The Cubs named a majority of their 2014 coaching staff on Friday afternoon as well as changes to their minor league system. As expected, the Cubs kept Chris Bosio and Lester Strode to coach the pitching staff under Rick Renteria. Franklin Font was retained as a staff assistant and Mike Borzello was retained but received a new title. Borzello is the Cubs’ catching and strategy coach. The big news was the additions of Bill Mueller and Brandon Hyde. Mueller left his job as a scout with the … [Read more...]
Cubs Close to Announcing Coaching Staff? And Other News and Notes
The Cubs were expected to announce Rick Renteria’s coaching staff this week. The official announcement may be a couple of days away but they appear close to finalizing the coaching staff according to Bruce Levine. Rick Renteria said good-bye to San Diego on Wednesday and is reportedly ready for the next step in his career with the Cubs. Chris Bosio and Lester Strode have been retained to handle the pitching staff and Mike Borzello is expected back as well. As for the other five positions … [Read more...]
Reserve Lists, the Cubs Roster and Samardzija Rumors
Wednesday is the deadline for all 30 teams to file their reserve lists at the major and minor league levels to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 12. The Cubs 40-man roster currently sits at 37 players, so there are three empty spots the front office could use to protect players. Of the eligible prospects in the system, Arismendy Alcantara is the only slam dunk to be added to the 40-man roster. Outfielder Jae-Hoon Ha and LHP Eric Jokisch are also candidates for a promotion to the … [Read more...]
Kris Bryant Wins AFL MVP and Cubs Continue to Explore Options
Weekend Update The Arizona Fall League wrapped up the 2013 season on Saturday with Mesa losing 2-0 to Surprise in the Championship game. But before the contest, Kris Bryant received the Joe Black Award for the Most Valuable Player in the Arizona Fall League. Bryant was impressive during the fall league and created quite the buzz. Bryant edged out Solar Sox teammate, C.J. Cron for the honor. Kris Bryant hit .364/.457/.727 with eight doubles and one triple. Bryant led the AFL in home runs with … [Read more...]
Mueller? Mueller? Cubs Coaching Staff Coming Into Focus
Multiple outlets confirmed the Sun-Times report that the front office is looking to hire Bill Mueller to be the Cubs’ new hitting coach. Mueller would be one of possible two hitting coaches on Rick Renteria’s staff. The front office knows they cannot miss on what will be the team’s third hitting coach in three seasons. Mueller has mainly been working in the Dodgers’ front office since he retired. Mueller served as a special assistant to GM Ned Colletti before replacing Eddie Murray on an … [Read more...]
Report: Cubs Talking to Bill Mueller about Hitting Coach Position
According to a report from the Sun-Times, the Cubs are talking to former Cubs and Red Sox third baseman Bill Mueller about joining the Cubs' staff as hitting coach. The Cubs front office is obviously familiar with Mueller from their days together in Boston. Mueller has been a scout in the Dodgers' system. The Sun-Times confirmed the Cubs have retained Chris Bosio and Lester Strode. Rick Renteria's coaching staff could be announced in a week or so according to the report. … [Read more...]