Well, after an extremely quiet week, I am not sure what to ramble about ... any ideas? The team looks different, I am not sure who is going to pitch, and well, the last two months of the season shall be interesting, as it is going to get ugly ... very ugly. So let's get to it. … [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...]
All’s Wells That Ends Wells – Cubs 5 Astros 4
Game Thirty-Five - Cubs 5 Astros 4 WP - Sean Marshall (2-2) LP - LaTroy Hawkins (1-1) Save - None Randy Wells tossed six innings of shutout ball and appeared to be in line for his first big league victory. Once again Wells pitched out of jams in the early innings before settling down. Wells gave up only four hits, walked three, struck out four and retired nine of the last ten batters he faced. With the six-shutout innings on Saturday, Wells has not allowed an earned run at the Major League … [Read more...]
From the Wire….Lowe Agrees to Terms with the Braves
According to reports from MLB.com and XM Radio, the Atlanta Braves agreed to terms with Derek Lowe on a four-year, $60 million contract on Tuesday. Lowe was 14-11 last season for the Dodgers with a 3.24 ERA and was 6-1 down the stretch with a 1.27 ERA. The Cubs were connected to Derek Lowe through the rumor mill this off-season. … [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...]
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...]
How Lowe Can the Cubs Go?
After spending nearly two months and a majority of the Winter Meetings trying to trade for Jake Peavy, have the Cubs moved on to another front-line starter? According to a report from Jon Heyman on SI.com, the Cubs "are among several teams eyeing Lowe"...as in Derek Lowe. Heyman's report indicated the Cubs could revisit the talks for Jake Peavy "at some point", but if they have moved on, "Lowe could become a suitable rotation replacement in Wrigley Field." Lowe could cost the same $63 million … [Read more...]