Braves announce starter for opening day versus the Cubs

The Cubs got a sneak preview to the lineup of their opening day opponents the Atlanta Braves.  Braves manager Bobby Cox announced that Derek Lowe, who the Braves tried unsuccessfully to trade, will start opening day against the Cubbies.  Lets hope Lowe starts off the season with a big loss.

USA Today reports on Cubs' outfield

According to the USA Today, the Cubs will only be as good as their high priced outfield.  That certainly was true last year -

"With Milton Bradley moping, Alfonso Soriano limping and Kosuke Fukudome whiffing, the 2009 Chicago Cubs were done in by their $214 million outfield.


Bobby Scales was called up after 10{ years in the minors and asked to save the day. Jake Fox was all-hit, no field. Sam Fuld was all-field, no-power. First baseman Micah Hoffpauir, thrown into the outfield to supply offense, batted .239.

What a mess."

Last year's result was a mess, considering the Cubs should have easily repeated as NL Central champs.  But things have changed this year.  Gone is Milton Bradley's bad attitude, replaced by the professional acting Marlon Byrd.  Soriano's knee has been surgically repaired and, according to Sori, feels great.  And the Cubs have a legitimate backup for their outfield in Xavier Nady, so if one of the starters goes down or struggles, they have a legitimate back up ready to go.

Hopefully, the Cubs' outfield will improve and, if so, so will the Cubs.

Here's the link to the rest of the USA Today's article - http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/2010-02-28-1440694430_x.htm. 

Theriot's Looking Over His Shoulder

From the USA Today - 

Before teen phenom Starlin Castro steals his job, Chicago Cubs shortstop Ryan Theriot has a message for those eager to welcome the franchise's latest savior: Only one of them has proven himself at the game's highest level.


"Competition is good because it brings out the best in all of us. But to be quite honest with you, 'What have you done at the major league level?"' Theriot said Thursday at training camp. "Those expectations and that pressure, everybody deals with that differently. I think it takes a little bit more than just ability."

Chicago manager Lou Piniella regularly praises Castro, comparing the rangy, 19-year-old Dominican to former All-Star Edgar Renteria. Though Castro has only 111 at-bats above the Single-A level, Piniella said "the kid" probably would be the shortstop if Theriot gets hurt.
"Come on, man! Knock on wood, bro!" Theriot said, tapping the side of his locker when told of Piniella's comment. "Don't be messing around like that, talking about injuries."
Two hours later, Theriot was struck on the back of his left hand by a batting-practice fastball delivered by young right-hander Rafael Dolis, one of the organization's hardest throwers. After picking himself off the ground and getting looked at by a trainer, Theriot was laughing.
It was only a bruise.
"That's right, Theriot!" Piniella shouted from behind the batting cage. "You can't hurt steel!"
Piniella insists Theriot is his shortstop, continuing a relationship that began in 2007, the manager's first season with the Cubs. Theriot surprisingly won the job in spring training after having played well at second base the previous September.
Still, Piniella clearly is impressed and intrigued by Castro, who batted .376 during the Arizona Fall League after hitting .299 in the minors last year. And many Cubs fans, desperate to snap the franchise's 102-year championship drought, believe some Starlin magic just might be the cure.
"He's got a ton of ability, obviously, and we have to play him (in spring exhibitions) to see it," Piniella said. "If the kid shows he can handle it and we had an injury at the position, why not?"
Most likely, Piniella said, Castro will go to Triple-A Iowa, where he can play every day.
The 30-year-old Theriot, noticeably stronger after an offseason weight-training program, said he hasn't even noticed Castro during camp so far.
"But I guess everybody can't be wrong about him, right?" Theriot said. "So we'll see."
Though he sounds a little defensive as he protects his turf -- he'd rather not return to second base -- Theriot said he's all about the Cubs reclaiming the National League Central Division. They won it in his first two full seasons before going 83-78 last year.
"It would be wonderful to see a guy come up with those tools and use every single one of them," Theriot said of Castro. "It could change my role, sure, but that's all right. My role's been changed quite a bit. The good news is, I've always had a role.

"Be a part of it. Contribute. Win. That's the ultimate goal of everybody here. You put your personal feelings aside and do what's best for the club."

Riggleman Takes Blame for Overuse of Kerry Wood

ESPN's Chicago Cubs Blog reports about former Cubs' manager Jim Riggleman taking blame for former Cubs' pitcher Kerry Wood's injury laden career.  Here's a quote from the article -

"A 20-year-old rookie in 1998, Wood struck out 233 batters in 166 2/3 innings. He had nine starts in which he threw at least 120 pitches. Arm problems plagued Wood in 1999 and thoughout much of his career.
Wood, now the Cleveland Indians' closer, told Chicago Now that Riggleman is not to blame for his injuries.
"Wow, I hadn't heard his comments, and I really don't agree with that," Wood told Chicago Now. "Look, I had bad mechanics back then and it was very hard for me to try to correct them when what I was doing was working. I remember many times thinking that I wish Jim would leave me in the game because I still felt strong."

The article went on to quote Riggleman:

"I love that guy, and I feel terrible about what happened to him," Riggleman said on "The Scott Van Pelt Show" on ESPN Radio. "I feel I was part of it. I was responsible for the ballclub. When any of your pitchers get hurt you feel terrible about it. He's just such a man and a stand-up guy that he's not putting it on me or anyone else.

"We threw him in a situation where we were in a pennant race with a chance to win, and he was dominant. We let him pitch and the next thing you know next year he breaks down. It was ligament damage that who knows, maybe it would have happened anyway but if we took the more conservative route it would be a little easier for me to look in the mirror about it then it is when you just pitch him to win."

More injury news regarding Angel Guzman

Angel Guzman just can't catch a break.  Coming off knee surgery during the offseason, the Cubs' set up man, who finally came into his own last season, now is have a problem with his throwing shoulder.  Guzman tried to get loose and throw on Wednesday but complained to Cubs trainer Mark O'Neal about pain in his shoulder.

"He had some discomfort in his shouldfer," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "We just felt coming off of the [arthroscopic meniscus surgery] he's had on and off difficulties in the past, so we thought that we were just going to take the precautionary route."


Guzman said he expected to be ready to go on the field in a week to 10 days.

"I still think I will be back in a week or week and a half," Guzman said. "My knee is the main thing. I don't think the shoulder is anything I have to worry about."

Randy Wells - Future Star?

From Tyler Juranovich at http://www.playerpress.com/ -

If there was a single ray of hope that shined last year for the Cubs, it was pitcher Randy Wells. In a year full of disappointments and distractions, the Cubs had one player who looked to be growing in talent and not wasting it.

Wells’ numbers were very good for a rookie season: 12-10 with a 3.05 ERA and a 5.65 K/9 rate.

With those numbers alone there is hope that Wells can become a #2 starter in the future. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Juranovich went on to state -

There were multiple times were Wells would have a great outing and go 6 or 7 innings and only gave up one run, but the Cubs’ offense would fail to put any runs on the board, leaving Wells with a no-decision in a game that should have been a W.
In Wells’ first two starts he pitched 11 scoreless innings. Both were no-decisions. His next four starts he went 0-2 but pitched at least 6.2 innings and never gave up more than three runs.
Wells’ record didn’t show how well he pitched during those games.
There were plenty of chances for him to get many more wins than 12, but the offense was just unable to produce for him, something that can be frustrating for both the pitcher and the fans.

If Wells repeats last year's performance, combined with more run production from the Cubs' offense, we might just seen the emergence of a new ace.

Selig and Diamondbacks endorse Cubs' Stadium Tax Increment Financing

From http://www.fieldofschemes.com/ - 

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has officially come out against an Arizona-wide ticket tax scheme to help fund a Chicago Cubs spring-training stadium. In doing so, Selig joins every other team in Arizona, who would rather not be helping to foot the bill for their rival's new home, no matter how many Cubs fans boost the gate at their spring games thanks to the team's presence in Arizona rather than Florida.
Selig says he'd rather see a tax-increment financing scheme. The Arizona Diamondbacks agree, which should be no surprise given that a TIF was their idea in the first place; however, team president Derrick Hall hedged a bit, saying, "We would be open to [a TIF], but believe the legislators are not in favor of it. ... We are just seeking other solutions so as to not tax fans who attend any and all spring games." In other words: We don't care who you tax, Arizona legislature, so long as it ain't us.

Spring Training Attendance ... So Far

All the Cubs pitchers and catchers have arrived at the Cubs' spring training camp.  In fact, all of the players have arrived with the exception of Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano and Starlin Castro.  With the exception of future rookie Castro, the others are supposed to be leaderson the team.  Then why are they the only ones not at camp yet?  Shouldn't Ramirez, Soriano and Lee be leading the team by example and be at camp early? 

Soriano in particular, whose season last year was pretty poor, should already be there taking batting practice.  Others, such as Geovany Soto and Carlos Zambrano, have come back from poor seasons looking much more in shape.  So why isn't Soriano doing more?  Lets just hope he shows up with the right attitude.

Cubs Win Arbitration with Theriot

Not much of a surprise here, but the Cubs have won their arbitration hearing with shortstop Ryan Theriot. 

Theriot was trying to bump his salary from $500,000 last year to $3.4 million.  Instead, the arbitration panel sided with the Cubs.  This isn't that bad of news for Theriot who will still get a substantial pay increase up to $2.6 million.

Last year, Theriot, whose best trait is probably the effort he puts into his play, batted .284 with 7 homeruns, 54 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.

This was the first arbitration the Cubs have had to have since the arbitration with Mark Grace seventeen years ago.

Good News for Lilly and the Cubs

The results of the MRI on Ted Lilly's knee came back negative. "There is no significant damage that would require surgery, basically. So obviously that's good news," Lilly said.


Lilly resumed working out with the other pitchers, including some long toss today.

Lilly is rehabbing from the left shoulder surgery he had in November. The left-hander also had meniscus surgery on his left knee in August.


Lilly threw off flat ground Thursday for the first time since undergoing surgery on his throwing shoulder in November. He threw 25 pitches.

Lilly went 12-9 with a 3.10 ERA last season for the Cubs.

Five Questions the Cubs Must Answer

Five questions to be answered by the 2010 Cubs, from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/347416-five-questions-facing-the-2010-chicago-cubs

1. Who will fill out the back end of the starting rotation?

With left-handed ace Ted Lilly out until at least the end of April, Chicago has only three starting rotations spots written in pen for Opening Day. Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, and Randy Wells are a solid trio, but the Cubs will need good supporting performances over the first month from two more players, and thereafter, from one.

Tom Gorzelanny should be front-runner for one of the spots, with his 2007 success in Pittsburgh and his 40 strikeouts (against just 13 walks) in 38 1/3 innings last year down the stretch.

The second temporary position will likely fall to Sean Marshall, but Marshall will have ample competition for that role. Jeff Samardzija—the young, flame-throwing right-handed hurler—had success in 2008 as a reliever and will now look to prove his 2009 setback was an aberration. Carlos Silva and Mike Parisi came to the Cubs this offseason by way of the baseball junk pile, but both have talent and will look to impress enough in camp to win Major League jobs.

Also on the verge of contending are big-talent prospects Andrew Cashner, Chris Carpenter, and Jay Jackson, as well as erstwhile Rangers phenom Thomas Diamond.

Realistically, Marshall and Gorzelanny will almost certainly earn the jobs, and whichever performs better stands a very good chance of keeping that position all season.

2. Can Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto bounce back from horrendous 2009 campaigns?

In 2008, Soriano and Soto combined for 52 home runs and 161 RBI. Soriano posted an on-base plus slugging of .876 and Soto's was .868.

In 2009, the two right-handed sluggers saw the wheels come off. Soriano's OPS plunged to .726; Soto's dropped all the way .702. They had only 31 homers and 102 RBI between them, and each missed significant time due to a mixture of injury and ineffectiveness.

Soto, however, has returned to camp in infinitely better shape, and showed very good command of the strike zone even during his sophomore slump. Soriano is more worrisome, at 34 years of age and having shown no signs of improving his horrendous plate discipline. Both should rebound somewhat, however, and that may well be enough to boost the team's lineup back into the ranks of the NL elite.

3. How will manager Lou Piniella divide playing time at second base?

Piniella no doubt dreams of a straight platoon between the left-handed batter, Mike Fontenot, and the right-handed Jeff Baker. Until Fontenot proves his miserable 2009 was a fluke, however, Baker will see more than his share of the at-bats.

With Fontenot set to turn 30 on June 9, and Baker to turn 29 shortly thereafter, both men are now distinctly beyond the prospect phase, and neither has given any sign of an imminent breakout. If Fontenot can rebound to his 2007 and 2008 levels of production, however, they make a more than acceptable second-base platoon.

4. Who will win the last spot on the bench?

The team will presumably carry 12 pitchers through the first month to make up for the absence of Lilly. That means that, accounting for the timeshare at second base, there are four bench spots to be had on the entire club.

Koyie Hill will certainly nab one of those, as the team needs a back-up catcher. Understanding the economics of the game, Xavier Nady seems an exceptionally safe bet to win another spot as the team's fourth outfielder.

Andres Blanco stands an excellent chance of grabbing one role, because he is the only Major-League ready shortstop the team has, save current starter Ryan Theriot. That leaves only one bench role in dispute.

It is an open battle. Chad Tracy, whom the Cubs signed as a free agent, may have the best chance to win it. He bats left-handed, and hits right-handed hurlers well when healthy. He can also play either corner position on both the infield and the outfield, thereby providing valuable versatility. Health is a major concern with him, but then, Chicago likely would not have signed him if they thought him incapable of staying on the field.

Sam Fuld's defensive prowess in center field, along with his speed and surpassingly patient approach on offense, speak well for him. Chicago GM Jim Hendry, however, said he thinks Baker can play center if need be. That suggests that the team will content itself with allowing Baker and right fielder Kosuke Fukudome to spell newcomer Marlon Byrd there.

Micah Hoffpauir, who brings power from the left side of the plate and can play first base or either corner outfield spot, will also get a chance. In an extended audition for a top pinch-hitting role in 2009, however, Hoffpauir struggled mightily to take walks and get on base enough.

First baseman Kevin Millar has also been brought in to fight for the job. His defensive infelicities and rapidly eroding offensive skills make the 38-year-old an unlikely choice, but if he can still hit at all, there may be room for him in a clubhouse very much in need of a vocal leader; Millar was the consensus leader of the World Series-winning Boston Red Sox in 2004.

5. When will Starlin Castro be ready?

Castro will not turn 20 years old until two weeks before the season, yet already there is rampant talk that he may get his first taste of the Major Leagues in 2010.

ESPN's Keith Law ranked Castro 12th among his top 100 prospects. The rangy shortstop has shown already that his glove is major-league ready.

Yet, he has work to do. Castro drew only 29 walks in two stops in the Minor Leagues last season, the highest being Chicago's Double-A franchise in Tennessee. He also needs another season of conditioning, to add muscle and endurance to his 6'1", 160-pound frame.

When he does arrive, which Cubs fans should hope will not be before August, he could bump incumbent Theriot either to the bench or to second base. Although the two would make a spectacular double-play combo, the pinch-hitting and defensive sub role better suits Theriot's skill set.

Guzman and Gray injured

Two potential candidates for set up men in the Cubs' bullpen are starting off spring training with injuries.

Angel Guzman had arthroscopic surgery on his knee two weeks ago after suffering a torn meniscus during a workout in Venezuela last month.  Guzman is expected to be ready for opening day.

Reliever Jeff Gray suffered a moderate groin strain after reporting early to spring training this week during fielding practice.  Gray is expected to take it easy the first couple of weeks of spring training and should be fine.

Diamondbacks open to special tax district to finance Cubs' stadium

From the Phoenix Business Journal - 

Arizona Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall says the team is open to the creation of special tax districts to help finance a spring training stadium for the Chicago Cubs and other projects in the Phoenix area.
The D-backs are among opponents to the current plan to help pay for the $84 million stadium in Mesa, which includes an 8 percent charge on all Cactus League games.
One alternative suggested is a special tax district or a tax increment financing structure in Mesa.
“We would be open to it, but believe the legislators are not in favor of it,” Hall said. “It seems like a solid alternative and by design, should help enhance development throughout the Valley. We are just seeking other solutions so as to not tax fans who attend any and all spring games.”
TIFs involve earmarking tax revenue from a specific area for development and redevelopment projects in the tax districts.
Hall said the D-backs prefer tax zones to the ticket tax and they could help other parts of the region, although he expects opposition from fiscally conservative lawmakers.

The First Images of Spring Training

Here's a link to the first images of the Cubs' spring training, including players who have shown up early - http://dailyherald.com/story/?id=359971 

Bud Selig siding AGAINST Cubs on stadium deal

Add Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig to the list of opposition to the tax plan to help Mesa, Arizona keep the Cubs in Mesa for spring trainings to come.

As you are probably well aware, there is a bill being proposed to, among other things, add a tax to all Arizona spring training tickets to fund an $84 million new spring training stadium for the Cubs.  The Cubs are the biggest draw to Arizona spring training.  Mesa is therefore desparate to keep the Cubs and the new stadium is needed to do just that. 

The White Sox are the most vocal opponent to the new tax but by far not the only ones.  Many other teams that spend their springs in Arizona oppose the bill.  But now, Bud Selig, the current MLB Commissioner, has voiced his opposition to the new tax. 

Selig's office has hired Arizona attorney Pat Ray to oppose the tax.  No word yet what impact Selig's opposition will have on the Arizona legislature that is considering the new tax.

Cubs and Theriot Arbitration Hearing Friday?

According to a source on ESPN, the Cubs' first arbitration hearing in 17 years tomorrow.  Word has it that the hearing between the Cubs and shortstop Ryan Theriot will happen tomorrow in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

At that hearing, representatives of the Cubs and Theriot will make their cases for their respective proposed salaries for Theriot.  The three person independent panel of arbitrators will either have to award Theriot's number of $3.4 million or the Cubs' number of $2.6 million.

The arbitration panel have 24 hours to reach their final, non appealable decision.

Lilly May Have an Injury in Addition to His Shoulder

Ted Lilly, the Cubs starting pitcher who is recovering from surgery on his throwing shoulder and is expected to start the season on the DL, now may have another problem.  Lilly has been experiencing unspecified problems with his right knee for the past week.

Lilly, who threw 25 pitches off flat ground today, is going to have his right knee examined by a doctor and may also undergo an MRI on his knee.  Lilly claims that he does not think its anything serious.  Lets hope Lilly is right, as the Cubs need him to come back healthy, the sooner, the better.

Rich Hill is now in the Cardinals' organization

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed former Cub starting pitcher Rich Hill to a minor league contract.  Hill will also be invited to the Cardinals' spring training. 

Hill will reportedly be vying for the fifth starter job or a long relief spot in the bullpen.  According to St. Louis Cardinals' pitching coach Dave Duncan, Hill's arm had "life".  Hill, who turns 30 in March, had shoulder surgery last August, after spending more than a year struggling with his command.  It was his loss of command that ended his tenure with the Cubs.

The Cardinals are hoping that Hill can find his lost control and return to the dominant pitcher he had been for the Cubs.  I wish Rich Hill all the success in the world, except when playing the Cubs.

Ten Best Cub Draft Picks in History

Here's a link to an interesting list of the Top Ten Best Cubs' Draft Picks.  Includes some of the current players and one 300 game winner that recently joined the front office.  Enjoy!  - http://mlb.sportsnewsandscores.com/baseball/the-10-best-draft-picks-in-chicago-cubs-history.html

Former Cub minor leaguer Jonathan Wyatt sings with Joliet JackHammers

From oursportscentral.com -

The Joliet JackHammers have signed switch hitting outfielder Jonathan Wyatt for the 2010 season after he spent the last three seasons in the Chicago Cubs organization. The Orange Crush's home opener is scheduled for May 28th versus the Lake County Fielders, a 2010 Northern League expansion team.
"Jonathan is a tremendous pick-up for us. He has the ability to play all three outfield positions and hit in the top of the line-up as a left-handed bat," said JackHammers Field Manager Chad Parker. "Most importantly, Jonathan has great character that will enhance the atmosphere of our clubhouse."
Wyatt, a 25-year-old outfielder, was the 13th round pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft for the Chicago Cubs. This came after two College World Series appearances with the University of Georgia. As a Bulldog, Wyatt earned national recognition as the Rawlings Gold Glove Winner in 2007 for his outstanding defense.
Wyatt went on to play three seasons in the Cubs organization with his best year coming in 2007. The outfielder hit.306 with four homeruns and 41 RBIs for Boise. In 2008, he split the year between the Daytona Cubs and Peoria Chiefs before spending all of 2009 in the Florida State League with Daytona.

First public hearing today regarding proposed deal for Cubs' Cactus League stadium

From the Phoenix Business Journal - 

A bill to help pay for the proposed $84 million spring training ballpark for the Chicago Cubs will get its first public hearing at the Arizona Legislature Wednesday morning.
The House Commerce Committee will consider House Bill 2736, which would raise car rental taxes and levy ticket fees on all Cactus League games to help pay for the stadium. The Cubs have threatened to move to Florida if they don’t get a new stadium in Mesa by 2013. The city of Mesa will hold an election later this year asking voters to approve bonds and extra spending for the ballpark.
The bill does not yet including a specific surcharge for tickets or a specific increase to rental car taxes.
The idea of ticket fees on all Cactus League games is opposed by the Arizona Diamondbacks and other Cactus League teams.

Mesa may get sued over Cubs' stadium deal

The Goldwater Institute is threatening to sue the city of Mesa to block public financing of the $84 million proposed Cactus League stadium for the Chicago Cubs. 

Goldwater attorney Clint Bolick said Tuesday the deal between the city of Mesa and the Cubs could violate state prohibitions against government gifts to private entities crossing the Arizona Supreme Court’s recent decision on tax incentives given by Phoenix to the CityNorth development.


Bolick plans to meet with Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, who hopes to avoid any legal action against Mesa. 

Bolick said he has concerns about the agreement, which calls for financing by Mesa as well as countywide measures in the form of higher rental car taxes and state-imposed fees on all Cactus League baseball games.
The Cubs would buy land for the new ballpark and turn it over to Mesa for development. The Cubs would get rights to signage, naming rights and would be able to book extra events at the stadium.
Bolick said the plan is one-sided in favor of the Cubs, which should put in more money or offer a better deal for Mesa. “The Cubs might have to put some more skin in the game,” Bolick said.
Smith said the Cubs are a top draw in the Cactus League and a move by the team to Florida would hurt the region’s economy.

Personally, I think the Cubs should move their spring training to Florida if anyone attempts to block the proposed deal to finance their Mesa stadium.

Additional Possible Bullpen Help

I reported earlier my thoughts about the possibility of signing John Smoltz as a temporary starter/set up man.  The website BleacherReport.com lists the following additional options for the Cubs' bullpen woes:

Manny Corpas (Rockies)
Corpas is a competent reliever with lots of upside. He was forced out of his closer role last season by the Huston Street acquisition, then out of the bullpen altogether by injury.
But Manny looks like he's healthy this year, and is expected to be ready for Opening Day after his elbow surgery last season. Unfortunately for him, the combination of Street and Rafael Betancourt is a talented one that leaves him a bit out in the cold in Colorado. This writer is wondering if this isn't a good time for Colorado to send the ex-closer packing, if only for chemistry's sake.
Dustin McGowan (Blue Jays)
There's been a lot of talk about Toronto trading away either Jason Frasor or Scott Downs after their signing of Kevin Gregg. But little has been said about the anticipated return of McGowan, arguably the most talented of them all.
According to press reports, he's throwing smoothly, and is looking great. The problem for the Jays, however, is that he's a pitcher out of options. In other words, they'll need to keep him on what looks like an already competent staff, or place him on waivers and release him.
A better solution might be to move him for a similar talent who at least has options available, allowing them to get out in front of the issue now, and not lose value if he has a bad camp. The Cubs might be better able to take a risk on him, working him into the role as he competes for setup innings with Grabow.
Ramon Troncoso (Dodgers)
If you believe the rumor mill, the Dodgers would much prefer to make George Sherrill contract away (because of his contract) and keep Troncoso instead. And this writer would prefer to have Troncoso. But Sherrill isn't going anywhere, and economic conditions prevent L.A. from addressing the back of their rotation without that relief, well, almost.
If the Cubs are confident about the medical status of Ted Lilly, and if they believe that the combination of Parisi, Samardzija, Marshall, and Silva can provide adequate innings for the first six weeks or so of the season, then quietly moving Gorzelanny for Ramon might be an adequate solution for all involved.
Given the spacious parks of the NL West, and fly ball graveyard that is Chavez Ravine, this might even be great for the Dodgers, as they would alleviate the Gorzelanny fly-ball tendencies.
Personally, I think the Cubs might do well sticking it out with Guzman for awhile in that role, given some of the options available. However, if they're going to beef up the bullpen, the low-risk/high-upside players mentioned are likely a much better play than the solutions that have been discussed to date.

The Cubs Should At Least Consider John Smoltz

John Smoltz returned to the National League last year, finishing the season with the St. Louis Cardinals.  He is currently a free agent and one that the Cubs should seriously consider. 

With Ted Lilly expected to start the season on the DL, the Cubs could use a veteran starter, particularly one that could later be converted to a set up man out of the 'pen.  Smoltz could possibly fill both roles.  He of course spent most of his career as a starter and has started some the past two years.  He has also found success as a set up man so, after Lilly returns, Smoltz could then shift to the bullpen and provide a veteran presence there, where there are currently no veterans on the expected roster.

It would be interesting to find out if the Cubs have sent a scout to watch Smoltz work out.  If they haven't, they certainly should.

More on the Cubs Cactus League stadium

The Phoenix Business Journal reports on the Cubs Cactus League stadium controversy -

The plan to build an $84 million Cactus League stadium for the Chicago Cubs in Mesa is facing plenty of criticism. A stadium financing measure at the Arizona Legislature could raise rental car taxes in Maricopa County and impose a first-of-its-kind ticket charge on all Cactus League games.
The Chicago White Sox and Arizona Dia­mond­backs oppose the ticket fee proposal, which is backed by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and state legislators.
The Cubs have threatened to move to the Grapefruit League in Florida unless a new stadium is built for them.
The Cubs stadium plan has the backing of Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, the tourism industry and some key state lawmakers. But four other Cactus League teams — the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland A’s, Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox — say it would be unfair to tax all Cactus League tickets to pay for the Cubs ballpark. That portion of the plan must be approved by the Legislature.

This isn’t the first stadium financing battle in the Valley. It took years for the Arizona Cardinals to get a new stadium funded and built. And a disgruntled resident shot Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox in 1997 over raising the county’s sales tax to help pay for Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks

A Good Sign for This Year's Cubs

The question isn't who has shown up early for the Cubs' spring training.  The question is ... who hasn't?!  Over 40 Cubs have already shown up and getting ready for spring training.  The first?  Carlos Zambrano, the perennial ace of the staff who didn't fare so well last year, finishing with single digit wins for the first time in his major league career.   Not only is Big Z early, but he showed up in much better shape than he's been in in a long while.

With pitchers and catchers not scheduled to arrive until Wednesday, this many Cubs already being in camp is a good sign for the upcoming season.  It shows that the Cubs are not taking anything for granted, which they apparentlly did somewhat last season.

Chad Tracy - can he make an impact on the Cubs?

Jim Weihofen with mlb.sportsnewsandscores.com has an interesting analysis regarding whether minor league acquisition Chad Tracy can make an impact on the Cubs this year.  Read on.

Amongst the minor league free agents the Cubs have signed, two names stand out: Kevin Millar and Chad Tracy.
Millar helped the Boston Red Sox break their World Series Championship curse, and Tracy was once considered one of the elite young corner infielders in the game, but both these things were half a decade ago.
Since then, both players have gone from stardom to obscurity. Millar's batting average has begun to falter to the hands of time, hitting .272, .254, .234, and .223 over the past four years, respectively. He's gone from full time first baseman/DH to a backup at those positions, and an emergency third baseman.
However, he still provides a great amount of clubhouse chemistry and a veteran backup bat, either on the bench or with the AAA Iowa Cubs.
Tracy, however, is a more interesting story. In his rookie season at age 24, Tracy put up a highly respectable line of .285-8-53, even while posting a major league low .935 fielding percentage at third base.
His sophomore season was much more successful, hitting .308-27-72, primarily playing at first base and right field. 2006 saw Tracy return to third base, posting .281-20-80 at the plate, and again fielding .935 at third in 147 games at third base.
At this point, he seemed like a fringe star ready to break out: A lefty hitter who could play three positions, he seemed like a valuable player in the Arizona organization who they could move around to get the best team on the field (he'd also played seven games in left field at this point).
However, Tracy's stats took another downturn, as he posted a career low .264 average (and a dismal .222 with two outs and runners in scoring position), and was relegated to backup role, playing in a career low 76 games.
Things wouldn't get better for Tracy in 2008 or 2009, hitting .267 and .237, respectively. However, his games played would continue to increase, playing in 88 games in '08 and 98 games in '09. Tracy had lost his job to various players at various positions: Mark Reynolds at third base, Josh Whitesell at first base, Justin Upton in right field, and Geraldo Perra in left field.
The combination of young Diamondbacks talent and Tracy's dwindling statistical lines lead to his release after the 2009 season.
Enter the Cubs aspect. In the last days of January 2010, Chad Tracy signed a minor league deal on the 26th, and the deal was announced a day later. Tracy received an invitation to spring training as part of the deal, along with a $100,000 bonus should he manage to win National League Comeback Player of the Year.

While Tracy probably will not get the playing time to win that award, there is a good chance he will become a useful bench piece for the Cubs. With only a few left handed batters on the team (Kosuke Fukudome, Mike Fontenot, switch hitters Koyie Hill and Andres Blanco; and possibles in Micah Hoffpaiur, Sam Fuld, and Bryan LaHair), Tracy could easily be poised for a shot as a bench warmer.

With experience in positions the Cubs showed huge holes in during the 2009 season due to injury (namely third base and left field), Tracy is positioned well for a trip north with the team.

The biggest factor Tracy has on his side is simply a change of scenery. He'd been scuffling in Arizona. If healthy and able to regain his stride, Tracy could prove to be a major asset off the Cubs bench.

I'm sure Jim Hendry would love for that to happen too.

Videos of five memorable Cubs moments

Here's a link to videos of five memorable Cubs moments over the last few years.  The best I think was Lou Piniella's tirade in his first season with the Cubs.  It was after this eruption that the Cubs turned their fortune around and ended up with their first NL Central division title in a long while.

More concerts coming to Wrigley

Wrigley Field is expected to host more concerts this summer.  So far, Elton John and Billy Joel are tentatively scheduled for July 7 and the Dave Matthews Band is expected to headline Friday and Saturday nights in September.

Tyler Colvin bulks up

Tyler Colvin has showed up early to Mesa for spring training.  And shown up with 25 more pounds of muscle.  Last year, Colvin was listed as 190 lbs.  He's now up to 215, which at 6'3" means he has filled out.

Will this be the year Colvin can make an impact and prove he was worthy of being a number one draft pick.  I don't know if any of you play Out of the Park Baseball.  Its a baseball simulation game that uses real life players and stats to simulate future seasons.  You get to play manager and general manager, managing the games and making trades.  I of course am the GM for the Cubs on the game and, one of the surprises on my 2009 Cubs team is Tyler Colvin.  He is batting nearly .400 and is second on my team in homers with about 50 games played so far. 

Obviously, my Cubs team is not in any way indicative of what Tyler Colvin will do this year or any year.  But it is encouraging that he is possibly not only a major leaguer but also a potential all star. 

One problem Colvin may have making the real Cubs team is that their outfield is pretty set.  Fukodome and Soriano are both signed to long term contracts with no trade clauses and now the Cubs have added Marlon Byrd to play center.  So there may just not be a spot for Colvin at this time.  But I have a feeling that Colvin may be a future star, who the Cubs will need to make a spot for.  Even if it means benching an underperforming Soriano or Fukodome.  Will that happen this year?  Probably not, since Colvin probably needs one more year in the minors before being ready for the bigs.  But you never know.  That's what spring training is for.