Thursday, February 4, 2010

Thursday Roundup: Marmol, TV Schedule, and More

Baseball is right around the corner! In fact, it's on my television as we speak! (Carribean World Series on MLB Network).

However, we still have a few more weeks of waiting before baseball returns here in America when pitchers and catchers report on February 18. And in that time span, things could get interesting, with teams scrambling to set their rosters and players scrambling to find a home.

The Cubs on TV!
The Cubs' 2010 regular season broadcast schedule has been released. The Cubs' Opening day game against the Braves on April 5 will be on WCIU. The Cubs will be on FOX Saturday night baseball two times this year. The Saturday night games are a new feature on FOX. They will be on ESPN's Sunday night baseball for the first time this year just before the All Star Break when they meet the Dodgers in LA. Most games will be on either CSN Chicago or WGN with the rest on WCIU, CSN+, MLBN, ESPN, ESPN2, or FOX.

Marmol Signs One Year Deal
Today the Cubs avoided arbitration with Carlos Marmol, agreeing on a one year deal. Marmol is expected to be the Cubs' closer this season, after he took the job from Kevin Gregg late in 2009. Marmol's contract is worth $2.125 million according to Bruce Levine.

Theriot to Hearing
The lone Cub that has yet to avoid arbitration by agreeing to a contract with the club is short stop Ryan Theriot. According to Bruce Levine, this one is headed for a trial. The hearings take place between February 8-20 in Flordia. The-Riot is asking for $3.4 million, but the Cubs offer was just $2.6 million. Arbitrators will pick one of the two numbers, not decide on the dollar amount somewhere in between.

Cubs To Finish 3rd?
Baseball Prospectus projects a 79-83 Cub record and the following NL Central Standings:
1. St. Louis Cardinals 84-78
2. Cincinnati Reds 82-80
3. Chicago Cubs 79-83
4. Milwaukee Brewers 79-83
5. Houston Astros 76-86
6. Pittsburgh Pirates 70-92

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted as the Cubs look for a bullpen arm and try to settle the Theriot case!

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