The Cubs, no matter how many reports and rumors suggest otherwise, are not trading Kyle Schwarber. Theo Epstein addressed the countless rumors that have surfaced in recent days. Epstein made a point to tell the beat writers with an emphatic statement he’s looking forward to seeing Kyle Schwarber playing for the Cubs on Opening Day next year. “I’m looking forward to Kyle Schwarber … who got hurt in a Cubs uniform and is working his ass off in a Cubs uniform … coming back and hitting a very … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Jason Hammel Changed Workout Regimen and Other Cubs News and Notes
Jason Hammel changed his off-season workout program after struggling in the second half last season. Hammel said on 670 The Score he wore down and that led to his poor performance. It’s easy to forget how good Jason Hammel was over the first three months last season. Hammel was the Cubs’ best starter and was a big reason the team was in position to compete for a spot in the tournament after the first half. Hammel made 17 starts before the break and posted a 5-4 record with a 2.86 ERA and … [Read more...]
Fernando Rodney Reportedly Close to Signing with Padres
According to a report from Jon Heyman, the Padres and RHP Fernando Rodney are closing in on contract. The Cubs were believed to be one of the teams, along with the Blue Jays, Diamondbacks and Twins that showed interest in Rodney this winter. The Padres can offer Rodney the best opportunity to close games again after trading Craig Kimbrel to the Red Sox and Joaquin Benoit to the Mariners. The soon-to-be 39-year old right-hander still feels he can get the job done in the ninth inning for a … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: ESPN Boldly Predicts Wire-to-Wire Division Crown for Cubs and Other News and Rumors
ESPN posted its bold predictions for each National League team for the upcoming season. And for the Cubs, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers thinks there is a NL Central Division title in Joe Maddon’s future. The Cubs will be picked to win the Central by many of the experts and to play deep into October. Rogers sees the Cubs leading the National League Central Division from Opening Day against the Angels to Game 162 in Cincinnati. Rogers is not predicting more wins for the Cubs in 2016 than the 97 victories … [Read more...]
Cubs Connected to Fernando Rodney, Indians Reportedly Done Making Big Moves
For the second time this week, the Cubs were included on a list of teams interested in free agent reliever Fernando Rodney. Nick Cafardo reported Saturday the Cubs have "talked about bringing him back." The Padres and Blue Jays "have also kicked the tires on signing Fernando Rodney." With Rodney looking to close games again, the Padres could offer him the best opportunity to do so. According to Chris Cotillo, Rodney is in “active talks” with several teams and the Cubs, Blue Jays, Padres … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: More Projections, Bigger Expectations in the New Year
With ushering in the New Year, the countdown started for pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training. For the Cubs there are 47 days left before camp officially begins on Feb. 19. The Cubs Convention is 12 days away and reports over the last three days indicated the front office is still talking to teams and free agents. FanGraphs posted its ZiPS Projections for the 2016 Cubs. And both the front office and Joe Maddon is focused on not allowing outside pressure and expectations to … [Read more...]
Cubs Have Reportedly Talked about Re-Signing RHP Fernando Rodney
It’s believed the Cubs would like to add another reliever or two to the roster in the coming weeks prior to pitchers and catchers reporting to Mesa on Feb. 19. The Cubs were one of three teams showing the most interest in veteran closer Fernando Rodney last month and could still be interested in re-signing him. According to Nick Cafardo, the Cubs have “talked about bringing him back,” the Padres have shown interest in Rodney and the Blue Jays “have also kicked the tires” on signing Fernando … [Read more...]
Cubs Reportedly Still Taking Offers on Jorge Soler
According to Jon Heyman, the Cubs are “still taking offers” on Jorge Soler. The Cubs would reportedly include Soler in a trade for a controllable starting pitcher. And Heyman thinks there is a decent match-up with the Indians for either Carlos Carrasco or Danny Salazar. The Cubs are consistently linked to three teams (Indians, Padres and Rays) at this point of the off-season as the front office’s search for a starting pitcher continues. The Indians covet Soler and both the Indians and Rays … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Joe Maddon Takes Home Manager of the Year Awards and Other Cubs News and Rumors
Theo Epstein said it would be a wild Winter Meetings. And Tuesday was exactly that for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs made two significant moves and they are reportedly not done. The Cubs signed Ben Zobrist to a four-year contract and traded Starlin Castro to the Yankees for RHP Adam Warren and a PTBNL. Joe Maddon has more hardware for his trophy case. Baseball America named Maddon its Major League Manager of the Year and Maddon won the MLB Esurance Award for Manager of the Year. Maddon … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: A Flurry of Activity and Rumors Before the Winter Meetings
The front office checked off one of the boxes from the off-season to-do list when the Cubs landed John Lackey on Friday. The Cubs and Lackey agreed to terms on a two-year, $32 million contract. The Cubs acquired a reliever via a waiver claim and announced its 2016 Spring Training Schedule. With the Winter Meetings getting underway, rumors and speculation dominated the headlines for three days. The Cubs thought they had a foundation of a deal in place for a starting pitcher. A long-time … [Read more...]