Doesn't it seem like a lot longer than just 144 days since Jed Hoyer's San Diego Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 9-2? Ryan Dempster took the loss on the final day of the 2011 season. Starlin Castro ran his hitting streak to 11 games in the loss and reached base for the 40th game in a row. The past four and a half months have been anything but boring for the Chicago Cubs. The hiring of Theo Epstein and then Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod continue to make headlines and will well into the season. The … [Read more...]
Sveum Asked Chris Bosio to be Cubs Pitching Coach
As reported on Wednesday, Dale Sveum has spoken with former teammate Chris Bosio about becoming the Cubs' new pitching coach. According to a report from the Tribune, Sveum has asked Bosio to take the position replacing Mark Riggins. … [Read more...]
Rounding Up the Cubs News, Notes and Rumors
Major League Baseball made headlines with the announcement of the new CBA on Tuesday. Seemingly lost in all of the changes of new Collective Bargaining Agreement, especially those that impact the draft and international signings, was the last of the BBWAA Awards was handed out. For the most part, baseball will take a break for the next couple of days before kicking back into gear after the holiday. News and rumors will continue to be made over the weekend but Monday starts a very busy two week … [Read more...]
From the Wire … Sveum Retains Rudy Jaramillo
Dale Sveum's coaching staff is beginning to take shape. According to a report from the Sun-Times, Dale Sveum has decided to keep Rudy Jaramillo for the final year of the three-year, $2.42 million contract he signed with the Cubs in October of 2009. Jaramillo said he was happy to be back with the Cubs and on Sveum's staff. As for the rest of his coaching staff, Dale Sveum informed Ivan DeJesus and Bobby Dernier that they will not be back next season. … [Read more...]
The Cubs Hire a New Manager … It’s Sveum Time
The 52nd manager of the Chicago Cubs will be introduced at a 9:00am CT press conference on Friday at Wrigley Field. Dale Sveum has agreed to a three-year contract with a fourth year option to skipper the Cubs through a rebuilding process led by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. In a matter of weeks, the entire image of the Chicago Cubs has changed. The Cubs have gone from what appeared to be a good ole boys network that tried every possible band-aid they could think of in order to hopefully hoist … [Read more...]
Cubs Clean Slate … Let the Managerial Search Begin
The search for the next manager of the Chicago Cubs has already begun and according to the Tribune, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer will interview a handful of candidates. The Cubs are "looking for someone with whom and around whom we can build a foundation for sustained success." The Cubs next manager "must have leadership and communication skills; he must place an emphasis on preparation and accountability; he must establish high standard and a winning culture; he must have integrity and an open … [Read more...]
Let the Off-Season Begin …
Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals for winning the 2011 World Series and now that a very good Fall Classic is over, it is time for Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and company to get to work. Beginning Sunday at 12:01am ET free agents can begin talking to other teams and can begin receiving offers at 12:01am ET on Thursday. All options, whether controlled by the player or the team must be filed by Monday night at 11:59pm ET ... Ryan Dempster is expected to pick up his player option for 2012 and … [Read more...]
With Theo Close, Could Sandberg Be Next?
With Tom Ricketts closing in on hiring Theo Epstein to run his baseball team, could Ryne Sandberg soon return to the organization? According to a report from the Sun-Times, the Cubs want to renew ties with Ryne Sandberg. According to the Sun-Times, "sources close to the Cubs, along with those close to Sandberg, have said in recent weeks that they expect a reconciliation this off-season." The Cubs and Sandberg have not discussed the situation of late but all of that is expected to change once … [Read more...]
Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Astros – 07/23/11
Game One Hundred One: Cubs (40-60) vs. Astros (33-66) Game Time - 12:05pm CDT Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 187 Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago Randy Wells (1-3, 6.71/1.74) vs. Wandy Rodriguez (6-6, 3.67/1.37) Weather permitting ... 'The Battle for Fifth Place in the NL Central' resumes this afternoon with a pitching match-up featuring two hurlers that could be making their final start with their current club. The Astros are rumored to be shopping Wandy … [Read more...]
Rambling While Getting A Little Too Excited After Two Games
Last week I took the ramblings in a different direction, but on this off day, I return to my normal random written steam of consciousness that is sometimes funny, sometimes witty, normally illogical and always entertaining. Well, at least I like to think it is. So, let's get back to my positive, upbeat, fun-loving style and ramble on while trying to figure out a few things. … [Read more...]