Early Cubs Convention Preview

Don't look now... we're less than two weeks away from the 27th annual Cubs Convention! As longtime readers, Everything Cubs Blog brings you full coverage leading up to, during and after the Convention.

The 2012 Convention runs from Jan. 13-15. None of the lists of attendees or schedules of events for the weekend have yet been released, but we should be able to put together at least a partial list and schedule by the end of this week, so check back for that.

Each year there are several story lines to keep on eye on during Convention weekend. Here are some of the highlights of Conventions in recent years, followed by a list of things to look out for at this year's event.

2011: Honoring Ronnie
By far the biggest story of the 2011 Cubs Convention was honoring Cubs Legend Ron Santo, who passed away the month before the event. A video featuring #10 was displayed at the Opening Ceremonies. During one of the Saturday morning sessions, Tom Ricketts announced that the Cubs would wear #10 patches in 2011 and that Ron Santo would be honored with a statue, to be unveiled on August 10. Later Saturday, two different sessions were held for fans to hear stories about Santo, one with his former booth-mates Pat Hughes, Cory Provus, Andy Masur and Judd Sirott. The other featured Santo's teammates- Randy Hundley, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Milt Pappas, Jose Cardenal and Glen Beckert. Another big story of the weekend was the return of fan-favorite Kerry Wood to Chicago.
Click here for last year's coverage: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

2010: Welcoming the Ricketts
The biggest story of the 2010 Convention was the welcoming of the new owners of the Chicago Cubs. Saturday morning there was a packed audience for the "Meet the Ricketts" session as Tom, Pete, Todd and Laura took questions from fans about their plans for the team. One unexpected bit of news was Geovany Soto showing up 40 pounds lighter than he was at the end of the '09 season.
Click here for 2010 coverage: Opening Night, Weekend Recap

2009: Remembering the Past
The 2009 Cubs Convention, the first one covered here on Everything Cubs Blog, was extremely interesting. The weekend was filled with Cubs history as the 25th anniversary of the 1984 team and the 40th anniversary of the 1969 team were celebrated. Carlos Zambrano also talking about making Cubs history tossing a no-hitter in September of 2008. The Convention was packed as the Cubs were coming off a division title.
Click here for 2009 coverage: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted as we continue to countdown to the "Unofficial Opening Day!"

Cubs Convention Recaps: The Day in the Life of a Major Leaguer

John Williams of WGN Radio hosted this session with guests Bobby Dernier, Jody Davis, Geovany Soto, and Jeff Samardzija to talk about the life of a professional baseball player. Here is the full recap of the session, which was a week ago today:

• Geovany confirmed that he has lost 40 pounds this offseason. (Some sites had reported 80)
• He was a little disappointed with '09 and is ready to get off on the right foot in 2010.
• Soto says that if being too light becomes a problem in the summer, gaining weight is the easy part.
• The winter has been great for The Shark thus far. He's been watching some football this offseason.
• Jeff is a big Bears fan, and he admitted that he'd love to help him out. He loves where he's at and what he does, so no change is on the way.
• Samardzija usually cuts his hair around Spring Training.
• Jody said that it's hard for people to understand how time consuming and grueling the life of a major league baseball player can be.
• You spent 24 hours a day trying to get ready for game time. When the game's over, there's not a hole lot of down time until you have to get ready for the next game.
• Dernier says that each year you go through the grind, you become more accustomed to it.
• When Bobby and Jody played, guys took lots of time off in the winter. Now a days, baseball is all year around.
• On the road, players get cash to spend on food and expenses.
• On the plane, the guys use the money to bet some money.
• Davis is not a card player, but Bobby enjoys to play cards.
• Jeff said that in baseball, you are allowed more freedom than football players.
• Current players can't go out and have fun after games because of cell phone cameras. Bobby said that guys could go out a lot more when he played.
• Soto said that you kind of get tired of the people wanting your autograph every where you go, but when you think about it that's a really cool feeling.
• Samardzija says that he loves Chicago because people are great. He lives in the city, and everyone is nice in public. This city is very respectable. Jeff has been other places where people are not like that.
• Soto is fine with people asking him for an autograph or picture in public, but he thinks people should be understanding if he doesn't have time.
• Jeff also has no problem with signing autographs.
• Geo says in 2008 he felt like a rock star. He said the Cub fans are "true, loyal, and the best fans in the world."
• Shark doesn't mind being booed.
• Dernier says that when he played there was not as much booing.
• Davis said that there was no booing when they were stinking because there was nobody there.
• Bobby said that people mostly boo because of lack of effort. If you give a good effort at Wrigley, you will not get booed that much.
• Jody could see where Mark McGuire wanted to get the situation off his chest, but a lot of the things he said like "it didn't help" and "I didn't know it would make me stronger" doesn't seem true.
• Dernier says that amphetamines were prevalent in baseball during his era. Today, guys are more educated on what not to do.
• Samardzija says they have unlimited amounts of totally random testing for steroids.
• Geo wanted to lose some weight because he was starting to feel wear and tear on his knees.
• Jeff usually cleans his hair with whatever they have in the hotel.
• Soto thinks that you have to hit the gym more after catching 9 inning, you will feel better late in the season. Instead of resting after games, it's better to flush them out.
• Davis said that having your legs in shape and strong is the best thing you can do as a catcher.
• The best thing for a pitcher to keep your arm in shape, is to do some cardio and running the next day.
• Soto doesn't think at all about how it costs him money when he does bad. For him, it more about pride. He was born to win.
• Geovany said you always want to play good for the fans everyday.
• Shark says it's a "balancing act". It's amazing to find people who still act the same after making all the money. For Samardzija, "the better you play, the more you get payed" works as a good incentive.
• Samardzija feels like he has a long way to go. He's happy that he's in the situation where he can just worry about getting better and see how things go.
• Jody thinks that one of the incredible things about the 1984 team was that the team truly got along on and off the field. Ryno and Hawk had amazing work ethics and served as quiet team leaders similar to Derrek Lee.
• Jeff said that a lot of guys on the current team came through the system together as good friends and teammates. He called the "ra-ra leader guy with pump up speeches" B.S., and would rather have a guy like D-Lee lead the team.
• Geo liked a fans idea of making a Soto workout DVD to help people lose wait.
• Samardzija is excited about how things are going, and he's very happy with his situation. He's looking forward to having a chance to win a spot in the starting rotation.
• On October 19, Soto started training. Once he started eating better, the pounds started coming off. He stuck with the diet for 3 1/2 months.
• Geovany just got tired of hearing about his weight. He's a professional athlete, so he decided he wanted to look like a pro athlete.
• Soto hasn't worked out that much this winter, the weight loss came totally from eating right.
• Samardzija likes visits from Geo and Koyie on the mound. It's fun because you never know what you're going to get when they go out there.
• Lou is very "to the point" when he comes out to the mound.
• Jody says that the biggest thing as a catcher is to know your pitching staff. Certain guys need to calm down, but others need to get pumped up.
• Soto has never asked for a day off. Even if you can barely stand up, if Lou asks if you can go today, you say yes.
• Good footwork is key for a catcher to get the ball to second base better. Geo suggested practicing in front of a mirror to a young softball player. Davis added that long toss could help to make your arm stronger.
• Soto is happy that he doesn't have to hit against Zambrano.
• Jeff thinks he can handle any hitter, but guys that are very good at making last second adjustments are tough.
• The first day Shark was called up, he struck out the first batter on an inside fastball and was like, "Wow, that was awesome." In the second inning, he throw a great pitch, but Cantu (of the Marlins) nailed it down the line.
• Dernier thinks the Blackhawks are looking good. "Get ready to party with the Hawks," he said.
• When Williams asked how many games the Cubs would win this year, Bobby got the last words of the session saying, "Just win the last one."

Cubs Convention Recaps: You Think You Know These Guys?

For the next week our two, I will continue my full recap of the Cubs Convention. Today, we focus on the "You Think You Know These Guys?" session hosted by Garry Meier of WGN Radio. Garry was joined by Ryan Dempster, Ryan Theriot, Micah Hoffpauir, Sam Fuld, and Justin Berg to find a little bit about the personal side of your favorite Cubs.

• Meier first realized what Cub national is really like when he sang the 7th inning stretch last summer.
• He told a story about when he was a journalist was assigned to take a blind sportscaster to the game. He didn't know much about the Cubs, so he was a little nervous. When he went in the locker room to interview Ron Santo, he didn't know who Ron was.
• Ryan Theriot would have pursued a career in modeling if he did not become a pro baseball player.
• Sam Fuld says that when you run into the wall at Wrigley, the pain it depend on what time of year it is.
• Dempster feel that guys on steroids are cheating everyone who's ever played the game of Major League Baseball.
• Fuld thinks that Fenway and Wrigley "are in a league of their own" as far as baseball ballparks because of all the history and tradition.
• "If you can't get excited to play at Wrigley, then it's hard to get excited to play anywhere," Fuld said.
• The law of averages say that sooner or later, the World Series is going to happen according to Theriot.
• Ryan Dempster said it took him about 35 minutes to get from the front desk to the elevator because of all the autographs. If the Cubs win the World Series, Demp thinks the players will need to be air lifted out of Wrigley.
• Justin said after the game a lot of guys like to just go out and get some dinner. Berg likes to play guitar or catch a movie in his free time on the road.
• Being superstitious was discussed. Some of the guys like to wear the same clothes the next day when the team wins.
• Dempster's daughter Riley is doing very good.
• Ryan warms up with some light weights, running, and stretching before he starts to throw. This helps be able to get ready throwing quicker.
• Demp told about (once again) the prank the he did for MLB productions a few year back when he hid Will Ohman's tires around the ballpark.
• Fontenot and Theriot are pretty close. They go to each other's house a lot and hang out. In the offseason they hunt and fish together. Ryan feels like he's baby sitting Mike sometimes.
• Milton Bradley was mentioned at almost every session during the weekend. Hoffpauir didn't have much of a problem with Bradley, calling him a pretty good dude.
• Dempster did one of his great Harry Caray impersonations. Ryan loved watch Harry calling Cub games.
• Justin Berg plans to stick with what has got him to wear he is in Spring Training. He plans to throw strikes and get ahead in the count.
• Micah looks up to Derrek Lee calling him one of the more respectable players in the game today.
• The players try to ignore most of the Internet and blog rumors. They try to stay away from all the rumors out there because they can only control their play on the field.
• Dempster thinks that the new ownership is great. The Ricketts want excellence and excellence all the way around. Improving the facilities is OK right now, because the Cubs already have the team to win.
• Ryan has a good time with the rookie hazing. When Demp was a rookie with Florida, he was put in diapers and a bib. Hoffpauir was pork the pig, Berg was superwomen, Fuld was Mrs. American, and Theriot was a cheerleader.
• Jake Fox sulked after being dressed up. Then the guys put a Sponge Bob outfit in his locker after a big home run.
• Dempster never got a cool nickname growing up. He was always just Demp or R.D.
• Theriot gave himself a nickname last week when he was hunting and he missed a dear twice. Ryan thinks his new nickname should be the barber because he shaves the dear but doesn't kill it.
• Sam Fuld was a little upset (jokingly) when a lady told him that Randy Wells signed over his autograph.
• Theriot says that the energy playing at Wrigley Field is like nothing else because of the fans.
• The Riot would love to be a Cub for the rest of his career. He can't see himself playing anywhere else.
• Hoffpauir would like to make a living via hunting or business. Berg would probably be playing in a band. Fuld thinks being a flower delivery guy would be fun, because everyone would probably like you, and it would be a low stress job.
• Demp believes that the pro baseball players have the best job in the world. When you have families, it gets hard during the regular season. The team spends most of their off days travelling. You just have to try to make most of the time you spend at home.
• Micah thinks you get used to the day games. When you're done with a day game, you get home by 6:00 and have a chance to spend some time with your family.
• Theriot thinks it's an advantage for the Cubs because they get used to it, while the visiting teams do not.
• Hoffpauir goes by the motto that his dad told him when he was growing up, "If you don't enjoy what you're doing, then don't do it." Micah says he doesn't play for the money, but because he enjoys it.
• Dempster says the most fun he has all season is facing Albert Pujols because of the challenge.
• Theriot thinks that it's a good idea to have the mental part of the game involved in your everyday preparation because of the 162 game grind.
• A lot of the guys love the heckling and think it's fun.
• Dempster thinks you hear the heckling a lot more as an away player. Demp likes heckling only when it is clean.
• When Theriot made an error at LSU, a fan threw a boot on the field.
• When Demp played in Florida, you could really hear the heckling because there were only about 4,000 fans.
• Dempster got the chance to play soccer, basketball, baseball, and hockey growing up.
• Theriot says that as minor leaguers, you go into Spring Training hoping to catch some body's eye. Ryan's goal has always been to work harder than the guy next to him.
• Sam's favorite movie is "Field of Dreams". He is a little biased being a baseball fan, but he said that it's "not just a baseball movie".
• Justin Berg likes Old School, while Hoffpauir mentioned The Notebook.
• Hoff said that when you miss a good pitch that you should do something with at the big league level, it's frustrating. You don't get a lot of mistakes in the bigs, so you try to take advantage of it whenever you can.
• In 3rd grade, Hoffpauir put on his career goals list that he wanted to be a professional baseball player. The teacher came over and said, "Really, what do you want to be." He showed her.
• Bringing in Greg Maddux to the front office staff was the best Cubs offseason move so far according to Demp.

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

A Letter from Tom Ricketts

I plan on having more updates later, but we'll start today's posting off by continued our Cubs Convention coverage with the letter from Tom Ricketts, the new chairman of the Chicago Cubs, which was printed in this year's handbook/guide to the 25th annual Cubs Convention.

Dear Cubs Convention Attendees:

On behalf of the Ricketts family and the entire Chicago Cubs organization, welcome to the 25th annual Cubs Convention. It has been a whirlwind three years for our family and the Cubs as we became stewards of our beloved team and treasured ballpark. As we look ahead to the 2010 season and beyond, we are excited about what is in store for our franchise.

Our goal is simple... to win, and to win consistently. As Cubs fans, we all strive a championship. We plan to work hard everyday to reach the top, to be the best team and strongest organization in all of baseball. We also understand, as all Cubs fans do, the unique magic of Wrigley Field. We look forward to preserving that magic and doing whatever we can to improve the overall experience of seeing a Cubs game at The Friendly Confines. Welcome your observations and encourage raised expectations.

This year's Convention marks and incredible milestone... 25 year of Cubs fans coming out in the middle of winter to celebrate and show their love for the Chicago Cubs. We have a great weekend planned with some of your favorite current and former players in attendance and several exciting new features in store for your. Proceeds from the convention benefit Cubs Care, a fund of the McCormick Foundation, and we are extremely proud of the work we do along with the McCormick Foundation to help give back to our community.

Thank you for your dedication to this franchise. Once again in 2009, the Chicago Cubs drew more than three million fans. We are the only Chicago professional sports team to ever reach three million in attendance and are one of only five teams in Major League Baseball to have reach that mark in each of the last six seasons. This is a remarkable accomplishment and reinforces what we already knew: Cubs fans are the best fans in all of baseball!

We are excited about all that lies ahead and we truly appreciate your continued support. Go Cubs!

Sincerely,

Tom Ricketts
Chairman

More Convention stuff as well as other Cubs notes in the next few days.

What a Weekend!

Wow, was that fun! The 25th annual mid-winter gathering of Cub diehards at the Hilton and Towers took place from Friday night until this morning.

This was my second year at the "Unofficial Opening Day", and it was just flat out amazing. On this post, I will simply share some of my experiences from Saturday and Sunday (I blogged on Day 1 on Friday night, but unfortunately did not get the chance to get a post up last night). In addition, I will fill you in on some of the big news of the weekend. The rest of the information I learned at the sessions will be posted throughout the week.

One of the most written and blogged about bits of news this weekend was the fact that former NL Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto lost a stunning 40 pounds this winter. He is expected to bounce back after a disappointing sophomore campaign. Stud pitcher Carlos Zambrano also dropped significant weight.

Saturday morning, I woke up early, got a muffin down at the breakfast line, and then headed down to the grand ballroom for the "Meet the Ricketts" session. This hour was Cubs fans first chance to address the new owners of their favorite ballclub. Tom, Laura, Todd, and Pete all answered most of the questions directly and did a great job. The Ricketts made it clear that they would like Wrigley Field to host to 2014 All Star game, but that decision will fall upon the shoulders of Major League Baseball.

The second session of the day was "Meet Cubs Baseball Management". This yearly segment always gives us a chance to get real insight to the team. Lou Piniella revealed that most likely his team will look like this defensively on Opening Day:
LF Soriano
CF Byrd
RF Kosuke
1B Lee
2B Baker or Fontenot
3B Ramirez
SS Theriot
C Soto

Piniella also announced this weekend that Marlon Byrd will receive a good look in the 5th spot in the lineup behind Lee and Ramirez. As of now, Koske and Theriot will be 1 and 2 in the Cub batting order, but Piniella has yet to decide which one will lead off.

I continued to bounce around at 11, when I hit my 3rd different ballroom in as many hours. The "Call to the 'Pen" sessions was all about what it's like to be a major league reliever. Former Cub lefty and current broadcaster Dave Otto chatted with relievers Tom Gorzelanny, John Grabow, Jeff Samardzija, Sean Marshall, and Carlos Marmol. The lefty dominated session (4 of 6 counting Otto), was of course a little quirky, and included some great info and a lot of fun. The room was a little smaller for this session, but afterwards the workers did a great job organization a line for autographs instead of allowing the usual stampede.

After learning about life in the 'pen, I travelled to the already-in-progress "Leaders in the Clubhouse". During this Question and Answer, former World Series winning manager (2001 was mentioned several times this weekend by him by the way) Bob Brenly talked with Sweet Lou and his full coaching staff. Cub fans (who were allowed to ask questions for at least a half an hour at most sessions) made it clear that they (we) would welcome Piniella back for a 4th season in 2011. Lou is still undecided, and wants to remain focused on 2010, however he did mention that there were several coaches on his staff who would make good successors (he didn't name names, but maybe Alan, Mike Quade, and DeJesus).

Next I took a break from sessions to stand in line for my Carlos Zambrano autograph, which I won via scratch off. Big Z told me that he plans on winning 20 games this year!

As soon as the long line for Z was over, I returned to the Grand Ballroom for the "Cubs Jeopardy" session, which was my personal favorite of the weekend. Baseball trivia buff (and voice of the Cubs on WGN Radio) Pat Hughes served as host, with Dave Otto filling the role of judge. This year they change things up and pitted the pitchers against the position players, instead of the usual era VS era matchup. Jeff Baker, Micah Hoffpauir, Jay Johnstone, and Gary Matthews battled Tim Stoddard, Randy Wells, John Grabow, and Milton Pappas. Both team bet all their points in the final jeopardy, and both teams got the question correct (who was the 2009 World Series MVP?). Therefore, the pitchers, who led prior to the final jeopardy, took home the win. Hughes and Otto do a great job at hosting this session each year.

The final session of the day was the "For Kids Only Press Conference". Sam Fuld, Tyler Colvin, Marlon Byrd, Ted Lilly, and Sean Marshall field questions from the youngsters which ranged from "What's your favorite candy bar?" to "Did you like Milton Bradley?" Unexpectedly, this session ended up providing some good info, as a lot of the kids asked great questions. All five of the guys on the pannel said that they would prefer Spring Training to remain in Mesa. Lilly and Byrd have both trained in Florida and Arizona, and both prefer the dessert.

Saturday morning provided a few final sessions- the last one regarding the Cubs farm system. I will recap those later in the week.

The last thing I want to point out it that I didn't stand in a single autograph line the entire weekend (besides Zambrano, who was a lottery auto) and I still got signatures from Bobby Dernier, Lou Piniella, Marlon Byrd, Ted Lilly, Sean Marshall, Carlos Marmol, Jeff Samardzija, Micah Hoffpauir, John Grabow, Dave Otto, Randy Wells, Keith Moreland, Ryan Dempster, Andrew Cashner, Jay Johnstone, Crane Kenney, Pat Hughes, Tom Ricketts, Len Kasper, Ivan DeJesus, Koyie Hill, Jeff Baker, Tim Stoddard, Jim Aducci, and Tom Gorzelanny. The point is, you do not have to wait in line for hours for autographs, you will see them around the hotel and after sessions.

I will continue blogging about the Cubs Convention all week, along with keeping you posted on Everything Cubs as always!

Day 1 at the Hilton

Just finished the first day of the Cubs Convention here at the Hilton Chicago. Wow, what a day!

After checking in, getting my full schedule of events and convention pass, winning the autograph scratch off (Carlos Zambrano!), and grabbing my two Cubs grab bags ($30 each- one included an autograph, Andrew Cashner, other stuff in the bag included a Cubs lunch pail, notebook, 2009 Cubs media guide, a stuffed animal, Cubs believe bracelet, some pencils, t-shirts, and hats/visors) I moved on to the Opening Ceremonies in the Grand Ball Room.

The ceremonies were great. They are always my favorite part of the amazing weekend. Pat Hughes, the voice of the Cubs, came to the mic and said the words we've been waiting all winter to hear, "Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air!" Then, the Ricketts family was introduced. Tom said that he and his siblings are looking forward to Opening Day. Up next, Wayne Messmer performed his booming rendition of the National Antheme. Finally, the large crowd got to meet the Cubs of year's past. Pat introduced all of those guys, but then asked, "Are you ready to meet some legends?" before announcing the bad news, that Ron Santo is a little under the weather. Ronny wrote a great letter to the fans, which Pat read. Other "legends" introduced include Billy Williams, Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Fergie Jenkins, and lastly the newest member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, Andre Dawson. After the former Cubs were out, Hughes read the names of the 2010 Cubbies. Crane Kenney and Jim Hendry received mixed reactions, but most of the other guys got nice cheers. Carlos Zambrano, the last Cub introduced, received one of the biggest and loudest rounds of applause of the night. The Ricketts family received the honor of tossing out this year's ceremonial first pitches. Next, WGN-TV unveiled their annual video. This year the highlights of 2009 were followed by highlights of the Ricketts press conference, Andre Dawson's HOF announcement, highlights of the first 25 Cubs Conventions, and finally the 2009 Take Me Out to the Ballgame reel. The singing of Go Cubs Go, for the first time of hopefully many in 2010.

On the way out of the Opening Ceremonies, we received an autograph treasure hunt map. The treasure hunt was fun! I got Dempster, Dernier, Johnstone, Cashner, & Moreland, among others, to ink their name.

Day one concluded with "Sports Central Live" hosted by David Kaplan, which was live on WGN Radio. Kap, who had a scratchy throat due to illness, brought in co-host Ryan Theriot, who doubles as the Cubs starting short stop. The two hour program was very interesting and entertaining. Guests included Dempster, Lilly, Sutcliffe, Ricketts, Hendry, Fleita, Lou, Jaramillo, Rothschild, and Marlon Byrd. Marlon showed up late, but made up for it by staying late after the session (which was the last of the show) to sign autographs for many fans. Byrd gave me a good first impression by signing a lot and chatting with me and other fans. I'll have a full recap of the Sports Central show next week!

What a day! And it's just the start.... tomorrow will be a full day of Q&A sessions!

I'll have another recap up tomorrow night!

Friday Quick Hits: Time for the Convention, CTL Recaps, and More

The Cubs Convention starts tonight at 5:30 with the Opening Ceremonies!

• Cubs manager Lou Piniella chatted with the media on the Cubs Caravan on Wednesday.
• Paul Sullivan takes a look at some of the highlights on the schedule this weekend for the Cubs Convention.
• Sullivan reports that it appears the Cubs are leaning towards moving to Florida for Spring Training.
• Check out the Cubs Convention timeline!
• Cub sources are telling Bruce Miles that the Spring Training decision could come early as today.
• The Cubs could announce the retirement of #8 for Andre Dawson at the convention, or they could announce that he will go in to the Hall as a Cub, or both, but most likely neither.
• Miles also writes that the Cubs remain interested in Reed Johnson and Jermaine Dye. However, Dye would have to take a large pay cut to come to the Cubs.
• Jeff Samardzija worked on his secondary pitches in winter ball in Mexico.
• Bob Nightengale tweets that it appears the Cubs will leave Mesa for Naples.
• Cubs play-by-play man Pat Hughes was named the Illinois Sportscaster of the Year 2009. It was the eight time he's received the Sportscaster of the Year honor, and his 5th in the state of Illinois. Pat is entering his 15th season on WGN Radio with Ron Santo.
• Randy Wells is pumped that Greg Maddux is returning to the organization according to Cubs.com.
• Ben Sheets will throw for four teams next week. The Cubs are expected to be one of the four.
• Ken Davidoff tweets that the Cubs are 1 of 5 teams interested in Jose Contreras.

Len Kasper was on Chicago Tribune Live with David Kaplan on Tuesday:

• The top of the rotation is good with Dempster and Zambrano.
• Kasper would like to think that Randy Wells will avoid the sophomore slump.
• Anything you get from Carlos Silva is gravy.
• Ben Sheets is intriguing and one of the best in the league if he's healthy.
• The Lilly injury is a little troubling.
• Kasper thinks Marlon Byrd will be fine. Defensively he's good in center, his bat is fine, and by all accounts he's a great guy in the clubhouse.
• The theme for this team going into Spring Training is guys needing bounce back years. Len listed Soto, Soriano, and Ramirez as guys that need to come back strong.
• Hendry may not have that much money left to spend, but there's still a lot of guys out there looking for work that you may be able to sign for cheap.
• Starlin Castro may be on the way, and that would allow the Cubs to move Theriot to short.
• Ben Sheets is "very smart pitcher" with a "bulldog mentality".
• Sheets doesn't have the long history of arm trouble like Harden has.

Koyie Hill chatted with the guys on CTL on Wednesday:

• Hill expects the Cubs fans to be there for them win, lose, or draw.
• The guys are looking forward to Spring Training.
• Adding Greg Maddux to the team will help everyone, not just pitchers.
• "There's so much information you can get from anyone with that much experience," Hill said of Greg.
• The only thing that Koyie thinks was disappointing about the 2009 season was the health of the team.
• The strength of the Cubs is still their starting pitching.
• Koyie called the Cubs' staff "a treat to work with".
• Going on the Cubs Caravan is a treat for the players. The players get inspired by the people at the hospitals, schools, and Boys and Girls clubs.

Ryan Theriot was Thursday's guest on the program:

• Theriot is very excited to get to Spring Training.
• Ryan enjoys coaching kids in the batting cage.
• He is excited about bringing Rudy Jaramillo and Marlon Byrd into the Cubs' clubhouse.
• Last year the Cubs had a great club, and things would have been different had they stayed healthy.
• Taking one guy away and adding one guy can make a big difference.
• Theriot thinks Ben Sheets would be a great add to the clubhouse. Ryan would welcome Ben with open arms.
• The Matt Holiday signing surprised Ryan.
• Chris Carpenter is tough to face for a hitter.
• Kaplan thinks the biggest mistake in the 2008 playoffs was not getting Ted Lilly a start.
• Ryan is comfortable playing second base. If Castro comes up to the big leagues, Theriot would be willing to move.
• Theriot played left field during the Cubs 2007 Opening Day game.
• Last year on the first day of Spring Training, a bunch of guys were eating some food at a table together in the clubhouse, but Milton Bradley chose to eat in the corner by himself. From that point forward, the Cubs knew Bradley was a bit of a loner.
• "It wasn't a great fit for either side," Ryan said of Milton.
• Theriot thinks that Jeff Samardzija has a big time arm, Marshall is consistent, and Gorzelanny did a good job last year. That mix should be enough for the back end of the starting 5.
• Phil Rogers points out that Ted Lilly could be one of those guys that's most appreciated when he's gone.
• Lilly has played through injuries that nobody knew about. The players appreciate when I guy gives everything he has.
• When asked who the Cubs team leader was, Ryan didn't hesitate in answering "D-Lee."
• Theriot called Lee a silent force, and says he takes the term "lead by example" to another level.
• Knowing that he will be the lead-off man going into Spring Training will change his approach this spring.
• Leading off fits Ryan a little better.
• Theriot likes to just "go". He has a problem conserving enegery.
• The Cubs team has the ability to steal bases.
• Ryan thinks this could be a big break out year for Mike Fontenot.

Frankie O. from Harry Caray's restaurant came on the show and listed 5 reasons the Cubs will win the World Series:

• 5. Ricketts family ownership
• 4. Mark McGwire's admission
• 3. Harry Caray's Restaurant
• 2. No More Milton
• 1. Because Next Year is Here

Time for me to head out to the Hilton for this weekend's Cubs Convention! I'll have my laptop with me, so I'll be blogging from the Convention throughout the weekend. Email at cubsblogmailbag@aol.com if you have any questions or comments!

Cub Pre-Convention Roundup: Non Roster Guys, The Caravan, the Bullpen, and More

Non Roster Invites
The full list of Chicago Cubs non roster invites to Spring Training was released today. In addition to everyone on the 40 man roster, to following prospects will be in camp to try to impress manager Lou Piniella and his staff:

• Josh Vitters, 3B
• Andrew Cashner, RHP
• Brett Jackson, OF
• J.R. Mathes, LHP
• James Russell, LHP
• Casey Coleman, RHP
• Thomas Diamond, RHP
• Jeff Kennard, RHP
• Vince Perkins, RHP
• Robinson Chirinos, C
• Steve Clevenger, C
• Blake Lalli, C/1B
• Chris Robinson, C
• Darwin Barney, SS
• Matt Camp, INF/OF
• Starlin Castro, SS
• Bryan LaHair, 1B
• Bobby Scales, 2B/3B
• Brad Snyder, OF

Cubs Caravan Updates

The Cubs Caravan got underway today. Carrie Muskat provided us with some updated, include the info that Lou Piniella expects the Cubs to win the division. The team is still looking for a veteran right handed reliever and a 4th outfielder, but outside of that Lou feels the Cubs are "pretty set to go". Today Caravan stops included 4 schools for the Cubs Spotlight on Ready, 1 Boys & Girls clubs for the P.L.A.Y. program, a hospital visit, and the sold out Cubs Care Luncheon. Bruce Miles was at Harry Caray's for the lunch, and blogged on it afterwards. Randy Bush, Cubs assistant GM, told Miles that the Cubs haven't ruled out resigning Reed Johnson. I'll have more on the caravan as it continues tomorrow!

Coaching Swap

According to Cubs.com, Ivan DeJesus will serve as the Cubs first base coach in 2010. Matt Sinatro, who was the first base coach, will fill the role that DeJesus previously held as an assistant to Lou Piniella. Matt will still work with Cub catcher, but now will also be involved with the advance scouting reports.

Lilly Injury Update

Cubs lefty Ted Lilly could throw while in Chicago. Mark O'Neal checked up on Ted recently and Lary Rothschild hopes to see him pitch while they are in town for the Convention.

Updates from the Owners Meetings

According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs will decide on either Naples or Mesa next week. They are looking a 3 sites in Florida and two in Naples. Levine chatted with Crane Kenney about the situation. Jim Hendry told Bruce that his time was well spent at the meetings, and 27 of the 30 GMs were there. Hendry planned to talk to some teams about possible moves tonight.

Jason Bourgeois in Cubbie Blue?

Our friends over at Hot Stove Cubbies have a source that tells them that the Cubs are ready to acquire Jason Bourgeois from the Astros. This was posted at 11:30 this morning, and so far we have heard nothing from big league sources. If nothing else, something to keep an eye on.

Calero Still on Cubs' Radar, Bell Probably Staying Put

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Cubs are among the teams that have checked on Kiko Calero. The interest is "contingent" on how confident they are in the health of his shoulder. The Cubs are committed to Marmol as their closer, but would like to add another late inning guy. Today, I chatted with former Cubs broadcaster Andy Masur right here on Everything Cubs Blog. One of the many interesting things Andy told me was that he doesn't see the Padres moving Heath Bell this off season, but maybe at the trade deadline. While Masur thinks it would be "frustrating" for Bell to have to share time with Marmol as Cubs' closer, Heath could be an option in July if Marmol struggles in his new role in the first half. I would encourage everyone to click the link above and check out the full Q&A!

The Cubs Convention is the day after tomorrow!

I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always!

Tuesday Roundup: Maddux, Cubs Spring Training, Another Live Q&A, the Cubs Convention, and More

Countdown to the Cubs Convention... 3 Days!
The Unofficial Opening Day is just a few days away! I've been posting countdown posts for the last 20 days here on this blog, a finally the big weekend is almost here! Follow the up to the second countdown on the right sidebar!

Yesterday, the Cubs Convention full sessions schedule was posted on Cubs.com. Here is the list of events:

Friday, January 15 (All times Central)

• 5:00-5:30 pm: Opening Ceremonies
• 6:-6:45: Autograph Treasure Hunt
• 7-8:30: Cubs BINGO!
• 7-9: WGN Radio's Sports Central Live

Saturday, January 16

• 9-10 a.m.: Meet the Owners
• 9:30-10:30: Baseball Longevity
• 10-11: Meet Cubs Baseball Management
• 10-4pm: Chicago Cubs Photo Experience
• 10:30-11:30: 25 Yeares- A Celebration of the Cubs & Cubs Fans
• 11-Noon: Call to the 'Pen
• 11:30-12:30pm: Think You Know These Guys?
• Noon-1:00: Leaders of the Pack
• 12:30-1:30: Vineline- Covering the Cubs for 25 years
• 1-2: Major League Days
• 1:30-2:30: Meet Cubs Business Management
• 2-3: Lief on the Big Screen
• 2:30-3:30: Lou Piniella: My Life in Baseball, Continued
• 3-4: Cubs Jeopardy!
• 3:30-4:30: Baseball in the Dominican
• 4-5: For Kids Only Press Conference
• 8-Midnight: Rock 'n' Roll Revue

Sunday, January 17

• 9-10am: The Essence of Being a Cub
• 9am-Noon: Chicago Cubs Photo Experience
• 10:30am-11:30: Down on the Farm Presented by Vine Line

Greg Maddux back with Cubs

Former Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux will return to his first club, the Cubbies, to serve as an assistant to GM Jim Hendry. Maddux will assist the Major and Minor League coaching staffs in Spring Training, help the development of Minor League pitchers during the regular season, and aid Hendry in talent evaluation. According to Cubs.com, he "doesn't have aspirations to manage or be a pitching coach right now" and this job will "allow him to spend quality time with his family".

Cubs Looking at Sheets

According to the report from Carrie Muskat, the Cubs will be among the teams watching Ben Sheets, but his contract demands do not appear to fit into their budget. The Cubs are more focused on finding a veteran right-handed reliever than another starter. Paul Sullivan says that Sheets would like to pitch for the Cubs.

Will Dawson's Number be Retired?

Fred Mitchell of the Tribune reports that Andre Dawson's number will be retired by the Cubs if goes in to the Hall of Fame with a Cub cap on. The Hall still has not made their decision as to whether Dawson will be sporting a Cub cap or an Expos cap when he is enshrined. In my opinion, either his play in Chicago was good enough to get his number retired or it wasn't. The fact that Dawson may where go in as an Expo, the team he got his start with and played for the longest, should be a nonfactor in the decision.

Cubs Spring Training Update

Yesterday, I hosted a Q&A with Nick Gandy of the Florida Sports Foundation right here on this blog. We discussed the possible move of Cubs Spring Training to Naples, Florida. The Naples people seem to think a decision will be made during the month of January. One of the most interesting things Gandy pointed out is that 16 of the last 19 World Series winning teams have trained is Florida. In the end, winning a World Series in the top priority.

Carrie Muskat provided us with some more details on Florida's proposal to the Cubs:

• The facility will be leased and maintained by the Cubs under a 20 to 30 year contract.
• It will consist of a 15,000 seat stadium, practice fields, Major and Minor League clubhouses and the Cubs baseball operations headquarters.
• No county sales tax or ad valorem tax is proposed to fund this project.
• Outside of Spring Training, this complex will host adult and Little League softball tournaments, concerts, art festivals, and special events.

In the mean time, Arizona cannot afford to lose the Cubs according to the Arizona Republic.

Bruce Levine Chat Recap

Today, Bruce Levine on ESPN Chicago chatted Cubs and White Sox in his weekly session on ESPNChicago.com. Here's the recap of all the Cubs info that we learned from Bruce:

• Greg Maddux has not interest in becoming a pitching coach. However, after a few years in his new role, be may become a manager.
• Angel Guzman will most likely be traded to either bring back an outfielder or another setup man!
• "Don't think for a minute what (Greg Maddux) says won't have impact on the major and minor league levels," Levine said.
• Bruce thinks that there's only about a 10% chance of the Cubs inking Ben Sheets.
• We will get an update on how Ted Lilly is progressing at the Cubs Convention.
• The decision to lock up Derrek Lee for a few more years will be an ownership question, not a Jim Hendry question.
• The Cubs liked Ryan Church is the past, but he had a few down years.
• The addition of Marlon Byrd makes the Cubs defense "a heck of a lot better".
• Levine is a big fan of Jermaine Dye, a former White Sox outfielder, but he doesn't see where he would fit on the Cubs defensively because there is no DH in the NL.
• The Cubs don't feel that Jeff Samardzija is a bullpen guy. He will be given a good shot to be a starting pitcher in Spring Training.
• If everything works out, Ted Lilly could joined the rotation the second or third week of April.
• The Rockies want a bullpen arm back for Ryan Spillborghs.
• The Cubbies are "keeping their fingers crossed" that Alfonso Soriano will bounce back.
• The impact of Matt Holiday will be felt when the Cubs meet the Cardinals this year.
• It appears that the lead off man is going to be Kosuke and Theriot at this point.
• Aramis Ramirez, who is one of only 3 Cubs that will not be at the Convention, is working hard on conditioning strengthening.
• Neal Cotts was going to be offered a minor league deal by the Cubs, but at this point in his career he'd have a better chance making the Pirates out of Spring Training.
• Koyie Hill proved himself last season. He is the Cubs' backup catcher without a doubt going into 2010.
• Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee, and Ted Lilly are all free agents after 2010.
• Not too many teams are interested in Orlando Hudson at this point.
• Levine would prefer to spend money on a guy like John Smoltz or Jon Garland than Sheets.
• A Cub source told Bruce that they have no interest in Felipe Lopez. "Keep in mind the Cubs will end up with 3 second baseman when Castro becomes the starting SS."
• If Lilly, Soriano, and Soto all do well, Bruce thinks the Cubs will be a 90-win team.

Owners' Meetings

In addition to the Cubs Caravan and Convention, this week is also the owners meetings in Phoenix. For the first time ever, all 30 GMs are at these meetings, which could be like a mini-Winter Meetings. Levine closed his chat with this nugget, "When you get them (the GMs) together for 24 or 36 hours, things are liable to happen."

Andy Masur Q&A

Tomorrow, I will be hosting another live Question and Answer session right here on this blog! This will be the second live chat this week! Andy Masur, former Cubs broadcaster with WGN Radio and current Padre voice, will join us to talk baseball, broadcasting, the Padres, and the Cubs. The Q&A will start at about 12:30 PM Central Time. If you have a question for Andy, you can join us live at 12:30 and submit to question, or you can send it to me at cubsblogmailbag@aol.com, or leave a comment on this post.

Maddux on CTL

The newest member of the Cubs front office, Greg Maddux, joined David Kaplan and company on Chicago Tribune Live yesterday:

• It feels great for Greg to get back into the game.
• Chicago is a great city and a great organization. Wrigley Field is the best place in baseball to go.
• Maddux plans to help in any way he can with the organization and learn about what the front office side of baseball is like.
• If he can pass on his experience to the younger players, hopefully it will make them better baseball players.
• Young players have to understand that there is more to the game than just locating your fastball and changing speeds. They need to learn to field, get bunts down, and improve on their pitch selection.
• Right now Maddux wants to be able to get back into the game very slowly. He has two kids that he still wants to be able to spend a lot of time with.
• "If the guy was skinnier in the on deck circle, you realized you had to talk your chances with him," Greg said of pitching in the steroid era.

Other Notes

• New Iowa Cubs manager and former Cub great Ryne Sandberg met with the media yesterday and was introduced as the new I-Cubs skipper.
• In some sad news, the brother of Cubs pitcher Angel Guzman was shot to death Venezuelan yesterday. Everything Cubs Blog send our condolences to Angel and his family.
• Cubs pitchers and catchers will report for their first workout on Thursday, February 18, and the first full squad workout will be Tuesday, February 23.
• The Cubs will make an official announcement with all the non-roster invitee names by the end of the month.
• The Cubs Spring Training broadcast schedule should also be released soon.
• The Cubs Caravan is Wednesday and Thursday. I'll have a post or two up about that event during that time.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted! Don't forget, a Q&A with Andy Masur will be tomorrow at 12:30 PM CT.

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 5 Days

The full list of attendees for the Convention was in the Tribune today. I posted part of the list yesterday, but let's go ahead and update you with the full list:

• *James Adduci
• *Jeff Baker
• Ernie Banks
• Glenn Beckert
• *Justin Berg
• Bob Brenly
• Randy Bush
• *Marlon Byrd
• *Esmalin Caridad
• *Andrew Cashner
• *Welington Castillo
• *Tyler Colvin
• Jody Davis
• Andre Dawson
• Ivan DeJesus
• Ryan Dempster
• Bob Dernier
• Oneri Fleita
• Mike Fontenot
• *Sam Fuld
• *Tom Gorzelanny
• *John Grabow
• *Jeff Gray
• Angel Guzman
• Jim Hendry
• Koyie Hill
• Micah Hoffpauir
• Pat Hughes
• Randy Hundley
• *Brett Jackson
• *Rudy Jaramillo
• Fergie Jenkins
• Jay Johnstone
• Len Kasper
• Crane Kenney
• Derrek Lee
• Ted Lilly
• Carlos Marmol
• Sean Marshall
• Gary Matthews
• Keith Moreland
• Dave Otto
• Andy Pafko
• Milt Pappas
• Lou Piniella
• Mike Quade
• Larry Rothschild
• Jeff Samardzija
• Ryne Sandberg
• Scott Sanderson
• Ron Santo
• *Carlos Silva
• Matt Sinatro
• Lee Smith
• Geovany Soto
• Tim Stoddard
• Lester Strode
• Rick Sutcliffe
• Ryan Theriot
• Alan Trammell
• Steve Trout
• Randy Wells
• Tim Wilken
• Billy Williams
• Carlos Zambrano
• *The Ricketts family (Laura, Pete, Todd, and Tom)

*= first time at Convention

Link to Carrie Muskat's Convention list, which is the same as the one posted here.

Notably absent from the Cubs Convention list are Aramis Ramirez (who hasn't been to a single Convention in his time with the Cubs), Alfonso Soriano (who is usually there), and Kosuke (who will probably never go to a Convention because of the language barrier).

The full schedule of events still has not been released, but I'll update whenever I hear anything on that regard.

More posts to come...

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 6 Days

With the Cubs Convention only 6 days away, we finally start to get an idea of who will be there and what session we will get the chance to see.

Every year, WGN Radio hosts several sessions. Today, this year's sessions and guests were announced.

Note that the popular "Not for Women Only" session is not included, but there are some interesting looking first time sessions this year.

Here is the WGN Radio Schedule:

• Sports Central (Live on WGN Radio
• Host: David Kaplan:
• Day/Time: Friday from 7-9
• Guests-
• 7-7:30: Ryan Dempster, Ted Lilly, Ryan Theriot, and Rick Sutcliffe
• 7:30-8: Jim Hendry, Lou Piniella, and Oneri Fleita
• 8-8:30: Ron Santo, Pat Hughes, Bob Brenly, and Len Kasper
• 8:30-9: Rudy Jaramillo, Marlon Byrd, and Larry Rothschild
• Meet Cubs Baseball Manangement: 10-11 A.M. Saturday
• Hosts: Bob Sirott and Dave Eanet
• Guests: Lou Piniella, Jim Hendry, and Randy Bush
• Think You Know These Guys?
• Day/Time: Saturday from 11:30-12:30
• Host: Garry Meier
• Guests: Justin Berg, Ryan Dempster, Sam Fuld, Micah Hoffpauir, and Ryan Theriot
• Major League Days
• Day/Time: Saturday 1-2 pm
• Host: John Williams
• Guests: Bobby Dernier, Jody Davis, Jeff Samardzija, and Geovany Soto
• Lou Piniella: My Life in Baseball, Continued...
• Day/Time: Saturday 2:30-3:30
• Host: Steve Cochran
• Guests: One-on-One with Lou Piniella

A pretty good list has been developed so far based on guests from those sessions, the Cubs Caravan lists, and other guys who have committed to being there. This list is not complete, and I will update whenever I hear more.

• Ernie Banks
• Marlon Byrd
• Bob Brenly
• Randy Bush
• Jody Davis
• Andre Dawson
• Ryan Dempster
• Bobby Dernier
• Ivan DeJesus
• Oneri Fleita
• Sam Fuld
• Jim Hendry
• Koyie Hill
• Micah Hoffpauir
• Pat Hughes
• Rudy Jaramillo
• Ferguson Jenkins
• Len Kasper
• Ted Lilly
• Lou Piniella
• Larry Rothschild
• Mike Quade
• Jeff Samardzija
• Ryne Sandberg
• Ron Santo
• Carlos Silva
• Matt Sinatro
• Geovany Soto
• Lester Strode
• Rick Sutcliffe
• Ryan Theriot
• Alan Trammell
• Tim Wilken
• Billy Williams
• Carlos Zambrano

The countdown will continue tomorrow, and I'll update with any new info I get.

More posts to come...

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 7 Days

The Cubs Convention is a week from today!

Today let's finish up the Sports Central guests schedule from past years first. We started this earlier this week.

Len Kasper poses to Carlos Zambrano (who can be seen to the right) at the '09 session that discussed Z's no-no. The picture is so-so at best, but the session was one of the best.

2006 (with Kap & Waddle):

7:00-7:30: Ryan Dempster, Scott Eyre, Michael Barrett, and Mark Prior

7:30-8:00: Jim Hendry and Dusty Baker

8:00-8:30: Ron Santo, Pat Hughes, and Glenn Beckert

8:30-9:00- Juan Pierre and Derrek Lee

2005 Convention Segment (with Kap &Waddle)

7:00-7:30: Dusty Baker and Jim Hendry

7:30-8:00: Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, and Matt Clement

8:00-8:30: Todd Hollandsworth, Derrek Lee, Todd Walker, and Michael Barrett

8:30-9:00: Glenn Beckert, Randy Hundley, and Ron Santo

You can find many years of the Sports Central at the Cubs Convention Segment on Sports Central audio archives. I would expect Kap to be joined by Hendry and Piniella for the first half hour, Cubs players from 7:30-8:30, and then Pat & Ron for the final segment. I would really recommend this session, but there's also a lot of great stuff on Friday night and you basically have to pick. I'll have a full Friday rundown posted possibility sometime this weekend.

Speaking of WGN Radio, Kathy and Judy, the former morning host on 720, host a very popular "Not for Women Only" segment every year. It's one of the silliest sessions, but always good for a laugh. Since last year's Convention, Kathy & Judy have left WGN Radio, so I'm not sure if they'll have this session at all this year and if so who will host it.

Should be getting some more info sometime this weekend as far as the schedule of events and list of attendees.

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 8 Days

Yesterday, it was announced the former Cub great Andre Dawson will be going into the Hall of Fame. Shortly after, the Cubs released (via Muskat's blog) the Dawson will be at the Cubs Convention!

I'm looking forward to seeing The Hawk at the Hilton next weekend. I'm sure he'll be getting thunderous applause, he may even surpass Ron Santo for the loudest cheer when introduced at the Opening Ceremonies (well, maybe not, but both will be loud.)

They'll probably have a special session to honor Dawson.

Also released yesterday was some info on two events that are always associated with the Convention: the Cubs Caravan and the Len & Bob Bash.

The Cubs have announced the list of attendees for the caravan. Click here for the schedule of events which was released a few weeks back. Here are the list of Cubs that will be on the tour with what tour they're on and what day(s) they'll be on.

January 13 Group One:

• Lou Piniella (A.M. only)
• Rudy Jaramillo
• Bob Brenly (A.M. only)
• Oneri Fleita
• Alan Trammell
• Koyie Hill
• Micah Hoffpauir
• Andres Blanco
• James Adduci
• Welington Castillo
• Brett Jackson
• Elio Benitez
• Hector Febregas

January 13 Group Two:

• Randy Bush
• Larry Rothschild
• Mike Quade
• Lester Strode
• Jeff Samardzija
• Randy Wells
• Justin Berg
• Esmalin Caridad
• Andrew Cashner
• Len Kasper

January 14 Group One:

• Bush
• Fleita
• Jaramillo
• Quade
• Strode
• Hill
• Hoffpauir
• Wells
• Berg
• Blanco
• Adduci
• Cashner
• Dave Otto

January 14 Group 2:

• Piniella (A.M. only)
• Rothschild
• Trammell
• Ryan Dempster
• Tom Gorzelanny
• Jeff Gray
• Esmalin Caridad
• Welington Castillo
• Brett Jackson
• Pat Hughes

Since the are on going on the Caravan, I would expect Gray, Gorzelanny, Dempster, Wells, Hoffpauir, Hill, Samardzija, Blanco, Caridad, the coaches, the broadcasters, the front office people listed, and a few of the minor leaguers listed to go to the Convention. Last year, I don't think there was anyone who went on the Caravan but didn't go on the Convention.

Caravan info link from Cubs.com.

Tickets are still available for the January 14 Len & Bob Bash at the House of Blues in Chicago.

I full list and schedule for the Convention should be coming out any day know. As soon as I hear something, I'll post it. Unless their is other news to report, our series on the Sports Central segment will be concluded with tomorrow's post.

More posts to come soon! I'll have more on Dawson, the latest from the Cubs rumor will, and more posted tonight & tomorrow.

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 10 Days

The fact that the 2010 Cubs Convention is only ten days away might make you feel a little warmer on this cold winter day in the Chicago land area.

Yesterday, there was minor news on the Convention front. According to the WGN Radio programming schedule, David Kaplan will once again broadcast Sports Central live from the Convention. Last year, the Sports Central segment was recorded on Friday and then played on Saturday night because of a Black Hawks game being broadcast on WGN Radio, but this year there is no Hawks game on Cubs Convention Friday, so they show will be live on WGN Radio AM 720 from 7-9. The guests that will join Kap and the rest of the Cubs Convention schedule have not yet been announced, I'll post when I hear something.

Here are the lists of guests that have appeared on Sports Central year-by-year:

2009 (with David Kaplan)

6-6:30: Lou Piniella, Larry Rothschilde, & Jim Hendry

6:30-7: Jim Hendry & Oneri Fleita

7-7:30: Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Reed Johnson, & Aaron Miles

7:30-8:00: Len Kasper, Pat Hughes, and Bob Brenly

2008 (with Kap)

7-7:30: Derrek Lee, Mark DeRosa, and Alfonso Soriano

7:30-8: Jim Hendry & Lou Piniella

8-8:30: Ryan Theriot, Ted Lilly, and Ryan Dempster

8:30-9: Pat Hughes, Ron Santo, Rick Sutcliffe, and Glenn Beckert

2007 (with David Kaplan & Tom Waddle)

7-7:30: Ryan Dempster, Mark DeRosa, and Scott Eyre

7:30-8: Jim Hendry, Lou Piniella, Pat Hughes, and Ron Santo

8-8:30: Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, Michael Barrett

8:30-9: Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Carlos Zambrano, and Ted Lilly

Post on Sports Central Segment will be continued tomorrow with more guests from past years, guesses as to who will join Kap this year, and links.

Monday Roundup: Sheets, Garland, Cotts, and More

Ben Sheets to the Cubs?
The big rumor going around the Cubs blogging world today is that rehabbing pitcher Ben Sheets could be on his way to the Windy City. All of the speculation started with Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports predicting that Sheets will end up with the Cubs. Rosenthal says the former Brewers hurler makes sense for a high revenue club that can absorb the injury risk. Bruce Miles, of the Daily Herald, says not so fast. Miles points out that the Cubs are hoping to have enough money to sign a reliever and outfielder first. If been doesn't sign by around the time pitchers and catchers report, Bruce thinks the Cubs could offer some sort of deal with a low base pluse incentives.

Cotts Signs with Pirates
Speaking of rehabbing pitchers, the Cubs let Neal Cotts go when he was non-tendered last month. Today, the lefty signed a minor league deal with the Pirates. Cotts was shut down for the year last July when he underwent Tommy John surgery. Neal has spent his hole big league career in the city of Chicago, 4 years with the White Sox before his 3 years on the North Side. He went 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA last year in just 19 games, and had a 4.29 ERA in 50 games in '08.

How about Garland?
According to Bruce Levine of ESPN 1000 the Cubs could have some interest in Jon Garland. Bruce feels that Garland still has a lot to offer and would be a fit for the Cubs. The former White Sox hurler went 11-13 in 2009 with a 4.01 ERA. Jim Hendry is looking to add to the bullpen via trades this offseason.

Muskat's Tidbits
Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports via her inbox that player like Tyler Colvin will "let the Cubs know when they are ready". Carrie thinks the fact that Carlos Silva is a sinker ball pitcher should help him at Wrigley Field. There have been 37 different Cub second baseman since Ryne Sandberg retired and 118 different third baseman since Ron Santo retired. Muskat expects the Cubs list of non-roster invitees for Spring Training to be released soon.

All Decade Cubs
As we enter the new decade, we continue forming the All-Decade Cubs from the last ten years. This week, be sure to vote on the Cubs starting pitcher of the decade on the right sidebar! Lots of choices, but please vote for only one. Feel free to comment on this post with your thoughts. Thanks so much to all of your who voted on our last poll.

Cubs Convention Updates
Check out today's Countdown to the Cubs Convention post. As expected, David Kaplan of WGN Radio will host his annual "Sports Central Live" on Friday, January 15 at the Cubs Convention.

Also, Cubs Spring Training Tickets go on sale tomorrow!

Hall of Fame Announcement
Wednesday at 12:30 on the MLB Network and live on MLB.com the MLB Hall of Fame Announcement will be made. Cubs legend Andre Dawson should finally get the call. Lee Smith is also up for the Hall. I'll have a number breakdown on "The Hawk" up sometime tomorrow.

I'll update this post if I hear anything else tonight!

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 11 Days

Today we have part two of some Convention-related links.

On a freezing cold first Monday of 2010, it's nice to think they'll be talkin' Cubs baseball at the Chicago Hilton and Towers next week!

Picture of former Cub broadcaster Cory Provus asking a question at one of the 2009 WGN Radio Cubs Convention sessions.

• BCB's first fanpost about the 2010 Convention.
• Video of part of the 2009 Clubhouse Entertainers session
• Highlights of '08 Convention to music
• 2008 Cubs Convention Opening Ceremonies video
• Video from last years' game day experience session (this is the session where I got the photo of Provus above)

That's it for now, more links later in the week. The Countdown will continue tomorrow!

More posts to come...

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 12 Days

Each of the next few days, as we move closer to Cubs Convention 2010, we'll be taking a look at some links from Conventions past. If you're looking to get some info on the Cubs Convention, these links should be helpful!

Photo via Google Images

• Cubs.net has some a great "Meet the Cubs" page that they update each year with info on the Convention and Caravan. You can do lots of reading there for info on the 2006-2009 Conventions.
• Cubsconvention.com updates every year with the list of attendees and schedule of events.
• Cubs.com's Cubs Convention page
• My post previewing the Convention last year be sure to check out the audio links.
• Chicago Cubs Online's Community Blog post about the Convention. As Neil notes in the comments, Ryan Theriot will be there for sure (he told David Kaplan on Sports Central).

I'll have 5 more links tomorrow. Look for a Cubs Convention history post also later in the week. If there's any news concerning the 2010 Convention, I'll post that as well.

More posts to come...

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 14 Days

Two weeks from today is the Cubs Convention 2010!

Today we simply take a look back at all of our countdown posts thus far!

Photo via Google Images
Check out all of our posts counting down the Cubs Convention so far!:

• 19 days (intro to countdown)
• 18 days (links to my posts from last year's convention)
• 17 days (2009 list of attendees)
• 16 days (2009 schedule of events)
• 15 days (autographs and photographs at '09 convention)

Over the next week or so, I'll be linking you up to some great coverage of convention's past!

Check out my happy new year posts if you haven't yet. More posts to come on this first day of 2010.

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 15 Days

Today, as we enter the final day of 2009, we move a step closer to Cubs Convention 2010.
Yesterday, we took a look at the schedule
of sessions from last year's convention, so today let's take a look at the schedule of autograph signings and photograph lines from last year.

Photo from the "Game Day Experience" Session during the 2009 Convention. From left to right: Mike Fontenot, Joey Gathrigh, Kevin Hart, Koyie Hill, Ted Lilly.

Friday Photograph Stage
Ryan Theriot (6-6:45)

Saturday Photos
Mike Fontenot (9am-9:45)
Billy Williams (10-10:45)
Ernie Banks (11-11:45)
Sean Marshall (12-12:45
Carlos Marmol (1-1:45)
Reed Johnson (2-2:45)
Ted Lilly (3-3:45)
Lee Smith (4-4:45)

Sunday Photographs
Geovany Soto (9:30-10:15)- *Since he wasn't there I think Kevin Gregg replaced him
Jeff Samardzija (10:30-11:15)

Friday Autographs
Treasure Hunt Only
Description of Autograph Treasure Hunt-
Cubs autograph treasures await your discovery! Using your treasure map, follow the Cubs logo to hunt for autographs from your favorite Cubs. A Cubs celebrity can be found in every location. Discover who is waiting to be found! Cubs autograph treasure maps will be distributes following Opening Ceremonies and are available at the Cubs Information Area located in the NorthEast Hall, next to registration.

Saturday Autographs
Randy Hundley (9-9:45)
Jose Cardenal (9-9:45)
Billy Williams (9-9:45)
Joey Gathright (9:15-10, for kids only stage)
Ernie Banks (9-10, for lottery winners only)
Bill Buckner (10-10:45)
Jody Davis (10-10:45)
Leon Durham (10-10:45)
Ted Lilly (10:15-11, for kids only stage)
Alfonso Soriano (10:15-11:15, for lottery winners only)
Koyie Hill (11-11:45)
Ryan Dempster (11-11:45)
Bob Dernier (11-11:45)
Carlos Marmol (11:15-noon, for kids only stage)
Ryne Sandberg (11:30-12:30, for lottery winners only)
Neal Cotts (1-1:45)
Alan Tremmell (1-1:45)
Milton Bradley (1-1:45)
Sean Marshall (1:15-2, for kids only stage)
Carlos Zambrano (12:45-1:45, for lottery winners only)
Ted Lilly (2-2:45)
Leon Durham (2-2:45)
Jeff Samardzija (2-2:45)
Mike Fontenot (2:15-3, for kids only stage)
Lou Piniella (1:45-2:45, for lottery winners only)
Geovany Soto (3-4, for lotter winners only)* not sure what they did since he wasn't there
Carlos Marmol (4-4:45)
Randy Wells (4-4:45)
Ivan DeJesus (4-4:45)

Saturday Autographs at Vineline Booth
Glenn Beckert (10-10:45)
Doug Dasenzo (11-11:45)
Tim Stoddard (Noon-12:45)
Scott Sanderson (1-1:45)
Keith Moreland (2-2:45)
Dave Otto (3-3:45)

Sunday Autographs
Darwin Barney & Brandon Guyer (9-9:45)
Micah Hoffpauir (9-9:45)
Alan Trammell (9-9:45)
Lee Smith (9:45-10:15)
Rick Reuschel (9:45-10:15)
Kevine Hart (10-10:45)
Bob Dernier & Doug Glanville (10:45-11:30)
Aaron Miles (10:45-11:30)
Joey Gathright (10:45-11:30)
Doug Dascenzo & Steve Trout (11:30-12:15)
Mike Fontenot (11:30-12:15)
Sean Marshall (11:30-12:15

I didn't go for autographs, but last year I landed Lee Smith, Bill Buckner, Milton Bradley, Reed Johnson, Koyie Hill, Kevin Gregg, Aaron Miles, Steve Trout, Randy Hundley, Doug Dascenzo, Alan Tremmell, Brandon Guyer, Tim Stoddard, Randy Wells, Len Kasper, Pat Hughes, Larry Rothschild, Lester Strode, and more.

More posts to come on this New Year's Eve, and the countdown continues tomorrow...

Countdown to the Cubs Convention: 16 Days

As we move a step closer to this year's convention, let's check out some of the event that were included in last year's!!




Here is the schedule of sessions day by day from Cubs Convention 2009.

Photo from 2009 Opening Ceremonies

Friday
5:00-5:30: Opening Ceremonies
6:00-6:30: Autograph Treasure Hunt
6:00-8:00: WGN Radio's "Sports Central Live" with David Kaplan
7:00-8:30 Cubs Bingo with Wayne Messmer

Saturday
9:00-10:00: Meet Cubs Baseball Management
9-10: Draft Day to the Big Show
9:30-10:30: Cubs Jeopardy!
10-11: Wheelchair Cubs
10:30-11:30: Not for Woment Only
10:30-11:30: Who's the Boss?
11:30-12:30: Piniella & Hist Lou-Tenants
Noon-1:00: Game Day Experience
Noon-1:00: In Touch With the Cubs
1-2: Pitching Clinic
1-2: Welcome to Wrigley
1:30-2:30: The Clubhouse Entertainers
1:30-2:30: In the WGN-TV Booth with Len and Bob
2-3: Hitting Clinic
2:30-3:30: The Magic of '84
3-4: For kids only Press Conference
3-4: Sneak Preview: We Believe
3-4: Baseball Conditioning Clinic
4-5: Making History
8-Midnight: Rock'n Roll Revue

Sunday
9-10: Meet Cubs Business Management
10:30-11:30: Down on the Farm

Well, that should give you an idea of what types of sessions they have at the Convention. Some will change this year, but many will stay the same. I'll post this year's schedule of events as soon as it comes out. I enjoy the sessions, but in case you're more interested in autographs I will have a post about autos at the Convention tomorrow. The sessions are very entertaining and informative, I highly recommend.