According to reports from Mark Gonzales and Carrie Muskat, the Cubs have hired Kevin Youkilis to be a special assistant to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. Kevin Youkilis joins former Cubs’ Kerry Wood, Ted Lilly and Ryan Dempster as special assistants to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. Tim Wilken is also a special assistant to Epstein and Hoyer and Billy Williams is the Cubs’ Senior Advisor. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are obviously familiar with Youkilis from their days together with the Red Sox. … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Anthony Rizzo Gives Back, Josh Vitters Moves On and Other Cubs News and Notes
Anthony Rizzo recently gave back to the cancer center that treated him. According to a report from Carrie Muskat, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation “made a gift of $250,000 to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine.” The money was raised through fundraisers and will be “used to support the research of Dr. Izidore Lossos, director of the lymphoma program.” “The hospital announced the waiting room on the second floor of a clinic at Sylvester … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Not Too Much Longer Before Spring Training and Other Cubs News and Notes
It’s the final Sunday in January and a week before some big football game in Arizona. Pitchers and catchers report to Mesa in just 25 days and the Cubs 'play two' to open the Cactus League schedule in 39 days. The front office should release the list of non-roster invitations to big league camp in the coming week. Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Corey Black and Armando Rivero will be on the Cubs first Spring Training roster and Albert Almora and Kyle Schwarber are also expected to be in camp … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Projections Pointing to a Big Improvement for the Cubs this Season
Pitchers and catchers report to Mesa in 27 days and the expectations are already mounting for the 2015 Chicago Cubs, especially after last weekend’s annual convention. The front office made significant additions and changes to the roster this off-season and brought in Joe Maddon to call the shots. The big league team that won only 73 games a year ago (73-89) is being projected by several outlets to not only reach .500 this season but contend for a spot in the post-season. David Schoenfield … [Read more...]
Ryan Dempster Signs with the Cubs, Retires and Joins Front Office as Special Assistant
The Cubs announced Friday that RHP Ryan Dempster had re-signed with the team so he could retire as a member of the Cubs organization. Ryan Dempster officially announced his retirement from the game and was hired to be a special assistant to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. Ryan Dempster joins former teammates Ted Lilly and Kerry Wood as Special Assistants to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. Ryan Dempster pitched for the Cubs for nine seasons (2004-12) and posted a 67-66 record in 374 games, 154 … [Read more...]
Bryant’s Big Night and Cubs News and Notes from Down on the Farm
Kris Bryant continued tearing up Double-A pitching on Saturday night. Bryant went 4-for-5 in the Smokies 8-4 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts. Bryant not only collected a career-high four hits, he also hit his Southern League leading sixth home run. Bryant also leads the Southern League in runs scored (21) and is hitting .304/.423/.559 with eight doubles, six home runs, 15 RBI and a .982 OPS. In the field, Bryant has committed seven errors. Mick Gillispie, the Smokies play-by-play man, … [Read more...]
Cubs Add Darnell McDonald to Front Office as Baseball Operations Assistant
The Cubs announced an addition to the baseball operations department Tuesday with the hiring of Darnell McDonald. The former outfielder, who recently announced his retirement, has rejoined the organization as Baseball Operations Assistant. … [Read more...]
Castro and Baez Can Coexist and Cubs News from Spring Training
Starlin Castro had a MRI on his hamstring and according to multiple reports, there were "no surprises" and "nothing bad" showed up on the MRI. Castro said the stiffness had subsided and he was scheduled to walk in the pool on Tuesday according to Carrie Muskat. Castro said he may be back sooner than 7-10 days but he doesn’t want to rush back and risk reinjuring himself. Starlin Castro addressed the Javier Baez question Tuesday and told the beat writers that he and Baez are "good friends." … [Read more...]
Cubs Hire Ted Lilly as Special Assistant to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer
The Cubs announced Tuesday that Ted Lilly has returned to the organization. The Cubs have hired Ted Lilly to be a special assistant to President Theo Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer. Ted Lilly is in Mesa working with the team. … [Read more...]
Cubs Could Wait to Deal Samardzija Until Later in the Off-Season and Other News and Notes
The Jeff Samardzija rumors went into a different direction on Friday. Reports earlier in the week remained consistent that Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer were listening to offers for Samardzija. A report on Wednesday then indicated the Cubs were shopping Samardzija with at least eight teams in the mix. Nick Cafardo confirmed the Cubs’ statements that the team is trying to sign Jeff Samardzija to a long term contract amid all of the trade rumors on Thursday. But a report from Peter Gammons on … [Read more...]
