According to a report from MLB.com, the Giants re-signed Rich Aurilia on Monday to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training. Aurilia could earn $1 million if he makes the big league club. The Cubs were rumored to be very interested in Rich Aurilia to serve as a backup to Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee. … [Read more...]
Cubs Lined up for Hudson?
According to a report from the Boston Globe, the Cubs are one of three teams lined up to sign Orlando Hudson. The Cubs, along with the White Sox and Dodgers are interested in signing the second baseman according to Nick Cafardo. Back in October, Gordon Wittenmyer told Dave Kaplan on Sports Central that he thought Hudson could be the starting second baseman on Opening Day for the Cubs. Wittenmyer called it a 'wild guess' at the time, but could there be anything to Cafardo's report? … [Read more...]
End of Week Dis-N-Dat….Counting Down the Days
The long winter without baseball is nearing a conclusion. The trucks are making the long trek to Arizona. It is only seven short days until pitchers and catchers report to Fitch Park in Mesa. So while the players and coaches enjoy their last free weekend for at least eight months, here are a few updates from and other news and tidbits from the North Side.... … [Read more...]
Is Millar or Aurilia a fit for the Cubs?
After spending the winter doing everything they could to add left-handed hitters and balance to the roster, the Cubs are reportedly looking to add a righty to the mix that can backup Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. The two names that continue to surface....Kevin Millar and Rich Aurilia. While one is a self-proclaimed Idiot and by all accounts a great clubhouse guy with ties to Ryan Dempster...the other pounded southpaws to the tune of a .321/.377/.526/.903 line in 64 games with five home runs … [Read more...]
Weekend Update – The Latest from the North Side on Mr. Cub’s Birthday
The last day of January and only 13 days before pitchers and catchers report to Fitch Park in Mesa.... The Cubs interest in Kevin Millar and Rich Aurilia was bantered around on Friday after the return of Paul Bako was officially announced. The Cubs "had shown early interest" in bringing back Nomar Garciaparra as well but according to Bruce Levine were told "he was looking for more of a full-time position." Happy 78th Birthday to Ernie Banks....and according to one of the greatest of All-Time, … [Read more...]
Bako Close? Uribe Signed by Giants….Cubs Interested in Millar and Aurilia
According to a report from Bruce Levine on ESPN 1000, the Cubs are expected to sign Paul Bako within the next day. The report was made during an update on Thursday night. The rumored one-year deal for Bako would be worth $750,000. Updated 10:07pm C.T. - Bruce Levine reported the Cubs interest in Kevin Millar and Rich Aurilia during an interview on XM Radio Thursday night. … [Read more...]
Weekend Update: Uribe, Peavy, Heilman and Other Cubs Rumors
The Cubs begin their 2009 Cactus League schedule in 31 days against the Dodgers at Fitch Park....and Jim Hendry is not done 'tweaking his roster'. On the same day the Sun-Times mentioned the Cubs have had discussions with Randy Wolf and Braden Looper, Bruce Levine threw out a couple of new names on Saturday morning....and some old ones as well. Here's what the Story Breaker had to say regarding Juan Uribe, Aaron Heilman, Jake Peavy and Rich Aurilia as well as an update on Brian Roberts. … [Read more...]
Are the Cubs Talkin’ Jake Peavy?
When the Cubs traded Mark DeRosa for three minor league pitchers they raised eyebrows. When they dealt Felix Pie for Garrett Olson, a pitcher the Padres were interested in back in December, and another pitching prospect...the Cubs stoked the fire. According to the Sun-Times, the Cubs trading for Garrett Olson "doesn't signal a return to focusing on Jake Peavy." The timing of the trade of Felix Pie to the Orioles, as the Sun-Times pointed out, seems a little too coincidental....the Tribune … [Read more...]
Rumblings Before the Convention
For starters, pitching was one of many topics covered by Jim Hendry with the media on Wednesday. Hendry is looking for another arm to take the place of Jason Marquis. Internal options are Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija, Chad Gaudin and Angel Guzman. If the Cubs go outside of the organization and cannot land Jake Peavy, Randy Wolf could be an option. The Cubs could be close to adding another potential back-up catcher to the mix. The Daily Herald said a deal could be made within a week and … [Read more...]
Weekend Update: What is the Cubs Next Move?
Four days after the Cubs traded Mark DeRosa the Faithful is wondering what, or who, Jim Hendry may have up his sleeve. The Cubs off-season, to this point, has many shaking their heads, including Buster Olney. The Cubs have made some unpopular moves and have not addressed their biggest need going into the winter....a left-handed middle-of-the-order right fielder. Here's the latest on Milton Bradley, Jake Peavy, Brian Roberts, Rich Aurilia and more.... … [Read more...]