Cubs release veteran outfielder Shane Victorino The Cubs announced Monday the team released veteran outfielder Shane Victorino from his minor league contract. Victorino had been with the organization since late February. Victorino spent the first month of the baseball season in Arizona at the Cubs facility. Victorino prepared for the season in extended Spring Training after missing most of March with a strained left calf injury. Victorino reported to Triple-A Iowa on May 6. In nine … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/18/16
The Chicago Cubs welcome another first place team to the organization as the South Bend Cubs moved into first on the strong pitching of Carson Sands and James Norwood. Myrtle Beach could not complete a sweep despite the efforts of Ian Happ, while Tennessee took their series thanks to Carlos Penalver and Chesny Young. Meanwhile, Iowa’s pitching woes contributed to two straight losses with offensive contributions from Albert Almora Jr. and Shane Victorino. The Down on the Farm Report has all … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: Meat Loaf for Maddon, Beating the Bucs and Prospect Updates
The Cubs had a very good weekend at Wrigley Field. The Cubs took two of three from the Pirates with two dominating wins over the division rivals. Joe Maddon had to settle for meat loaf without any gravy after the ninth inning rally fell short Sunday. The Cubs lost 2-1 and were unable to complete the three-game sweep. The Cubs wrapped up the 10-game homestand with a 7-3 record and are 5-1 in the first six games of the season against the Pirates. The Cubs will spend Monday’s off-day in … [Read more...]
Checking In on Shane Victorino
Shane Victorino could soon become another option for the Cubs outfield Shane Victorino played his fifth game Thursday for the Iowa Cubs, well most of it anyway. Victorino went 1-for-3 at the plate and stole his first base of the season. Victorino, along with manager Marty Pevey, was ejected from the game in the sixth inning of the 7-2 loss to the Sounds for arguing a controversial play in left field that resulted in an inside-the-park Grand Slam. In five games for the Iowa Cubs, Victorino … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Hammel for President, Rizzo Gets a Single without Swinging a Bat and Other Cubs News
A full day of baseball is on tap for the Cubs with the day-night doubleheader against the Padres. The Cubs posted the 25th win of the season Tuesday night with the 8-7 victory over the Friars. The Cubs are the fourth team in the last 70 years, and one of just eight teams in the last 100 years to win at least 25 of its first 31 games. The Cubs are 33-6 in the last 39 regular season games. According to STATS that is the best 39-game stretch since the A’s went 33-6 from Aug. 28, 2001 to April 9, … [Read more...]
Cubs Weekend Headlines: Sweeps Are Fun
Cubs Weekend Headlines: Sweeps Are Fun, Minor League News and Highlights It was sweeps week for the Chicago Cubs as Joe Maddon’s team completed a difficult week against the Pirates and Nationals with a four-game sweep at Wrigley Field. The Cubs took all four games from the Nationals after Sunday’s extra innings walk-off win. The Cubs are an unbelievable 24-6 on the season following a perfect 7-0 week. Here are the highlights from the weekend series and all of the news, notes and recaps … [Read more...]
Shane Victorino Makes Iowa Cubs Debut
Veteran outfielder Shane Victorino reported to Triple-A Iowa and made his Cubs organizational debut on Friday night in Omaha. The I-Cubs beat the Storm Chasers 13-7. Shane Victorino was in the starting lineup, batting second and playing left field for Marty Pevey. Albert Almora Jr. patrolled center field and John Andreoli was in right field for the I-Cubs. Wearing No. 4, Victorino had four plate appearances and went 1-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a RBI. Victorino was lifted for … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: What a Month for Anthony Rizzo and Other Cubs News and Notes
Joe Maddon’s philosophy is that if you’re walking, you’re hitting. Anthony Rizzo reached base at a 38 percent clip in April. While his batting average may not be where some of the media and fan base would like, Rizzo is producing at the plate, getting on base and driving in runs. After 22 games, Rizzo is batting .218/.384/.577 with two doubles, a triple and eight home runs for a .961 OPS. Rizzo has more walks (18) than strikeouts (14) and is tied with Bryce Harper and Robinson Cano for the … [Read more...]
Cubs Re-Sign Munenori Kawasaki, Manny Parra and Shane Victorino to Minor League Contracts
Munenori Kawasaki, Manny Parra and Shane Victorino re-signed with the Cubs on Minor League contracts It was a rather busy Tuesday as the team finalized its Opening Day Roster prior to the Cactus League game with the Athletics. The Cubs break camp following Wednesday’s practice game with the Rockies and Joe Maddon said Monday the goal was to set the first roster of the season before the team left Arizona. The Cubs released INF Munenori Kawasaki, LHP Manny Parra and OF Shane Victorino early … [Read more...]
Ramirez, La Stella and Szczur Make Cubs Opening Day Roster, Baez Placed on 15-Day DL
Neil Ramirez, Tommy La Stella and Matt Szczur to begin season on 25-man roster, Javier Baez placed on 15-day DL Joe Maddon announced RHP Neil Ramirez, INF Tommy La Stella and OF Matt Szczur have made the Opening Day roster. INF/OF Javier Baez will begin the season on the 15-day DL. Javier Baez was placed on the disabled list with left thumb bruise. Baez’s DL stint was backdated to March 25. Baez will be eligible to be activated from the disabled list on April 9. The Cubs will start the … [Read more...]