The Cubs have a rather heavy week in front of them that starts Monday with the first split squad action of the spring. Half of the roster will host the Royals while the rest of the team goes back to Scottsdale to take on the Rockies at Salt River Fields. The Cubs have nine games on the spring schedule over the next week. Joe Maddon created quite the buzz at camp Sunday morning when he and the players appeared wearing t-shirts with the team’s new slogan. The latest Maddonism … “Try Not to … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Cubs Make Additions to Sloan Park to Improve Fan Experience and Other Spring News
Countdown to Cubs Cactus League Opener: 6 Days Single Game Tickets for the 2016 Season Go On-Sale Today at 10:00am CST One week from today beautiful Sloan Park will be packed with Cubs fans cheering on Joe Maddon’s team in the first home game of the spring. The Cubs moved into Sloan Park in 2014. And the team is constantly working on ways to improve the fan experience at the ballpark. Justin Piper, the Cubs General Manager of Mesa Spring Training Operations, Julian Green and Jay … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: Back to the Field, Epstein and Hoyer, Crow Signs, Fowler and Jackson Rumors
The Cubs returned to the field this weekend, the practice fields that is, as Spring Training officially got underway in Mesa. Pitchers and catchers reported Friday, the first on-field workout was Saturday and the first images of pitchers pitching and catchers catching made the way around the Internets and Twitters. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Joe Maddon held their pre-Spring Training sit down with the beat writers. And for Maddon’s team this year, the slogan is ‘Embrace the Target.’ Theo … [Read more...]
Report: Austin Jackson Could Land with Rangers or Cubs
Jed Hoyer said Friday the front office is monitoring the free agent market. The Cubs were not close to a deal with a position player or a pitcher. Hoyer pointed out they are happy with the roster they’ve assembled for Spring Training. But like every team, the Cubs are always looking for ways to improve. One of the free agents the Cubs have been connected to at various times throughout the off-season is Austin Jackson. And there could be interest in re-signing him to help with the outfield … [Read more...]
Cubs Reportedly Monitoring Free Agent Market, Including Dexter Fowler and Austin Jackson
Multiple reports Friday indicated the Cubs continue to monitor the remaining free agent market. The front office added RHP Aaron Crow on a minor league contract and there could be more moves on the horizon for both position players and pitchers. The Sun-Times reported “nothing appears imminent” but the Cubs “continue to monitor the status of a sizeable group of remaining big league free agents.” The Cubs like the roster currently in camp. As is the case with all 30 teams, the front office is … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Too Many Free Agents and Cubs News, Notes and Rumors
Countdown to Pitchers and Catchers: 9 Days With the off-season winding down there is still a large amount of Major League veterans available. Dexter Fowler, Ian Desmond and Yovani Gallardo, the three remaining qualifying offer free agents, headline a list that also includes former Cubs’ outfielders Austin Jackson, Chris Denorfia and David DeJesus. Players still available at this late date include 1B/DH Pedro Alvarez, LHP Franklin Morales, OF David Murphy, OF Alex Rios, OF Marlon Byrd, OF … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: Jed Hoyer, Prospects, the DH in the NL, Outfielders and a Rays Rumor Update
Jed Hoyer started the weekend with a rather informative interview on MLB Network Radio. Hoyer admitted he talks to the Rays’ Matt Silverman on a regular basis. Hoyer’s conversation led to the Cubs-Rays rumors picking back up on Saturday. Willson Contreras was named the top catching prospect in baseball as the Cubs’ system was back in the headlines throughout the weekend. The NL adopting the designated hitter is gaining momentum. And the Cubs are looking for players to complement the … [Read more...]
Jed Hoyer Talks Cubs on MLB Network Radio
Jed Hoyer joined Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette during Front Office Friday on Power Alley (MLB Network Radio) and spent close to 20 minutes talking Cubs with the two former general managers. The Cubs might be done making big moves this off-season, but there are ongoing conversations with other teams, including the Rays. The Cubs do have small moves left to make to round out the roster. Hoyer said Friday the Cubs tried to trade for Jason Heyward while he was still with the Braves. The front … [Read more...]
Cubs Looking for Players to Complement the Roster
The Cubs may be done with the big moves this off-season. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are still talking to teams, including the Rays, and have not ruled out making a deal if the front office feels it can improve the roster going into Spring Training. The Cubs are looking for players to complement what on paper is a very strong starting lineup. The Cubs have been connected to free agent outfielders Dexter Fowler and most recently Austin Jackson. Jed Hoyer somewhat addressed the Austin Jackson … [Read more...]
Austin Jackson Reportedly Could be a Fit for the Cubs at the Right Price
There are several outfielders available on the market as Spring Training quickly approaches. And three of those free agent outfielders finished last season on the Cubs’ active roster. Dexter Fowler, Chris Denorfia and Austin Jackson have not landed with a team yet. While there has not been any clarity on where Dexter Fowler could sign and in turn the Cubs would get their second round pick back in June’s Draft, there are teams interested in Austin Jackson according to Jerry Crasnick. The … [Read more...]