Hello again, everybody, and I must say that once more … hello again, everybody. It has been quite some time. To be exact, it has been seven weeks since you have been inundated with my rambling, sometimes incoherent thoughts that may or may not remind you of a distant uncle. There has been so much going on, and a plethora of information that Neil had to report. And report he did. As well as one can. You won’t find better, more up-to-date information on the Cubs anywhere else. The CCO owns … [Read more...]
The Starting Pitcher Picture Remains Fuzzy for the Cubs
Several teams, including the Cubs, are looking to sign a starting pitcher or two before Spring Training begins. The Cubs could be waiting for the free agent market to play out a little to see who is left that would fit their needs. Jed Hoyer said they are looking for "innings" and the Cubs have been connected to Paul Maholm and Jason Hammel. But the Cubs might have internal options that would fit their needs. A.J. Burnett, Ervin Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez figure to be the next starters in … [Read more...]
Cubs Pitching Search Continues
Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are looking to add at least one veteran starting pitcher to the mix before Spring Training begins. And the Cubs and Blue Jays could be talking again about a deal that would send Jeff Samardzija to Florida for Spring Training. While the Cubs will not be signing Ervin Santana or Ubaldo Jimenez, the front office is believed to be interested in Paul Maholm and Jason Hammel. If the Cubs sign Maholm and he is effective again under Chris Bosio, the front office would be … [Read more...]
Blue Jays Reportedly Still Talking to Cubs about Jeff Samardzija
A day after Ken Rosenthal reported the Diamondbacks would rather revisit talks with the Cubs about Jeff Samardzija than sign either Ubaldo Jimenez or Ervin Santana, Jon Heyman and Bruce Levine reported the Jays are interested again in trading for Jeff Samardzija. The teams that were interested in signing Masahiro Tanaka are scrambling to fill out their starting rotations with Spring Training just around the corner. A.J. Burnett deciding he would pitch this season has given teams another … [Read more...]
Cubs Release Spring Training Broadcast Schedule and Other News and Rumors
While the focus Monday was on prospects and the battle with the rooftops, the Cubs released their Spring Training broadcast schedule. Pitchers and catchers report to Mesa on Feb. 13, position players on Feb. 18 and the first full squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 19. And a little more than a week later, Rick Renteria’s team will take on the Diamondbacks at the first game at Cubs Park on Feb. 27. WGN TV will carry the first game of the Cubs’ 2014 Cactus League schedule on Feb. 27 with … [Read more...]
Cubs Exploring Pitching Options and Other News, Notes and Rumors
The Cubs took care of a little business on Friday when the team avoided arbitration with Travis Wood and agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.9 million with the lefty All-Star. The Cubs have avoided arbitration with seven of the 10 arbitration eligible players for the upcoming season. The Cubs exchanged numbers with Jeff Samardzija, Darwin Barney and Justin Ruggiano last Friday and still have to agree to contracts with all three players to avoid the dreaded arbitration hearing. Spring … [Read more...]
Jed Hoyer Discusses the Cubs on MLB Network Radio
Jed Hoyer joined Jeff Joyce and Jim Bowden during Inside Pitch (MLB Network Radio) on Thursday afternoon. The Cubs’ general manager discussed the Masahiro Tanaka process, the fact they are looking to add "innings" to the rotation before Spring Training begins and the Cubs' farm system. Jed Hoyer confirmed the Cubs are looking to add at least one starting pitcher and did not shoot down the team’s possible interest in either Paul Maholm or Scott Baker. Hoyer reiterated Javier Baez will begin … [Read more...]
The Cubs Have Work To Do and Other News and Notes
Wednesday will not go down as a banner day in the history of the Chicago Cubs. While many felt the Yankees would end up with Masahiro Tanaka when the process began, there was a feeling of disappointment among the faithful that the Cubs were not able to keep him from signing with the Evil Empire. The last three seasons has been the worst stretch at the big league level in team history and even the most-patient fans that are behind the Cubs’ plan to build an organization with sustained success … [Read more...]
Yankees Reportedly Land Masahiro Tanaka with Seven-Year, $155 Million Deal
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees have won the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes. Rosenthal reported the Yankees have agreed to terms with Masahiro Tanaka on a seven-year, $155 million contract that includes an opt-out clause after the fourth year. If the numbers are accurate, Tanaka has signed the fifth largest contract ever for a starting pitcher behind only Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, Felix Hernandez and C.C. Sabathia. Ken Rosenthal's report has been confirmed. David Kaplan … [Read more...]
Catching Up Cubs News and Notes While Waiting on the Tanaka Decision
With the Cubs Convention in the rearview mirror, the countdown to Spring Training has begun. Cubs’ pitchers and catchers officially report to Mesa in 23 days (Feb. 13). Several of the players have already made their way to the Cubs’ new facility to prepare for the start of camp. The City of Mesa is celebrating the opening of Cubs Park and the adjacent Riverview Park on Saturday (Jan. 25) in a free event called Double Play at the Park. The Cubs remain focused on adding at least one starting … [Read more...]