read more...]
Cubs Considered Favorites to Sign LHP Adrian Morejon
The Cubs signed five of the top International prospects when the 2015-16 signing period began on July 2. The Cubs have also signed OF Kwang-Min Kwon and OF Eddy Julio Martinez and in the process have sailed past their adjusted International signing bonus pool of $3,169,300. The Cubs committed $7.65 million to five players on July 2, signed Kwang-Min Kwon for $1.2 million and landed OF Eddy Julio Martinez for $3 million. Based on the multiple reports, the Cubs have spent $11.85 million during … [Read more...]