Countdown to Cubs Cactus League Opener: 2 Days Ben Zobrist would like to be part of The Cubs team that puts an end to the longest drought in the history of North American sports. Zobrist reportedly turned down more lucrative offers from other teams to play for the Cubs and be reunited with his long-time skipper Joe Maddon. Zobrist grew up a Cardinals’ fan in Eureka, IL. Zobrist explained to Tracy Ringolsby that his decision to sign with the Cubs did not sit too well with family and friends. … [Read more...]
Cubs Announce Baseball Operations Hirings and Promotions, Establish Mental Skills Program
The Cubs announced a series of baseball operations hirings and promotions, including the establishment of the club’s new mental skills program, the hiring of Manny Ramirez (Hitting Consultant) and Kevin Youkilis (Scouting and Player Development Consultant) and several additions and promotions in amateur and professional scouting. Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis join the organization as consultants. It was reported that Youkilis would be a special assistant to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, but … [Read more...]
Kevin Youkilis Reportedly Joining Cubs Front Office as a Special Assistant to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer
According to reports from Mark Gonzales and Carrie Muskat, the Cubs have hired Kevin Youkilis to be a special assistant to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. Kevin Youkilis joins former Cubs’ Kerry Wood, Ted Lilly and Ryan Dempster as special assistants to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. Tim Wilken is also a special assistant to Epstein and Hoyer and Billy Williams is the Cubs’ Senior Advisor. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are obviously familiar with Youkilis from their days together with the Red Sox. … [Read more...]
Cubs Comfortable Betting on Baker, Still Pursuing Pitching
The Cubs added a starting pitcher to the mix when they announced that Scott Baker signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal on Tuesday that includes a $1.5 million incentives package. Theo Epstein did a little rhyming when he discussed the signing with the mainstream media. Epstein said that "Scott Baker is a pitch maker" and the Cubs are betting on him being ready to pitch when Spring Training begins in early February. Baker said he is ahead of schedule despite not being able to throw off a mound … [Read more...]
Cubs Focused on Pitching … and Other News, Notes and Rumors
The GM Meetings have come and gone and while the Cubs did not make any moves or signings this week, they reportedly had multiple conversations with teams and agents and tried to lay the groundwork for the rest of the off-season. The Cubs are looking to add pitching, pitching and more pitching this winter. One of the Cubs' off-season targets appears to be off the table. The Cubs were among several teams to submit a bid for the negotiating rights to Hyun-jin Ryu prior to Thursday's deadline. The … [Read more...]
The Cubs Don’t Have Unlimited Assets to Deal … and Other News and Notes
The GM Meetings are underway in Indian Wells, California and the Cubs are "still in the stage of figuring out what opportunities will be there" for them. According to a report from the Tribune, it appears the Cubs will be filling their needs this winter with free agent signings rather than trades. Theo Epstein said Wednesday that the Cubs "do not have a ton of fits with 25 of the other 29 clubs." The Cubs will continue to pursue all avenues but Epstein indicated they will likely focus on the … [Read more...]
Replacing Brenly … and Other Cubs News, Notes and Rumors
The Cubs' off-season will not kick into full swing for a couple of weeks but the speculation has begun on which players Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer might try to sign this winter. The focus will be on adding pitching and filling out a rotation that was void of Major League arms for a majority of the last two months of the season. The search for Bob Brenly's replacement is expected to begin very soon according to a report from the Tribune. Bob Vorwald, director of productions for WGN-TV, told the … [Read more...]