The Cubs interest in Jonathan Papelbon dates back to at least May and contrary to recent reports, the Cubs are still believed to be discussing the veteran closer. According to a report from Todd Zolecki, the Cubs, Blue Jays and Nationals are pursuing Jonathan Papelbon and the talks are intensifying with the trade deadline five days away. Zolecki said a deal is not imminent or that one will even be made. The Cubs are not on his no-trade list and Papelbon has said publicly that he would not … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Hoyer Says Cubs Working the Phones and Other News and Rumors
Jed Hoyer met with the media prior to the opener of the six-game homestand. Hoyer said the front office is actively trying to make the team better. The Cubs are working the phones non-stop and are in communication with everyone. Hoyer indicated, “There’s a very long week to go. We wouldn’t be making this many calls and working hard as we are if we weren’t trying to make moves before the deadline.” According to multiple reports, Hoyer said it’s too early to tell if it is a buyers or … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Cubs Plan to Work with Schwarber in the Outfield and Other News and Rumors
The Daily returns from a marathon and a long day of baseball in which the Cubs won two games in a 24-hour time period. The Cubs pulled out two games in Cincinnati and finished a difficult seven-game road trip over six days with a 4-3 record. The Cubs get a small break Thursday before a six-game homestand against the Phillies and Rockies that begins a stretch of 17 straight games. Kyle Schwarber had quite the road trip and the Cubs know his bat should be in the lineup as often as possible. … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: Two Wins, Four Roster Moves and a Couple of Phillies in the Rumor Mill
The Cubs started the second half with the organization’s first series victory in Atlanta since August 2011. Jon Lester flirted with a no-hitter and Jake Arrieta pitched seven innings of shutout ball. Joe Maddon got Meat Loaf but the flight to Cincinnati was probably a little subdued after clubhouse favorite Edwin Jackson was designated for assignment. Kyle Schwarber made his first start in the majors behind the plate and collected three hits while receiving mixed reviews on his … [Read more...]
Cole Hamels Update: Cubs Reportedly Continue to Talk to the Phillies
According to a report from Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are still talking to the Phillies about Cole Hamels. Rosenthal reported Saturday, “The Dodgers and Cubs continue to talk to the Phillies about Cole Hamels and don’t rule out the Red Sox, Rangers and others. I am told that the Red Sox intend to scout Hamels on Sunday. And that talks between the Rangers and Phillies are not dead, though the Rangers expect other clubs to make better offers.” Ken Rosenthal explained the industry is beginning … [Read more...]
Phillies Pushing to Finish a Jonathan Papelbon Deal?
Jonathan Papelbon did not hold back with his remarks about the Phillies and more specifically the front office during media day at the All-Star Game on Monday. Papelbon would like to be traded and is willing to tell those that are willing to listen how much he would like to close games for a contending team. Papelbon pitched Friday night for the first time since July 7 in a rare win for the Phillies. Papelbon gave up a run on two hits in a 6-3 victory over the Marlins. Papelbon has allowed … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Cubs TV Ratings are Up and Other News and Rumors
The Cubs started the All-Star break seven games over .500 with a 47-40 record and the improved play that has put the team in the post-season picture has resulted in a significant jump in the ratings. According to a report from Danny Ecker, the Cubs “are on track to finish with their highest TV ratings in at least a half-decade. Through their first 47 games on Comcast SportsNet Chicago, the Cubs have averaged a 3.0 household rating, or more than 104,000 Chicago-area TV households tuning in per … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Rizzo and Bryant Hit Homers, Papelbon Speaks Out, Rafael Soriano and Other Cubs News
Major League Baseball literally and figuratively hit one, actually several, out of the park Monday night. The revamped Home Run Derby is widely being viewed as a success and the rules that were altered at seemingly the last minute due to the pending weather tweaked The Derby even more and has made the annual event a must see for fans of the game again. The Reds’ Todd Frazier won The Derby, beating the Dodgers’ Joc Pederson. And Frazier joined Ryne Sandberg (1990) as the only two players to … [Read more...]
Cubs Focused on Adding Pitching Before Deadline
The Cubs have not lit up the scoreboard lately and will not be confused with the ’27 Yankees anytime soon. While the Cubs could add a bat before the deadline and have shown interest in Ben Zobrist, Will Venable and Gerardo Parra, Jed Hoyer said the offensive improvement will have to come from within. Hoyer expects several players to rebound and perform closer to career norms in the second half. Pitching remains the focus for the Cubs and the front office has been looking for help for more … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: A Win, An MVP, Top 10 Prospects and Rumors
The Cubs wrapped up the weekend and the first half with a win over the South Side in what was a typically busy three days heading into the break. Jake Arrieta had a career-first while completing his second game of the season. Kyle Schwarber went home and made headlines on the National stage. Carl Edwards Jr. had a good showing in the Futures Game, too. Baseball America released its Midseason Cubs’ prospect ranking. And the rumors picked up as baseball shifted its attention to Cincinnati … [Read more...]