With the exception of possibly Dave Martinez, Joe Maddon expects coaching staff to return for 2017 season According to multiple reports, Joe Maddon’s coaching staff will largely remain intact next season. Maddon said prior to Game 5 that he “expects to invite all his coaches back for another season.” And if Maddon’s staff returns, it will be the third straight season without any changes to the leadership in the dugout. Even though Maddon expects his staff to return, he admitted to Patrick … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: The Convention, Arrieta Exchanged Numbers and Minor Signings
It was a wild, loud weekend at the 31st Annual Cubs Convention. The three days was chock full of information from the Ricketts family, Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, Joe Maddon and his coaching staff and minor league updates. The Cubs avoided arbitration with six players Friday, but were unable to agree to terms with Jake Arrieta. The two sides exchanged salary numbers and will continue to negotiate and work to avoid the hearing. Two players were signed to minor league deals. And one of the best … [Read more...]
Cubs Off-Season Scorecard
The Cubs have been incredibly busy this off-season, one of the most active teams in the game. With all of the changes over a two-plus month time span, it seemed like an appropriate time to post a recap of the roster moves the front office has made to this point as well as provide a couple of other important updates. There is one announcement that has been expected but has not been made. Ownership reportedly extended Crane Kenney’s contract but has not announced signing Theo Epstein to a … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: The BBWAA was Good to the Cubs, Bosio Signs an Extension and Other News and Rumors
Major awards week came to an end Thursday with the announcement of the Most Valuable Players. Bryce Harper and Josh Donaldson took home the MVP awards and three Cubs were in the final voting. Anthony Rizzo was fourth in the voting for NL MVP, Jake Arrieta was sixth and Kris Bryant finished 11th after all the votes from the BBWAA were counted. The BBWAA recognized the excellent regular season the Cubs had by naming Jake Arrieta the NL Cy Young Award winner, Kris Bryant the NL Rookie of the … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: Flipping the Switch to the Off-Season
The Cubs shifted into off-season mode Thursday afternoon as Theo Epstein held his end of the season press conference. All of the reports linked in this roundup are must reads. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have been transparent and honest since taking over baseball operations four years ago. A lot can be learned by reading and listening to the front office. Rumors surfaced late Thursday and throughout the weekend as to which players the Cubs could try to acquire and/or sign this … [Read more...]
Cubs Invite Joe Maddon’s Entire Coaching Staff Back for Next Season
During his end of season press conference Thursday, Theo Epstein confirmed the coaching staff has been invited back for next year. The front office is very happy with the results on the field at the big league level. And unless another team calls, Joe Maddon’s entire coaching staff will return for the 2016 season. Along with Joe Maddon, Dave Martinez (bench coach), Chris Bosio (pitching coach), Lester Strode (bullpen coach), Mike Borzello (catching coach), John Mallee (hitting coach), Eric … [Read more...]