Anthony Rizzo is first left-handed hitter in franchise history with three consecutive 30-home run seasons … Rizzo joined Billy Williams as the only two left-handed hitters in team history with multiple 30-home run, 100-RBI seasons Anthony Rizzo recorded his fourth two-home run game of the season Wednesday in St. Louis. Rizzo hit a solo homer in the sixth, his 30th longball of the year. Rizzo went yard again in the ninth inning, a two-run shot to right. It was his 31st dinger of the … [Read more...]
Tom Ricketts Talks Cubs on Inside the Clubhouse
Tom Ricketts joined Bruce Levine and Mike Esposito during Inside the Clubhouse (670 The Score) on Saturday morning. In what was a candid interview, Ricketts discussed his team for about 20 minutes. Among the topics he covered were Theo Epstein and the status of his contract extension, Joe Maddon, Sammy Sosa and the PED Era, the new Plaza and Wrigley Field. On it getting closer to baseball season … Cubs Convention next week and Spring Training is just a few weeks away “It’s getting … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Theo Epstein is Committed to the Cubs, Reportedly Getting Closer on a New Deal
The Cubs made it two in a row over the Braves on Friday afternoon. And not only maintained the four game lead over the Giants but gained ground in the division Friday night. Madison Bumgarner beat the Pirates 6-4 and the Cardinals lost 9-3 in San Diego. The Cubs will enter play Saturday four games in front of the Giants and three back of the Pirates in the NL Wild Card race. The Cardinals have a 4 ½ game lead in the Central over the Pirates and the Cubs are 7 ½ behind St. Louis with 42 games … [Read more...]
Cubs Franchise Four
Major League Baseball is asking for fans to vote on the four players who best represent the history of each franchise. And the players that receive the most votes will be revealed at the All-Star Game in Cincinnati on July 14. Some of the best players in the history of the game have played for the Cubs at one point during their career. But when one talks about the best players in the history of the Chicago National League Ball Club, several come to mind without having to give it too much … [Read more...]
A Rundown of Tom Ricketts’ State of the Cubs Meeting with the Media
After making his annual address to the players prior to the first full squad workout of the spring, Tom Ricketts met with the media Wednesday and fielded several questions about his team. Tom Ricketts feels last year was a turning point for the organization. He’s looking forward to this season and to winning ballgames. “We all believe this year’s team has what it takes to win the division and go to the playoffs,” Ricketts said. “Now it’s just about getting out on the field and getting it … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Classic Rock, Manny Ramirez and Cubs News from Day Six of Camp Maddon
Countdown to Cubs Cactus League Openers: 7 days Tom Ricketts, Theo Epstein, Crane Kenney and Joe Maddon addressed the team prior to Wednesday’s first full squad workout. Maddon finished the talk with his team on the field before blasting Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen through the PA during warmups. Maddon said he wanted to get the blood flowing. For Maddon every day starts with music and he said others would have a chance to pick the … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Starlin Castro is Ready to Win, Cubs News from Day Five of Camp Maddon
Countdown to Cubs Cactus League Openers: 8 days The first full squad workout takes place for the Chicago Cubs today. Position players had to be in Mesa Tuesday. Tom Ricketts, Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon will address the players before practice and the Cubs’ Chairman is also expected to meet with the media. Tom Ricketts and Mayor John Giles were part of a large group Tuesday at the Cubs facility to dedicate the name change at the team’s spring home. Sloan Park looks ready for the exhibition … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Tom Ricketts Believes Cubs Will Make Playoffs, Win NL Central Division
Tom Ricketts backed up his All-Star first baseman during a luncheon in Elk Grove Village on Tuesday. The Cubs chairman believes his team will make the playoffs and win the National League Central Division Crown this season. According to the report from Todd Wessell, Ricketts said “all of the stars are lined up for a successful season.” Ricketts pointed to Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro maturing last season to the emergence of the players from the system, having a true leadoff hitter in … [Read more...]
BBWAA Votes Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio into the Hall of Fame
For the first time in 60 years, 1955, the Baseball Writers Association of America voted four players into the Hall of Fame. And for the first time in the history of the Hall of Fame, three pitchers were voted in by the BBWAA and will be part of the same class. Randy Johnson (534, 97.3 %), Pedro Martinez (500, 91.1 %), John Smoltz (455, 82.9 %) and Craig Biggio (454, 82.7 %) received The Call from The Hall on Tuesday and will be enshrined at Cooperstown on July 26. Joe DiMaggio, Gabby … [Read more...]
Pitching, Samardzija, Spring Training and Other Cubs News, Notes and Rumors
Pitching remains a priority for the Cubs as the front office continues their pursuit of Masahiro Tanaka. But if they are unable to sign Tanaka do not look for the Cubs to turn their attention to Matt Garza, Ubaldo Jimenez or Ervin Santana. The Cubs will likely look at re-signing Scott Baker or another free agent like Jason Hammel to add a starter to the roster. A reunion with Matt Garza has not been an option and Patrick Mooney confirmed once again the Cubs do not appear to have any interest … [Read more...]