The definition of "unlikely" according to Merriam-Webster is: not likely, improbable, likely to fail....and that was the word Andy MacPhail used on Wednesday to update the media on the possibility of Brian Roberts being traded to the Cubs. Fitting, isn't it? While Brian Roberts appears to be staying in Baltimore, the Cubs made more roster moves and is Lou Piniella really thinking of inserting Kosuke Fukudome in the leadoff spot? Here is the latest from the desert and the "final" rumors on the … [Read more...]
Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Angels – 03/26/08
Spring Training Game Twenty-Nine: Cubs (13-14-1) vs. Angels (18-7) Game Time - 3:05pm C.T. TV: MLB.TV - Radio: Gameday Audio on MLB.com Location - Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe Carlos Zambrano (1-0, 0.60/0.73) vs. Jered Weaver (5-0, 1.33/0.74) Updated - 2:35pm C.T. - With Roster Moves - According to Paul Sullivan in the Chicago Tribune, Ronny Cedeno and Mike Fontenot will make the Cubs' Opening Day roster and Matt Murton will either be sent down or traded. According to a report on Cubs.com, Alex … [Read more...]
If You Were Jim and Lou….
How would you fill out the Cubs roster? With the signing of Reed Johnson on Tuesday, Lou Piniella figures to have three spots remaining....two on the bench and one in the bullpen. According to several reports on Tuesday night, the final two back-up spots are between Ronny Cedeno, Alex Cintron, Matt Murton and Mike Fontenot while Carmen Pignatiello or Sean Marshall should fill the vacancy left in the pen by Scott Eyre. Based on the players performances this spring and how they could help the … [Read more...]
Rumors Heating Up…and Cooling Down?
Lou Piniella's crew has only three games left in the desert before leaving for Las Vegas on Thursday afternoon. The Cubs' skipper announced his starting rotation on Monday and he still has a couple of spots on the bench and a possible vacancy in the bullpen up for grabs. But could there be a new name in the mix? According to several reports out of Chicago and from Ken Rosenthal, the answer is yes. The Cubs appear to be very interested in signing former Blue Jay, Reed Johnson. So while one … [Read more...]
Weekend Update – 03/23/08
Happy Easter from everyone here at the CCO.... The Weekend Update returns for the final Sunday in Arizona. Counting Sunday's game, Lou Piniella's crew has only 5 games left in the desert and 7 total in the exhibition season. The Cubs square off later today in Peoria against Greg Maddux and the Padres. Kerry Wood is expected to throw in back-to-back games for the first time and if everything goes as planned, will be named the Cubs' closer according to Bruce Levine. The Cubs still have several … [Read more...]
Only Twelve Days Until….
The next 12 days could be very busy around baseball and especially on the North Side of Chicago. According to several reports, Lou Piniella would like to have his roster, rotation and lineup set by Monday, which would give the Cubs a week before Opening Day to settle in. But there is always a trade or two that could shake things up in Cubs camp....so could the long rumored trade be on the verge of happening? With Andy MacPhail involved, it is doubtful...but who knows it is the third week in … [Read more...]
Zharp
Spring Training Game Nineteen - Cubs 4 Angels (ss) 1 WP - Carlos Zambrano (1-0) LP - Nick Green (0-1) Save - Kerry Wood (1) Carlos Zambrano pitched the way a team's ace is supposed to against a split squad team in Spring Training on Sunday. He dominated the game. Zambrano was scheduled to throw 5 innings but he found a rhythm early and ended up going 6 strong innings. Zambrano faced the minimum through the first 5 innings. The two walks he allowed were erased on double plays, struck out 4 and … [Read more...]
The Good and The Ugly
Spring Training Game Seventeen - Cubs 5 Angels 6 WP - Ervin Santana (1-0) LP - Ryan Dempster (2-1) Save - Rich Thompson (1) Ryan Dempster's fourth outing of the spring started much like the other three. He worked fast, was efficient and retired the Angels in order in the 1st inning. The Cubs' offense handed him a 3-run lead before he took the mound to start the 2nd inning but his own error led to an unbelievable 2/3 of an inning. Dempster allowed a total of 6 runs, 5 earned, on 5 hits with 2 … [Read more...]
The Value of Patience
Spring Training Game Sixteen - Cubs 3 Padres 2 WP - Carlos Marmol (1-0) LP - Carlos Guevara (0-1) Save - None Lou Piniella's new look lineup did not light up the scoreboard against Greg Maddux and the Padres pitching staff, but they did just enough to end a 3-game losing streak. With the game tied at 2 in the 9th, Matt Murton worked a bases empty 2-out walk. Micah Hoffpauir followed with a solid single to left on the first pitch from Carlos Guevara. Daryle Ward walked to load the bases. Alex … [Read more...]
Surprising Pauir
Spring Training Game Twelve - Cubs 13 Royals 1 WP - Ryan Dempster (2-0) LP - Brett Tomko (1-1) Save - None The Cubs dominated the Royals in every aspect of the game on Sunday afternoon. The Cubs offense pounded out 21 hits, 7 for extra bases including a home run; while Lou Piniella's pitching staff held the Royals to only 1 run on 2 hits with 2 walks....only 5 total baserunners in 9 innings. Ryan Dempster surrendered the only run in the 3rd inning after sitting on the bench for a long time … [Read more...]