Cubs Spring Training Broadcast Schedule Released

The full Cubs Spring Training broadcast schedule can be released! This could only mean one thing... baseball is right around the corner. For the second consecutive year, nearly all Cubs Cactus League games will be carried on either MLB.com or WGN Radio. Mick Gillispie of the Tennessee Smokies and Len Kasper of Cubs TV will handle the MLB.com broadcasts. Pat Hughes and Keith Moreland will be on the air for the first time on March 5, while the first televised game with Len Kasper and Bob Brenly is on WGN-TV on March 10.

Here is the full Spring Training broadcast schedule.

Sunday March 4 VS Oakland 2:05 on MLB.com
Monday March 5 VS Oakland 2:05 on WGN Radio
Tuesday March 6 VS Colorado 2:05 on WGN Radio
Wednesday March 7 @Kansas City 2:05 on WGN Radio
Thursday March 8 VS Seattle 2:05 on MLB.com
Friday March 9 @CWS on MLB.com
Saturday March 10 @Milwaukee 2:05 on WGN-TV & WGN Radio
Sunday March 11 @LAD 3:05 on WGN-TV and MLB.com
Monday March 12 VS Cincinnati 3:05 on WGN Radio
Tuesday March 13 @San Francisco 3:05 on MLB.com
Wednesday March 14 VS Milwaukee 3:05 on MLB.com
Thursday March 15 VS Arizona 3:05 MLB.com
Friday March 16 VS San Francisco 3:05 MLB.com
Sunday March 18 VS CWS 3:05 MLB.com
Monday March 19 @Seattle 3:05 MLB.com
Tuesday March 20 VS Texas 3:05 MLB.com
Thursday March 22 @Texas CSN & MLB.com
Friday March 23 @Colorado 3:10 MLB.com
Saturday March 24 VS San Diego 3:05 WGN-TV and WGN Radio
Sunday March 25 @Cleveland 3:05 WGN-TV & WGN Radio
Monday March 26 VS San Diego 3:05 on MLB.com
Tuesday March 27 @Cincinnati 3:05 on MLB.com
Wednesday March 28 VS Cleveland 3:05 on MLB.com
Thursday March 29 @San Diego 3:05 on MLB.com
Friday March 30 vs LAD 3:05 on MLB.com
Saturday March 31 VS LAA 3:05 on CSN & WGN Radio
Sunday April 1 @LAA 3:05 on MLB.com
Monday April 2 @Arizona 3:10 on MLB.com
Tuesday April 3 VS Milwaukee 2:05 on WGN Radio

A few other notes-

• The Cubs have re-signed Rodrigo Lopez to a minor league contract.
• Alfredo Amezaga and Jason Jaramillo have also officially been inked to minor league contracts. All three men are invited to big league camp.
  
• Carlos Pena has agreed to terms with the A's.
• Matt Garza field for $12.5 million in arbitration, while the Cubs offered just $7.95 million.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted.

Cubs Black Friday Shopping List

It's black Friday, which means it's almost time for some holiday shopping for Theo Esptein, Jed Hoyer and the Cubs. The Winter Meetings are just over a week away so some deals could get done shortly. Here is a list of the Cubs offseason needs!

Priority #1: Pitching Depth
The Cubs need to add to their starting rotation. Matt Garza is most likely going to be the ace of the staff with Ryan Dempster a solid middle of the rotation veteran. But after that there are three question marks. Randy Wells has never lived up to his potential, but he will likely be given a spot in the back of the rotation. Andrew Cashner and Casey Coleman will be in the mix once again. Carlos Zambrano's return is still up in the air. The Cubs need to add one proven arm to the mix.

Priority #2 Re-sign Kerry Wood
At this point it appears to be a forgone conclusion that Kerry Wood return, but making it official has to be high on Theo Epstein's to-do list.

Priority #3 Find a Third baseman
It doesn't sound as if Aramis Ramirez is returning, so the Cubs have to have someone to take his place. The Cubs minor league system does not have much to offer at the hot corner and the free agent class is not strong, so a trade could be the best bet.

Priority #4 Make a Decision on Pena
Carlos Pena put up decent numbers in his first year as a Cub. He could be worst bringing back if the Cubs do not feel that they have a strong option on the minor league level. Pena could find himself in the middle of the Cubs order.

Priority #5 Add a Bullpen Arm
Assuming Kerry Wood returns, the Cubs still need another guy to help Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall and Wood late in the game.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always.

Let the Offseason Begin

As much as it pains all Cubs fans to say it... congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals on winning the 2011 World Series. Game 6 will go down as one of the best games in World Series history. I actually enjoyed watching the Cards come back time and time again because it was just such good baseball. Joe Buck's "We'll see you tomorrow night" tribute to his father was perfect.

Now the the World Series is over, what should be an action-packed offseason for the Chicago Cubs begins. The first bit of news was made today as Ryan Dempster decided to pick up his player option for 2012. He will make $14 million in the fourth and final year of his contract.

Theo Epstein is now in place as the President of the Cubs, but there are still many question marks heading into next year. Among them are-

1. Who will manage the team?
There is a chance that Mike Quade will return, but most seem to feel he is on the way out. The Cubs did not pay Theo all that money to keep things the same. Some big moves are likely on the horizon and that will start with a new skipper. Ryne Sandberg, Terry Francona, Bobby Valentine, Tim Bogar, DeMarlo Hale, Rick Renteria and Dale Sveum are among the names being tossed around.

2. Will Ramirez return?
Aramis Ramirez has been a fixture at the hot corner at Wrigley Field since the middle of 2003. Can the Cubs find an upgrade on the market, or will the best option be A-Ram for 2011? Ramirez will leave a big hole in the lineup if he leaves. He has a player option where he can elect for free agency even if the Cubs want to pick up his $16 million team option. Ramirez was quoted saying that he is more likely to want to return now that Epstein has taken over.

3. Which other free agents will the Cubs let go, and which will they bring back?
In addition to Ramirez, Carlos Pena, Reed Johnson, Kerry Wood, Rodrigo Lopez, John Grabow and Ramon Ortiz will all hit the open market. My guess is that Wood and Johnson return while Lopez, Grabow and Ortiz go elsewhere. That leaves Carlos Pena as the big question mark. Theo will have to figure out whether or not there is a better option on the free agent market, because the Cubs do not have much corner infield depth in the system.

4. Which additions will the Cubs make?
There is no doubt that this team will have at least a few new faces come Spring Training. The biggest area of need is the starting rotation. There are three spots up for grabs with only Dempster and Garza penciled in. Randy Wells did not have a good season, but will likely end up back in the starting five none-the-less. Casey Coleman and Andrew Cashner could battle for the No. 5 slot, but the Cubs are in trouble if they do not add at least one middle of the rotation starter. Additions to the lineup will be based on whether or not they decide to keep Pena and Ramirez. The bullpen could also use a few extra arms.

5. Will the Cubs find a way to dump Carlos Zambrano?
Carlos Zambrano's days pitching in a Cubs uniform are likely over. The question is how, not if, he will be moved. The Cubs will search for a trade partner that is willing to take the baggage that he carries with him. After the end of last year, it is unlikely that Z returns to the Cubs, but since there is an overhauled front office there is a chance the he comes back.

The Cubs have until Tuesday to work out a compensation package with the Red Sox, or Bud Selig will step in.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted all offseason long!

Post Trade Deadline Quick Hits

Major League Baseball's trading deadline has passed. The Cubs were not as active as most of us hoped they would be. Click here for my assessment as well as the take of all the other writers on View From the Bleachers. Feel free to jump in with your take in the comments on this post and be sure to vote on our poll about the Kosuke trade on the right sidebar.

During the month of August teams can still trade players that first clear waivers. A year ago, the Cubs were active during the waiver season dealing both Mike Fontenot and Derrek Lee. Will Jim Hendry make a move during the month of August again in 2011? That and more trade deadline follow up in today's quick hits.

• Carrie Muskat reports that Hendry is not bother by the lack of moves at the deadline. He also said that August could be a busy month for him.


• Bruce Miles also chimed in on the possibility of moves in August.


• Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors took a look at why the Cubs didn't trade Carlos Pena.


• Aramis Ramirez will sit out tonight's game against the Pirates with a quad issue. He's day-to-day.


• Derrek Lee will be making his Buccos debut against the Cubs, the same team that he made his Braves debut against.


• Andrew Cashner threw off a mound again today and felt good. The target is an early September return, but he hopes to be back in three weeks.


• Paul Sullivan tweeted yesterday that Pena was happy he wasn't traded. Sully also said that Tyler Colvin will not get another shot at first base for the Cubs.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always.

Counting Down to the Trade Deadline

Update 3:20pm CT: The Major League Baseball trade deadline has come and gone and the Cubs were silent today. There is always an outside chance of a deal taking place that we have not yet found out about, if so we'll let you know about it.

Today is Major League Baseball's trade deadline. After 3pm Central Time this afternoon, non-waiver trades cannot be made again until after the World Series. The Chicago Cubs have already made one move, shipping Kosuke Fukudome to Cleveland for two minor leaguers. Will they make another one prior to the deadline today?

Let's take a look at some of the moves Jim Hendry has made on July 30-31 in his time as GM:

• A year ago today, Jim Hendry made a last second move, trading Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot to the Dodgers for Blake DeWitt and two prospects.




• In 2009, the Cubs sent Kevin Hart to the Pirates for John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny the day prior to the deadline.





• On July 31, 2004 the Cubs added Nomar Garciaparra and Matt Murton from the Red Sox in a four team trade. Alex S. Gonzalez was sent to the Expos in the deal.

Most of the time, Hendry has been more active earlier in the month. It does not seem like any deals are close to being completed at this time. However, there is a chance that a move could be made today. Here is that latest!

• Buster Olney tweets that the Cubs will not trade Carlos Pena today.



• The Pirates asked about Pena, but sensed that the Cubs didn't want to move him, according to Jon Heyman of SI.



• Heyman also tweets that the Cubs have told other teams they want to keep both Pena and Byrd. Jon thinks that they could have gotten a good return for Marlon.



• Ryan Dempster says that staying with the Cubs is more admirable that approving a trade.



• Update Noon Central: George Ofman reports that the Rangers were interested in Carlos Marmol, but the Cubs turned them down.



• Derrek Lee is back in the National League. He has been traded to the Pirates, who will play the Cubs in a four game series starting tomorrow!



• Kevin Goldstein says that front office guys are confused about the lack of moves by the Cubs.



• CSN Chicago reports that the Cubs look at Matt Garza as a building block.

I will update that bulleted list throughout the day with the latest rumors and notes. Please keep checking back, as I'll keep you posted!

Rumor Roundup on the Day Before the Deadline

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is tomorrow at 3pm Central Time. The next two days we will have all the action covered right here on Everything Cubs Blog. Let's take a look at the latest from the rumor mill!

• David O'Brien says that Marlon Byrd is on the Braves' radar.


• Jim Hendry does not think that the Cubs need a complete overhaul, according to Gordon Wittenmyer.


• Aramis Ramirez still wants to stay with the Cubs the rest of the season. He does not plan to waive his no trade clause. It appears that any deal involving Ramirez is highly unlikely.


• Bruce Levine reports that a major deadline deal is unlikely for the Cubs.


• Carlos Pena is drawing interest, but the Cubs are hesitant to deal him because he may be in their plans for next season.


• In a non-trade related note- Andrew Cashner will throw off a mound in Mesa today. This will be the first time he has done so since May 16. He could return in a month.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted throughout the rest of the week!

Countdown to the Deadline: 5 Days

The Chicago Cubs have less than 5 days to dump players that are not going to be a part of the team in the future. The click is ticking on Jim Hendry, who has yet to make a move. With little activity, there is no shortage of rumors!

• Jim Hendry told Comcast Sports Net that he expects a turnaround by 2012.


• The Sun Times and Jon Heyman have contradicting reports on Carlos Pena. Heyman says that Pena is on his way out, but the Sun Times thinks they might hang on to him and could even bring him back next year.


• Heyman tells us that the Cubs are looking to deal John Grabow, but that will not be easy.


• The Red Sox and Indians have interest in Kosuke.


• Sean Marshall, Ryan Dempster, Aramiz Ramirez, Kerry Wood and Matt Garza are all staying with the Cubs the rest of the season.


• Jim Bowden tells us (via the CCO) that there are a great deal of teams interested in Marlon Byrd.


• Jayson Stark of ESPN reports that Kosuke Fukudome could be the one Cub dealt at the deadline.


• Stark believe that Carlos Pena would clear waivers for an August deal.


• A Pittsburgh newspaper lists Pena as one of three bats that the Buccos are interested in!

Click here for my full deadline update from Sunday.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted throughout the week.

Q Calls Out the Kids

Today the Cubs were blown out by the Phillies 9-1 to drop two of three. Mike Quade sparked conversation by throwing Starlin Castro under the buss in his postgame press conference. Here were some of his quotes via Bruce Miles.

“It was disappointing at the start,” said Quade, whose team fell to a season-low 21 games under .500 at 39-60. “I needed to talk to the kids in the middle of the diamond about that. Demp wasn’t as sharp as you wanted, but we set a bad tone. We’ve got to stop.
“Ball’s in the sun. They’re communicating. Cassie thought he had that all the way. I look at this whole game and look at that play. The sun’s been in the same damn spot for however long Wrigley Field’s been here. Those are the kinds of mistakes. There are certain you’ll accept.
“Those are two talented kids in the middle of the diamond. We make enough mistakes, and we need to clean them all up. But it’s so important for those guys to play well in the middle. Everything goes through there.”

How about the veterans Q?

"I think our veterans are doing a pretty damn good job. I see intensity from our center fielder, and Rami's playing really well. It doesn't mean we don't make some mistakes. I just know the value of the middle of the diamond. We've got two talented kids there that need to get better, and they've got 60-some games to prove that and to show that the rest of this season and go from there."

The Comcast Sports Net postgame team of David Kaplan and Todd Hollandswoth blew up after Quade's comments. They made great points, wondering how Q could throw Castro under the bus and claim that a missed fly made a difference in an eight run game.

Another interesting tidbit from Kaplan on WGN Sports Night,
"I think there are going to be a ton of changes coming to the North Side next year. I think they'll be a new general manager and a new field manager."

Carlos Pena made two errors on one play today. The Cubs have now committed an error in 9 straight game for the first time since 1987. They've also lost nine straight series.

Click here for my game recap on VFTB.

Grading the 2010-2011 Off Season

We've reached the All-Star Break of the 2011 season. Every year, about midway through and again at the end of the campaign, I like to grade the job that Jim Hendry did the prior offseason. Here is a list of each move and how they look now!

December 8: Cubs Sign Carlos Pena
Spending a good amount of cash on Carlos Pena did not make much sense to me at the time, and it still does not. He hit under .200 a year ago, so nobody should be surprised about his .225 batting average. Although he displays great defense, will hit the long ball and is a great guy, spending money on a first baseman for a one year contract was not smart. The Cubs could have given a guy like Bryan LaHair a look this year. Since they knew it was going to be a rebuilding year, they should have saved the cash and allowed for more playing time for a young guy.
Move Grade: C-

December 17: Cubs Sign Kerry Wood
The one good move made by the Cubs this past offseason was inking Kerry Wood for practically nothing. Woody gave Hendry a huge hometown discount after the two talked at Ron Santo's funeral. He has been a pretty serviceable setup man for the Cubs, posting a 2.48 ERA. Having him back in Chicago has been the feel good story of the year.
Move Grade: A

January 8: Matt Garza traded from Tampa Bay to the Cubs
I am surprised that this deal is not receiving more attention from Cubs fans right about now. I was confused when they pulled the trigger to acquire Garza, because the Cubs were sending mixed signals. Were they going for a division title this year of rebuilding for the future? As it turns out, dumping five farmhands for a middle of the rotation starter was not a good idea. The Cubs sent SS Hak-Ju Lee (.330 average at Class-A Advanced, playing the Futures Game), pitcher Chris Archer (4-4, 4.72 ERA at Double-A), catcher Robinson Chirinos (.268 average at AAA), outfielder Brandon Guyer (.318 average at Triple-A) and Sam Fuld (.238 average for big league team). The Cubs also received outfielder Fernando Perez, who was released last week, and Zach Rosscup, who's pitching well for the Daytona Cubs. Hendry is probably going to regret this move when several of the young stars (Lee, Archer and Guyer) pan out into qualility major league players. By the way- Garza is 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA. This could go down as one of the worst trades in Cubs history.
Move Grade: F

January 12: Cubs Ink Reed Johnson to Minor League Deal w/ S.T. Invite
This turned out to be another solid signing for the Cubs. Although they probably would have been better off giving younger guys (Campana, Snyder, Colvin, etc) his playing time, Reed is still a fan favorite in Chicago and does a great job. He's hitting a robust .328 to go along with his glovework.
Move Grade: B+

January 17: Tom Gorzelanny Traded to Washington
In order to make space in the rotation for Garza, the Cubs shipped Gorzelanny to DC. The Cubs took on money to acquire Garza and didn't get near the quality of prospects in the Gorzo trade that they lost in the Garza trade. In addition, the now Nats' left hander has a 3.94 earned run average, better than Garza's. I realize that this move trimmed salary and netted the Cubs some decent prospects (A.J. Morris, Graham Hicks and Michael Burgess) but the Cubs traded the wrong guy. They have searched for a veteran presents in the back end of the rotation all year, going through guys like Rodrigo Lopez, Doug Davis and Ramon Ortiz. The Cubs thought they had plenty of options for the back of the rotation, but instead they found themselves without a No. 5 guy after a strange turn of events that included an injury to Andrew Cashner.
Move Grade: D

Jim Hendry's Offseason Grade: D+
I'm going with the same grade that I gave Jim during July of 2009 after the Milton Bradley inking, but this one could have an even more detrimental effect on the future of the Chicago Cubs.

All Star coverage and more coming up the next few days!

The Good & The Bad: Week 2

The Cubs lost a tough one today 9-5 at the hands of the Rockies, with the game tied at 5 entering the bottom of the eighth. With the loss, the Cubs finished the road trip at 4-5 and are now 7-8 on the season. Let's start with the good from this week.

• Starlin Castro is a stud. He collected seven hits on Saturday and Sunday alone! Starlin is looking good in the lead-off spot.


• Darwin Barney has slid comfortably up to the No. 2 spot in the order. He, too, had a big week. Bob Brenly on Darwin today, "You can't teach instincts."


• Jeff Samardzija looked sharp today, sending down all six men he faced.


• The Cubs showed some signs of life on Saturday and Sunday, playing a couple of close games against a tough Rockies team.


• Koyie Hill notched his first hit of the season.


• The Cubs finally tallied their first stolen base this season. (Castro)


• Casey Coleman pitched a great game on Saturday.

And now the bad...

• The Cubs middle of the order has a grand total of one home run this season.


• No. 5 hitter Carlos Pena is 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.


• No. 3 hitter Marlon Byrd is 3-for-20 with men in scoring position.


• The Cubs bullpen day on Tuesday in Houston was a total failure. James Russell was hammered and the 'Stros extended the lead against guys like Samardzija and Stevens.


• Tyler Colvin is still slumping.


• This team has lacked both speed and power, not a great combo.


• Marcos Mateo's eighth inning today in which he nearly escaped a second and third with no out spot, but ended up giving up four two out runs.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted as Everything Cubs as always!

Notes from Cubs Camp

Position players are in camp and we are set for the first full squad workout! Here is the latest from Spring Training!

• Carrie Muskat reports that Kosuke Fukudome has arrived. The only players who have not been seen in camp yet are Aramis Ramirez, Starlin Castro, Lou Montanez and Alfonso Soriano.
• Mike Quade will have a team meeting with his players today at 11:30 central time.
• Ron Santo Day in Mesa will be March 10 when the Cubs play the Indians at HoHoKam Park.
• Kosuke, Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker are the three leading candidates to lead-off this season.
• Mike Quade was impressed by Welington Castillo last September. He will give the young catcher a long look this spring.
• Roberto Coello, who came over in a trade with the Red Sox, has already thrown a side session.
• The Cubs new spring facility is not expected to be ready until 2014.
• Quade says that the team will probably break camp with 12 pitchers.
• Bruce Miles is impressed by young RHP Trey McNutt, one of the top pitchers in the Cubs system.
• Carlos Pena is not ready to talk about becoming a free agent at the end of the season, according to a report from Bruce Levine.
• Tom Ricketts is expected to be in camp today. He will meet with the media tomorrow.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always! Much more to come this weekend!

Updated Cubs Roster Prediction

A few weeks ago, I posted my prediction as to who would make the Cubs roster if the season started that day. Similar to what I did last year, I plan to update my prediction as the Cubs make moves all offseason long. Here is the updated roster with the signing of Carlos Pena. Changes are in italics.

Starting Rotation
1. Ryan Dempster
2. Carlos Zambrano
3. Randy Wells
4. Carlos Silva
5. Tom Gorzelanny

Others in the Rotation Mix in Spring Training
Casey Coleman
Jeff Samardzija
Andrew Cashner

Bullpen
Closer- Carlos Marmol
LH Setup Man- Sean Marshall
RH Setup Man- Andrew Cashner
LH Middle Relief- John Grabow
RH Middle Relief- Jeff Samardzija
Long Relief- Casey Coleman
Long Relief-Justin Berg

Others in the Bullpen Mix in Spring Training
Chris Archer
Thomas Diamond
Scott Maine
John Gaub
Esmalin Caridad
Angel Guzman
Brian Schlitter

Starting Position Players
Catcher- Geovany Soto
1B- Carlos Pena
2B- Blake DeWitt
SS- Starlin Castro
3B- Aramis Ramirez
LF- Alfonso Soriano
CF- Marlon Byrd
RF- Tyler Colvin

Bench
Koyie Hill
Jeff Baker
Darwin Barney
Sam Fuld
Kosuke

Others in the Mix
Welington Castillo
Brandon Guyer
Robinson Chirinos
Scott Moore
Bryan LaHair (cut from bench)

Radio Recaps: Pena and Demp on Waddle & Silvy

The newest member of the Chicago Cubs, outfielder Carlos Pena, joined Waddle & Silvy on ESPN 1000 on Friday. Here are some of the points he hit on:

• Pena is really excited to being a Cub. As soon as he saw how things were looking, the Cubs were his preference.
• He didn't really consider going anywhere else. He just wanted to wear a Cub uniform.
• Chicago is Carlos' favorite city in the United States, so it was truly a no-brainer for him.
• Pena likes playing day games and he looks forward to them.
• He'll do whatever he has to in order to adjust to the new league and the new schedule.
• The one year deal was in the best interest of both the player and the team.
• Former Cubs that Pena has talk to tell him that it is very intense and the fans have incredible passion.
• When asked about his batting average from 2010, Pena said that he wants everyone to look at the average. Carlos doesn't want to waste his time making excuses. He is ready to put that year behind him and look forward.
• He is looking forward to working with Rudy Jaramillo.
• Pena has not talked to Matt Garza, but he thinks that Matt would be very valuable for this team. Garza has a high level of intensity and would be a great addition to the Cubs pitching staff.

Ryan Dempster joined the guys later in the Friday show:

• Dempster started off the interview by speaking highly about Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Ryan thinks that Matt Quade demands that same kind of accountability.
• He thinks people are going to be very surprised by how well Quade does as the manager of the Chicago Cubs. Last season was not a fluke.
• Demp has only heard great things about Carlos Pena. Carlos cares about every aspect of the game and makes the people around him better. He brings energy to the club and can hit the ball a long way.
• When Silverman tossed out Matt Garza's name, Ryan said that a team can never have enough pitching depth. "If it happens, it's a great thing," he said.
• Ryan talked about an event that took place on Saturday at a pizza place in Chicago in support of the Dempster family foundation.
• Demp said that he would never miss the chance to honor and remember somebody as great as Ron Santo. Ryan described him as "a great man in so many different ways."

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always.

Breaking News: Cubs Sign Carlos Pena

The Cubs have signed first baseman Carlos Pena to a one-year, $10 million year.

To help the payroll in 2011, the team will not pay Pena the final $5 million until January of 2012. Pena was offered multi-year deals elsewhere, but he says Chicago was his preference. He loves the city and thinks the team has a shot to win.

Carlos was irked by plantar fasciitis last season but is supposedly fully recovered. Time shall tell.

Notes on Carlos Pena:

• Bats/Throws: Left
• Position: First Base
• Birthday: May 17
• Age: 32
• Last Season's Number: 23 (that will have to change since it is retired for Ryne Sandberg)
• Previous Teams: Rays ('08-'10), Red Sox ('06), Tigers ('02-'05), A's (2002) and Rangers (2001).
• Drafted: By the Rangers in the first round (10th overall) of the 1998 draft.
• MLB Debut: September 5, 2001
• 2010 Stats: 144 games, .196 AVG, .325 OBP, 28 HR, 84 RBIs
• Career Stats: .244 AVG, .351 OBP, 28 HR, 84 RBIs

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Notes from Day 2 at the Winter Meetings

It's the second day of the 2010 MLB Winter Meetings in Florida. Although rumors and news surrounding the team itself will take a backburner this week because of the passing of Ron Santo, let's get caught up on what has happened at the meetings.

• Yesterday the Cubs named Mark Riggins their pitching coach. Riggins previously served as the Cubs minor league pitching coordinator and spent many years in the Cardinals organization. He spent two years on the Cards big league staff under Joe Torre in the '90s.
• Tennessee Smokies pitching coach Dennis Lewellyn will be promoted to fill the roving role that was held by Riggins in 2010.
• CBS Sports reports that the Cubs are targeting Adam LaRoche.
• Bruce Miles doubts their interest in LaRoche.
• Jon Heyman thinks that the Cubs would like to add Carlos Pena to fill their first base opening.
• Jerry Crasnik of ESPN tweeted today that Brandon Webb's representatives were to meet with the Cubs this afternoon. Webb has been connected to the Cubs over the past week or two.
• The Arizona Diamond Backs have interest in inking Xavier Nady.
• The White Sox signed a pair of former Cubs in Daryle Ward and Jeff Gray. Both men were given minor league deals.
• Thanks to BCB for this one- the Pittsburgh Post Gazette says that the Cubs are shopping Tom Gorzelanny. With Casey Coleman, Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Silva, Ryan Dempster and Randy Wells all in the rotation mix as well, this reports may be accurate.
• Ken Rosenthal has connected Kerry Wood to the White Sox, but it doesn't sound like that will happen.
• The Orioles will be in on Derrek Lee.
• Speaking of former Cubs, Kevin Gregg and Rich Harden both have offers on the table. Rich could come back as a reliever.
• Bruce Levine says that Kosuke is back on the trade block, but only if Hendry knows he can get another left handed bat to take his place.

I'll update with any other news that breaks tonight.

Who's on the Cubs Shopping List?

In honor of Black Friday, it is time for us to take a look at who the Cubs are looking at this winter. The Cubs are in need of relief pitching, a first baseman, bench depth and possibly a starting pitcher. Here is a list of names that have been associated with the team this winter.

• Lance Berkman: Ken Rosenthal lists the Cubs as one of eight teams interested in the former 'Stros first baseman.
• Javier Vazquez: The Cubs have taken a look at the starting pitcher, but Marlins are the frontrunners.
• Adam Dunn: Jim Hendry has not yet connected to slugger, but Carlos Zambrano has said that he would love to have Dunn on his side. Jayson Stark has indicated that the Cubs will look to go after a better defender.
• Andrian Gonzalez: It's a long shot, but Ivy Report believes that the Cubs need to strike fast and trade for the Padres star.
• Daisuke Matsuzaka: The Red Sox have no interest is swapping Japanese players in a Kosuke for Daisuke trade.
• Cliff Lee: Jon Heyman names the Cubs as a possible surprising suitor for the big lefty.
• Jon Garland: The former White Sox could be an option for the rotation after indicating that he was interested in pitching for the Cubs last winter.
• Kerry Wood: As most of you have said in our poll on the right sidebar, Cubs fans would welcome Woody back. It is unclear whether or not he would take less money to pitch in middle relief for the Cubs.
• Carlos Pena: Bruce Miles says the Cubs have been "keeping an eye" on Pena to fill the void at first base.
• Vicente Padilla: Still on the Cubs starting pitcher radar.
• Jason Frasor: Bruce Levine has been connected this reliever to the Cubs for the past three winters.
• Nick Johnson: A report from the Chicago Tribune earlier this month connected the Cubs to first baseman Nick Johnson. It is unclear whether Johnson would be the starter or serve as a backup to Tyler Colvin or another guy that the Cubs ink.

Let the shopping begin!