OUT OF RIGHT FIELD

We've Moved

2008-12-19T13:42:00.006-06:00

Out of Right Field has moved. It can now be found at http://mvn.com/outofrightfield/. Nothing has changed, and we even hired some people to move all of our old articles over there as well. You can see the pictures of that move below.

We would have done the work ourselves, but there was a Fresh Prince marathon on all day.

Another reason?

2008-12-16T13:51:00.002-06:00

Click on the link below to see another video of Joey Gathright.

Maybe the Cubs are 0-6 in the 2 years in the playoffs because they don't have a freak show player off the bench. That's definitely not it, but who knows.

Baseball High Jump
Professional baseball player Joey Gathright jumps over the pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers. This is the best baseball play I have seen in a long time!

Why did the Cubs sign Joey Gathright?

2008-12-16T13:38:00.001-06:00

If for no other reason, it was to impress the team on road trips and boost morale by doing things like this off the field:

Cubs sign Joey Gathright

2008-12-16T13:32:00.002-06:00

According to Bruce Miles, the Cubs have added bench depth in the form of speedy outfielder, Joey Gathright. Gathright can play all outfield positions and is extremely fast.

Gathright is a lefthanded bat that could platoon with Reed Johnson in centerfield, or could be a bench player that sees time platooning with all positions in the outfield.

Gathright has a low career OBP of .328, but could be a great weapon for Lou Piniella off the bench in terms of speed. Ronny Cedeno & Felix Pie played that role last season.

Cubs are focused on signing Milton Bradley

2008-12-13T12:26:00.003-06:00

In news I'm absolutely loving, Gordon Wittenmyer writes that the Cubs are making signing Milton Bradley their current #1 priority.

Cubs re-sign Chad Guadin

2008-12-12T17:12:00.002-06:00

According to Paul Sullivan, the Cubs have signed Chad Guadin to a one-year deal.

The Cubs also offered arbitration Kevin Gregg, Michael Wuertz, Neal Cotts, Reed Johnson, and Ronny Cedeno.

Hendry Ends Peavy Saga

2008-12-11T15:02:00.002-06:00

According to Ken Rosenthal, and several other sources, Jim Hendry informed Kevin Towers this morning that the Cubs will no longer be involved in talks to acquire Jake Peavy. The Cubs were dealing from a position of strength, and Towers demands were getting to be excessive considering the Cubs current ownership situation, as well as the inability to find a taker for Jason Marquis.

The Cubs' rotation will still be formidable, and the team should benefit from not having to deal a decent core of young players. Sean Marshall was among them, and while he will likely be in the bullpen again in 2009, it should be a good thing in 2010 (or in 2009 with injuries, and lets be honest it's bound to happen) as he will be able around to take Marquis' spot.

Adding Peavy would have been great, but I think I speak for most Cubs fans when I say thank you to Jim Hendry for ending this somewhat quick. We don't need a repeat of the Brian Roberst saga from last year.

Cubs Rumors: Chone Figgins

2008-12-10T22:10:00.006-06:00

According to Mike DiGiovanna, the Cubs have been exploring the possibility of a trade with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Chone Figgins.

Nothing will be done, however, until Mark Tiexiera signs with a team. At that point, the Angels can re-evaluate what are their needs.

Figgins would potentially replace a traded Mark DeRosa as the super utility man for the Cubs. Figgins has played 6 positions in the past & he can also bat leadoff.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-12-10T20:30:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, 8:30PM: According to Jayson Stark, the Cubs are not budging on the Padres further demands and the Peavy deal is no close to being done than it was yesterday.

The Cubs have also been getting numerous requests for Mark DeRosa since the rumor started floating around that he was available in a trade. I would hope the Cubs would at least consider what's out there in an available trade for DeRosa. If would be safe to assume that Mark DeRosa is at his peak level in terms of value, as he's been one of the Cubs MVPs in both of their Division Championships. If that many teams are fighting, I'd hope they would push to see what they could possibly get for someone so sought after.

Wednesday, 6:10PM: The Yankees tried to the ball rolling on a Jake Peavy deal of their own, but Buster Olney says talks went nowhere.

Wednesday, 10:55AM: Bought up by Tim Krasovic, Jake Peavy had said in the past that if the Yankees acquired CC Sabathia, they would look much more attactive. Well, CC is on the Yankees now, so will the Yankees make a push to get Peavy? The Yankees still have rotation wholes to fill, with Pettitte gone and Mike Mussina retiring.

Tuesday, 10:55PM: According to Paul Sullivan, Jason Marquis & Mark DeRosa are in the current Peavy deal that is on the table.

Crane Kenney says that Jim Hendry has the authority to add a big contract like Jake Peavy's, even without knowing who the next owner will be because there is room in their current budget.

Tuesday, 8:31PM: According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo, the only holdup of a Peavy deal is the Cubs getting rid of Jason Marquis.

Tuesday, 7:45PM: According to Corey Brock, GM Kevin Towers has said that the Peavy deal is closer to happening today than it was yesterday.

Tuesday, 6:31PM: According to Chuck Garfien of CSNChicago, the Cubs are back to being close to sealing a Peavy deal. No specifics were given on who is involved, just that it's close to happening.... again.

Tuesday, 2:30PM: According to Tim Brown & Gordon Edes, the price appears to be too steep according to the Cubs perspective.

GM Kevin Towers is still optimistic that a deal will get done.

Tuesday, 12:43PM: Jayson Stark of ESPN concurs with Ken Rosenthal that his Cubs sources are telling him that a Peavy deal isn't imminent despite what everyone else is saying.

Welcome to the Winter Meetings.

Tuesday, 12:16PM: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs maintain that they are not close in a deal for Jake Peavy. The ownership question needs to be answered before a Peavy deal can be completed.

Rosenthal says that the Cubs could try to sign Randy Johnson if a Peavy deal does not happen.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy deal proposal

2008-12-10T18:06:00.003-06:00

According to Carrie Muskat (as reported by ESPN's Steve Phillips, the Peavy trade proposal reportedly on the team involves 3 teams.

- The Phillies would send either JA Happ or Carlos Carrasco plus Jason Donald to the Cubs for Mark DeRosa

- The Cubs would then send the 2 players picked up from the Phillies, but Jason Marquis, Josh Vitters, and Felix Pie

- The Cubs would get Jake Peavy from the Padres

Cubs Rumors: Paul Bako

2008-12-10T16:32:00.003-06:00

According to Bruce Miles, the Cubs may bring Paul Bako into Spring camp as a non-roster invitee.

The Cubs backup right now is Koyie Hill. It would appear that the Henry Blanco era in Chicago is over. As a mentor to Geovany Soto, he was invaluable. Let's hope Soto was paying attention.

Cubs Rumors: Mark DeRosa is staying put

2008-12-10T14:14:00.001-06:00

According to Carrie Muskat, the Cubs will not be dealing Mark DeRosa, despite the rumors of him going to the Phillies or the Twins.

Cubs Rumors: Mark DeRosa, Jake Peavy

2008-12-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, 10:00AM: According to LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune, the Twins have inquired about Mark DeRosa in a possible trade. This trade would have facilitate the Peavy trade, as the Twins may have the pitching the Padres crave.

Tuesday, 1:05PM: According to Bruce Miles, a Mark DeRosa trade would be the classic case of selling high, something the Cubs have not been known to do with their players in the past. (Sosa, Farnsworth, Patterson, etc.)

Monday, 8:09PM: With the Phillies now a possibility as a 3rd party in a Peavy/Cubs trade, rumors now are circulating on what the Phillies could want in return. According to a source of Scott Miller of CBSSports.com, the Phillies have interest in 2nd baseman/super utility player Mark DeRosa.

In another long shot, the Cubs could send Jason Marquis to the Padres in a Peavy deal.

Cubs to trade Carlos Zambrano if they acquire Jake Peavy?

2008-12-10T09:45:00.001-06:00

Wednesday, 9:45AM: According to Gordon Wittenmyer, the Cubs adamantly denied that Zambrano would be shopped if the Cubs acquired Peavy in a trade.

Tuesday, 3:19PM: According to John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus, there is a "crazy" rumor floating around that the Cubs would entertain offers for Carlos Zambrano is they acquire Jake Peavy in a trade.

The obvious benefit of trading Carlos Zambrano would be getting his contract off the books. Other than that, a trade of Big Z would be asinine. We'll see if this rumor gets legs or it's just a weak rumor.

Cubs Rumors: Left-handed bat

2008-12-09T21:29:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, 9:29PM: According to Chuck Garfien, GM Jim Hendry talked to 3-4 agents of left-handed bats. Garfien says that Hendry is in no hurry to sign anyone, but he'll have the field narrowed down by the end of the Winter Meetings.

Monday, 2:15PM: According to Jayson Stark, the Cubs are getting aggressive in searching for their left-handed bat. The names are the usuals (Dunn, Ibanez, Abreu, and Bradley), but Stark puts Ibanez & Abreu as the leaders. Jeremy Hermida is a long shot.

Cubs Rumors: David DeJesus, Mark Teahan

2008-12-09T20:14:00.004-06:00

According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, GM Dayton Moore of the Kansas City Royals shot down any speculation that he is listening to offers from the Cubs on Mark Teahan or David DeJesus.

Moore claims that the price on David DeJesus will be high and he has no interest in trading Mark Teahan.

The Cubs win something

2008-12-09T16:33:00.004-06:00

According to Carrie Muskat at MLB.com, the Cubs trainers were named trainers of the year by The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society.

The parade is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Cubs Rumors: Kerry Wood

2008-12-09T13:24:00.003-06:00

According to MLB.com, Kerry Wood is close to signing a 2 year deal (with a possible 3rd option year) with the Cleveland Indians.

As a huge fan of Kerry Wood, a deal like this would ensure that the Cubs would face him only in interleague play. (which is a series at Wrigley this year, June 19-21) Also, watching Wood close out games against the Sox would be an added bonus.

Cubs Rumors: Jason Marquis

2008-12-09T13:15:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, 1:15PM: According to Jayson Stark, a trade sending Jason Marquis to the Mets for Aaron Heilman has been discussed, but seems highly unlikely. The teams haven't come to an agreement on how much of the 2009 salary of Jason Marquis the Cubs would have to eat.

Monday, 7:00PM: According to Tony Renck of The Denver Post, the Rockies told the Cubs that they don't have the money to make a Jason Marquis deal happen. It could be their way of getting the Cubs to pay for more of the $9.875 million owed to him in 2009. The deal is considered a long shot.

Monday, 3:40PM: According to sources of Bruce Miles, there is nothing of substance to the Marquis-to-the-Rockies trade rumors.

Monday, 9:39AM: According to Tony Renck of The Denver Post, the Colorado Rockies have interest in acquiring Jason Marquis. No word on the possible specifics in the trade, but I'm sure the Cubs would have to pay some of his 2009 salary.

A Jason Marquis trade would free up some money to go after a lefthanded bat, a leadoff bat, or Jake Peavy.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy, Baltimore Orioles

2008-12-09T11:34:00.003-06:00

According to Roch Kubatko, if the Baltimore Orioles are a part of the proposed Jake Peavy deal that's in the hands of Jim Hendry, it's news to them. Roch says that the Orioles have not agreed to trade anyone in such a deal.

Based on this, Mark DeRosa seems more likely in the deal going to the Phillies.

Cubs Rumors: Raul Ibanez

2008-12-09T11:24:00.002-06:00

According to Jayson Stark, the Cubs are among 2 other teams who are the front runners to acquire Raul Ibanez.

The other two teams are the Philadelphia Phillies & the New York Mets.

Governor Rod Blagojevich tried to use the Cubs/Wrigley Field to get people fired

2008-12-09T10:32:00.004-06:00

According to the federal indictment against current (and most likely former) Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Rod, among many other things, withheld state assistance for the Tribune Company in connection with the Cubs/Wrigley Field sale until the Tribune Company fired its editorial board. Apparently Rod didn't like what the editorial board had been saying about him. Wake up Rod, everybody has been saying that about you.

I guess we won't be seeing Rod singing the 7th inning stretch any time soon.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy deal close?

2008-12-09T10:30:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, 10:30AM: Phil Rogers concurs with Tim Krasovic, the Peavy deal is only a matter of time at this point.

Monday, 9:45PM: According to Tim Krasovic, the Padres need an answer from the Cubs by the end of the week.

Ronny Cedeno, Michael Wuertz, Felix Pie, Jason Marquis, Angel Guzman, and/or Kevin Hart could be on the move to San Diego, Philadelphia, or Baltimore. Mark DeRosa & Josh Vitters could also be involved. GM Kevin Towers says that this is the most complicated trade negotiation in his 14 years as GM.

Monday, 9:30PM: Tim Krasovic of the Union-Tribune concurs with Corey Brock's news that GM Kevin Towers has found a trade and that it needs the Cubs approval at this point.

Mark DeRosa could be traded to San Diego, then to Philly. DeRosa would play 2nd base while Chase Utley is on the DL for the first few months.

Monday, 9:07PM: According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, the legwork for a Peavy to the Cubs deal is complete. Now, it's up to Jim Hendry to approve.

Up to 4 teams may be involved in this potential blockbuster.

Cubs Rumors: Milton Bradley

2008-12-08T19:24:00.003-06:00

According to Enrique Rojas of ESPN, the Cubs met with free agent outfielder Milton Bradley last night.

Bradley would fill in their left-handed power bat need. If signed, Milton Bradley would give Ozzie Guillen a run for his money for title of "craziest man" in Chicago baseball.

Cubs Rumors: Felix Pie

2008-12-08T18:01:00.002-06:00

According to Roch Kubatko, the Baltimore Orioles still have interest in Felix Pie. A likely scenario for the Orioles acquiring Pie is in a 3 team deal that included Jake Peavy at this point.

The Orioles took bust Corey Patterson off the Cubs hands, are they trying to go 2-for-2?

Cubs Rumors: Raul Ibanez

2008-12-08T17:16:00.002-06:00

According to John Hickey of the Seattle PI, Lou Piniella thinks that Raul Ibanez has a small chance of being pursued by the Cubs given the fact that he's not a great fielder and rarely plays rightfield anymore. Piniella said that he does not want to move poor fielding Alfonso Soriano from leftfield. It all comes down to the fact on whether or not the Cubs can convinced themselves that Raul Ibanez can play rightfield everyday.

Ron Santo doesn't get into the Hall of Fame, again

2008-12-08T15:45:00.000-06:00

Monday, 3:45pm: Ron Santo's reaction to being denied once again: "It's ridiculous."

Monday, 12:15pm: Poor Ron Santo. The Cubs former 3rd baseman great who seems to have the resume to warrant a call to the Hall of Fame was denied again this year, failing to get the votes to be elect by the Veteran's committee. The most famous Cubs player of all-time will continue to have to settle with being in the Cubs Walk of Fame & his #10 retired.

According to Ken Davidoff at Newsday, Ron fell 9 votes short of getting enshrined in the Hall.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-12-08T14:50:00.003-06:00

According to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, the Padres will either deal Jake Peavy to the Cubs during the Winter Meetings or the Padres will open the season with Peavy on the roster.

According to Sherman and GM Kevin Towers, the Cubs would allow Peavy to keep his no-trade clause in his current deal. The Atlanta Braves would not allow this, one of the reasons why they were never able to work a deal for Peavy.

According to Ken Davidoff of Newsday, GM Kevin Towers says that the Cubs & Padres aren't close to a deal.

Cubs Rumors: Ronny Cedeno

2008-12-08T11:52:00.001-06:00

According to Bruce Miles, expect the Cubs to shop Ronny Cedeno at the Winter Meetings. The Cubs may end up non-tendering Ronny Cedeno later in the week at that deadline anyways, however.

Cubs Rumors: Mike Fontenot

2008-12-08T11:49:00.002-06:00

According to Bruce Miles, the Cubs will not be dealing Mike Fontenot despite rumors that say otherwise. For a team that is trying to address their left-handed hitting woes, trading one of their only left-handed hitters would be the wrong move.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-12-08T11:47:00.003-06:00

According to Bruce Miles, expect the Jake Peavy talk between the Cubs, Padres, and the possible 3rd teams to resume today in Las Vegas.

Miles also has heard that the Padres are concerned with the condition of Josh Vitters' wrist. Miles says that Jim Hendry usually gets the players he's really focused on and he wouldn't bet against the Cubs getting Peavy in a deal. The deal, however, will just take some time.

Cubs Rumors: Rich Aurilia

2008-12-08T09:57:00.003-06:00

According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, the Cubs are interested in Rich Aurilia to play backup 3rd base & 1st base. The Cubs would only be interested in Ronny Cedeno and/or Mike Fontenot have been traded away in a Hermida/Peavy/etc. rumored deal.

Cubs Rumors: Jeremy Hermida, Milton Bradley

2008-12-08T09:52:00.003-06:00

According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times, the Cubs are still interested in acquiring via trade Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins to fill in the void at left-handed power hitting outfielder. Apparently the Cubs are in a long line of clubs interest in acquiring Hermida.

Also, the Cubs are still interested in signing Milton Bradley, who declined salary arbitration last night from the Texas Rangers.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-12-08T09:48:00.002-06:00

According to sources of Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times, the Jake Peavy is going to get done.... eventually.

The Cubs will need to get a left-handed bat & find somebody to take Jason Marquis first.

While the Baltimore Orioles have been involved in rumors as the 3rd team in a Peavy deal, rumors are circulating that the Tampa Bay Rays may be the 3rd team involved. No specifics on what Tampa would receive or give up in such a deal.

Winter Meetings Preview

2008-12-07T18:15:00.004-06:00

A good read from Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald on the upcoming Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. Bruce runs down what you already know, but in greater detail.

Here, Carrie Muskat of Cubs.com runs down her preview of the Winter Meetings.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-12-07T16:30:00.002-06:00

According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, Jake Peavy will not be traded during the upcoming Winter Meetings in Las Vegas.

A trade to the Cubs would need approval by the new owner and/or the Cubs would need to shave payroll (Jason Marquis trade?).

Cubs Rumors: Brian Roberts

2008-12-07T09:31:00.001-06:00

According to Chris DeLuca of the Sun-Times, brace yourself for another winter of Brian Roberts to the Cubs trade rumors.

Cubs Rumors: Jason Marquis

2008-12-07T09:27:00.002-06:00

According to Dan Graziano of The Star-Ledger, the Cubs had a Jason Marquis & cash for Aaron Heilman offer to the Mets and the Mets rejected it.

Dan Graziano says that the Mets believe that their current rotation is better without Jason Marquis and adding him would actually worsen their squad. Graziano says that the Mets are overrating their 2009 rotation big-time.

Cubs' Payroll to Increase?

2008-12-06T14:49:00.003-06:00

Throughout much of the winter speculation around the Hot Stove is that the Cubs payroll was to likely stay the same as last year and possibly need to be cut once new ownership took over this spring. However, according to Gordon Wittenmyer in today's Sun-Times, CEO Crane Kenney has stated that the payroll will actually be north of $140 million.

While Kenney doesn't give a definite ceiling for 2009, it should leave enough room to squeeze Jake Peavy and a left-handed bat onto the roster should Jim Hendry find a home for Jason Marquis and at least half of his salary. "Insiders" claim the Cubs are willing to eat up to as much as $4 million of Marquis' $9.875 million remaining on the three year deal he signed two years ago.

Wittenmeyer also points out what most Cubs fans don't seem to grasp. While making the deal for Peavy and making payroll in 2009 is possible, Peavy and his 4-year $63 million deal (5yr/$81 million with option year)will make things tough on the new owners with big long-term deals for several players already in place.

Cubs Payroll Actually Rising? (suntimes.com)

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-12-05T21:44:00.002-06:00

As Tim Krasovic writes, the likelihood of Jake Peavy coming to the Cubs via trade continues to grow as the Cubs are finding more available for a lefthanded hitter and a starting pitcher.

Sure, but no money for Kerry Wood.

Greg Maddux is hanging them up

2008-12-05T15:34:00.003-06:00

Hall of Fame-to-be Greg Maddux will be announcing his official retirement on Monday.

He should be going into the Hall of Fame with a Chicago Cubs cap, but he'll most likely be going in with an Atlanta Braves hat. Not re-signing Greg Maddux will go down as one of the worst moves ever made by Chicago Cubs management. Even to this day, it's still hard to come to terms with what could have been.

Cubs Rumors: Left-handed bat

2008-12-05T10:12:00.003-06:00

Ken Rosenthal runs down the list of potential left handed bats for the Cubs, & then quickly crossed off all of them based on availability & talent.

But Ken mentions Milton Bradley as a possibility, a day after Bruce Miles mentions it.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-12-05T10:00:00.005-06:00

According to Tim Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the trade of Khalil Greene to the St. Louis Cardinals increases the chance, albeit small, that the Padres will retain Jake Peavy for 2009 and not trade him.

Tim Krasovic also mentions that the Cubs & Padres have made progress in their talks with a 5-for-1 deal in the works, but the Cubs are holding things up with the pending sale of the team still going on and payroll issues.

Ken Rosenthal points out that a Jason Marquis trade could free up the payroll issues to acquire Jake Peavy in a deal.

Cubs agree to 4 year extension

2008-12-05T09:53:00.002-06:00

As usual, the Onion is hilarious & gets it right.

Cubs Rumors: Jason Marquis

2008-12-03T16:03:00.002-06:00

According to Bruce Miles, the trade of Javier Vazquez to the Braves could actually help the Cubs move Jason Marquis. With Javier Vazquez traded, the market for a 4th or 5th starter who is Major League ready and logs over 200 innings a season shrinks, giving the Cubs the ability to aggressively shop Marquis now.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-12-03T16:02:00.000-06:00

According to Bruce Miles, the Cubs are still in the hunt for Jake Peavy. He also mentions that the Cubs are willing to wait. Which is good, because Kevin Towers is definitely taking his time.

Cubs Rumors: Milton Bradley

2008-12-03T15:56:00.003-06:00

Bruce Miles of the Chicago Daily Herald wonders why the Cubs don't go after signing Milton Bradley to play rightfield.

On the plus side, Bradley is lefthanded, can hit with power, can play rightfield, and led the AL in OBP last season. Bradley will also be cheaper, according to Miles, than Abreu & Ibanez.

On the down side, Milton Bradley could legitimately be insane. How will he handle the moronic part of the Cubs fan base that boos everything that isn't a home run? How will he handle the Chicago media, a group that will ask about 100 years everyday?

The past 2 years, the Cubs have been soft in the playoffs. Why not sign the guy that could fulfill every need current need & also bring in a "tough" guy? We say bring him in. He won't have to play a 162 game rightfield, so worries about durability won't be an issue. If the Cubs keep Mike Fontenot on the roster and don't end up trading him, Mark DeRosa can play right field to keep Bradley fresh.

Cubs Rumors: Bob Howry

2008-12-03T14:39:00.002-06:00

Bob Howry has signed a 1 year deal with the San Francisco Giants. The faithful at Wrigley Field will have to find a new reliever to boo at every waking moment with this signing.

Cubs get money for nothing

2008-12-02T15:22:00.002-06:00

According to MLB.com, the Cubs received $1,534,779.83 in playoff pool money for making it to the NLDS and losing in 3 straight games.

Cubs Rumors: Kerry Wood

2008-12-01T19:46:00.003-06:00

According to Gordon Wittenmyer, the Cubs are not offering Kerry Wood arbitration.

Kerry Wood is a Type A Free Agent, meaning the Cubs would have received 2 draft picks if Kerry Wood signed with a different team had they offered him arbitration. That will not happen now, along with the fact that Kerry Wood will not be coming back now.

What would Sox fans do without the Cubs?

2008-11-19T15:04:00.002-06:00

These people in Springfield organized their own Cubs 100th anniversary party and got themselves in the newspaper.

This party had goat cake, somebody dressed like Steve Bartman, everybody wore shirts with an "L" on it, they watched Cubs highlights, and I'm sure pretended that they're not obsessed with the Chicago Cubs.

What would Sox fans do if the Cubs didn't exist?

Cubs Rumors: Raul Ibanez

2008-11-19T15:00:00.000-06:00

November 19th, Wednesday, 3:00PM: According to Gordon Wittenmyer, the Cubs are in pursuit of Raul Ibanez. Wittenmyer says that $7-9 million a year for a couple years would be ideal for the Cubs. Ibanez, however, is said to be looking for 3 years/$30 million as a starting point.

November 6th, Thursday, 6:38AM: According to The Seattle PI, the Cubs are still interested in Raul Ibanez.

Ibanez, who is a poor fielding outfielder in left, would be forced to play rightfield. With Soriano in left & Ibanez in right, the Cubs would have a brutal fielding outfield.

Cubs Rumors: Brian Giles

2008-11-19T14:54:00.003-06:00

According to Gordon Wittenmyer, Brian Giles won't be coming to the Cubs. Giles has a no-trade clause that he'll never waive to come to Chicago.

Giles had the chance to play for Boston this past season and refused to waive the no trade clause.

Cubs Rumors: Bobby Abreu, Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez

2008-11-19T14:50:00.000-06:00

November 19th, Wednesday, 2:50PM: According to Gordon Wittenmyer, forget Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu. Both outfielders are way too expensive for the Cubs right now.

November 14th, Friday, 8:49AM: According to Gordon Wittenmyer, expect the Cubs to go after Raul Ibanez, Adam Dunn, or Bobby Abreu to fill the left-handed power bat void that the Cubs have desperately needed in their lineup.

Cubs Rumors: Rafael Furcal

2008-11-19T14:45:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, 2:45PM: According to Wittenmyer again, the Cubs have yet to make a serious effort to acquire Rafael Furcal. A rumor is out there that a team has offered Furcal 3 years/$39 million.

Tuesday, 11:01AM: According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs are interested in acquiring Rafael Furcal via Free Agency.

Rafael Furcal only played 36 games due to injury this past season. The switch hitting shortstop batted .333 vs. the Cubs this year in the NLDS.

Before the 2006 season, the Cubs pursued Furcal when he was a free agent. Furcal signed with the Dodgers after seemingly using the Cubs just to raise the Dodgers price.

Cubs Rumors: Mark Teahan

2008-11-19T14:35:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, 2:35PM: According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, don't believe what you're reading about Mark Teahan, as the Cubs haven't pursued him in awhile.

Tuesday, 4:35PM: According to Bob Dutton at The Kansas City Star, the Cubs are interested in trading for left handed outfielder Mark Teahan of the Kansas City Royals.

Ideally, according to Dutton, the Cubs would like to unload Kosuke Fukudome in a trade to the Royals. Realistically, however, it could be Felix Pie who is moved in a potential deal. Ronny Cedeno or Mike Fontenot could be involved instead to shore up the Royals infield needs.

The Cubs are also interested in Royals outfielder David DeJesus, but the Royals will not be as willing to move him, according to Dutton.

Mark Teahan batted .255/.313/.402 in 149 games for the Royals this past season. Teahan hit 15 homers with 59 RBI, but he also struck out 131 times in 572 at-bats.

Teahan has also played leftfield, 1st base, and 3rd base.

In 2007, Teahan led the American League in Grounding into Double Plays with 23. In 2008, however, Teahan hit into only 6 DPs.

And is Mark Teahan a better option than Micah Hoffpauir?

________ has been compared to the Cubs...

2008-11-19T12:57:00.003-06:00

9.) According to George Vecsey of The New York Times, the New York Red Bulls of the MLS has been compared to the Chicago Cubs. The Red Bulls 13 year title drought is somehow comparable.

[Click here for all the Blanks...]

Cubs Rumors: Can they get this guy?

2008-11-19T12:07:00.000-06:00

[Japan Probe]

Cubs Rumors: Coco Crisp

2008-11-19T09:30:00.000-06:00

November 19th, Wednesday, 9:30AM: According to Tim Dierkes at MLBTradeRumors.com, Coco Crisp has been traded to the Kansas City Royals.

This trade could possibly free up David DeJesus or Mark Teahan, who are rumored to going to the Cubs. It also could eliminate the Royals need for an outfielder like Felix Pie in a possible trade.

November 6th, Thursday, 1:24PM: The Boston Herald says that the Cubs are not, in fact, looking to get Coco Crisp from the Boston Red Sox.

The Cubs, according to the Boston Herald's source, want a centerfielder with more power than Coco Crisp has to offer at the plate.

November 6th, Thursday, 6:51AM: Just like last season, the Cubs appear to be interested in acquiring Coco Crisp from the Boston Red Sox.

Would Crisp platoon with Reed Johnson in centerfield? Or would Reed Johnson platoon with Kosuke Fukudome in rightfield?

Coco Crisp batted .283/.344/.407 with 20 steals in 118 games with the Red Sox last season.

________ has been compared to the Cubs...

2008-11-18T16:34:00.000-06:00

8.) According to Brad Warthen at TheState.com, the Democrats have been compared to the Chicago Cubs. It was only a couple of days ago that the Republicans were compared to the Cubs.

[Click here for all the Blanks...]

Cubs Rumors: Ryan Dempster re-signed

2008-11-18T15:35:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, 3:35PM: According to Mike Spellman at The Daily Herald, here is how Ryan Dempster's contract lays out:
- $4 million signing bonus
- $8 million for 2009
- $12.5 million for 2010
- $13.5 million for 2011
- And a player option for 2012 for $14 million

Tuesday, 3:20PM: Ken Davidoff of Newsday asks, 4 years/$52 million for an inconsistent, 31 year old pitcher?

Tuesday, 2:25PM: Deal is official. 4 years/$52 million.

Tuesday, 12:30PM: According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, Ryan Dempster has been re-signed by the Cubs. The deal should be announced today.

Cubs Rumors: Ryan Dempster

2008-11-18T10:10:00.003-06:00

Tuesday, 11:00AM: According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times, it's believed that the Cubs are offering $52 million to Ryan Dempster. A deal could be done as early as today.

Tuesday, 10:10AM: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are real close to re-signing Ryan Dempster now.

He also mentions that the signing of Dempster will have no effect on going after Peavy in a trade or signing a free agent pitcher like Randy Johnson.

But any other steps will most likely have to wait until the team is sold, which should happen soon based on the recent urgency of Owner Sam Zell.

Tuesday, 9:35AM: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are looking to finish up the Ryan Dempster deal this week. The Cubs are willing to offer the former closer a 4 year deal.

If a deal isn't reached this week, the Cubs will go after other free agent pitchers, according to Rosenthal.

Tuesday, 8:47AM: According to George King of the NY Post, Ryan Dempster is most likely to re-sign with the Cubs. King's source tells him that it will be for 4 years/$52 million.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-11-18T09:34:00.000-06:00

[Here are the Jake Peavy rumors from Nov 3 - Nov 9 as reference]
[Here are the Jake Peavy rumors from Nov 10 - Nov 16 as reference]

Tuesday, 9:34AM: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs aren't getting anywhere lately with Padres GM Kevin Towers. But according to Rosenthal, nobody is at this point.

Monday, 8:21PM:According to MLB.com, Padres GM Kevin Towers says that the Cubs are his current main focus right now. As stated before, the Cubs need a 3rd team to complete a deal.

Cubs Rumors: Rick Sutcliffe & Jake Peavy

2008-11-17T21:41:00.004-06:00

According to Fred Mitchell in the Chicago Tribune, former Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe has been doing some informal recruiting of Jake Peavy.

Obviously, the trade isn't up solely up to Jake Peavy, as been mentioned many times by GM Kevin Towers and his trade wish lists.

As far as the Jake Peavy/Rick Sutcliffe conversations? Rick Sutcliffe hopefully sounds like this. That should help seal any deal.

________ has been compared to the Cubs...

2008-11-17T18:25:00.002-06:00

[We've noticed when searching for articles about the Chicago Cubs that there are an inordinate amount of them where a writer takes a random topic that has nothing to do with baseball and finds a way to take said topic, and compare them to the Cubs. The Cubs are an easy cliche these days for losing & we'd like to point them out to show you how often it actually happens. Here's a spoiler: it's absurd how often it happens. We've started this on November 13, 2008.]

7.) According to CBSSports.com, the Chicago Cubs have been compared to NASCAR driver Kurt Busch.

[Click here for all the Blanks...]

Cubs to play in first game at new Yankee Stadium

2008-11-17T15:54:00.002-06:00

The announcement became official today, as the Cubs will play the 1st & 2nd games ever at the new Yankee Stadium. The games will be exhibition and April 3rd & 4th.

So about Mark Cuban owning the Cubs....

2008-11-17T14:30:00.001-06:00

Monday, 2:30PM: According to Floyd Norris of the NYTimes, there's a conspiracy or whatever you'd like to call it that Mark Cuban is a victim of a political sabotage based on Cuban's financing of a movie that was extremely critical of George W. Bush and the Bush Administration.

I like our conspiracy better, that the MLB Owners used their clout to try and take Cuban down.

Either way, as Ryan pointed out to me, how dumb is Mark Cuban if this is all true? He's a billionaire and he was worried about losing some $750,000? That's the equivalent of Ryan doing this to save $5. Do you think it's an ego thing, where the guy will do anything not to lose, no matter how frivolous & small the amount could be? Strange.

Monday, 1:40PM: Mark Cuban, on his blog, says that he will be fighting these charges.

Monday, 11:56AM: Mark Cuban reportedly used insider info to avoid $750,000 in losses on stock in the company, Mamma.com (a search engine company). This happened in 2004, according to the SEC and filed a civil lawsuit against Cuban.

The SEC doesn't mess around (i.e Martha Stewart, Enron, etc.) when it comes to this.

Did Bud Selig & the other owners look deep into Mark Cuban's history and alert the SEC?

________ has been compared to the Cubs...

2008-11-16T22:15:00.002-06:00

[We've noticed when searching for articles about the Chicago Cubs that there are an inordinate amount of them where a writer takes a random topic that has nothing to do with baseball and finds a way to take said topic, and compare them to the Cubs. The Cubs are an easy cliche these days for losing & we'd like to point them out to show you how often it actually happens. Here's a spoiler: it's absurd how often it happens. We've started this on November 13, 2008.]

6.) According to the Miami Herald, the Cubs are compared to the book Les Miserables.

[Click here for all the Blanks...]

Cubs Rumors: Leadoff Man

2008-11-15T20:46:00.003-06:00

According to Paul Sullivan, despite the Cubs great record with Alfonso Soriano in the leadoff spot, the Cubs are still in search for a "prototypical" leadoff hitter. Sullivan puts Brian Roberts & Rafael Furcal as the top possibilities.

Cubs Rumors: Randy Johnson

2008-11-15T09:35:00.000-06:00

Saturday, 9:35AM: Randy Johnson's agent tells Paul Sullivan that Randy Johnson would be a perfect fit on the Chicago Cubs.

Friday, 4:59PM: According to Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com, the Cubs appear interested in future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson.

Randy Johnson went 11-10 last season for Arizona, with 3.91 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Johnson is 45 years old, 2009 would be his 22nd season, and he's just 5 Wins shy of 300 for his career.

Johnson is also a notorious Cubs killer, sporting an absurd 13-0 record in 14 career starts vs. the Cubs.

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-11-15T09:30:00.004-06:00

[Here are the Jake Peavy rumors from Nov 3 - Nov 9 as reference]

Saturday, 9:30AM: According to the San Diego Tribune, GM Kevin Towers says that the Cubs are still in it, as they haven't given the Padres a deadline like the Braves did.

Towers did admit, however, that the Cubs don't have enough to make a 2 team trade and would have to find a 3rd team to complete a Jake Peavy to the Cubs deal.

Friday, 4:45PM: According to FoxSports.com, Atlanta is pulling out of the Jake Peavy trade sweepstakes. San Diego made their final offer yesterday, it was not accepted, and they are now moving on.

The Cubs remain interested, but the Padres will also be hearing from the Yankees and Angels now on trades for the former Cy Young Award winner.

Thursday, 1:00PM: According to Ken Rosenthal and his sources, the Padres are not close to sealing the Jake Peavy deal with the Braves, clearly refuting CBSSports.com report from late last night.

Thursday, 8:45AM: CBSSports.com says that a Braves/Padres deal for Jake Peavy is near, awaiting approval from Jake Peavy.

Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com says that his sources are saying that's news to the Braves. And the Cubs.

Tuesday, 12:23PM: Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution concurs with our belief that the Padres and Kevin Towers are only using the Cubs as leverage to pry whatever they can from the Atlanta Braves.

Tuesday, 8:57AM: According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the new center piece in a Cubs/Padres Jake Peavy deal would be 2007 #3 overall pick for the Cubs, Josh Vitters.

Because the Cubs are short on pitching trade options, the two sides are looking for a third team that would satisfy the Padres pitching need.

All in all, it's our opinion that it seems to be a ploy to get the Braves to give up more to receive Peavy and end this trade.

I will be very surprised if Peavy goes anywhere but Atlanta at this point.

Kerry Wood would have done anything to stay on Cubs

2008-11-14T15:27:00.003-06:00

According to Paul Sullivan on his Hardball blog, Kerry Wood would have done anything to stay a member of the Chicago Cubs, even the possibility of taking a one-year deal. Jim Hendry has said that Kerry Wood deserves a 3 or 4 year deal, but the Cubs just can't offer that.

Wood says he would prefer to stay in the National League. The Texas Rangers are a team that's also a possibility, since he's a native Texan.

Question: if Wood stays with a one-year deal, why not give it to him? I know he "deserves" a multi-year offer, but why not sign such a loyal guy?

Cubs Rumors: Jeremy Hermida

2008-11-14T08:54:00.003-06:00

While the Sun-Times had mentioned the Cubs looking at the big, expensive lefties available, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com says that the Cubs are looking at an inexpensive lefty in Jeremy Hermida of the Florida Marlins to play rightfield.

Kerry Wood won't be coming back

2008-11-13T20:00:00.002-06:00

I'm not gonna lie, I'm sad about this news. Kerry Wood has always been one of my favorite Cubs players. I'll never forget watching his 20 strikeout game, or Game 5 of the 2003 NLDS, or the way the crowd went nuts when he made his closer debut last season. I'm even going to miss his birds nest goatee.

Wood is expected to get 3 & 4 year deals, according to Paul Sullivan, and the Cubs were only willing to offer a 1 year deal because they still want to make a run at Ryan Dempster.

We wish him luck and it'll just be awful the day we see him in another uniform, just don't sign with anybody in the NL or the White Sox. Please, Kerry? Hopefully you get that World Series you deserve, like Mark Grace did in Arizona.

________ has been compared to the Cubs...

2008-11-13T18:29:00.003-06:00

[We've noticed when searching for articles about the Chicago Cubs that there are an inordinate amount of them where a writer takes a random topic that has nothing to do with baseball and finds a way to take said topic, and compare them to the Cubs. The Cubs are an easy cliche these days for losing & we'd like to point them out to show you how often it actually happens. Here's a spoiler: it's absurd how often it happens. We've started this on November 13, 2008.]

5.) According to The Rice Thresher, the Rice University Owls football team is a lot like the Chicago Cubs.

[Click here for all the Blanks...]

Carlos Zambrano wins hitting award

2008-11-13T15:11:00.006-06:00

Carlos Zambrano has won his 2nd Silver Slugger Award, an award he probably would take over a Cy Young every single year.

________ has been compared to the Cubs...

2008-11-13T14:50:00.001-06:00

[We've noticed when searching for articles about the Chicago Cubs that there are an inordinate amount of them where a writer takes a random topic that has nothing to do with baseball and finds a way to take said topic, and compare them to the Cubs. The Cubs are an easy cliche these days for losing & we'd like to point them out to show you how often it actually happens. Here's a spoiler: it's absurd how often it happens. We've started this on November 13, 2008.]

4.) On the InDecision2008 blog on Comedy Central, the Chicago Cubs are compared to the current republican party.

[Click here for all the Blanks...]

________ has been compared to the Cubs...

2008-11-13T14:37:00.003-06:00

[We've noticed when searching for articles about the Chicago Cubs that there are an inordinate amount of them where a writer takes a random topic that has nothing to do with baseball and finds a way to take said topic, and compare them to the Cubs. The Cubs are an easy cliche these days for losing & we'd like to point them out to show you how often it actually happens. Here's a spoiler: it's absurd how often it happens. We've started this on November 13, 2008.]

3.) According to the Coronado Eagle & Journal, a girls high school volleyball team is compared to the Chicago Cubs.

[Click here for all the Blanks]

Cubs Rumors: Kevin Gregg

2008-11-13T13:25:00.001-06:00

Thursday, 1:25PM: According to ESPN & Buster Olney, the Marlins will receive Jose Ceda in return for Kevin Gregg.

Thursday, 1:09PM: According to FoxSports.com and Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs have landed Kevin Gregg from the Florida Marlins.

Ideally, Gregg would replace the departed Bob Howry due to free agency. If the Cubs could re-sign fan favorite Kerry Wood, a Cubs bullpen could go Gregg-Marmol-Wood. That back-end of the bullpen would be nasty.

If the Cubs don't resign Wood, Gregg could replace Marmol and Marmol replace Wood, or Gregg would be Wood's replacement. Lou Piniella has said in the past that the set-up man is the hardest position in the bullpen anyways. Marmol is the best pitcher and was the best pitcher in the bullpen this season.

________ has been compared to the Cubs...

2008-11-13T09:41:00.006-06:00

[We've noticed when searching for articles about the Chicago Cubs that there are an inordinate amount of them where a writer takes a random topic that has nothing to do with baseball and finds a way to take said topic, and compare them to the Cubs. The Cubs are an easy cliche these days for losing & we'd like to point them out to show you how often it actually happens. Here's a spoiler: it's absurd how often it happens. We've started this on November 13, 2008.]

2.) EPLTalk says that Newcastle United, a soccer team in the English Premier League, is the Chicago Cubs of the EPL.

[Click here for all the Blanks...]

________ has been compared to the Cubs...

2008-11-13T09:11:00.007-06:00

[We've noticed when searching for articles about the Chicago Cubs that there are an inordinate amount of them where a writer takes a random topic that has nothing to do with baseball and finds a way to take said topic, and compare them to the Cubs. The Cubs are an easy cliche these days for losing & we'd like to point them out to show you how often it actually happens. Here's a spoiler: it's absurd how often it happens. We've started this on November 13, 2008.]

1.) On ESPN.com, college basketball coaches Roy Williams is referred to as the Chicago Cubs of college basketball coaches.

Your 2008 NL Manager of the Year....

2008-11-12T18:45:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, 6:45PM: According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, Lou Piniella is donating his $100,000 bonus for winning the award to Cubs Care. That's just Sweet Uncle Lou for you.

Wednesday, 1:19PM:

Lou Piniella wins the 2008 NL Manager of the Year Award, his 3rd time winning the award.

Piniella has the same demand as last offseason

2008-11-12T18:41:00.003-06:00

According to MLB.com, Lou Piniella wants a left-handed bat to put in his everyday lineup next season.

Piniella wanted that last season, Jim Hendry acquired Kosuke Fukudome from Japan, and that, well, fizzled.

And Piniella isn't necessarily looking for a left-handed bat to put at the top of the order. He still insists that Alfonso Soriano is best for the Cubs in that spot.

Guess who'll be back next season.....

2008-11-12T15:47:00.003-06:00

that's right, Matt Sinatro. Actually, the entire '08 MLB Coaching staff will be back for the 2009 season.

Cubs Rumors: Ben Sheets

2008-11-12T10:40:00.002-06:00

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN says that the Cubs could be in the mix for Ben Sheets if they were to lose out on Jake Peavy or Ryan Dempster. Or both.

Ben Sheets went 13-9 for Milwaukee last season, with a 3.09 ERA & 1.15 WHIP. However, Ben Sheets has an injury history that rivals Mark Prior's. Or current member of the Cubs, Rich Harden.

Jacque Jones is....

2008-11-08T16:50:00.002-06:00

currently playing in the Mexican League.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Cubs Rumors: Jake Peavy

2008-11-07T13:00:00.000-06:00

Friday, 1:00PM: My favorite Cubs beat writer, Bruce Miles, wholeheartedly refutes the Yahoo rumor about Jeff Samardzija being included in a potential Jake Peavy deal.

Miles also corrects Yahoo by saying that Jeff Samardzija has a FULL no-trade clause, not a partial.

Mike Fontenot is also not in play, according to Miles, because the Cubs are short on left handed hitting as it is and they're not about to get rid of what they have now.

Friday, 10:15AM: Buster Olney of ESPN writes that the Cubs best chance to get Jake Peavy is if the Cubs include the #3 pick of the 2007 draft, Josh Vitters.

Friday, 9:35AM: Chris DeLuca of the Sun-Times writes that the selling point for a Peavy deal will be a Major League ready or experience pitcher, Sean Marshall or maybe Rich Harden.

DeLuca says that Mike Fontenot could also be offered to help seal the deal as well, with the Padres needing help at 2nd base.

A Peavy trade, according to DeLuca, would wipe the Cubs out of enough bargaining chips to also complete a Brian Roberts deal as well.

Friday, 8:40AM: According to Yahoo, the San Diego Padres want Jeff Samardzija to involved as the main piece in a Jake Peavy trade.

Along with Jeff Samardzija, the Padres would also want a couple more players that may include Felix Pie, Sean Marshall, Ronny Cedeno, Kevin Hart, and Donnie Veal.

According to Jeff Passan, including Jeff Samardzija would more than likely seal the deal for a Cubs/Padres trade.

Samardzija has a limited no-trade clause.

Friday, 8:30AM: According to the Daily Herald, some names are finally being thrown around in a potential Peavy deal.

Major League experienced players have included Sean Marshall, Ronny Cedeno, Felix Pie, and Jose Ceda.

And according to Bruce Miles sources, minor league players such as Josh Vitters, Welington Castillo, and Mitch Atkins have been thrown around.

The Cubs would be crazy not to entertain offers for these players for a Cy Young winner who is 27 years old, and probably just coming into the prime of his career.

Thursday, 4:00PM: Peter Abraham writes that San Diego Padres GM Kevin Towers acknowledged the fact that Jake Peavy has a very, very small chance of coming back to the Padres at this point and a trade is inevitable. According to Towers, "the train has left the station."

Thursday, 2:15PM: Rosenthal says that the Peavy Trade Sweepstakes is solely Braves vs. Cubs.

The Braves are offering Yunel Escobar, Jo-Jo Reyes or Charlie Morton, and a 3rd player.

No details on what the Cubs are offering. Seems kind of strange that the Braves info has been leaked, but no mention of any Cubs players yet. As in, the Cubs are just being used as leverage for the Padres to pry out the prospects they want from the Braves.

Thursday, 6:33AM: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Chicago Cubs have emerged as the front-runner to receive San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy in a trade.

For the time being, the essentials haven't been revealed in what the Padres would receive in return from the Cubs.

The Cubs are going after Peavy and Dempster, and if they received both, it figures the Cubs would part with one of the Cubs all-time fan favorites, Kerry Wood.

Cubs Rumors: Ryan Dempster wants 5 years/$70 million?

2008-11-07T09:34:00.000-06:00

Friday, 9:34AM: Chris DeLuca of the Sun-Times has changed what Ryan Dempster is asking for in a contract, from $75 mil over 5 years to $70 mil over 5 years.

Thursday, 11:43AM: The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that a source of Chris DeLuca claims that Ryan Dempster is asking for 5 years/$75 million.

This will cause, as DeLuca says, the Cubs to make a stonger push for Jake Peavy. Peavy's current deal is 4 years/$56+ million.

Wednesday, 10:02PM: The Mets are interested in Dempster, as well. The Mets want to go after the pitching market, while taking a pass at Manny Ramirez.

Wednesday, 9:25PM: The Atlanta Braves are showing interest in signing FA pitcher Ryan Dempster.

Wednesday, 6:10PM: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are willing to offer Ryan Dempster a 4 year deal for the righthander to stay in Chicago.

It's possible that Ryan Dempster will be offered 5 year deals by other ball clubs, but the Cubs will have to hope that Dempster will accept a hometown discount in the form of one fewer year. A 5th year option could be offered on the Cubs end as well.

Kyle Lohse received a 4 year/$41 mil at the end of this past season, so you can imagine Dempster will be looking for more than that.

Ryan Dempster went 17-6 in 2008, with a 2.96 ERA & 1.21 WHIP in his first season as a full-time starting pitcher since 2003.

Cubs Rumors: CC Sabathia

2008-11-07T08:36:00.002-06:00

Not a big surprise, but the Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald says that CC Sabathia will be just too far out of the Cubs range in terms of money in order to sign him.

CC Sabathia will most like command a contract that pays him $20+ million a season.

Cubs Rumors: Kosuke Fukudome

2008-11-06T20:44:00.004-06:00

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have received trade inquires for Kosuke Fukudome.

Another source says that a trade will be tough because while Fukudome may end up fulfulling his hype, his current contract will be a tough obstacle.

Fukudome went from cult hero to platoon situation in a hurry.

2 Cubs fans sentenced to 45 days

2008-11-06T18:17:00.005-06:00

Remember when those 2 Cubs fans broke the jaw of the Brewers fan outside Miller Park?

45 days in jail for each.

A judge ordered Adam Miechle to 90 days in the House of Corrections, and Jerry Emert must serve a 45-day term.

Police said the victim, 24-year-old Brandon Feezor, threw a bag of trash at a busload of Cubs fans. The two men sentenced Thursday then jumped out and chased Feezor down, battered him and broke his jaw.

So case closed on this terrible story.

Well, until the Brewers fan said something completely idiotic, that is:

“They can't be coming over here and starting stuff with Brewers fans and thinking they can get away with it,” said Feezor about the incident.

Technically, you, Brandon Feezor, started the whole thing by throwing a bag of garbage at them. Did you deserve to get your jaw broken? Absolutely not. But don't go saying stupid things. You're just as big of a meathead like the Cubs fans.

Cubs fan robs tobacco store

2008-11-06T11:17:00.004-06:00

Times are tough during this current recession, even for Cubs fans.

Police said they were called at 5:27 p.m. Monday to the business at 217 E. Army Trail Road. A man wielding a gun reportedly demanded cash from a clerk along with a carton of cigarettes before fleeing the store.

Police describe the suspect as between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a chubby build. He was wearing a light blue hooded sweatshirt with a Chicago Cubs logo on the front, white tennis shoes, blue jeans and a black ski mask.

Who is our guess as to who robbed the store? This guy.

What I want to see during the Barack Obama Administration

2008-11-06T08:45:00.005-06:00

Obviously there are a ton of real issues everyone would like to see new President Barack Obama handle when he steps into office in 2009. But the one sports-related item I'd like to see a White Sox fan President deal with is this:

President & White Sox fan Barack Obama welcoming the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs to the White House. To see the new President welcome the Cubs, a team and a fanbase he openly and playfully bashed on ESPN, would be quite fitting.

The Cubs winning the World Series: Change you can believe in.

[thanks go to Chief for the picture]

Cubs Rumors: Aaron Heilman

2008-11-06T06:46:00.003-06:00

According to the Denver Post, the Cubs are showing interest in New York Mets pitcher Aaron Heilman.

Aaron Heilman would be added to shore up the bullpen, now that Bob Howry is gone and probably won't be resigned.

Heilman pitched in 78 games this past season, going 3-8 and 5.21 ERA.

Cubs Rumors: 2009 Rotation

2008-11-06T06:42:00.004-06:00

According the Chicago Tribune, if the Cubs don't re-sign Ryan Dempster or acquire Jake Peavy in a trade, expect Jeff Samardzija to enter the rotation.

Samardzija went 1-0 with 2.29 ERA in 26 games in relief this season.

Sorry we couldn't help you out...

2008-11-05T19:03:00.004-06:00

Someone found this little blog by Google searching "Mark Derosa naked."

As much as Dave would love to have that type of material here on this blog, we don't. Sorry, random searcher.

Can the Cubs immediately offer the job of pitching coach to him?

2008-11-05T16:44:00.003-06:00

I'm sure Larry Rothschild wouldn't mind looking for new work, right?

Derrek Lee doesn't repeat as Gold Glove winner

2008-11-05T16:17:00.001-06:00

This year's winner is Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres.

Gonzalez had 6 errors at first base, while Lee committed 9 errors this season.

DePaul University offers class about the Chicago Cubs

2008-11-05T12:40:00.005-06:00

Does every semester taking this class end like a Cubs season, where everyone fails?

That month studying the history of Ronnie Woo Woo must be riveting.

Rumor has it DePaul University was going to offer a class on the Chicago White Sox, but figured attendance would be too low. They figured they'd have to offer incentive packages to students to guarantee their attendance. If you brought in an empty can of Pepsi on Mondays, you didn't have to do your homework for the day. Students would also be allowed to bring their dog to class once a month.

And then they figured they would end up using 15 out of the 16 semester weeks talking about the Cubs anyways, so nixed the idea all together.

Awful news if you're a Cubs fan that hates most Cubs fans

2008-11-05T10:34:00.003-06:00

Guess who wants to play in 2009?

Who's the centerfielder that many Cubs fans have asked Cubs management to re-sign since he left after the 2003 playoffs?

That's right, Kenny Lofton wants to play baseball again in 2009.

Before you bonehead Cubs fans start flooding The Score with your can't miss offseason suggestion, you just stop it. Right now. I'm serious. Don't even mention his name. Don't force me to hunt you down if you start talking about acquiring him.

Here's Kenny Lofton's 2008 stats:
- batted 0.000
- OBP: 0.000
- stole 0 bases
- played 0 games
- was a member of 0 teams

Kenny will also be turning 42 years old next May.

2003 was 5 years ago. Let it go people.