The Cubs are one of two teams left in the mix for right-handed pitcher Edwin Jackson. According to reports from Jim Bowden and Jon Heyman, the Padres are no longer interested in signing Jackson after being seen as the front-runner to land his services. Bowden reported Tuesday night that Jackson is down to the Cubs and Rangers. According to both reports, the Padres backed out because Jackson’s price escalated and he is looking for a four-year contract. Jackson signed one of Scott Boras’ … [Read more...]
Darwin Barney is Golden … and Other Cubs News, Notes and Rumors
Darwin Barney turned in a record setting season and was rewarded with a gold glove on Tuesday night. Darwin Barney beat out the Reds' Brandon Phillips and Arizona's Aaron Hill for the Rawlings Gold Glove. Barney became just the fourth second baseman in Cubs' history to take home the award (Ryne Sandberg, 1983-1991; Glenn Beckert, 1968; Ken Hubbs, 1962) and the first since his mentor and former minor league manager. Darwin Barney saved the Cubs 28 runs with his defense throughout the season and … [Read more...]
Baseball Operations Staff Structures, Theo Epstein and Other Cubs News, Notes and Rumors
The Cubs announced several changes to the front office, scouting and field staff, plus a three-year contract extension for Assistant General Manager, Randy Bush. Dale Sveum finalized his coaching staff on Tuesday with the hiring of David Bell to replace Pat Listach as the team's third base coach. The Cubs also removed the interim tag from hitting coach James Rowson. Theo Epstein discussed his first year at the helm of baseball operations. Epstein stepped down from his position with the Red Sox … [Read more...]
The Beginning of a Long Off-Season for the Cubs
The off-season has begun for the Chicago Cubs. While the playoffs are underway and the focus throughout the game is on some set of games in late October, the Cubs remain focused on the future and building an organization with sustained success. Theo Epstein spent just under an hour with the media in the dungeon the day after the season came to an end. The Cubs President of Baseball Operations addressed a number of topics, including Alfonso Soriano's future with the organization and where the … [Read more...]
From the Wire … Cubs Dismiss Pat Listach
The Cubs announced the first changes to Dale Sveum's staff shortly after the Cubs closed the season with a walk-off win against the Astros. The Cubs decided to dismiss third base coach Pat Listach. Sveum said that Listach did nothing wrong and he would recommend him for another coaching job. The Cubs did not announce any other changes and they have not made any decisions on James Rowson's future with the organization. The Cubs are evaluating all options for the hitting coach position and Rowson … [Read more...]
Rambling While Reflecting on the Walk-offs
The Cubs were down then Mather found some redemption, some ice and some shaving cream. Marmol blew it the next night, but was bailed out and the Cubs walked off again. Matty G and the Shark pitched well, Wrigley was having fun and the Cubs won a series against the defending World Champions. Hey, quite a nice series in a down year. It's Friday, let's have some fun and go rambling ... … [Read more...]
Intrasquad, Lead-Off Hitters, Bunt Tourney and Other Notes from Cubs Camp
The Cubs first intrasquad game took place Friday afternoon at HoHoKam Park ... and Rick Sutcliffe's Blue Team beat Dale Sveum's White Team 10-4. Matt Szczur stole the show. The speedy outfielder drove in six of his team's ten runs with the big blast of the day. Szczur hit a grand slam off Travis Wood a couple of innings after showing off his speed. Szczur tagged and scored from second base on a wind-blown sac fly to right off the bat of Reed Johnson. David DeJesusreportedly caught the ball … [Read more...]
A Look Back at the Cubs Off-Season as Pitchers and Catchers Report to Spring Training
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...]
Day Two of the 2012 Convention … Meet Cubs Baseball Management and the Coaches’ Den
The Cubs' new general manager was front and center in the second session of the day. Jed Hoyer picked up where Theo Epstein left off earlier. Hoyer spoke about the importance of building an organization in order to have a big league team that consistently plays in October. Randy Bush, the Cubs' assistant GM, and Dale Sveum participated in Meet Cubs Baseball Management. The Coaches' Den focused on accountability at the big league level and playing the game the right way. From the sound of Dale … [Read more...]
Are the Cubs In or Out on Fielder?
The Cubs are interested in signing Prince Fielder. The Cubs do not have the money to sign Prince Fielder. The Cubs are the front-runner to sign Prince Fielder. The Cubs have not spoken to Prince Fielder. Industry consensus: Prince Fielder will sign with the Cubs. Dale Sveum: "We haven't had any talks with Prince Fielder." Until Prince Fielder signs his new mega-deal, the conflicting reports will continue to surface ... and there will be no way to avoid them. The bottom line is, the Cubs have a … [Read more...]