Samardzija to Start First Spring Game

Jeff Samardzija has been selected to start the first game of spring training, which begins Wednesday. Samardzija, despite being considered for the 5th starters spot, is still battling to be on the team. He still has options, so he could possibly end up at AAA stretching out his arm, and could be called up for an injury or if Sean Marshall can not handle the starting job. Manager Lou Pinella said he is waiting to start his already-set 4 starters until about 2 weeks into spring training, due to the 39 game schedule. Read More.

Cubs Tidbits

• Carlos Marmol is reportedly considering not pitching in the World Baseball Classic because he must compete for the closers spot.
• LHP Jason White was released after failing a physical.
• The Cubs are reportedly still looking at a right-handed bat to back up at 1st and 3rd base.

Marshall Leading Race for 5th Starters Spot

Spring Training is under way, and so are the races. One of the few races for the Cubs this year, the 5th starters spot, is reportedly lead by Sean Marshall, who was the favorite to land it. His competition, as expected is Aaron Heilman, Chad Gaudin, Jeff Samardzija, Angel Guzman, Kevin Hart, and Mitch Atkins. If Marshall holds on, Hart and Atkins would likly start in AAA Iowa. The debate is wether Samardzija will start in Iowa to stretch out his arm, or stay in the bullpen in Chicago. Read More.

Cubs Tidbits

• Reports suggest Mike Stanton could make the team and become the second left hander in the Cubs bullpen.
• Position players to reports early: Milton Bradley, So Taguchi, Darwin Barney, Reed Johnson, and Ryan Theroit.

Spring Training Kicks Off

Pitchers and catchers reported to Mesa, Arizona today to kick off spring training. Although the roster is nearly set, just some minor adjustments could be made. Such as possibly another left-handed reliever, or a back-up first baseman could be added, whether it be from the huge pool of non-roster invitees or free agents that are still out there. The rest of the team will report Tuesday. Those who will not report are Kosuke Fukudome, Carlos Marmol, and Ted Lilly, who will play for Japan, the Dominican Republic, and USA repectivly in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Read More.

Another Busy Week For the Cubs

Another busy week for the Cubs comes to an end. This week the Cubs traded former "untouchable" starting pitcher Rich Hill, who was traded for a player to be named later, based on his performance this year. This marks the end of a very disapointing and confusing era. Hill had a great 2007 season, going 11-8 with a 3.92 ERA. Then, no one really knows what happened in 2008. He made 5 starts, going 1-0, and couldn't throw a strike, nearly walking every batter he faced. He was demoted to the Iowa Cubs, and soon after demoted to the Daytona Cubs, and never did see major league time again. Read More.
The other move this week was the trade of relief pitcher Michael Wuertz. Wuertz, who along with Hill had a inconsistent 2008, was demoted to AAA Iowa, but was recalled to the Cubs after the September 1 roster expansion. He was traded for minor leaguers OF Rich Robnett and IF Justin Sellers. Read More.

Trade-Happy Cubs Execute Yet Another Trade

The Chicago Cubs, who have had a very active off-season, have made another trade, and another might be on the horizon. The Cubs traded SS Ronny Cedeno and P Garrett Olsen, who was recently traded for, to the Seattle Mariners for P Aaron Heilman. The Cubs, who by far lead the league in trades this off-season, could be trading disgraced P Rich Hill to familiar trade partners Baltimore or Seattle. Read More.