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.