ARAM, Jake Peavy

According to the Chicago Sun Times, Aramis Ramirez ran much better today and will not be placed on the DL. Bobby Scales was in Chicago today but will not be with the team. The Cubs are not going to make a roster move before the game. Aramis Ramirez is not in the lineup for todays game.

Jeff Morrad said the Padres will like to keep Jake Peavy but 1 player is not untouchable.

Cubs Lose last 7 of 8 Games

Aramis Ramirez is still a couple of days from returning to the lineup. The good thing is Derek lee was back in the lineup.

Carlos Marmol also returned, but was probably rusted from not playing in a week.

The Cubs lost the series to the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-0.

That improves there record to 10-10.

Tomorrow the Cubs face Florida Marlins at 7:05.

Pitching matchup, Volstad 2-0 vs Marshall 0-1.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Win, Updates

Derrek lee said he was ready to play yesterday but when taking batting practice and groundballs, you can tell he was not 100%.

Aramis Ramirez was suppost to play yesterday but he said he was not 100%.

Geovany Soto got the day off because he is hitting in the 100's.

The Cubs beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-3.

That improves there record to 10-9. The good thing is the Cubs are getting healthy and that win total should keep going up.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Lose Again, Injury Update

Aramis Ramirez and Milton Bradley are going to be in the lineup for today's game.

Carlos Marmol and Derrek Lee are both still day to day. Marmol threw a painful bullpen session on Monday and could pitch today.

The Cubs lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-2.

That improves there record to 9-9.

I will keep you updated.

Cubs Update

Aramis Ramirez is still listed as day to day and could play as early as Monday but probably won't.

Carlos Marmol threw a bullpen session and could be ready by Tuesday.

Milton Bradley is still far away but still could pich hit. With all these injuries, the Cubs might be force to put him on the DL so they can bring a player up.

Koyie Hill and Carlos Zambrano are the backups for short and third. They have been taking ground balls in batting practice.

Derrek lee left the game in the first with neck spasms and is listed as day to day.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Lose Again, Injuries Update

The Cubs lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in back to back days 8-2.

That improves there record to 8-8.

Aramis Ramirez is out for at least 3 games. Carlos Marmol is out for about the same time.

I will keep you updated.

Injuries

The Cubs drop there third straight yesterday to the Cardinals with a score of 4-3.

There record is 8-7.

Aramis Ramirez left the game yesterday with a strain calf and is listed as day to day.

Carlos Marmol left the game yesterday with a leg or ankle injury but it was probably for precautionary reasons.

Milton Bradley won't play until he is 100% and the Cubs don't know if they want to put him on the 15 day DL. He had a 10 minute conversation with Lou Pinella, in his office about not running out ground balls and blowing off the Cubs media. The good think is Bradley is still able to pinch hit.

I will keep you updated.

Cubs call up Stark, Cubs Lose Series to Reds

The Cubs Designate Luis Vizcaino for assignment today and called up Jeff Samardzija. This makes no sense to me because Vizcaino was pitching pretty good and the Cubs still have Neal Cotts (He shows me nothing).

The Cubs lost to the Cincinnati Reds 7-1. That is the first series they lost all season.

That improves there record to 8-6.

To me there was no MVP or LVP again because they are not playing good baseball and if I wanted to give a LVP, there will be a lot.

I will keep you updated.

Cubs Get Shutout, Roster Moves Coming

According to Paul Sullivan, The Cubs will call up pitcher Jeff Samardzija on Thursday to join the bullpen. lefties Neal Cotts and Sean Marshall won't be sent down. Sullivan also adds that Luis Vizcaino will be released. If the Cubs do release Luis Vizcaino, they will have to pay 4 million.

The Cubs lost to the Cincinatti reds 3-0.

That improves there record to 8-5.

MVP: To me the Cubs got shutout and there is no MVP to me.

LVP: The whole offense for not scoring a run against the Reds.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Beat Reds, Other News

The Cubs beat the Cincinnati reds 7-2.

That improves there record to 8-4.

MVP: Aramis Ramirez for going 3 for 5 with a single on a line drive to left field(Fastball), a rbi single on a line drive to right field (Slider) and a 2 run single to right field (Changeup).

LVP: Neal Cotts pitch 0.1 innings and struck out Taveras on a fastball, then he gave up a hit to Chris Dickerson on a fastball and finally he walk Joey Votto on 4 pitches. He is my LVP because he can not throw strikes once again.

According to Bruce Levine, Jeff Samardzija will be called up as soon as Jim Hendry trades a relief pitcher.

Levine also reported, Hendry is getting calls about relievers.

The Cubs still cannot send down David Patton or Angel Guzman without losing them.

I will keep you posted.

Trade Deadline Canidates, That Might Interest Cubs

These are players that I think the Cubs might look at, in the season or by the deadline. It will be by position.

Catchers:
I don't think the Cubs need to find a catcher in a trade because Hill did good when Soto was out for a week and they have Mark Johnson and Welmington Castilla in the minors. Also they can re-sign Paul Bako if needed.

First Baseman:
I also don't think Jim Hendry will be looking at a first baseman because the Cubs have high power Micah Hoffpauir and gold glove Derrek lee. I don't even think there will be any better first baseman then Lee at the deadline.

Second Baseman: The Cubs don't have any middle infielders in the farm and if 1 goes down for a long time, they might be in the market for one.
Brian Roberts
Dan Uggla
Bobby Crosby only if Oakland eats half or even more of contract.
Mark Derosa
Ronnie Belliard
Jeff Baker

Shortstop: The Cubs don't have any middle infielders in the farm and if 1 goes down for a long time, they might be in the market for one.
Christian Guzman, but he is on the 15 day DL right now with a hamstring injury.
Olando Cabrera
Marco Scutaro
Johnny Peralta

Third Baseman:
Chone Figgins
Adrian Beltre
Scott Rolen

Outfielders:
Matt Holliday
Vernon Wells
Magglio Ordonez
Brian Giles
Alex Rios
David Dejesus
Mark Teahen
Ichrio Suzuki
Adam Dunn

Starting Pitchers:
Jake peavy
Roy Halladay
Eric Bedard
Justin Verlander
Barry Zito
Chris Young
Jarrod Washburn
Carlos Silva
Kevin Millwood
Dontrell Willis
Felix Hernandez

Relief Pitchers-Closers:
Jose Valverde
Huston Street
Kerry Wood LOL
Brian Wilson
George Sherrill
Bobby Jenks
Joakim Soria
B.J. Ryan
Any lefty reliever better than Cotts

That is some players, if needed the Cubs will look at.

Cubs Cards Postponed

The Cubs Cards game was postponed today due to bad weather. The game has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 12th at 12:05.

The 2 starting pitchers that were suppost to start today were Ted Lilly against Todd Welleymer.

I am mad because I had tickets for todays night game.

I will keep you posted.

Milton Bradley Suspended, Cubs edge Cards in 11

Milton Bradley was suspended for 2 games today for bumping into the home plate umpire, while arguing balls and strikes in the lost Friday against the Cardinals. Bradley is going to appeal the 2 game suspension.

The Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5 in 11 innings.

That improves there record to 7-4.

MVP: Ryan Theriot for going 3 for 5 with a infield single to the shortstop (Fastball), single on a line drive to right field (Fastball) and a triple to right field on a line drive (Slider).

LVP: Whole Team, the Cubs left to many people on base (15). This was a team win because every starter got a hit and made good plays in the field

I will keep you updated

Cubs Take Game 2 Against Cardinals

According to the Chicago Tribune, Milton Bradley could face a suspension for making contact with the home umpire, when he was arguing a called third strike.

The Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-7.

That improves there record to 6-4.

MVP: Aramis Ramirez for going 3 for 4 with a 1 run single up the middle (Fastball), another 1 run single up the middle (Slider) and a 1 run double to left field (Changeup)

LVP: Carlos Zambrano pitch 7 innings and gave up 9 hits, 7 runs, 3 walks and struck out 7. Zambrano gave up a home run to Barden and 2 by Ludwick.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Lose Game 1 Against Rival St. Louis Cardinals

The Cubs lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 7-4.

That improves there record to 5-4.

MVP: Kosuke Fukudome for going 2 for 5 with a double on a pop up to left field (Fastball), and a three home run to the right center on a line drive (Fastball). Kosuke Fukudome also reach on a missed catch by first baseman Albert Pujols.

LVP: Micah Hoffpauir for going 0 for 4 with a fly out to right field, fly out to center field, Pop out to the pitcher and a strikeout on a curve ball.

I will keep you updated.

NL Central week and a half in review

I will put them in order of there standings.

First place St Louis Cardinals with a record of 7-3:

Game 1: Lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-4.
Game 2: Beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3.
Game 3: Lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4.
Game 4: Beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1.
Game 5: Beat the Houston Astros 5-3.
Game 6: Beat The Houston Astros 11-2.
Game 7: Beat the Houston Astros 3-0.
Game 8: Beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1.
Game 9: Lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6.
Game 10: Beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 12-7.

Injuries
P Chris Carpenter placed on 15 day DL with Ribcage Strain.
IF Troy Glaus placed on 15 day DL with Shoulder injury.
P Jamie Garcia out for season with Elbow injury.

Upcoming Games:
4 with Chicago Cubs starting today and ending Sunday.

Second Place Chicago Cubs with a record of 5-3:

Game 1: Beat the Houston Astros
Game 2; Lost to the Houston Astros
Game 3: Beat the Houston Astros
Game 4: Lost to the Milwaukee Brewers
Game 5: Beat the Milwaukee Brewers
Game 6: Beat the Milwaukee Brewers
Game 7: Beat the Colorado Rockies
Game 8: Lost to the Colorado Rockies

Injuries:
OF Milton Bradley is Day to Day with a groin injury.

Upcoming Games:
4 with St Louis Cardinals starting today and ending Sunday.

Third Place Cincinnati Reds with a record of 4-4.

Game 1: Lost to the New York Mets 2-1.
Game 2: Lost to the New York Mets 9-7.
Game 3: Beat the New York Mets 8-6.
Game 4: Postponed
Game 5: Lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-2.
Game 6: Beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-0.
Game 7: Beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-6.
Game 8: Beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-1.
Game 9: Lost to the Milwaukee Brewers 9-3.

Injuries:
No player on the injury list.

Upcoming Games:
4 with Houston Astros starting Friday and ending Monday.

Fourth Place Pittsburgh Pirates with a record of 4-4:

Game 1: Beat the St Louis Cardinals 6-4.
Game 2: Lost to the St Louis Cardinals 9-3.
Game 3: Beat the St Louis Cardinals 7-4.
Game 4: Lost ti the St Louis Cardinals 2-1.
Game 5: Postponed
Game 6: Beat the Cincinnati Reds 10-2.
Game 7: Lost to the Cincinnati Reds 2-0.
Game 8: Beat the Houston Astros 7-0.
Game 9: Lost ti the Houston Astros 4-1.

Injuries:
P Phil Dumatrait placed on 15 day DL with Shoulder injury.
IF Jack Wilson is Day to Day with a finger injury.

Upcoming Games:
1 with the Houston Astros today.
3 with Atlanta Braves starting Friday and ending Monday.

Fifth Place Milwaukee Brewers with a record of 3-6.

Game 1: Lost to the San Francisco Giants 10-6.
Game 2: Beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2.
Game 3: Lost to the San Francisco Giants 7-1.
Game 4: Beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3.
Game 5: Lost to the Chicago Cubs 6-5.
Game 6: Lost to the Chicago Cubs 8-5.
Game 7: Lost to the Cincinnati Reds 7-6.
Game 8: Lost to the Cincinnati Reds 6-1.
Game 9: Beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-3.

Injuries:
P Trevor Hoffman placed on 15 day DL with Oblique injury.
IF J.J. Hardy Day to Day with Back injury.
P David Riske placed on 15 day DL with Elbow injury.

Upcoming Games:
3 with New York Mets starting Friday and ending Sunday.

Sixth Place Houston Astros with a record of 3-6:

Game 1: Lost to the Chicago Cubs 4-2.
Game 2: Beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2.
Game 3: Lost to the Chicago Cubs 11-6.
Game 4: Lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3.
Game 5: Lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 11-2.
Game 6: Lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0.
Game 7: Lost to the Pittsburgh pirates 7-0.
Game 8: Beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-1.
Game 9: Beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-3.

Injuries:
P Doud Brocail placed on 15 day DL with shoulder injury.
P Brian Moehler placed on 15 day DL with a Knee injury.
P Brandon Backe placed on 15 day Dl with Oblique injury.
IF Aaron Boone out for season with Heart injury.
IF Kazuo Matsui Day to Day with Back injury

Upcoming Games:
4 games with Cincinnati Reds starting Friday and ending Monday

I will keep you updated, around the NL Central all season long.

Jake Peavy, Cubs lose to ex-cub Jason Marquise

Jon Heyman on Jake Peavy, He learned that new CEO Jeff Moorad "didn't believe the economic downturn and slumping late-winter market would inhibit suitors for Peavy, who has $63 million and four years left on his contract." That said, we know Moorad is willing to keep Peavy this year. And Peavy may be happiest in San Diego, according to Heyman.

Paul Sullivan, Bradley is still projected back by the weekend, though Piniella said Bradley told him he's feeling better, "though he still feels (the groin strain) somewhat."

The Cubs lost to the Colorado Rockies 5-2.

That improves there record to 5-3.

MVP: Derrek Lee for going 3 for 4 with a single to left field on a ground ball, Lee swung on the first pitch (Fastball), a single to left field on a line drive, Lee was more patient and work the count full (Slider), In the 9th inning Derek Lee hit his first home run to left center on a fatball.

LVP: Rich Harden pitch 3 innings and gave up 5 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks but still struck out 8. If Harden did not give up those 4 runs, 4 walks, his pitch count would of been down and could of have 15+ strikeouts.

I will keep you updated.

Off Day Notes

Milton Bradley is going to be out 3-5 days with that strained right groin. He will back some time in the St. Louis sereis.

Jim Hendry said that Goevany Soto and Aramis Ramirez will be back in the lineup on Wednesday.

According to a Reuters article, one source suggested the sale of the Cubs to the Ricketts family may drag on past May.

I will keep you posted.

1 hitter for Cubs pitching staff

The Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies 4-0.

That improves there record to 5-2.

MVP: Ted Lilly pitch 6.2 innings and gave up 1 hit, 0 runs, 2 walks and struck out 8.

LVP: Ruan Theriot for going 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

The Cubs will be back in action on Wednesday after a off day tomorrow.

Cubs take series from Brewers, Milton Bradley out opener

Milton Bradley is out for the Cubs home opener and is listed as day to day with a strained right groin.

The Cubs beat the Brewers 8-5.

That improves there record to 4-2.

MVP: I an going to give it to 2 players, Alfonso Soriano for going 1 for 3 with a leadoff homerun to start the game, 2 rbi's and 2 walks. Reed Johnson, not for his bat but his glove, he rob Prince Fielder of a grand slam which at that point the score would of been tied at 6.

LVP: Aramis Ramirez for going 0 for 5.

I will keep you posted.

9th Inning Struggles, Pinella Speaks.. Cubs Win

According to the Sun-Times, ''You can't walk as many people as we did from the seventh inning on. You just can't do it. You're going to lose,'' said Piniella, who was most upset about the Duffy walk -- for the pitch selection as much as the result. ''Get the ball over the plate. Make the other team beat you. Period.''
"Piniella called Hill into his office after the game to make the point clear enough to be heard out in the clubhouse: Don't fool around with secondary pitches there; make Duffy hit a fastball."

The Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5.

That improves there record to 3-2.

MVP: Alfonso Soriano with his go ahead home run in the top of the 9th and his double.

LVP: Bullpen, they walk moistly everybody they face.

I will keep you updated.

Geovany Soto, Jake Peavy, Cubs lose game 1 to Brewers

According to the Tribune, Geovany Soto is going to miss the first 2 games of Milwaukee series at least. He has minor inflammation in his right shoulder. He is not going to be placed on the DL.

The Cubs are not going to make a roster move and Aaron Miles will serve as the backup to Koyie Hill.

Ken Rosenthal questioned Wednesday is the Cubs have enough depth, id Rich Harden misses a lot of time. Rosenthal also stated that the Cubs do have Mitch Atkins, Jeff Samardzija and Jose Ascaino if Harden ends up on the DL.

Rosenthal also said Jake Peavy woll be the best possible alternative for the Cubs.

On Tuesday Buster Olney said, it feels like it's only a matter of time before he winds up in a Cubs' uniform.

Gordon Wittnymer said, until Jake Peavy shows up for this team, the Harden spot, Marshall spot and empty spots behind them will be concerns.

The Cubs lost to the Brewers 4-3.

That improves there record to 2-2.

MVP: Rich Harden pitched 6 innings and gave up 2 runs 1 earned, 3 hits, 2 walks-1 intentional and 10 strikeouts.

LVP: Kevin Gregg pitch 0.2 innings and gave up 1 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks and 1 strikeout. He only got 1 out in the 9th before surrendering 2 runs.

I will keep you posted.

Geovany Soto

According to multiple sources, Geovany Soto is flying back to Chicago to get his right shoulder examined.

Report from the Chicago Sun-Times, DL becomes a possibility for Soto" stated Soto does "not have a strong feeling on when he might return."

Also according to the Sun-Times, the Cubs could call up Mark Johnson to backup Koyie Hill for the Milwaukee series.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs take series from Astros

The Cubs beat the Astros 11-6.

That improves there record to 2-1.

MVP's:
Kosuuke Fukudome for going 4 for 5 with 2 singles, double, homerun, walk and a rbi.
Aramis Ramirez for going 4 for 6 with 3 singles, double and 4 rbi's.
Mike Fontenot for going 2 for 4 with a single, homerun and 4 rbi's.

LVP's:
Derek Lee for going 1 for 6 with a double, rbi, walk and 3 strikeouts.
Koyie Hill for ging 1 for 5 with a single and a strikeout.
Ted Lilly pitch 5 innings and gave up 8 hits, 5 runs, 3 strikeouts and he have up 4 homeruns.

I will keep you updated.

Cubs Lose in 10.

According to Carrie Muskat, Geovany Soto is out for Wednesday game.

The Cubs lost to the Astros 3-2.

The Cubs record is 1-1.

MVP: Ryan Theriot for going 2 for 3 with a single, double and a walk.

LVP: Milton Bradley for going 0 for 4 with a strikeout and a double play.

I will keep you updated.

Jake Peavy, Budget, Cubs Win on Opening Day

The Cubs budget bump up 16.5 million for the 2009 season. There were 14 teams that there budget decrease in 2009. The Cubs had the biggest bump and the Padres had the reduction at almost 20 million. That could be good news for the Cubs and getting Jake Peavy because they want to cut the biggest payroll and that is Peavy and his 63 miilion contract.

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Jake Peavy is earning about 30% of there payroll. So they might want to trade him. Krasovic adds that the Dodgers and the Cubs interest both the Padres and Peavy. Peavy said he wants to play in the NL. A person close to Peavy said these 2 teams remain the most possible for a trade. The Cubs remain the best because I don't think the Padres will trade Peavy to a division opponent in the Dodgers.

The Cubs beat the Astros 4-2.

The Cubs are 1-0

MVP: Mike Fontenot for going 3 for 4 with 2 singles, double and 2 runs.

LVP: Kosuke Fukudome for going 0 for 4 with a groundout, flyout, strikeout and a double play.

I will keep you posted.

Recap of Off-Season. Roster Spots

The Cubs release Chad Gaudin and option Jeff Samardzija to Triple A Iowa. So that leaves Angel Guzman and David Patton with the last 2 roster spots in the bullpen.


Recap of Cubs Off season:

Free Agents
The Chicago Cubs resign Ryan Dempster to a 4 year 52 million deal.
The Cubs did not offer a contract to Kerry Wood and he then sign a 2 year 21 million deal with the Indians.
The Chicago cubs did not offer a contract to Bob Howry and he then sign with a 1 year 2.75 million deal with the Giants.
The Cubs did not offer a contract to Henry Blanco and he then sign a 1 year 750K with the Padres.
The Cubs resign Chad Fox to a minor league deal.
The Cubs did not offer contracts to Daryle Ward, Jon Lieber, and Jim Edmonds. Those three players still don't have teams and are all leaning to retirement.

Arbitration Eligible:
IF Ronny Cedeno- resigned to a 1 year 822K deal.
P Michael Wuertz- resigned to a 1 year 1.1 million deal.
P Neal Cotts- resigned to a 1 year 1.1 million deal.
P Kevin Gregg- resigned to a 1 year 4.2 million deal.
P Chad Gaudin- resigned to a 1 year 2 million deal.
OF Reed Johnson- resigned to a 1 year 3 million.

Signed Free Agents:
OF Milton Bradley- sign to a 3 year 30 million deal.
OF Joey Gathright- sign to a 1 year 800K deal.
P Mark Johnson- sign to a minor league deal with spring training invite.
IF Aaron Miles- sign to a 2 year 4.2 million deal.
IF Luis Rivas- sign to a minor league deal with spring training invite.
P Mark J. Smith- sign to a minor league deal with spring training invite.
P Mike Stanton- sign to a minor league deal with spring training invite.
OF So Taguchi- sign to a minor league deal with spring training invite.
P Bill White- sign to a minor league deal with spring training invite.
C Paul Bako- sign him to a 1 year deal.

Departed:
P Kerry Wood- signed 2 year 21 million deal with Indians.
P Bob Howry- signed 1 year 2.75 million deal with Giants.
C Henry Blanco- signed 1 year 750K deal with Padres.

Trades:
Traded Felix Pie to the Orioles for Garret Olsen and P Henry Williamson
Traded Mark Derosa to the Indians for Jeff Stevens, P Chris Archer, and P John Gaub.
Traded Jose Ceda to the Marlins for Kevin Gregg.
Traded Jason Marquise to the Rockies for Luis Vizicaino.
Traded Ronny Cedeno and Garret Olsen to the Mariners for Aaron Heilman.Traded Michael Wuertz to the Athletics for Richie Robnett and Justin Sellers.
Traded Rich Hill to the Orioles for a player to be named later.

Spring Training Invites:
Ed Campusano
J.R. Mathes
Matt Smith
Mike Stanton
Jason Waddell
Bill White
Esmalin Caridad
Andrew Cashner
Chad Fox
Ken Kadokura
Rocky Roquet
And position players;
Welington Castillo- C
Steve Clevenger- C
Mark Johnson- C
Darwin Barney- SS
Andres Blanco- SS
Luis Rivas- INF
Bobby Scales- 2B
Doug Deeds- OF
Jason Dubois- OF
So Taguchi- OF

The Chicago Tribune sold the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field, and 25% of a cable network to the Rickett Family worth about 900 million. The Rickett Family wrote a blog that he (Thomas Rickett) will take on the contract of Jake Peavy (63 million over 4 years).

The Chicago Cubs were talking about trading for Jake Peavy at the winter meetings, and then Jim Hendry pulled back from the deal because he did not want to give up that many players. Now that the Cubs traded Felix Pie to the Orioles for Garret Olsen, a lot of people suspect that the rumors will start up again.

So that is pretty much the recap of the Cubs off season so far

Recap of Last Exhibition Game

The Cubs lost the second game in a roll to the Yankees 10-1.

Alfonso Soriano went 3 for 4 with 2 singles, homerun and a rbi.
Ryan Theriot went 1 for 3 with a single and a strikeout.
Derek lee went 1 for 3 with a single.
Micah Hoffpauir went 1 for 1 with a single.
Milton Bradley went 1 for 3 with a single.
Aramis Ramirez went 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.
Reed Johnson went 1 for 4 with a single and a strikeout.
Kosuke Fukudome went 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts.
Joey Gathright went 0 for 1 with a strikeout.
Koyie Hill went 0 for 1 with 2 walks.
Aaron Miles went 0 for 2 with a strikeout.
Pitchers:
Rich Harden pitch 1 inning and gave up 7 hits, 8 runs, 4 walks and 2 strikeouts.
Carlos Marmol pitch 0.1 innings and gave up nothing.
David Patton pitch 1 inning and gave up 1 hit and 2 walks.
Angel Guzman pitch 1 inning and struck out 1.
Chad Gaudin pitch 1 inning and struck out 1.
Luis Vizcaino pitch 0.1 inning and gave up 3 hits and 2 runs.
Jeff Samardzija pitch 0.2 innings and struck out 1.

This it for now.

Jake Peavy News and Lou Pinella Update

Update: The Cubs release Esteban German

GM Towers had this to say reguarding the trade of Jake Peavy midseason: "If we start spinning our wheels, we might engage in discussions." ESPN's Buster Olney also wrote about Peavy this morning, noting that the Cubs were "much closer than anybody realized at the time" to acquiring Peavy this winter. Towers gave Olney a similar quote about Peavy - he doesn't want to think about it right now but if the team is out of contention it's possible.

To me that means the Padres are looking at a trade deadline deal because they won't make the playoffs and will pretyy much be out bu then.

According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, Hal Steinbrenner "told close friends he plans on hiring Lou Piniella as a consultant when his managerial contract with the Cubs runs out after the 2010 season."

I will keep you posted.

News, Recap of ST Olando Pace and Jay Cutler

Breaking News: The Bears traded a first round pick, third round pick this year, first round pick next year and Kyle Orton for Jay Cutler and a fifth round pick this year.

Breaking News #2: The Bears agree on a 3 year contract with T Olando Pace.

Update: According to the Denver Post, the Rockies cooled there pursuit of Chad Gaudin and are focusing on Rays Jason Hammel.

Update #2: According to the Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker, the Cubs release pitcher Ken Kadokura.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Rockies are interested in Chad Gaudin and Sullivan explains if that happens. "If that happens, the Cubs could keep both Angel Guzman and Rule 5 pick David Patton, and send Jeff Samardzija to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs probably aren't expecting much back for Gaudin, who hasn't pitched well since his mysterious fall last August put him on the disabled list with back problems."

Spring Training Recap:

The Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians 9-8.

Alfonso Soriano went 1 for 2 with a homerun, rbi, walk and a strikout.
Kosuke Fukudome went 0 for 3.
Joey Gathright went 2 for 4 with 2 singles, walk and a strikeout.
Micah Hoffpauir went 0 for 3.
Mike Fontenot went 1 for 2 with a single, rbi, walk and a strikeout.
Koyie Hill went 2 for 3 with a single, triple and 3 rbi's.
Reed Johnson went 1 for 1 with a single.
Pitchers:
Ryan Dempster pitch 4 innings and gave up 5 hits, 3 runs and 7 strikeouts.
Chad Gaudin pitch 2 innings and gave up 6 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.
Carlos Marmol pitch 1 inning and gave up 1 hit, 1 run, 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.
David Patton pitch 1 inning and gave up 3 hits, 1 run and 1 walk.

I will keep you posted.

Cubs Notes, Mike Lamb

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs are lookinng at Mike Lamb and sign him to a minor league contract. Lamb will be security if Aramis Ramirez gets injured.

According to Carrie Muskat, the Cubs did a minor league trade that involve pitcher Rocky Roquet to the Oakland Athletics for a player to be name later.

Also according to Carrie Muskat, the Cube release minor leaguer Ed Campusano.

According to the Denver Post, the Rockies are looking for pitching and are keeping tabs on pitcher Chad Gaudin. They first want to see if he clears waivers because they don't want to take on his 2 million salary. Also the the Tigers and Padres are keeping an eye on pitchers Chad Gaudin and Angel Guzman.

Spring Training Recap:

The Cubs tied the Oakland Athletics 8-8.

Alfonso Soriano went 2 for 4 with a single, and a double.
Ryan Theriot went 2 for 3 with 2 singles and a strikeout.
Aaron Miles went 0 for 3 with a walk.
Derek Lee went 2 for 4 with 2 singles and a rbi.
Milton Bradley went 0 for 2 with a walk.
Aramis Ramirez went 2 for 3 with 2 singles.
Geovany Soto went 2 for 2 with 2 homeruns, 5 rbi's and a walk.
Reed Johnson went 0 for 2 with a rbi and a strikeout.
Koyie Hill went 0 for 2 with a strikeout.
Joey Gathright went o for 1 with a walk and a strikeout.
Kosuke Fukudome went o for o with a walk.
Pitchers:
Carlos Zambrano pitch 3.1 innings and gave up 2 hits. 1 run, 2 walks and 1 strikeout.
Luis Vizcaino pitch 0.2 innings and gave up 2 hits, 2 runs, and 1 strikeout.
Angel Guzman pitch 1 inning and gave up 2 hits, 1 run and 1 strikeout.
Neal Cotts pitch 1 inning and gave up 5 hits, 3 runs, and 3 strikeouts.
Jeff Samardzija pitch 1 inning and gave up 1 hit and 1 run.

I will keep you updated.