With only five games left in Arizona and seven games remaining on their practice schedule, the Cubs are exploring all options to fill the last two spots on the roster. It appears that 23 of the 25 spots on the Opening Day roster are filled, with only one spot in the pen and one spot on the bench still available. The Cubs are looking primarily for a utility infielder as players become available during the final days of Spring Training. Steve Clevenger still has a very good chance of ending up … [Read more...]
Off the Field News … On the Field Cubs Rumors
As the baseball world descends on Indianapolis ahead of the Winter Meetings that begin on Monday, the Chicago Cubs made a few off the field headlines on Friday. From Spring Training to ticket prices to a facelift for the old scoreboard, there were several tidbits to come out of the offices at Clark and Addison ... and of course there was a fare share of rumors to make the rounds as well. The Cubs will look at Ben Sheets, J.J. Putz and a left-handed hitting centerfielder. Here is the latest … [Read more...]
Is the Cubs Hot Stove Heating Up?
The countdown to the winter meetings has begun ... and the Cubs made a few waves on Tuesday. Rich Harden, Kevin Gregg and Reed Johnson were not offered salary arbitration and will likely be with another team in 2010. The Cubs could re-sign Reed Johnson but that depends on the moves they are able to make after unloading Milton Bradley. Some think the upcoming winter meetings will be filled with signings and trades ... will Jim Hendry and company be able to accomplish their biggest goal of the … [Read more...]
Weekend Update … More on Movin’ Milton and Other Cubs Rumors
It is the last Sunday in November and Milton Bradley is still on the Cubs' roster. Several of the 'experts' and most of the talking heads figured Jim Hendry would have traded Bradley away by now ... but the process of dealing Bradley is not an easy one. Expect the rumors to heat up across the league and especially surrounding the Chicago Cubs. There are only eight days remaining until the Winter Meetings and many think the Cubs will do more wheelin' and dealin' than opening up the checkbook … [Read more...]
Any Deals for Jim Hendry on Black Friday?
On the day after Thanksgiving, will Jim Hendry make any progress on "Movin' Milton"? Reports before the holiday indicated the Cubs remain focused on unloading Milton Bradley, which could clear a little necessary room on the payroll. Rumors have suggested the Cubs' payroll for 2010 will be anywhere from $140 million to $150 million. With all of the high-priced contracts (that includes multiple no-trade clauses) and arbitration eligible players, if the rumors are correct that does not leave much … [Read more...]
Movin’ Milton … and Other Cubs Rumors
On this Veteran's Day, the CCO would like to thank all of those that have served our Country. The GM Meetings conclude at noon on Wednesday ... and there were more rumors to come out of the O'Hare Hilton on Tuesday. The phrase that pays so far this winter for the Chicago Cubs is "bounce back." As the GM Meetings wind down, Jim Hendry reiterated the fact they are looking for several players to "bounce back" next season and perform the way the Cubs' GM thought they would in 2009. The long-term, … [Read more...]
All Roads (and Trade Rumors) Lead to Chicago
The GM Meetings began on Monday with a flurry of rumors ... and little to no action as predicted. The GMs spent Monday night at dinner and in private one-on-one meetings. Tuesday will be filled with talks centering around the game and instant replay at the O'Hare Hilton ... the annual gathering concludes around noon on Wednesday. The games might be over for the winter, but baseball's busy season is gearing up. Here is the latest from the mill including updates on Milton Bradley, Rich Harden, … [Read more...]
Weekend Update … Talkin’ Cubs Rumors
The first two days of the off-season have seen quite a bit of movement across the league ... except for on the North Side of Chicago. The Cubs completed their organizational meetings on Friday in Arizona and other than Reed Johnson and Rich Harden declaring free agency, not much out of the Cubs' camp. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. Jim Hendry has little payroll flexibility and will likely rely on making trades to improve (or fix) the big league team for next season. It is only the first … [Read more...]
A Little Game of Catch(up)
The sale of the Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts Family has taken two steps forward in a short time and could be finalized before the end of the month ... that by far is the most important bits of information to come out of the offices at Clark and Addison over the past week. And the off-season is about to kick into high gear ... Jim Hendry is set to meet with "some of the top scouts" in the organization this week in Arizona to prepare for the off-season. The team's organizational meetings are not … [Read more...]
CCO Radio…Talkin’ Cubs Following Three with the Bucs
The CCO Radio returns following the final three games of the year in Pittsburgh ... and the Cubs 8-5 win on Wednesday afternoon. The Cubs completed the sweep in the Steel City behind Carlos Zambrano. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD on the CCO Radio. What moves should the Cubs make in the off-season to improve the team? Call the CCO Radio. Want your voice and opinion to be heard? Call the CCO Radio tonight and discuss everything Cubs with the CCO. A quick show reminder...The CCO Radio will air live … [Read more...]