Reviewing Week 1 of the Cactus League

A week of Cactus League play is in the books. It is great to see and hear baseball action from beautiful Arizona. Regardless of how good the team is expected to be, there is something special about baseball on the North Side of Chicago during the summer. Spring Training is the annual prelude to Opening Day.

The team finished the week with a record of 3-3 through the first six spring games. Two rounds of roster cuts have already been made. Here is a list of the players headed back to minor league camp early.

C Micah Gibbs
RHP Dae-Eun Rhee
RHP Marco Carrillo
RHP Trey McNutt
INF Jonathan Mota
OF Jae-Hoon Ha

The Cubs spring training roster now stands at 57 players.

Yesterday Cubs fans had the chance to see baseball on the television for the first time this season with White Sox broadcasters doing the first Crosstown Showdown game of the year on WGN-TV. Today Len Kasper and Bob Brenly make their 2012 debut on WGN-TV for today's game against the Brewers in Maryvale, which can also be heard on WGN Radio.

Former Cubs star Aramis Ramirez is in the lineup for the Brewers today, hitting cleanup. Dale Sveum is managing against his former team for the first time. Ryan Dempster will pitch for the Cubs, battling ninth in the lineup and becoming the first Cubs pitcher to take some at-bats this spring. Geovany Soto is in the Cubs lineup for the first time today after missing the first six games with a groin injury. Here is the complete starting nine.

David DeJesus, RF
Reed Johnson, LF
Starlin Castro, SS
Bryan LaHair, 1B
Geovany Soto, C
Ian Stewart, 3B
Darwin Barney, 2B
Tony Campana, CF
Ryan Dempster, P

Here is a look at the week ahead.

Sunday @LAD 2:05 CT, WGN-TV, Matt Garza
Monday VS Cin 3:05 CT, WGN Radio, Paul Maholm & Jeff Samardzija
Tuesday @San Francisco 3:05 MLB.com, Chris Volstad
Wednesday VS Milwaukee 3:05 MLB.com, Randy Wells & Travis Wood
Thursday ss VS Arizona 3;05 MLB.com; @Colorado 3:10
Friday VS San Francisco 3:05 MLB.com
Saturday ss @Oakland 3:05; VS Texas 3:05 in Las Vegas
Sunday March 18 ss VS CWS 3:05 MLB.com, VS Texas 3:05 in Las Vegas

Other news and notes from this week-

• Catcher Jason Jaramillo has been out with sore legs. His chances of making the team have dwindled because of the injury, so the backup catcher's job could come down to Welington Castillo and Steve Clevenger.
• Welington Castillo, Paul Maholm and Casey Coleman have all advanced to the final four in the bunt tournament. The final spot will be determined by a matchup between David DeJesus and Starlin Castro.
• Carrie Muskat mentioned in her inbox this week that Randy Wells does have one minor league option left. Jeff Samardzija and Marcos Mateo are both out of options, so they would have to clear waivers in order to be sent to Triple-A.

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

Bruce Levine on ESPN 1000 & More

Bruce Levine was ESPN 1000 with Carmen, Jurko and Harry-

• Levine explained the new playoff system that was announced today. An extra wildcard spot in each league has been added for this season. The two wildcards will have a one game playoff.
  
• For this season only, the team with the worst record in the Division Series will host the first two games with the better record hosting the final three games of the series.
• Not many people like the idea of hosting the World Series at a neutral site at a warm weather location, but Bruce likes the idea.
• Travis Wood did not look good in the intrasquad game today. Both Matt Szczur and Brett Jackson took him deep. The Cubs are going to do everything they can to make sure that he is in the rotation.
• Bruce is looking for Jeff Samardzija to get a good shot because the Cubs have only one power arm in their rotation.
  
• Bryan LaHair has a good idea of the strike zone, takes pitches and works hard. He went to winter ball after his banner year at the minor league level. Levine would not bet against LaHair.
• "Never say never," Bruce said when asked about the Cubs chances of ended up with a playoff spot. "The chance is always there."
• Josh Vitters is a talented young hitter who finally showed power last year, but has not worked hard enough yet to reach the big leagues.
• The chances of Brett Jackson being on the roster on Opening Day are pretty slim, but by Opening Day Levine thinks that there is a 75% chance that Jackson will be called up by July. Anthony Rizzo could also be called up by midseason.
  

Other Cubs notes-

• The first Cactus League game is Sunday at 2:05 CT against the Oakland A's at HoHoKam Park. Rodrigo Lopez will be on the mound for the Cubs. It will be broadcast on MLB.com Gameday Audio with Len Kasper and Mic Gillespie.
• Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza will pitch the second and third Cactus League games, respectively.
  
• The blue team beat the white team 10-4 in today's intrasquad game. The blue team was made up of mostly minor leaguers and backups.

There were four matchups today in the Cubs bunt tournament to complete the Sweet Sixteen. Here are the Sweet 16 matchups.

Beliveau vs. McNutt

Rusin vs. Coleman

Samardzija vs. Wells

Maholm vs. Sveum

Cardenas vs. Lalli

W. Castillo vs. Clevenger

Mather vs. Castro

Baker vs. DeJesus

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

Weekend Quick Hits: Castro Reports, Ricketts in Mesa and More

Yesterday was a busy day as the Cubs had their first full squad workout of 2012. Believe it or not, the first Cactus League game of the season will take place a week from tomorrow!

• Tom Ricketts met with the team and with the media yesterday. There are no plans for the Cubs to play anywhere else during Wrigley Field renovations.
• The new Cubs Spring Training facility is still expected to open in 2014.
• Blake DeWitt is happy to be in Spring Training with the Cubs. He said that his plans are not effected by the fact that he is no longer on the 40-man roster. Regardless, he is trying to win a job.
• Red Sox owner John Henry said that there was a misunderstanding between the Cubs and Boston on the Theo Epstein compensation package that caused the negotiation to take so long.
• The bunt tournament is continuing today at Fitch Park. Carrie Muskat reports that Steve Clevenger is set to face Tony Campana today, while Bryan LaHair takes on Anthony Rizzo.
• Dale Sveum clarified yesterday that Bryan LaHair will be the first baseman on opening day. "It's his job, not his to lose," he said.
• Starlin Castro arrived in camp and addressed the sexual allegation charges. He seemed ready to focus on baseball, and said that he learned that you have to be careful because there are a lot of bad people in the world.
• According to the Chicago Cubs twitter, "Szczur, Cardenas, Mota, Lalli, B. Jackson, W. Castillo, Clevenger and LaHair advance" in the bunt tournament today. " Lake, Vitters, Brenly, Adduci, Ha, Sappelt, Campana and Rizzo eliminated."
• According to Carrie Muskat, Alfonso Soriano said yesterday that the Cubs will not miss Carlos Zambrano.
  

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

Paul Sullivan on WGN Sports Night

Cubs beat writer Paul Sullivan joined David Kaplan, Brian Noonan and Andrea Darlas tonight on WGN Sports Night. Sully is in Arizona covering Cubs camp.

• It's too soon to tell if there is a different vibe coming from Dale Sveum.
• The Cubs are doing more video and pitchers fielding drills so far.
• "Spring Training is what it is, you can't change it too much," Sullivan said.
• The Cubs Way manuals are only for the staff so far. They will eventually be handed out to the players.
• Kerry Wood or Ryan Dempster usually hosts a team party during camp.
• Sullivan thinks that the pitching staff should be noticeably better than 2011. Dempster had a rough first month and Casey Coleman and James Russell both spent time in the rotation.
• Carlos Marmol is expected to have a much better year.
• Alfonso Soriano is the guy that most people will be looking at most to see if Dale Sveum holds true to his word about holding players accountable for not hustling.
• Sveum said today that he is going to try some different lineups in Spring Training and base his Opening Day batting order on how different guys perform during camp.
• Sullivan guesses that David DeJesus is going to lead-off, Starlin Castro may hit third and Darwin Barney will be down in the eight spot.
• Theo Epstein does not believe in giving out many no-trade clauses. There is no rush in signing Matt Garza long term right now, but if he does reach a deal Sullivan does not expect it to include a no-trade clause.

Other notes from today-

• According to Carrie Muskat, Trey McNutt could be sent to Boston to complete the Theo Epstein compensation.
• Bruce Miles tweeted that the Cubs are having a pitchers bunting tournament this Spring Training. Kerry Wood is the early favorite.
• Blake DeWitt has accepted his assignment with Triple-A Iowa and will be in camp as a non-roster invite.

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

News, Notes and Links from Day 1 in Mesa

Pitchers and catchers officially reported to Mesa, Arizona for the start of Spring Training workouts today. Here's the latest as we start the countdown to the Cubs Cactus League opener, two weeks from tomorrow against the A's.

• ESPN Chicago reports that Blake DeWitt has until Wednesday to decide whether or not he will accept his outright assignment to Triple-A or become a free agent. Jed Hoyer is hopeful that DeWitt will chose to remain in the organization.
• According to Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com, the Cubs don't expect Starlin Castro's legal situation to be a distraction. Castro is expected to report to camp on time.
• Mooney tweeted today that Jed Hoyer expects to discuss and extension with Matt Garza, possibly this spring.
• Bruce Miles tweets that Theo Epstein has not seen "Moneyball" and has no plans to. He is not a fan of "proprietary" info getting out.
• Reed Johnson likes Dale Sveum's commitment to playing the game hard.
• Marlon Byrd says he lost 20 pounds during the offseason.
• It was 70 degrees and sunny today in Mesa.
• Chicago Cubs Online posted a nice look back at the Cubs offseason.
• Dale Sveum had individuals meetings with pitchers and catchers this morning and met with the media later in the day.
• Tomorrow official workouts begin at Fitch Park.
• Theo Epstein has put together a manual for Cubs staff members explaining The Cubs' Way.

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

Pitchers & Catchers Report Tomorrow

Tomorrow Pitchers and Catcher will officially report to Fitch Park in Mesa, Arizona! Spring Training is right around the corner. Most of the Cubs have reported early to camp. Here are the latest news and notes on the eve of the official start of the 2012 season.

• Kerry Wood, Travis Wood, Darwin Barney, Geovany Soto, David DeJesus, Matt Garza and Randy Wells have all reported early to Fitch Park.
• Cubs fan Brian Pasnik is one of the finalists for the MLB Fan Cave Contest.
• Tim Sheridan's Boys of Spring Blog is a great place for pictures and updates from Mesa. Tim has already posted some great pics from the early birds working out.
• "I don't talk about that," Matt Garza said this week about the idea of signing a long term deal with the Cubs.
• Blake DeWitt will have the option of either returning to the Cubs as a non-roster invite or testing free agency if he clears waivers.
  
• For those that missed it, Kosuke Fukudome signed with the White Sox this week.
• The Cubs are STILL waiting to hear Bud Selig's ruling on the Theo Epstein compensation case.
• Patrick Mooney breaks down ten things to watch for the Cubs this season.
• According to Cubs.com, Dale Sveum is optimistic about the Cubs pitching staff for this season.
• Carrie Muskat reports that today Kerry Wood and Rodrigo Lopez threw off the mound, Rudy Jaramillo conducted early sessions in the cages, and Darwin Barney, Bryan LaHair and Josh Vitters were practicing in the field.

That's it for now, but I'll have more tomorrow!

Spring Training Non Roster Invitees Set

As we draw closer to Spring Training, the Cubs have announced the full list of non-roster players who will be invited to big league camp in Mesa. These 21 players will be in Dale Sveum's camp, along with the entire 40-man roster.

• Marco Carillo, RHP
• Manny Corpas, RHP
• Jay Jackson, RHP
• Rodrigo Lopez, RHP
• Trey McNutt, RHP
• Trever Miller, LHP
• Blake Parker, RHP
• Dae-Eun Rhee, RHP
• Chris Rusin, LHP
• Michael Brenly, C
• Jason Jaramillo, C
• Blake Lalli, C
• Alfredo Amezaga, INF
• Edgar Gonzalez, INF
• Jonathan Mota, INF
• Bobby Scales, UTL
• Matt Tolbert, INF
• James Adduci, OF
• Jae-Hoon Ha, OF
• Brett Jackson, OF
• Joe Mather, OF

This year's set of invitees includes a good balance of veteran signings and up-and-coming prospects. Brett Jackson will receive the most attention among hitting prospects, while a lot of hype surrounds Trey McNutt on the pitching side. Jae-Hoon Ha, Dae-Eun Rhee and Jay Jackson are all players to keep an eye on as well.

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

2012 Cubs Spring Training Schedule Released

Can you believe it is that time already? Baseball's Winter Meetings are just over a week away, December starts next week, Thanksgiving is two days away and the Cubs Spring Training schedule has already been released!

The broadcast schedules for TV and Radio will be released at a later date... but here is a full look at the Cubs Cactus League slate! (All times CT)

Sunday March 4 VS A's 2:05
Monday March 5 VS A's 2:05
Tuesday March 6 VS Rockies 2:05
Wednesday March 7 @ KC 2:05
Thursday March 8 VS Seattle 2:05
Friday March 9 @CWS 2:05
Saturday March 10 @Brewers 2:05
Sunday March 11 @LAD 3:05
Monday March 12 VS Reds 3:05
Tuesday March 13 @SF 9:05
Wednesday March 14 VS Brewers 3:05
Thursday March 15 (ss) VS D'backs 3:05, @Rockies 3:10
Friday March 16 VS Giants 3:05
Saturday March 17 (ss) @A's 3:05, VS Rangers in Las Vegas 3:05
Sunday March 18 (ss) VS CWS 3:05, VS Rangers in Las Vegas 3:05
Monday March 19 @Seattle 3:05
Tuesday March 20 (ss) @A's 3:05, VS Rangers 3:05
Wednesday March 21 Off Day
Thursday March 22 @Texas 3:05
Friday March 23 @Rockies 3:10
Saturday March 24 VS Padres 3:05
Sunday March 25 @Indians 3:05
Monday March 26 (ss) @D'backs 3:10, VS Padres 3:05
Tuesday March 27 VS Reds 3:05
Wednesday March 28 VS Indians 3:05
Thursday March 29 @Padres 3:05
Friday March 30 VS Dodgers 3:05
Saturday March 31 VS Angels 3:05
Sunday April 1 @Angels 3:05
Monday April 2 @D'backs 3:10
Tuesday April 3 VS Brewers 2:05

That's it for now... the countdown is on!

Blogging from Mesa (#2)

The Cubs picked up a win over the Rangers today and made some big time roster decisions. Here's the latest:

• Andrew Cashner was named the Cubs fifth starter today. Carlos Silva was told that he will not make the team.
• Silva was not happy with the way the Cubs handle the competition and the way Mark Riggins informed him about the decision.
• Jim Hendry is trying to work out a trade for Silva, but if that does not happen he will be given the option of going to Triple-A Iowa or becoming a free agent. Silva said today that there is "no chance" of him going to Triple-A.
• Marcos Mateo has made the team. Mike Quade announced today that Mateo has won the final spot in the bullpen. Jeff Stevens and Casey Coleman were both sent to minor league camp today.
• There are currently only 27 guys in big league camp. The two extra players are both catchers trying to recover from injuries- Welington Castillo (finger) and Max Ramirez (wrist). Carrie Muskat reports that they are in camp for insurance and Koyie Hill is still expected to make the roster.
• Ramirez will take BP tomorrow and if it goes well he could get in a Cactus League game before camp breaks.
• Q expects Mateo, Russell and Samardzija to all be able to go 2+ innings on some days.
• Augie Ojeda, who was already sent to Fitch Park, is dealing with more back spasms.
• Jeff Baker is day-to-day and expects to play in Goodyear on Monday.
• Randy Wells will start the Cubs intersqaud scrimmage on Wednesday, while Cashner gets his final tune-up on Thursday in a minor league game.
• On a personal note, today I saw a game at Surprise Stadium for the first time. I was very impressed with the field, which is a bit smaller than HoHoKam. It's a good place to take in a ballgame.
• This morning I watched early batting practice at HoHoKam Park before the team left on the bus. It's a great idea if you would like to get close to the players and have a shot at an autograph or two in addition to seeing some extra BP.

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

Blogging from Mesa (#1)

I'm having a great time so far in Arizona. Here's all the latest, including news, my observations, personal experiences, and roster moves!

• Braden Looper announced his retirement today. He was told that he was not going to be on the Cubs roster so he decided to call it quits.
• James Russell, Andrew Cashner and Jeff Samardzija have all been told that they are on the team.
• The Cubs announced five more roster cuts yesterday. Scott Moore, Bobby Scales, Fernando Perez, Augie Ojeda and Matt Camp were all sent to minor league camp.
• Speaking of minor league camp, I went to Fitch Park to see the workouts this morning before going down the street to HoHoKam for the game. I enjoyed seeing the young guys practice, I would recommend stopping by Fitch Park if you're in the area.
• To relay another personal experience, I saw Cubs GM Jim Hendry at Don & Charlie's tonight. Don and Charlie's is a great place to go for a baseball fan. The restaurant is literally covered wall-to-wall in baseball memorabilia.
• Last night I went to Diamond's to eat. Ivan DeJesus was there hanging out and I've hear that Greg Maddux is a frequent visitor. Diamond's was originally called Harry and Steve's owned by Harry Caray and Steve Stone. It has been under several different owners and had several different names since then.
• Since Perez was sent down to Iowa, Reed Johnson will make the team as the Cubs fifth outfielder.
• I've been especially impressed by Darwin Barney during the two games I've seen. He was rewarded by being named the starting second baseman, to platoon with Jeff Baker, earlier this week. Blake DeWitt, who homered today, will start the season on the bench.
• The Sun-Times reports that Carlos Silva is expected to make the team unless he is traded.
• Randy Wells was officially told today that he is the fourth starter.
• The roles of Andrew Cashner and Carlos Silva have yet to be determined. One will be the fifth starter, while the other will pitch in middle relief.
• RHP Kevin Correia will pitch for the Pirates on Opening Day at Wrigley Field.
• Robert Redford, an actor, will throw out the first pitch for the opener. Ron Santo Jr. will sing The 7th Inning Stretch.

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

Game Preview: Cubs VS A's

The start of the baseball season is here at last! Today the Chicago Cubs take the field for the first time in 2011 as they battle the Oakland A's at HoHoKam Park in the Cactus League opener.

The Cubs will get a look at four different pitchers today. Carlos Zambrano will start the game and is expected to pitch two innings. Matt Garza will pitch for the first time in a Cubs uniform after Z leaves. Carlos Marmol and Jeff Samardzija will also work in the game.

Marmol is preparing for his second full season as the Cubs closer, while Samardzjia is trying to earn a job in the bullpen. Since Jeff is out of options, it is likely that he will end up with a spot in the 'pen. If Samardzija makes the pitching staff then five bullpen spots are locked up. Marmol will close, Kerry Wood and Sean Marshall will setup and John Grabow will pitch in middle relief. Whoever does not make the rotation between Andrew Cashner, Carlos Silva and Randy Wells will likely fill the sixth spot. The seventh rotation gig will probably belong to James Russell, but Scott Maine is also in the mix.

Other guys trying to earn a spot on the pitching staff include Todd Wellemyer, Braden Looper, Casey Coleman, Robert Coello, Thomas Diamond, Justin Berg and Esmalin Caridad.

Rain is expected in Mesa this morning, but it is supposed to clear up by game time. The weather is better than it is in the Chicago land area, but it is not hot. The high is just 53 degrees.

This game marks the start of a new era of Cubs Radio. Veteran play-by-play Pat Hughes enters his 16th season as the voice of the Cubs on WGN Radio. For the first time, Ron Santo will not sit next to Pat. Keith Moreland, who has filled in on TV and radio several times in the past, will start his career as the Cubs color commentator.

It all starts with Cubs Insider, hosted by David Kaplan at 1:00. Judd Sirott has Cubs Central Pregame at 1:30 leading up to the first pitch at 2:05. Trevor Cahill, who was an all-star last season, will start for the A's against Zambrano. Brad Ziegler, Joey Devine and Danny Farquhar are also expected to take the hill for Oakland.

Mike Quade starts his first full season as the manager of the Chicago Cubs today. Here is the lineup that he will run out there.
1. Kosuke, RF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Marlon Byrd, CF
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Carlos Pena, 1B
6. Alfonso Soriano, LF
7. Geovany Soto, C
8. Blake DeWitt, 2B
9. Carlos Zambrano, P

I cannot wait to hear Pat Hughes say the words, "Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air!"

Today I will be thinking about Ron Santo.

And for the first time this year...

"I don't care who wins as long as it's the Cubs!" -Bert Wilson

Countdown to Cactus League Baseball: 2 Days

Chicago Cubs baseball will be on the air on Sunday! David Kaplan starts it off with Cubs Insider at 1:00, Judd Sirott has Cubs Central Pregame at 1:30 and Pat and Keith will have the call at 2:05.

Mike Quade has announced his starting lineups and batting orders for the first three Spring Training games.

Sunday VS Oakland
Kosuke, RF
Starlin Castro, SS
Marlon Byrd, CF
Aramis Ramirez, 3B
Carlos Pena, 1B
Alfonso Soriano, LF
Geovany Soto, C
Blake DeWitt, 2B
Carlos Zambrano, P
Also playing Sunday: Darwin Barney (SS), Fernando Perez (CF), Bryan LaHair (1B), Tyler Colvin (RF), Brett Jackson (LF), Jeff Baker (2B), Josh Vitters (3B). The starters are expected to play five innings.

Monday VS Brewers
Reed Johnson, CF
Darwin Barney, SS
Tyler Colvin, RF
Alfonso Soriano, LF
Caros Pena, 1B
Jeff Baker, 2B
Marquez Smith, 3B
Koyie Hill, C
Randy Wells, P

Tuesday VS Giants
Kosuke, RF
Starlin Castro, SS
Marlon Byrd, CF
Aramis Ramirez, 3B
Geovany Soto, C
Blake DeWitt, 2B
Reed Johnson, LF
Bryan LaHair, 1B
Ryan Dempster, P

Other Updates

• The Cubs will moved down to HoHoKam Park after today's workout. They will practice there tomorrow.
• Angel Guzman will face hitters in a live BP session next Wednesday.
• Today would have been Ron Santo's 71st birthday.
• Mike Quade likes Kosuke in the lead-off spot.

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

Countdown to Cactus League Baseball: 3 Days

The Cubs and the Oakland A's in Mesa, Arizona this weekend! As most of you know, the big Spring Training opener is Sunday in 2:05 and will be broadcast on WGN Radio. Here are a few quick hits as we count down!

• According to a tweet from Patrick Mooney, the Cubs pitching rotation for the start of Spring Training is set. The scheduled pitchers are posted below.
• Mooney also tweeted that Mike Quade does not see Starlin Castro as a lead-off hitter.
• Carrie Muskat reports that the lineup for Sunday's game will be posted tomorrow. Aramis Ramirez is expected to be in the cleanup spot.
• The reality of Ron Santo's death is hitting Pat Hughes this week.

Pitching Schedule

Sunday VS Oakland: Carlos Zambrano, Matt Garza, Carlos Marmol

Monday VS Brewers: Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner

Tuesday VS Giants: Ryan Dempster and Casey Coleman

Wednesday VS Rangers: Carlos Silva and James Russell

Breaking News: Ryan Dempster to Start on Opening Day

Updated 3:20pm CT with Spring Training Rotation Info

Today, Mike Quade named Ryan Dempster his Opening Day starter. Demp will take the ball against the Pirates on April 1 at Wrigley Field. This choice is very popular among Cubs fans.

Carlos Zambrano got the nod for six straight years as the Cubs Opening Day guy. The last time he didn't start on Opening Day was when Kerry Wood took the ball for Dusty Baker in 2004. Matt Garza was also in the mix to start the opener.

Quade made the decision this early on because he want to be able to set up the Spring Training rotation accordingly. Zambrano will essentially be the Cubs No. 2, starting the second game of the season. Garza will pitch the final game of the series with the Pirates on April 3.

Update: The Cubs also announced today that Matt Garza and Carlos Zambrano will both pitch in the Spring Training opener against the A's on Sunday. The first pitch is at 2:05 with Cubs Central Pregame on WGN Radio starting at 1:30. It is almost here!

Mike cited Zambrano's hot finish as a reason why this decision was so tough. Dempster status in the clubhouse was not a factor in the decision.

Shifting gears, the MLB Network has released its full 83 game Spring Training broadcast schedule. The first game will be on Saturday at Noon CT as the Phillies take on the Yankees. They will air a tape delayed version of the Rockies/D'backs game on Saturday night at 10:00. Next Sunday, the Angels and Dodgers will battle on the network at 2:00.

The Cubs will play on MLBN on March 11 against the White Sox, March 21 against the Angels, March 22 against the Dodgers and March 25 against the Mariners. The channel will air its "30 Clubs in 30 Days" series for the third straight year. The Cubbies will be featured on March 11 at 6:00 (after the air the Cubs/Sox game).

More to come...

Pitchers and Catchers Have Reported

We can officially say those five magical words, "Pitchers and catchers have reported!" Baseball is right around the corner as the Cubs and the Oakland A's meet two weeks from today at HoHoKam Park. Everything Cubs blog will have you covered throughout Spring Training.

Tomorrow will be the first official workout and the first full squad workout will take place on Saturday. Mike Quade and Jim Hendry are both scheduled to meet the media today. I will update this post throughout the day with more information that comes from the Valley of the Sun.

Here are some tidbits to start us off!

• It is expected to be 77 degrees and sunny in Mesa today.
• Reed Johnson has reported early, according to a tweet from Bruce Miles. Johnson says that his experience with the Cubs was the best of his career. He does not mind fighting for a job this spring.
• Carlos Marmol has already taken his physical and is close to a multi-year deal with the team.
• Tim Sheridan's most recent post mentioned that Marlon Byrd has been working with Tyler Colvin and showing him some tips.
• Carrie Muskat writes that Jeff Samardzija will have a shot at the rotation, but Bruce Levine and Gordon Wittenmyer have reported that the Shark will only be looked at for the pen.
• Wittenmyer told David Kaplan yesterday on Cubs Insider that Casey Coleman will most likely be sent back to Triple-A to start the year.
• Levine continued his Spring Training previews yesterday with a look at the outfield. Mike Quade will have to decide who his starting right field is (Kosuke or Colvin) and who his fifth outfielder is (Perez or Johnson).

I'll keep you posted throughout day one of the 2011 season!!!

Cubs WGN-TV Spring Training Broadcast Schedule

While my Green Bay Packers prepare to battle the Steelers in the Super Bowl, the Cubs are getting set to report to Mesa, Arizona. Pitchers and catchers report a week from today! A quick programing note- Cubs Insider will air on WGN Radio with David Kaplan today at 3:30.

Now, here is the WGN-TV broadcast schedule for Spring Training. Comcast Sports Net has yet to release its Spring Training schedule. All times are central.

• Sunday March 6 (ss) VS LAD 2:05
• Saturday March 12 (ss) VS Reds 3:05
• Sunday March 13 @D'backs 3:10
• Saturday March 19 @Padres 3:05
• Friday March 25 VS Mariners 3:05
• Sunday March 27 VS Rockies 3:05

According to Cubs.com, it looks like almost all of the Cubs Spring Training games will be available on Gameday Audio on MLB.com this year.

Remember-

"I don't care who wins as long as it's the PACK!"

Ernie Banks' Annual Cubs Slogans

Cubs legend Ernie Banks celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this week! Each year, Mr. Cub unveils a rhyming slogan for the Chicago Cubs season. Here is the one for this season.

"Santo's in heaven, so we're going to win in '11!"

Will this finally be the slogan that comes true? It all started with "The Cubs will shine in '69" and since then Banks has gone through a lot of slogans. Here is the list of some of the slogans. Add any that I missed to the comments.

• The Cubs will be devine in 2009!
• The Cubs will sour in 2004!
• The Cubs will glow in 7-0!
• The Cubs will be thunderous in 71-derous!
• The Cubs will be heavenly in 67ly!
• The Cubs will come through in 72!
• The Cubs will be great in 68!
• The Cubs are going to win in 2010!

This is a short list, but one thing is for sure. When Ernie's slogan comes out, it means baseball is right around the corner.

11 days until pitchers and catcher report... 24 days until Cactus League Baseball!

Cubs Radio Analyst Breakdown: Dave Otto VS Keith Moreland

According to multiple sources, the Cubs are down to two for their new radio color guy. Either Dave Otto or Keith Moreland will join Pat Hughes in the booth in 2011.

With the first Spring Training broadcast only 25 days away, the announcement will have to made soon. Most likely, WGN Radio and the Cubs would like to give whoever gets the job a chance to prepare for the season before the season starts. I would expect this to be over with in the next two weeks.

Keith Moreland

• Age: 56
• Birthday: May 2
• Grew up: in Texas
• Playing Career: 1978-1989 (Phillies, Cubs, Tigers, Orioles)
• Cubs Career: 1982-1987
• Positions: OF, 3B, C
• Broadcast Experience: Color for Texas Longhorns baseball and football broadcast, filled in for Ron Santo and Bob Brenly several times during 2009 and 2010 seasons.
• Pre/Post: Has not done any interviews yet on the Cubs broadcasts that he has been on.

Dave Otto

• Age: 46
• Birthday: Nov. 12
• Grew Up: In Illinois
• Playing Career: 1987-1994 (A's, Indians, Pirates, Cubs)
• Cubs Career: 36 games in 1994
• Position: LHP
• Broadcast Experience: Has been doing fill in work on radio for over ten years... Joined Chip Carray during Steve Stone's two year absence on TV from 2001-2002... primary fill-in for Santo on WGN Radio... occasional fill-in for Brenly on TV
• Pre/Post: Good interviewing skills... often does pregame interviews when he fills in on radio... host of sessions at Cubs Convention... occasional fill-in for Todd Hollandsworth on CSN pregame

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WGN Radio Spring Training Schedule Released

WGN Radio has announced their broadcast schedule for Cubs Spring Training! The first game is just four weeks from tomorrow! Pat Hughes will have the call, and according to a report from the Tribune, the field has been narrowed down to two for Ron Santo's replacement. Unless things change, either Dave Otto or Keith Moreland will join Pat. The announcement will be made before the first broadcast.

Here is the broadcast schedule. Pregame with Judd Sirott starts 35 minutes before game time. All game are in Mesa unless otherwise noted. All times CT.

• Sun Feb. 27 VS Oakland 2:05
• Mon Feb. 28 VS Milwaukee 2:05
• Sat March 5 VS San Diego 2:05
• Sat March 6 VS LAD (ss) 2:05
• Sat March 12 VS Cincinnati 2:05
• Sat March 19 VS San Diego 3:05
• Sun March 20 VS San Francisco 3:05
• Mon March 21 VS Cincinnati 3:05
• Sat March 26 VS Texas 3:05
• Sun March 27 VS Colorado 3:05
• Tues March 29 VS Arizona 3:05

The TV schedule for Spring Training should be out in the next week or two.

It will be bitter sweet when Pat says "Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air!" on Feb. 28, because his partner will not be with him. It will never be the same again.

Non Roster Invites Released

With Spring Training report dates and Cactus League games approaching, the Cubs have released their list of 21 non-roster players that will be in big league camp.

They have announced the signing of Braden Looper and Augie Ojeda to minor league deals that include invites to camp. The pattern of ex-Cubs returning continues as Ojeda joins a group that also includes Johnson, Wood, Montanez and Wellemyer.

Looper did not pitch in 2010, but it was not injury related. He last put on a big league uniform in 2009 with the Brewers. Augie Ojeda is a switching hitting infielder that played for the Cubs from 2000-2003 and most recently with the D'backs from 2007 to 2010.

Here are the other 19 NRIs:

• Chris Carpenter
• Angel Guzman
• Jay Jackson
• Trey McNutt
• Todd Wellemyer
• Scott Rice
• Steve Clevenger
• Chris Robinson
• Matt Camp
• Brian LaHair
• Scott Moore
• Bobby Scales
• Marquez Smith
• Jim Aducci
• Josh Vitters
• Brett Jackson
• Reed Johnson
• Lou Montanez
• Brad Snyder

17 days until pitchers and catcher report to Mesa, AZ!