The last day of January and only 13 days before pitchers and catchers report to Fitch Park in Mesa.... The Cubs interest in Kevin Millar and Rich Aurilia was bantered around on Friday after the return of Paul Bako was officially announced. The Cubs "had shown early interest" in bringing back Nomar Garciaparra as well but according to Bruce Levine were told "he was looking for more of a full-time position." Happy 78th Birthday to Ernie Banks....and according to one of the greatest of All-Time, … [Read more...]
Weekend Update: Uribe, Peavy, Heilman and Other Cubs Rumors
The Cubs begin their 2009 Cactus League schedule in 31 days against the Dodgers at Fitch Park....and Jim Hendry is not done 'tweaking his roster'. On the same day the Sun-Times mentioned the Cubs have had discussions with Randy Wolf and Braden Looper, Bruce Levine threw out a couple of new names on Saturday morning....and some old ones as well. Here's what the Story Breaker had to say regarding Juan Uribe, Aaron Heilman, Jake Peavy and Rich Aurilia as well as an update on Brian Roberts. … [Read more...]
Conflicting Stories from the Hot Stove
The Milton Bradley signing is expected to become official on Thursday after he passes a physical. When Bradley is officially announced he could end up sporting a very familiar number. As every day passes the Cubs may be getting closer to resolving their ownership situation. Once the new owners are in place Jim Hendry will know exactly what he has to work with to fill out his roster for the upcoming season. The Cubs appear to be focusing on adding another starter to the mix and reports from the … [Read more...]
Wanted…Cost Effective Innings Eater
Jim Hendry recently stated, "We're just trying to make the club better, which I think we are." Whether or not the team that posted 97 wins a year ago is better in the first week of January on paper is up for debate. Reportedly Jim Hendry will look for another arm to add to the rotation at a lower salary than Jason Marquis' between now and February 14th when pitchers and catchers report to Fitch Park. Hendry could turn to internal options such as Sean Marshall or Chad Gaudin or to "long shot" … [Read more...]
A New Era…and More on the Way?
Jim Hendry took a step forward on Monday by reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal with Milton Bradley worth around $30 million. Bruce Levine from ESPN 1000 in Chicago joined Joe Castellano Monday night on XM Radio to discuss the deal. Levine revealed that the third year on Bradley's contract is not guaranteed and is a vesting option based on games played in the first two years. Bradley is expected in Chicago by Thursday to take a physical with the official announcement being made on Friday … [Read more...]
Rambling From a State of Confusion
As I welcome in 2009, I don't know what to think. I am confused. I am nervous. I don't know what to say. Nothing makes sense. So, here goes ... … [Read more...]
Weekend Update: What is the Cubs Next Move?
Four days after the Cubs traded Mark DeRosa the Faithful is wondering what, or who, Jim Hendry may have up his sleeve. The Cubs off-season, to this point, has many shaking their heads, including Buster Olney. The Cubs have made some unpopular moves and have not addressed their biggest need going into the winter....a left-handed middle-of-the-order right fielder. Here's the latest on Milton Bradley, Jake Peavy, Brian Roberts, Rich Aurilia and more.... … [Read more...]
Brian Roberts to the South Side?
Brian Roberts might be playing ball in Chicago next season but for the White Sox and not the Cubs. Roch Kubatko reported on his blog Friday night that the Orioles and White Sox have discussed a deal that would send Gavin Floyd to the Orioles for Brian Roberts. Not long after Kubatko broke the rumor, he joined Dave Kaplan on Sports Central and discussed the possibility of Roberts being traded to the Sox..... … [Read more...]
End of Week Dis-N-Dat….Cubs Rumors and News
44 Days Until Pitchers and Catchers report to Fitch Park in Mesa.... The first Friday of the New Year and most of the Faithful are still discussing the Cubs trading Mark DeRosa and signing Aaron Miles on Wednesday. Up next for the Cubs appears to be finalizing the Jason Marquis trade and the signings of Milton Bradley and Paul Bako. The hold up on the Marquis' deal appears to be physicals and the MLB front offices opening back up on Monday. Here's the latest from the mill, a couple of news and … [Read more...]
Hendry Talks Cubs on XM Radio and Other Rumors
After not allowing the year to end quietly, Jim Hendry joined Casey Stern and Rob Dibble on the Show Wednesday afternoon. Hendry discussed trading Mark DeRosa, signing Aaron Miles, Alfonso Soriano, Mike Fontenot and revealed the fact he has had no talks at all this off-season with the Baltimore Orioles about Brian Roberts. Here are a few of the highlights and the latest from the mill on New Year's Eve..... … [Read more...]