According to a report from Rob Bradford, it’s unlikely that Jonathan Papelbon will sign with a team prior to Wednesday’s deadline to make him eligible for a postseason roster. The Red Sox, Cubs and Cardinals were considered the three favorites to sign Papelbon after he requested and was released by the Nationals on Aug. 13. Papelbon asked the Nationals to release him instead of being designated for assignment so he could sign with a team as quickly as possible. Papelbon has not pitched in … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Cubs Getaway Day News and Notes, Tommy La Stella and Roster Moves
The Cubs won for the third time in as many games Wednesday. The Cubs are 76-43 on the season. And for the first time since the end of the 2008 season, the Cubs are 33 games over .500. The Cubs are 17-3 over the last 20 games. After starting the season with 24 wins in the first 30 games (24-6), the Cubs were a .500 team for the next 58 games (29-29). Over the last 31 games, the Cubs are 23-8 that is a .742 winning percentage. And the 23-8 record since the All-Star break is tops in baseball … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Jason Hammel’s Sensational Second Half, John Lackey and Other Cubs News
The Cubs went two for Tuesday with the doubleheader sweep over the Brewers. Joe Maddon’s team increased their lead in the NL Central by a half game over the Cardinals with the 4-0 and 4-1 victories against Milwaukee. Jason Hammel won for the sixth time in as many starts in the nightcap. Hammel tossed seven innings of shutout ball. Hammel has not allowed a run in 22 innings. The last one Hammel surrendered was the solo homer by White Sox starting pitcher Anthony Ranaudo on July 27. Hammel … [Read more...]
Jonathan Papelbon Expected to a Decision Within 24 Hours, Reportedly Hopes to Sign with Cubs
Jonathan Papelbon expected to pick a team within next 24 hours … Drawing strong interest, reportedly hopes to sign with Cubs Rob Bradford reported Tuesday morning that Jonathan Papelbon will make a decision and sign with a team within 24 hours. Bradford posted the news just after 9:00am CDT. Bradford’s sources have indicated that Papelbon is drawing “strong interest from across the league.” Bradford explained “multiple teams are intrigued by Papelbon” despite the concerns about his drop in … [Read more...]
Jon Lester Says Jonathan Papelbon Would Be Welcomed Into Cubs Clubhouse
Jon Lester pushed for the front office to acquire Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies last summer before he was traded to the Nationals. Sunday, Lester told ESPN Chicago that Papelbon would fit in and be welcomed in the Cubs clubhouse if the front office decided to sign the veteran reliever. The Cubs are believed to be among the teams interested in signing Papelbon, who became a free agent on Saturday when he was released by the Nationals. ESPN Chicago reported “some around baseball said they … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: A Maddoning Split with the Cards, Papelbon on the Radar
It was both a good and a not-so-good weekend for Joe Maddon's team. The Cubs won the first two games of the series with the Cardinals and should have won the last two. The Cubs took the opener on a walk-off walk late Thursday in extra innings. Friday was a blowout as the offense scored 13 runs on a big day from Matt Szczur and five home runs behind Jake Arrieta. The Cubs’ bullpen imploded in the last two games of the series. The Cubs gave up a combined 11 runs in the eighth inning on Saturday … [Read more...]
Cubs Reportedly One of the Teams Interested in Signing Jonathan Papelbon
Shortly after the Nationals released Jonathan Papelbon, multiple reports pointed to the Cubs as a possible landing spot for the veteran reliever. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and the front office have strong ties to Papelbon, plus Jon Lester pushed for the Cubs to acquire him from the Phillies last summer. Buster Olney, who is at Wrigley Field for Sunday Night Baseball, reported “the Cubs will be among teams that will take a look at Jonathan Papelbon as a possible fit.” Olney pointed out that … [Read more...]
Nationals Release Jonathan Papelbon, Cubs Could Be on Short List of Interested Teams
Nationals release RHP Jonathan Papelbon … Cubs, Red Sox viewed as possible destinations for the veteran reliever News surfaced early Saturday morning the Nationals were on the verge of releasing veteran closer Jonathan Papelbon. Jerry Crasnick reported the two sides were negotiating the terms under which Papelbon would be released. The Nationals made it official right around the time Addison Russell hit a two-run homer in the second inning of Saturday’s game with the Cardinals that Papelbon … [Read more...]
Zobrist Dealt to Royals, Nationals Acquire Papelbon
Dayton Moore is sparing no expense to improve the Royals’ roster. The Royals acquired INF/OF Ben Zobrist from the A’s on Tuesday afternoon. Kansas City sent LHP Sean Manaea and RHP Aaron Brooks to Oakland for Ben Zobrist and cash, reportedly more than $2 million. Sean Manaea has a big arm and started the season as the second best prospect in the Royals system. The hard throwing lefty projects as at least a No. 3 starter in a big league rotation. Aaron Brooks is a useful arm, likely a solid … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: Rumors Highlights of a Difficult Three Days for the North Side Nine
As the front office spent the weekend working on ways to improve Joe Maddon’s roster, it was a rather difficult three days for the team on the field. Not only were the Cubs swept by the Phillies, but The Streak came to an end and Jason Hammel’s performance Sunday raised a red flag. Off the field, the rumor mill kicked into gear, Clayton Richard reported to Iowa and the Cubs signed a reliever to a minor league contract. Here are all of the headlines from the last three days … Player … [Read more...]