The Cubs stayed busy on the Friday before the Christmas holiday and announced three roster moves that ended up clearing one spot on the 40-man roster. The team finalized the contract with outfielder Nate Schierholtz that was agreed to during the Winter Meetings. The one-year deal is believed to be worth $2.25 million and includes a $500,000 incentives package. Schierholtz was added to the roster after the Giants claimed Sandy Rosario off waivers. The Cubs also announced that Gerardo … [Read more...]
Shopping Soriano and Other Cubs Rumors
As Jed Hoyer pointed out in two different interviews last week, the Cubs are not done putting the roster together for next season. David Kaplan provided more information on what Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein may be working on shortly after multiple reports surfaced that the Cubs are talking to teams about Alfonso Soriano. The Cubs discussed a deal with the Phillies that would have sent Alfonso Soriano to Philly for outfielder Domonic Brown. The Phillies like Soriano's bat but his defense concerns … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings Day Three: Cubs Add an Outfielder and Have Offers Out to Free Agents
The Cubs reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year contract with outfielder Nate Schierholtz on day three of Baseball's Winter Meetings. The Cubs did see several of their off-season targets come off the board but reportedly have offers out to free agents and are working on several options to improve the roster. The Cubs one-year contract with Nate Schierholtz is reportedly worth $2.25 million and includes an incentive package worth another $500,000. The Cubs have not confirmed the signing and … [Read more...]
Winter Meetings Day Two: Cubs Exploring Third Base and Outfield Options
Day two of Baseball's Winter Meetings was filled with more noise and rumors surrounding the Chicago Cubs ... but no moves. The Cubs appear to be exploring all options to fill their needs at third base and in the outfield. The mainstream media linked the Cubs to numerous players on Tuesday including Yunel Escobar, Yuniesky Betancourt, Mark Reynolds and Shane Victorino, before Victorino agreed to a surprising three-year, $39 million contract with the Red Sox. Jed Hoyer said that the team has had … [Read more...]
Rambling as The Boys Enjoy the Cali Sun and Fun
A bunch of the boys are whoopin' it up in the desert made famous by Frank and his friends. A rollicking happy place where the scotch flows and the golf courses never end. A land of breathtaking mornings and gorgeous nights. A world where the stars shine brighter than spotlights. And finally, and most impactful for many ... a town where the women are so eager because most of the other men are "gay, gray or leaving on Tuesday." Yes, welcome to the California desert. It's nice to be … [Read more...]
The Cubs Don’t Have Unlimited Assets to Deal … and Other News and Notes
The GM Meetings are underway in Indian Wells, California and the Cubs are "still in the stage of figuring out what opportunities will be there" for them. According to a report from the Tribune, it appears the Cubs will be filling their needs this winter with free agent signings rather than trades. Theo Epstein said Wednesday that the Cubs "do not have a ton of fits with 25 of the other 29 clubs." The Cubs will continue to pursue all avenues but Epstein indicated they will likely focus on the … [Read more...]
Time for the GMs to Meet … and Other Cubs Notes and Rumors
The annual General Manager Meetings officially begin Wednesday in Palm Springs. The meetings run through Friday and these meetings usually set the groundwork for future trades and free agent signings. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, Jason McLeod, Randy Bush and Shiraz Rehman made the trek out west and will continue conversations they've already had with other teams and agents. The Cubs have significant flexibility and are going to be aggressive in free agency according to a report from Comcast … [Read more...]
Weekend Update … It’s Just the Beginning of the Cubs Off-Season
With free agency underway and the General Managers meetings in California during the coming week (November 6-9, Palm Springs), there figures to be a lot of news and even more rumors throughout the game over the next seven days. While activity might be at a minimum, the GM Meetings have historically set the tone for future trades. The Cubs are looking to add at least two starting pitchers, an outfielder and possibly a third baseman and backup catcher. It also appears that the Cubs are trying to … [Read more...]
… And About Those Cubs Prospects Lists
Over the past weeks, fans have been treated to an annual ritual, the posting of the organizational rankings by Baseball America (henceforth to be known as BA) and Baseball Prospectus. This year's rankings have generated concerns by Cubs fans as to the state of the minor leagues and the organization as a whole. To accompany the publishing of these lists, the CCO linked our article from January of this year highlighting BA's Top Ten Cubs Prospects from 2005 to present. While looking these over, I … [Read more...]
Mike Lamb on Cubs Radar?
According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs "may look at signing veteran infielder Mike Lamb to a minor league deal." The Cubs have looked all spring for a proven backup for Aramis Ramirez. The report indicated Lamb would be used as security in case of an Aramis Ramirez injury. The Brewers just released Lamb in favor of former Cub, Casey McGehee. … [Read more...]