The Cubs know what they are looking for in a manager. The front office is looking for their new manager to be dynamic and creative with tremendous energy as well as a track record of developing Major League talent and while one with a Cubs’ background would help, it is not necessarily a priority. Did Theo Epstein have anyone in mind on Monday when he detailed what the front office is looking for to lead the big league team next year and beyond? The Cubs are expected to ask the Yankees for … [Read more...]
Dale Sveum Out as Manager of the Chicago Cubs
According to multiple reports, the Cubs have fired Dale Sveum and he will not return to manage the Cubs in the final year of his three-year contract. According to multiple reports, some members of Sveum's staff may return but those positions will not filled until a new manger is hired. Updated 11:14am CDT - The Cubs made it official and announced that Dale Sveum has been relieved of his duties as the manager of the Cubs. Theo Epstein said the Cubs want a "dynamic new voice and the … [Read more...]
Stewart Not Ready to Return and Other Cubs Notes
Ian Stewart told the Des Moines Register on Tuesday that he does not think he is ready to return to the Cubs. Stewart explained that he needs more time after struggling over 12 rehab games with Iowa. But the problem is that position players are allowed only 20 days on a single rehab assignment which means Stewart’s rehab time in Iowa runs out after Friday. Brian Harper has been working with Stewart and has seen progress, and so has Iowa’s manager, Marty Pevey. Ian Stewart went 0-for-4 on … [Read more...]
Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Pirates – 04/01/13
Opening Day - Game One: Cubs (0-0) vs. Pirates (0-0) Game Time – 12:35pm CDT Coverage – TV: WGN TV – Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channels 185/844 Location – PNC Park, Pittsburgh Jeff Samardzija (0-0, -.--/-.--) vs. A.J. Burnett (0-0, -.--/-.--) Chicago Cubs Baseball is on the Air! Spring Training is over … It’s Opening Day! Weather permitting … The Cubs and Pirates kickoff their 2013 campaign this afternoon. Even if the rain holds off (30 percent chance) highs are expected to be only … [Read more...]
Day Twelve of Cubs Camp: The White Team Tops The Blue Team in Intrasquad Action
The Cubs beat the Cubs on Thursday afternoon at HoHoKam Park in the first of two five-inning intrasquad matchups. The White Team, full of mostly veteran players, beat the Blue Team, that consisted of mostly minor leaguers, 7-3 in five innings. Jorge Soler stole the show on Thursday at HoHoKam Park. Soler hit a mammoth home run in his first at bat, walked and made a diving catch in left field. Starlin Castro was 3-for-3 with a double and three runs scored for the winning team and Nate … [Read more...]
Jason McLeod Discusses the Cubs Farm System on MLB Network Radio
Jason McLeod joined Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette during Power Alley (MLB Network Radio/XM Radio) on Thursday morning. The Cubs’ Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development talked in depth about 'The Cubs Way' and the entire organization. Jason McLeod sees Javier Baez as a shortstop and Junior Lake will likely see a majority of his playing time at third base during the upcoming season but the Cubs will continue moving him around defensively … and the Cubs are hoping the … [Read more...]
Day Two of the 2013 Cubs Convention … Dale Sveum and the Coaching Staff
Dale Sveum and his coaching staff were next up on Saturday. Sveum was joined by Jamie Quirk, James Rowson, Dave McKay, Lester Strode and newcomers, third base coach David Bell and assistant hitting coach Rob Deer. Chris Bosio was not able to attend and left the convention early. Bosio is recovering from knee replacement surgery. Sveum and his coaching staff discussed their first year with the Cubs, what challenges lay ahead for them in year two and what they have planned for Spring … [Read more...]
MLB Owners Approve Rules Changes
According to a report from Jayson Stark, several rules changes were voted on and tentatively approved during last week’s owners meetings. The changes must be approved by the players’ union before the changes can be implemented for the upcoming season. Teams will be permitted to have a seventh coach in uniform in the dugout during games, the fake-to-third, throw-to-first pick off move would be considered a balk and coaches and managers will be allowed to bring interpreters to the mound were … [Read more...]
Cubs Non-Tender Stewart, Make Roster Moves and Continue Looking for Pitching
The Cubs made three roster moves prior to Friday's deadline to tender contracts to arbitration eligible players. As expected the team did not tender a contract to Ian Stewart for next season. The Cubs would like to re-sign Stewart to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training but right now he is a free agent. The Cubs also announced they did not renew the contracts of Jaye Chapman and Zach Putnam. Both relievers were expected to be in the mix for a job in the Cubs pen in the spring. … [Read more...]
Rambling on the Eve of the Meetings
Hello again, everybody. It's the Friday before the Winter Meetings!! That simmering stove you have been hearing it about to start smoking really quickly. I mean, for other teams that is. The Cubs have already made two monumental signings. Nonetheless, baseball news really gets a breakneck pace next week. So, let's get down to the BRASS TACKS and enjoy some rambling. … [Read more...]