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.

Glavine Follows Maddux's Example

As you probably know, former Cub and Brave Greg Maddux joined the Cubs' front office as a special assistant to the GM earlier this year.  Now, his former Braves teammate has done the same, only with the Braves rather than the Cubs.

Unlike the Cardinals' hiring of Mark McGwire as a hitting coach, which I'm still scratching my head over, the hiring of Glavine as well as Maddux makes perfect sense.  As one blogger described them:

These are two of the best pitchers and smartest players to ever participate in the major leagues. Both used their keen intellect to their advantage while pitching, and the Cubs and Braves both hope that they can continue to help their franchises, even if it is not on the mound.

Have two smart, experienced future hall of fame pitchers around your younger pitchers can only help, especially these two competitors.  Maddux is probably the smartest baseball pitching mind around these days and Glavine is not far behind. 

Hendry says Lilly won't be rushed

From ESPNChicago.com -

Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said there is not a clear-cut date for the return for pitcher Ted Lilly, who is coming back from left shoulder surgery cleanup.


Media reports have circulated that Lilly won't return until late April or early May.


"I talked to Mark O'Neil [trainer] last week, and he said he is coming along fine," Hendry said. "If he starts April 15 that will be fine. I don't see it being anything unless there is some kind of setback that happens in camp. It was a real minor procedure. In fairness to Ted, we're not going to rush him either. If he's 95 percent on Opening Day then we will wait until he is 100 percent."

Lilly, entering the fourth and final season on his contract with the Cubs, tied Randy Wells for the team lead in wins last season with 12. He is 44-26 in three seasons with the Cubs.

Former Cub Jacque Jones back with the Twins

Former Cub Jacque Jones has returned home.  After not playing a major league game since June 2008 with the Florida Marlins, Jones has signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. 

Jones began his career with the Twins in 1999 before signing with the Cubs in 2006. 

Jones played last season in the independent Atlantic Leauge for the Newark Bears and told the Twins at their winter meetings that he was interested in reviving his career and willing to go to Triple-A if necessary.

Good luck, Jacque.  Hope you make it back to the bigs real soon.

Where will the Cubs finish?

The Cubs are being projected as finishing anywhere from second to fourth in the NL Central, with the St. Louis Cardinals being favored to finish first.

While the Cards will be pretty good, I just don't see their pitching staff being good enough to carry them to the postseason.  The Cubs, on the other hand, will have an excellent pitching staff, assuming Lilly comes back healthy.  Also, the Cubs added a real hitting coach in Rudy Jaramillo, while the Cards added a new hitting coach themselves in the form of Mark McGwire.  I have very strong misgivings regarding whether McGwire will be a good hitting coach for the Cards.  First, he's new to the position, whereas Rudy Jaramillo is a seasoned vet at hitting coach.  Jaramillo should have a positive influence on Soriano, for one, having worked with him very successfully at Texas. 

Second, McGwire was not a contact hitter.  He was a power hitter, who used steroids to add more power.  So why do we think someone who needed juice to help him hit homeruns, who never hit for average, is going to make a good hitting coach.  The best hitting coaches are not power hitters, they are contact hitters ... folks who had to learn how to hit to make it to the show because they couldn't just rely on their power to get them there.  You can't teach power, you can teach hitting.  But unfortunately for the Cards, I'm not sure if McGwire knows how to truly hit.

But, time will tell.  I may be wrong about McGwire just like the pundits may be wrong about where the Cubs will finish in the standings.

Is the Cubs' Offseason Over?

Are the Cubs done making moves?  Or are there deals in the works?  Here's what Hendry says:

"Obviously, we're always on the lookout," Hendry said. "Maybe it's something we will do in camp. We do like our club. We have a pretty good roster, body-wise, and we also have more people coming to camp internally (minor-leaguers invited to big-league camp) than we ever had. There will be opportunities for some of our young players to make the club."

Asked if additions are forthcoming outside of the organization, Hendry said: "We'll keep our eyes open. We have some ideas of people we want to scout in camp. But if something got going before we started camp, in the next week or two, we'd certainly look into that."

The Cubs are reportedly looking for help in the area of middle relief and/or setup pitchers.  One name being batted around (no pun intended) is Toronto's Jason Frasor.  The Blue Jays' signing of former Cubs closer Kevin Gregg may free up Jason Frasor for a trade to the Cubbies.  Frasor could be a dominant set up guy for the Cubs.

Another name being mentioned as a possible addition to the Cubs' roster is San Diego's Luke Gregerson, who is also a set up man.  His numbers are similar to Angel Guzman's but with a lower price tag.  I would not be surprised to see Guzman traded for Gregerson.

In any event, it looks like the Cubs may still have an offseason move or two left to do.

Arizona ok with Cactus League surcharge if Arizona voters are ok with it

Arizona has proposed a countywide vote on whether there should be a surcharge added to all Cactus League spring training tickets to pay for a new proposed $84 million stadium for the Cubs. 

The Arizona Legislature is considering a bill to raise rental car taxes and imposing fees on all Cactus League tickets to help pay for a Cubs ballpark.
The Diamondbacks and other Cactus League teams also want the Legislature to consider other funding options.

No vote has yet been scheduled.

Two more Cactus League teams come out against Cubs' tax

The Oakland A's and the Texas Rangers join the growing list of Cactus League teams who oppose the proposed surcharge to be added to the price of all Cactus League spring training tickets to finance a new park for the Cubs. 

“The Rangers join the other clubs in the Cactus League in being opposed to this proposed legislation. It would result in higher ticket prices for games in Surprise, which is certainly neither in our fans nor the Rangers’ best interest. We hope that the Cubs will stay in Arizona but not at the expense of Rangers’ fans,” said Rangers vice president John Blake.


“We are opposed to a ticket surcharge on tickets for games played at Phoenix Muni,” said A’s spokesman Bob Rose.


The A's and Rangers join the Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks in opposing the bill.

What do you think of the Cubs' offseason?

Jim Hendry seems proud of the moves he made for the Cubs during the offseason.  And he may have reason to be proud.  What do you think of the moves Hendry made?

Here's a breakdown of all the moves made during this offseason:

October


21 - Hired Hitting Coach Rudy Jaramillo

23 - Outrighted Bobby Scales to Triple-A Iowa

27 - The Ricketts family took over control of the Chicago Cubs

28 - The Ricketts family first day as the owners of the Chicago Cubs

30 - The Ricketts family introduced as the owners of the Chicago Cubs

November

5 - Reed Johnson and Rich Harden filed for free agency

9 - Kevin Gregg filed for free agency

16 - John Grabow filed for free agency

19 - Traded Aaron Heilman to Arizona Diamondbacks for minor leaguers Ryne White (1B) and Scott Maine (LHP)

20 - Added Blake Parker, James Adduci, Welington Castillo, John Gaub and Rafael Dolis to 40-man roster

20 - Re-signed John Grabow
December
3 - Signed Bobby Scales to a minor league contract

3 - Traded Jake Fox, Aaron Miles and cash to the Oakland A's for Jeff Gray (RHP), Matt Spencer (LF) and Ronny Morla (RHP)

10 - Selected Mike Parisi (RHP) in the Rule 5 Draft

12 - Non-Tendered Neal Cotts (LHP)

18 - Traded Milton Bradley to the Seattle Mariners for Carlos Silva and cash

31 - Agreed to Terms with Marlon Byrd
January
1 - Signed Marlon Byrd

19 - Signed Jeff Baker, Mike Fontenot, Angel Guzman, Tom Gorzelanny and Koyie Hill to one-year contracts - avoided arbitration with all five players

27 - Signed Chad Tracy to a minor league contract (includes invite to spring training)

27 - Signed Sean Marshall to one-year contract - avoided arbitration

29 - Signed Xavier Nady
February
4 - Signed Kevin Millar to a minor league contract (includes invite to spring training)

4 - Signed Carlos Marmol to one-year contract - avoided arbitration

So, tell me what you think about the Cubs' offseason!  Lets hear from you!

Kevin Millar will bring more to the Cubs than an extra bat off the bench

Sounds like Kevin Millar will add a lot to the Cubs' clubhouse.  Read on - from espnchicago.com:

Kevin Millar will try to prove that he can win a spot on the Chicago Cubs roster as a right-handed hitter off the bench who can play the corner infield positions and the outfield.


But the character who helped the Boston Red Sox end their World Series drought in 2004 said he will bring more to the Cubs than just his performance on the field.

"Everybody is looking at stats ... I get it," Millar, who signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs, said Friday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "But my point is when you're making a team and trying to bring in a bunch of different personalities I think everybody's got a certain amount of intangibles that they bring.

"Obviously, I'll bring some leadership qualities. I've won a World Series. Having a chance to play with guys like Ryan Dempster and Derrek Lee, we came up together in Florida. It's trying to make a family atmosphere and trying to get everybody to pull on the same rope and trying to get everybody to believe that we can do this."

The Cubs have to hope Millar can bring some of the magic that surrounded another supposed cursed franchise, the Red Sox, when they won their first World Series since 1918 in 2004. Millar became an iconic hero during his time in Boston, coining the phrase "Cowboy up" during their 2004 World Series season.

Millar sees no reason the Cubs can't be like that Red Sox team.

"You've always heard that the Cubs are the lovable losers. You go out to the bleachers, you have some beer, you root for the Cubs and they get blown out 11-2 and we scream Harry Caray," Millar said. "That's not what it is about. When I signed with Boston in '03 they had the same negative [atmosphere]. The media beat you up. The one thing that I think our group brought is that we didn't care about everything that was said. All we had to do was believe we could play and win the game that night.

"This whole curse stuff, it isn't funny. It's not the lovable loser anymore. You're got to go into camp focusing on the big picture and get prepared and get a chance to know the guys. Something has got to be different here because it hasn't worked so you've got to get that winning attitude. You've got to get these guys believing they can do it, that Derrek Lee is going to win the MVP, that Ryan Dempster can win 20 games. That's what it's about."

After losing out on the Milton Bradley gamble last season, the Cubs have added several players regarded as high-character guys such as outfielders Marlon Byrd and Xavier Nady and pitcher Carlos Silva. Add Millar to the list -- if he makes the team. He will compete with another free-agent addition, left-handed hitting Chad Tracy, and holdover Micah Hoffpauir for a spot on the bench.

"[Cubs general manager] Jim [Hendry] knows what I can bring to a clubhouse, what I can bring to a team other than being a right-handed guy off the bench or whatever he needs me to be," said Millar, 38, who spent last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, batting .223 with seven home runs and 29 runs batted in. "I think that's the biggest problem that the Cubs have had to be honest with you. People ask me all the time, 'Is team chemistry overrated?' Well, you tell me. You're with 25 guys more than your family from basically end of February to October. That's not overrated.

"When you go out to eat you want to have 12, 15 guys there. When you barbecue you want everyone included. ....You try to bring a team and a group together. When you get everyone pulling on the same rope, it's exciting. When you win it's a lot of fun."

Millar likely will have to prove he can play some third base if he is going to make the Cubs. Despite playing third base in the minor leagues, Millar has only played 32 games there during his 12-year major league career.

"We're so in tune with stats and numbers and we forget that teams win championships, not players," Millar said. "My job is to go out there and only do what I can control and that's have a good spring training and hopefully have a good shot at making this club."

Chicago Cubs All Time Starting Rotation

An interesting article about the greatest Cubs pitchers of all time.  Goes all the way back before the Cubs were even called the Cubs.  Here's the link - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/340861-the-chicago-cubs-all-time-starting-rotation

Cubs Spring Training Schedule

Cubs Spring Training schedule -

March 4 A's vs Cubs - Mesa 1:05 pm


March 5 Dbacks vs Cubs - Mesa 1:05 pm

March 6 Cubs vs Sox(ss) - Glendale 1:05 pm

March 7 Dodgers vs Cubs(ss) - Mesa 1:05 pm

March 7 Cubs(ss) vs Sox - Glendale 1:05 pm

March 8 Cubs vs A's - Phoenix 1:05 pm

March 9 Brewers vs Cubs - Mesa 1:05 pm

March 10 Giants vs Cubs - Mesa 1:05 pm

March 11 Cubs vs Padres - Peoria 1:05 pm

March 12 Cubs(ss) vs Brewers - Maryvale

March 12 Sox(ss) vs Cubs - Las Vegas 1:05 pm

March 13 Reds vs Cubs(ss) - Mesa 7:05 pm

March 13 Sox(ss) vs Cubs(ss) - Las Vegas 1:05 pm

March 14 Cubs vs Angels - Tempe 1:05 pm

March 15 Cubs vs Rockies - HCT 1:05 pm

March 16 Rangers vs Cubs - Mesa 1:05 pm

March 17 Day Off

March 18 Cubs vs Dodgers - Glendale 1:05 pm

March 19 Cubs vs Sox - Glendale 1:05 pm

March 20 Cubs(ss) vs A's(ss) - Phoenix 1:05 pm

March 20 Royals(ss) vs Cubs(ss) - Mesa 1:05 pm

March 21 Cubs vs Reds(ss) - Goodyear 1:05 pm

March 22 Indians vs Cubs - Mesa 1:05 pm

March 23 Cubs vs Royals - Surprise 1:05 pm

March 24 Cubs vs Rangers - Surprise 1:05 pm

March 25 Cubs vs Dbacks - TEP 1:05 pm

March 26 A's(ss) vs Cubs - Mesa 1:05 pm

March 27 Padres(ss) vs Cubs - Mesa 1:05 pm

March 28 Cubs vs Mariners - Peoria 1:05 pm

March 29 Cubs vs Reds - Goodyear 1:05 pm

March 30 Cubs vs Giants - Scottsdale 1:05 pm

March 31 Cubs(ss) vs Brewers - Maryvale1:05 pm
March 31 Angels vs Cubs(ss) - Mesa 1:05 pm
April 1 Rockies vs Cubs - Mesa 1:05 pm

April 2 Cubs vs Dbacks - Chase Field 6:40 pm

April 3 Cubs vs Dbacks - Chase Field 1:10 pm

The Latest on the Gunfight at the Cactus League Corral

From Paul Sullivan from Chicago Breaking Sports News -

The battle between the Cubs and their fellow Cactus League owners over a proposed ticket surcharge to help fund a new spring training facility in Mesa, Ariz., is expected to heat up this week.

The White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks are leading the opposition to the "Cubs tax," a surcharge on all Cactus League tickets.

The Cubs have declined to comment on the brewing brouhaha, although Mesa mayor Scott Smith, who has been outspoken in his remarks about Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf's opposition to the surcharge, released a statement Sunday saying the project would benefit the entire Cactus League.

"The Chicago Cubs are far and away the leader in spring-training attendance," Smith said. "They bring in thousands more tourists than any other team in the Cactus League, which creates an economic impact for all of Arizona in excess of $100 million each year. And, the Cubs spread these benefits around. Scottsdale and Phoenix/Tempe get more Cubs tourists in their hotels than Mesa! This is about jobs and tourism dollars that positively benefit this state every year. "

Smith also said he hopes Cactus League teams would meet with him and Arizona House Majority Leader John Comish, who will introduce the legislation on Monday, before opposing the surcharge.
"This is not just a Mesa or Cubs problem," he said. "All teams and cities will reach a point in the future when they too will be faced with the challenge of upgrading facilities that have aged or are obsolete.

"Hopefully, the teams will keep an open mind and discuss honestly how this problem can be resolved so the Cactus League can remain strong and successful. To do otherwise is shortsighted, selfish and foolish. I welcome the opportunity to explain the bill and other proposals to the leaders of any other Cactus League team."

HoHoKam Park, where the Cubs play, is by no means an obsolete ballpark. But it is one of the older facilities remaining in the Cactus League. In December, Cubs president Crane Kenney said the team needed a new facility because Cubs fans may decide to attend their road games at more modern Cactus League ballparks in the future, bypassing HoHoKam.

"You now have 15 teams within 45 minutes of each other, roughly," Kenney told Cubs beat writers. "And facilities like Camelback Ranch (shared by the White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers) and Goodyear (shared by Cleveland and Cincinnati) are truly state-of-the-art.

"If I go to Arizona and I'm a Cubs fan and I want to see my team, I can choose to either go to Goodyear, Glendale or one of these really neat facilities to see the Cubs play the Reds, or the Indians or the Dodgers or the White Sox. Or I can go to HoHoKam, which is less of a facility.

"So what I worry about in some ways is that people coming to Arizona, (because) it's so easy to get to the Cubs games anywhere they play, that they start attending the away games, because our facility has fallen behind some of the newer stadiums. Part of this is defensive. Yes, we do draw well. But I do worry (that) down the road, will fans say, 'I absolutely want to see the Cubs, I absolutely want to see them in Arizona, but I don't necessarily need to see them in HoHoKam?' So that's part of the reason why (the Cubs need a new facility)."

Because of the controversy surrounding the surcharge, the Arizona legislature is now expected to ask for a special audit by the auditor general of all contracts entered into by the Arizona Tourism and Sports authority during the calendar years of 2008 and '09 to acquire land or construct, finance, furnish, improve, market or promote the use of existing or proposed spring training facilities.

That audit would include the deals that brought the White Sox and Dodgers to Glendale, the Indians and Reds to Goodyear, and the plan to bring the D-backs and Colorado Rockies to a new facility in Scottsdale. The sports authority was created in 2000 to help raise money for the Arizona Cardinals stadium in Glendale, and for Cactus League facilities.

Q&A with Len Kasper

Here's a link to a question and answer session with the Cubs play by play announcer Len Kasper - http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2010/02/cubslenkasper.php - interesting.

Mesa Mayor blasting White Sox for opposing tax to build new Cubs park

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

The battle over whether Cactus League teams should be forced to charge extra for tickets to help fund a new spring training facility for the Cubs is starting to get ugly.

In an interview with the Arizona Republic, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith criticized White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf for his opposition to the proposed surcharge, which is expected to be introduced into legislation Monday.

Smith said the proposed surcharge -- the "Cubs tax" -- would not affect "current revenue streams" for the other 13 teams that train in the Cactus League. He then noted that Reinsdorf's Sox left Tucson for a publicly funded spring training complex in Glendale, Ariz.

"Is this the same Jerry Reinsdorf that skipped out on Pima County taxpayers who had spent tens of millions of dollars to provide him with a taxpayer-funded stadium, to come to Glendale, where Maricopa County taxpayers provided him a Taj Mahal spring-training facility?" Smith said.

Smith also said Reinsdorf's White Sox play in a publicly funded ballpark in Chicago, and that Reinsdorf looked into buying the Phoenix Coyotoes, who play in a publicly funded facility in Glendale.
"The irony is delicious," Smith said.

Arizona president Derrick Hall told the Republic that the other 13 teams in the Cactus League "feel the same way" about helping to subsidize the Cubs' ballpark in Mesa.

Book Review - When the Cubs Won It All

A new book is out about the 1908 season when the Cubs last won the World Series.  Its entitled "When the Cubs Won It All".  A review of the new book can be found here - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/book-guide/2010/269460.html

The latest on "Big Z"

Here's the latest about Carlos Zambrano - from the Chicago Tribune:

After spending the offseason in Chicago for the first time in his career, Carlos Zambrano flew down to Arizona last week to get a head start on spring training.


Pitchers and catchers don't have to report to Fitch Park in Mesa until Feb. 17, but Zambrano already is working out, promising to atone for his nine-victory season.

"We did it quietly," general manager Jim Hendry said. "I don't think he wanted any publicity for that. He's going about his business well. I think you're going to get a very well-focused guy who's determined to rectify last year's season."

With Ted Lilly out until May, the onus will be on Zambrano and Ryan Dempster to get off to good starts and stay healthy, keeping the front end of the rotation afloat until Lilly returns. Zambrano stuck to his offseason workout routines, and the Cubs believe he's committed to staying in shape.

"Carlos was a little heavy last year, there's no question," manager Lou Piniella told fans at the Cubs Convention. "He's another player (besides Geovany Soto) we had a nice conversation with toward the end of the year.

"We said, 'Look, we need for you to step up and give us 200-plus innings. We need for you to win 18-20 ballgames, the way you're fully capable of. But to do that, you have to get yourself in better shape, where we don't have to worry about pitch counts with you.' "

Piniella said Zambrano "promised" he would be in better shape and more focused.

"He looks absolutely wonderful, and I think you'll see a heck of a better performance from him just because of that," Piniella said. "The mental part of it? He's mentally strong. He fights himself at times. He needs to harness that a little bit. But you want competitors on the mound, and Carlos certainly competes."

Bleacher Report predicts decline in Dempster's performance

The Bleacher Report predicts a slight decline in Ryan Dempster's performance this year, although the numbers they predict still look pretty good.  The primary reason Bleacher Report predicts a decline is simply because Dempster will turn 33 this year and a decline is to be expected.

Bleacher Report predicts the following numbers for Demp - 32 starts, 197 innings pitched, 3.93 ERA, 166 K's, 66 walks, 1.34 WHIP.

The full article is here - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/340599-2010-chicago-cubs-profile-ryan-dempster#

Methinks Dempster will do just fine this year.

CUBS: "Tax is not our issue"

The following is from Bruce Levine at ESPN -

The Chicago Cubs' response to critical comments made by White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf about a possible Cactus League tax on all baseball tickets sold is no response at all.
"This is not our issue," Cubs president Crane Kenney said. "This is an issue for the state of Arizona to represent."
Arizona at this point has committed to a ticket amusement charge, however they are considering that as part of the way to fund the $85 million needed to build a new Cubs compex in east Mesa. The state is looking at many ways to try to raise funds, including adding a rental car tax. The Cubs as well as the other 14 teams training in Arizona would be subject to a ticket tariff if that is the direction the state decides to go.
Reinsdorf told the Phoenix Business Journal that the White Sox are opposed to a tariff on Cactus League games.
The Cubs and Arizona hope the new site will be ready by 2013. The Cubs will continue to spend spring training at HoHoKam Park and Fitch Field, their minor-league complex until the project is completed.

White Sox and Diamondbacks trying to block Cubs deal with Mesa

From the Phoenix Business Journal -

The Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks oppose a plan to have the entire Cactus League bankroll the $84 million stadium being built in Mesa for the Chicago Cubs.
Arizona lawmakers are crafting plans that could impose new ticket charges on all Cactus League games and raise rental car taxes Valleywide to help pay for the Cubs’ new spring training complex.
Cactus League President Robert Brinton said ticket surcharges previously have been used by specific cities to fund baseball stadiums within their jurisdictions, but this is the first time a leaguewide fee could be imposed for one project. In a nutshell, the D-backs, Sox and spring training fans Valleywide would help foot the bill for Mesa to build a 15,000-seat stadium for the Cubs.
“We’re opposed,” said White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
He said other teams and their fans did not finance development of the new White Sox stadium in Glendale, and he thinks it’s unfair to have other teams pay for the Cubs complex in Mesa. The Sox share the new Camelback Ranch stadium with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
D-backs President Derrick Hall also doesn’t like the idea of leaguewide ticket surcharges to benefit the Cubs.
“We want the Cubs to stay here badly, but not at the expense of our fans,” Hall said. “I’ve heard the argument that the other teams should be willing to because of the visiting crowds that the Cubs bring to their games. They do draw well, as do we, yet we were creative in our search for a new site to identify a partner willing to finance the entire project without public dollars.”
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is building a new spring training stadium east of Scottsdale for the D-backs and the Colorado Rockies. The tribe is taking a $23 million loan backed by federal stimulus money to help fund that $100 million project. The tribe, which operates two casinos, is paying for the remainder of the new complex.
Cactus League tickets this year range between $4 and $45 per game.
TO THEIR BENEFIT

Brinton said the Cubs are a linchpin of the Cactus League, and he supports the ticket surcharge idea as well as raising car rental rates. The Cubs are the biggest draw in the Cactus League, with more than 203,000 fans attending its spring training games in 2009. The team’s owners, the Ricketts family, threatened to move to Naples, Fla., to play in the Grapefruit League unless Mesa built a new ballpark to replace the aging Hohokam Stadium.
Arizona House Majority Leader John McComish, R-Ahwatukee, is formulating a financing bill for the Cubs. McComish said he is looking at options to pay for the new stadium, including ticket surcharges and increased taxes on hotels and car rentals. He hasn’t finalized the bill, but said it could be introduced soon. It has not been determined how much the surcharge would be.
The Phoenix area already has high car rental taxes, with current rates totaling 18.53 percent.
McComish understands the skepticism from other teams, but he pointed out that the Cubs have a substantial regional economic impact and draw fans to other Cactus League parks.
“When the other teams play the Cubs, they sell out. It’s to their benefit,” he said.
McComish said he’s looking at long-term revenue streams to help the entire league, not just the Cubs.
Keeping the Cubs in Mesa has the backing of key lawmakers, including House Speaker Kirk Adams, R-Mesa. Adams confirmed that ticket surcharges and car rental tax increases could be part of the Cubs package.
“The Cubs are a $138 million impact on the economy annually,” Adams said.
BAD TIMING

Legislators also may face criticism if they fast-track taxes for the Cubs as they cut education and social welfare programs in the face of a multibillion-dollar deficit.
“It’s a tough climate to be making those kind of promises,” said Gretchen Jacobs, president of Arizona Governmental Affairs, a lobbying firm in Phoenix.
Mesa City Manager Chris Brady said in addition to ticket surcharges and higher car rental taxes, Mesa voters will be asked to approve bond money as well as infrastructure and services spending for the new complex. Brady said tentative plans call for two-thirds of the $84 million to come from regional sources and one-third from the city. That translates into a split of $56 million to $28 million. McComish said the split could be more even.

Four vie for two openings in Cubs rotation

From the Chicago Tribune -

With Ted Lilly out through at least April, the Cubs will be searching for two new members of the rotation, one to replace him and one to replace the departed Rich Harden.

So Cubs camp will turn into a tryout camp.

"An opportunity really," said pitching coach Larry Rothschild, preferring not to use the word tryout. "Somebody's going to get a real nice opportunity."

Four veterans — Sean Marshall, Tom Gorzelanny, Jeff Samardzija and newcomer Carlos Silva — will join several youngsters with the knowledge that one of them could stick all season. And all four look at themselves as starters.

"Absolutely," Gorzelanny said. "That's the way I have to go in. I'm not going in trying to make the bullpen, I'm going in trying to be a starter."

Said Marshall: "I'm training my body to start and pitch every five days and I can always back off and adjust. I like starting, and I like knowing when I'm going to pitch.

"But I also like the relief role when I don't know when I'm going to pitch. You have to get amped up for it. I prefer starting but know that I'm an asset in the bullpen."

Marshall and Gorzelanny are left-handed, as is Lilly. Other than those three, the Cubs' rotation would be all right-handed with Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster and Randy Wells.

"I just want people who can get people out, I don't care who they are," Rothschild said.

While Lilly was 12-9 in 27 starts last season, the other four veterans were a combined 7-12 in 24 starts.

Those four, to varying degrees, were mostly relievers, with Marshall making 46 bullpen appearances and Samardzija 18. At least two likely will end up in the pen, although all will be given several spring starts.

Silva is the most experienced starter, going 13-14 in 33 starts in 2007 with the Twins before encountering arm problems last season in Seattle that made him readily available in exchange for Milton Bradley.

Gorzelanny was 20-19 in 53 starts for the 2007-08 Pirates, while Marshall was 13-17 in 43 starts for the Cubs in 2006-07.

Obviously, none can replace Lilly, who had shoulder surgery.

"We've got a lot of games in spring," Rothschild said. "It's a lot easier to put them in the bullpen after starting than it is the other way. And I want guys to have consistent starts when possible."

Infielder Chad Tracy signs minor league deal with Cubs

Chicago Cubs have signed utility infielder Chad Tracy to a Minor League contract with an invitation to spring training.

A career .280 hitter, Tracy has 78 career home runs, 318 RBI, a .339 on-base percentage and a .453 slugging percentage over 704 Major League games. He played all or part of six seasons with Arizona from 2004 to 2009 after Arizona drafted him in the seventh round of the 2001 draft.  Tracy has appeared defensively at third base (340 games), first base (246 games) and the outfield (52 games).

Tracy bats left handed and has a career .297 batting average (544-for-1829) vs. right-handed pitching with an .840 OPS (.358 on-base percentage, .482 slugging percentage).

Tracy had his best season in 2005 when he hit a career high .308 batting average, career high 41 doubles and 27 home runs and a career high .553 slugging percentage.  He also had a career high 80 RBIs.

Tracy spent less than three full seasons in the minors before making his Major League debut with Arizona in 2004. He was named to the Topps All-Rookie team in 2004.

Top Cubs prospects

Here's a list of the Cubs top prospects according to http://milbprospects.blogspot.com/2010/02/chicago-cubs-top-40-prospects.html -

1 Josh Vitters , 3B , CHC


2 Starlin Castro , SS , CHC

3 Hak Ju Lee , SS , CHC

4 Brett Jackson , OF , CHC

5 Jay Jackson , P , CHC

6 Andrew Cashner , P , CHC

7 Kyler Burke , OF , CHC

8 Logan Watkins , 2B , CHC

9 Chris Carpenter , P , CHC

10 D.J. Lemahieu , 2B , CHC

11 Chris Archer , P , CHC

12 Casey Coleman , P , CHC

13 Ryan Flaherty , SS , CHC

14 Chris Huseby , P , CHC

15 Jake Opitz , SS , CHC

16 Brandon Guyer , OF , CHC

17 Francisco Guzman CHC

18 Smaily Borges , 1B , CHC

19 Larry Suarez , P , CHC

20 James Leverton , P , CHC

21 Sergio Burruel , C , CHC

22 Brooks Raley , P , CHC

23 Wellington Castillo , C , CHC

24 Thomas Diamond , P , CHC

25 Jeff Stevens , P , CHC

26 Darwin Barney , SS , CHC

27 Junior Lake , SS , CHC

28 Jeff Beliveau , P , CHC

29 Dan McDaniel P CHC

30 Matt Cerda , SS , CHC

31 Tyler Colvin , OF , CHC

32 Hung Wen Chen , P , CHC

33 Kevin Hart , P , CHC

34 Ryan Searle , P , CHC

35 Jae-Hoon Ha CHC

36 Ty Wright , OF , CHC

37 Ryan Buchter , P , CHC

38 David Cales , P , CHC

39 Esmailin Caridad , P , CHC

40 Craig Muschko , P , CHC

Quote from La Russa

Not that we want him - but here's what La Russa was quoted as saying about whether he would ever manage the Cubs:
"You've got a double-headed whammy there. I have a lot of friends and fans that I'm close to with the White Sox. And you know White Sox and Cubs, they don't mix. I've got friends and fans that I'm close to in St. Louis, and the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cubs don't mix. So I think if there is one place that I don't fit, just because of my past, it would be the Chicago Cubs."

Of course, this is the same bone head that thinks Mark McGwire will make a good hitting coach.  Did I miss something or did Mark McGwire never have a good batting average?  McGwire was simply a power hitter and an artificially induced one at that.  Power hitters are not good hitting coaches since you can't teach power.  Hitting is what you can teach.  But you need a hitter to do it.  Or someone who understands contact hitting, something Mark McGwire apparently doesn't.

iPhone App for Cubs fans

Here's a blurb about a new iPhone app for us Cubs fans:

The Cubs FanMisery.com Index App chronicles the day-to-day exploits of the Cubs - a team that has a fanatical fan base of historic proportions. A unique set of statistics, opinions, and news provides you with insight into what is going on with the Cubs - on and off the field - and your level of misery or bliss - as a Cubs fan.

Here's the a link - www.fanmisery.com/apps/baseball/cubs

Cubs avoid arbitration with Marmol

The Cubs and Carlos Marmol have avoided arbitration.  In his first arbitration eligible year, Marmol was seeking $2.5 million while the Cubs were offering $1.75 million.  The two sides reached an agreement Thursday morning at $2.125 million.

Marmol ended the year as the Cubs' closer and will resume that role this season.  Carlos was 2 and 4 last year, with a 3.41 ERA and 15 saves out of 19 save opportunities.  Marmol logged 74.0 innings last year in 79 games. 

Marmol's signing leaves Ryan Theriot as the only arbitration eligible Cub who has not yet signed.  By all accounts, it looks like the Cubs will not be able to reach a deal with Theriot, which will prompt an arbitration hearing later this month.

Trade rumor - Luke Gregerson for Angel Guzman?

The Cubs are strapped for cash.  So the likely moves left will likely involve trades rather than free agent signings.  One such trade that may make sense money wise is trading Angel Guzman to the Padres for Luke Gregerson.  Word is that the Padres really like Guzman, seeing him as their possible closer of the future.  The Cubs reportedly like Luke Gregerson, who had similar numbers as Guzman but would be cheaper, at least in the short term.

Last year, Gregerson was 2 and 4 with a 3.24 ERA in 72 games.  He struck out 93 in 75.0 innings, while walking 31.  Last year, on the other hand, Guzman went 3 and 3 with a .295 ERA in 55 games.  He threw 61.0 innings, striking out 47 and walking 23.  Sounds like that trade could make sense financially as well as on the field.  Your thoughts?

Second Base

Second base for the Cubs this year will be manned by two different players - Mike Fontenot and Jeff Baker.  Fontenot will be one of the left handed threats in the Cubs lineup.

Fontenot, who played college ball at LSU with Ryan Theriot, is potentially an impact player in the Cubs lineup.  While he had an off year last year (batting .236 with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 9 homers, 43 RBIs, 35 walks and 83 strikeouts), Fontenot has provided a pretty good bat in the past.  In 2008, he batted .305 in 243 at bats, hitting nine dingers and driving in 40. 

Fontenot is one of the key players that the Cubbies need to return to form.  If Fontenot can have a full season with numbers like what he did in 2008, he would easily hit 15 - 18 homers and drive in 80 or more.  Such production from second would go a long way toward the Cubs making it to the postseason and beyond. 

The hiring of Rudy Jaramillo as hitting coach should help a lot of the Cubs' batters, including Fontenot.  In fact, Jaramillo may have been the Cubs' key acquisition during the offseason as he could potentially affect multiple Cubs' starters.

Fontenot is a quality player with a potentially potent bat.  If the Cubs can tap into some of that potential in 2010, they should fare far better in 2010 than last season.

Former Cub Kevin Gregg a Blue Jay?

Reports are that Kevin Gregg has signed a one year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.  Gregg started off last year as the Cubs' closer, only to lose the job to Carlos Marmol before season end.  Gregg was 5-6 with a 4.72 ERA and 23 saves in 72 appearances with the Cubs last season

Gregg is reportedly receiving a guaranteed salary of $2.75 million but could net more than $8 million over 2 years or $12 million over 3 years. 

If Gregg can command money like that, Carlos Marmol's chances of getting more via arbitration had of just went up. 

Backup Firstbaseman - Micah Hoffpauir

The Cubs' backup firstbaseman looks to be Micah Hoffpauir once again. The lefty will be turning thirty this year but has apparently topped out as a bench player. 

Hoffpauir's bat was not too impressive last year, batting only .239 with 12 doubles, 1 triple, 10 homeruns and 35 RBIs.  He also had 20 walks and 46 Ks. 

Hoffpauir has shown pop in the past.  In a limited run in 2008, Hoffpauir batted .342 in 73 at bats, hitting 2 homers and driving in 8.  He also had some pretty good numbers in the minor leagues.

Hopefully, Derrek Lee will stay healthy and Hoffpauir won't be needed for any significant offensive help.

Cubs' statistical projections for 2010

Here's a neat site that gives statistical projections for each of the Cubs for 2010.  http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/oracle/discussion/2010_zips_projections_chicago_cubs/

Cubs in World War II

Here's the link to an interesting blog about the Major League players who served during World War II.  This is the post regarding the Cubs players in World War II.

http://baseballinwartime.blogspot.com/2010/01/chicago-cubs-players-in-service-during.html

Pretty interesting.

Former Cub Aaron Miles headed back to the NL Central

Former Cub Aaron Miles is heading to Cincinnati along with a player to be named later.  In exchange, the Oakland A's are receiving outfielder Willy Taveras and utility man Adam Rosales.

Miles played in just 74 games for the Cubs last year, who traded him to the A's at the end of the season.  Miles' limited appearances were primarily to due to injuries to his throwing shoulder and elbow.

Miles is a career .282 hitter, having played for the Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals and Cubs. In 2008, he hit a career-high .317 in 134 games.

Miles was a member of the Cardinals' 2006 World Series championship club.  A true utility man, Miles has played every defensive position except first base and catcher.  Miles has even made three appearances as a pitcher.

Reed Johnson ...

is officially a Dodger now.  Good luck, Reed.  And thanks for your time as part of the Cubs.

Millar signs minor league deal with Cubs

Kevin Millar has signed a minor league contract with the Cubs and has been invited to spring training.  Millar is hoping to compete for a spot on the Cubs' bench. 

Millar batted .223 in 78 games with the Blue Jays last season but is a .274 career hitter with 170 home runs in 12 seasons with Florida, Boston, Baltimore and Toronto.

If Millar can snap back to form, he will make a nice addition to the Cubs' bench.

Update on Reed Johnson

The word is that the Dodgers are offering Reed Johnson $800,000. 

Theriot may be first to go through with arbitration with Cubs in 17 years

Seventeen years ago, Mark Grace and the Cubs were not able to reach an agreement on Grace's contract, which led to an arbitration hearing that the Cubs won.  Since then, no Cubs player has had to go to arbitration.

At least until now.  It looks like Theriot may break the 17 year streak as, to date, he and the Cubs have not been able to reach an agreement.

The Cubs shortstop has asked for $3.4 million while the Cubs have offered $2.6 million.  The rumor is that the Cubs have offered more unofficially while Theriot is still stuck on $3.4 million.

Major League Baseball will assign hearing dates for teams and players who have not resolved their arbitration disputes before February 20. In these cases, an independent arbitrator presides over a hearing where both sides present their cases and explain why the arbitrator should side with them. The arbitrator must choose either the team's number or the player's figure. He's not allowed to award anything in between the two numbers.


Last season, Theriot batted .284 with 7 homers, 54 RBIs, 20 doubles, 5 triples and 21 stolen bases.  He has walked 51 times and stuck out 93 times.

Dodgers close to deal with Reed Johnson

Reed Johnson's blog, which I enjoyed last season, may not be coming back since it appears that Johnson's not going to a Cubbie next year.  This is not unexpected with the signing of Xavier Nady as the Cubs fourth outfielder.

Now it is being reported that the Dodgers are close to reaching a deal to bring Reed Johnson to L.A. to be their fourth outfielder.  No word as to how much the deal may be worth to Johnson.

Johnson batted .255 with four home runs and 22 runs batted in last year in a season in which he sat out nearly two months because of a broken foot.  Part of Johnson's value is that he can play all three outfield positions.



The opening for Johnson to potentially be the Dodger's fourth outfielder came when the Dodgers traded another former Cub Juan Pierre to the White Sox. 

Former Cub Jim Edmonds signs with Brewers

The Cubs former centerfielder Jim Edmonds has signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, who have invited Edmonds to spring training.

Jim Edmonds did not play last season but played part of 2008 with the Cubs and the rest with the Padres.  He batted a combined .235 with a .343 on-base percentage, 20 home runs and 55 RBI over 111 games two seasons ago.

In 1,925 career games, the 39-year-old Edmonds holds a .284 average with a .377 OBP, 382 homers and 1,176 RBI. In 16 seasons, he has played with the Angels, St. Louis, the Padres and Cubs.

First Base - Derrek Lee

Derrek Lee will once again be the Cubs starting first baseman in 2010.  One of the premier first basemen in the league, Lee is a definite force in the Cubs lineup and a mature presence in the clubhouse. 

In 2005, Lee had the best statistical season of his career, batting .335 and slugging 46 homers.  However, in 2006, Lee suffered a broken wrist that sidelined him for most of the 2006 season.  Upon his return in 2007, his power numbers dropped significantly.  His power returned somewhat in 2008 but were still off from his pre-injury numbers.

Last year, Derrek Lee seemed to return to form.  The three time gold glove first baseman hit .306 with 36 doubles, 2 triples, 35 homeruns and 111 RBIs.  The two time All Star walked 76 times and struck out 109 times. 

Had Aramis Ramirez been healthy, and had Soto and Alfonso Soriano hit to form, the Cubs would likely have made the postseason with a season like last year's from Derrek Lee.  Hopefully, Lee will get some help this year from the rest of the offiense which should lead the Cubs much closer to their goal of winning another World Series.

Xavier Nady

Cubbie fans, the Cubs have signed backup outfielder Xavier Nady to a one year contract worth $3.3 million with incentives of $2.05 million for games played.

While Nady missed all of 2009, he batted .305 with 37 doubles, 25 home runs and 97 RBIs in 148 games in 2008, posting a .357 on-base percentage and a .510 slugging percentage.  After the 2008 season, he had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. 

Nady is expected to platoon some with Kosuke Fukudome in right field and backup Alfonso Soriano in left field.

What do you think of the Cubs' signing of Xavier Nady?  I think its a good signing.  Let me know what you think.

Backup Catcher Preview

The Cubs' backup catcher will most likely be Koyie Hill. 
Koyie did well subbing for Geovany Soto last season when Soto suffered various injuries.  In fact, he made 26 consecutive starts for Soto while he was injured in early July through early August.

The Cubs avoided arbitration with Hill, who will be paid $700,000 for 2010.

Last season, Hill batted .237 with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 2 homers, and 24 RBIs.  He walked 27 times and struck out 78 times.

Hill should be a quality backup for Soto.  Hopefully, Soto will stay healthy and Hill won't be needed so much this year.

Projected 25 man roster for 2010

Here's what I project the 25 man roster to look like:

1.  C - Geovany Soto
2.  C - Koyie Hill
3.  1b - Derek Lee
4.  1b - Micah Hoffpaur
5.  2b - Mike Fontenot
6.  2b - Jeff Baker
7.  3b - Aramis Ramirez
8.  SS - Ryan Theriot
9.  LF - Alfonso Soriano
10. CF - Marlon Byrd
11. RF - Kosuke Fukudome
12. OF - Sam Fuld
13. OF - Xavier Nady
14. SP - Carlos Zambrano
15. SP - Ryan Dempster
16. SP - Ted Lilly
17. SP - Randy Wells
18. SP - Tom Gorzelanny
19. RP - John Grabow
20. RP - Sean Marshall
21. RP - Angel Guzman
22. RP - Jeff Samardzija
23. RP - David Patton
24. RP - Mitch Atkins
25. CL - Carlos Marmol

I'd like to hear from you whether you agree or disagree and why!

Starting Catcher Preview

My plan is to review position by position all of the projected active roster Cubs for 2010.  We'll start with catcher.

The projected starter is Geovany Soto, who has started the last two seasons for the Cubs.  A rookie in 2008, Soto was both National League Rookie of the Year and an All Star.  Pretty good for a rookie.  Geovany is older than his years in that he handles the pitching staff well.

In 2008, Soto batted .285, with 35 doubles, 2 triples, 23 homers, 86 RBIs and 66 runs scored.  He did not have a stolen base and struck out 121 times.  He did walk 62 times.

Soto suffered from the all too common sophomore curse in 2009, seeing his batting average drop to .218.  All of his numbers were similarly down, hitting 11 homers, 19 doubles, 1 triple and knocking in only 47.  He scored 27 times, walked 50 times and struck out 77 times.  Soto also saw less playing time, as he suffered from various injuries during the course of the season.

2010 could be a big year for Soto.  He has reportedly slimmed down, losing 40 pounds over the offseason.  If Soto can return to his rookie year form, he will be a force to be reckoned with.  In fact, in my opinion, the Cubs season will be determined by how well Soto does.  Given Soto's offseason focus that has resulted in his slim new look, I expect Soto will snap back into form and put up good numbers this year.

Play ball!!!

Welcome to my new blog, Wrigley Ramblings.  This blog is dedicated to the 2010 Chicago Cubs.  I intend to discuss each player in length and follow this year's games.  I hope you will all comment on what you think about the team, the games and the managerial moves throughout the season.

I hope you enjoy my "Wrigley Ramblings"!