Breaking News: Cubs Send Cashner to San Diego

The Cubs made another trade today, sending Andrew Cashner to San Diego in an unexpected move that netted the team first base prospect Anthony Rizzo and minor league pitcher Zach Cates. Double-A outfielder Kyung-Min Na was also sent to the Padres.

Jed Hoyer said today that he saw Cashner as a solid relief pitcher, but a future everyday first baseman was more important to the team at this time. Rizzo is expected to start 2012 at Triple-A with Bryan LaHair set to man first base at the big league level. Hoyer also said today that the Cubs are willing to go through an adjustment period with a young team. The team is still having conversations with Kerry Wood and Hoyer is hopeful that the veteran right hander will return to the Cubs.

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

Cubs Black Friday Shopping List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post Trade Deadline Quick Hits

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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

Rumor Roundup on the Day Before the Deadline

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

Off Day Chatter as the Injuries Pile Up

First of all, sorry about the lack of blogging that has occurred throughout the month of May. I've had a very busy schedule and unfortunately this blog ends up getting shortchanged. I plan to slowly but surely return to more regular blogging. By the first or second week of June, we will be in full swing with everyday posting throughout the summer.

For now, let's take a look at the lengthy list of injuries that are plaguing the Cubs.

• Marlon Byrd was hit in the face in a scary moment during Saturday's Cubs/Red Sox games. He has been placed on the 15-day DL to recover. Reed Johnson will have to pick up the slack and receive regular playing time in centerfield. Tony Campana will see an increased role as the now fourth outfielder. Byrd's roster spot was filled by an extra pitcher, but the Cubs could decide to add a fifth outfielder this week. Lou Montanez was scratched from the Iowa Cubs game today and there is a rumor that he will be called up.



• Top centerfield prospect Brett Jackson is currently dealing with an injury of his own, so he is not an option.



• Geovany Soto has been sidelined with a groin injury. Soto is expected to come off the disabled list in the next week. In his absence, Koyie Hill has seen much of the playing time and continued to do very little at the plate while committing several errors in the field. Weligton Castillo received the nod behind the dish on Sunday and was charged with catcher's interference.



• Andrew Cashner suffered a major setback and is expected to be out most of the summer. He is shut down once against, pretty much starting over in his rehab process.



• Randy Wells is on the road to a return. He pitched in a rehab start for Iowa yesterday and everything went fine. He could return to the rotation as soon as next week. The Cubbies need him back as they their fourth and fifth starters have struggled.



• James Russell received another emergency start on Sunday as Matt Garza went down with the latest injury. Team physicians were to exam Garza's elbow today. The Cubs hope he will return for his next start.



• Jeff Baker was the latest to be bit by the injury bug when he strained his left groin during Sunday's game. There is no word on how severe his injury is.

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

The Latest on the Cubs Rotation

James Russell has struggled every time he has received the ball as the Cubs fifth starter. He has been given enough opportunities (4) to prove he can start, but it is clear that he is better suited for the pen. His ERA for the season is 7.85 and his record stats at 1-2.

That being said, the Cubs are in an interesting position. Next Saturday is the next time that they will need the fifth starter. The two injured pitchers, Andrew Cashner and Randy Wells, are making progress but neither will be ready next week. The Cubs options are dwindling.

According to a tweet from Carrie Muskat, former Cardinals right hander Todd Wellemyer, who was pitching in the minors for the Cubs, has retired. He was given a minor league contract and a chance to start in spring training, but a hip injured hindered his progress. He pitched on 3.2 innings for Triple-A Iowa, allowing four runs on eight hits in his lone start last Thursday.

The Sun Times has reported that LHP Doug Davis will work for Iowa on Wednesday, ruling him out for Saturday's start. Davis worked 6.2 scoreless frames for for Class-A Daytona on Thursday.

Wells and Casher both threw on the side yesterday. They will toss live BP at HoHoKam Park in Arizona sometime in the next week.

Ramon Ortiz, signed in April to potential help bolster the rotation at some point, is 1-1 with a 3.45 ERA in five games for the I-Cubs. He could be the prime candidate for Saturday's start against the Giants if the Cubs go with someone other than Russell. The top pitching prospect at Triple-A is Jay Jackson, who could be called up for his big league debut. Cubs relievers Jeff Samardzija and Marcos Mateo are in the mix, but it is unlikely that the team will decide to go in that direction.

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

Weekend Quick Hits Before 3 with LA

Here are the latest news and notes concerning the Cubbies!

• Starlin Castro is in the No. 3 slot in the lineup for the game against the Dodgers today. It is his second straight game in the spot.


• Ryan Dempster will pitch against his former Cubs team Ted Lilly on Saturday afternoon.


• Randy Hundley is scheduled to sing the 7th Inning Stretch today.


• Today is 22q Awareness Day at the ballpark, hosted by Ryan Dempster.


• According to the Tribune, Bud Selig is not concerned about the lack of attendance at Wrigley Field or in baseball in general.


• Andrew Cashner and Randy Wells are both set to start their throwing programs today. Wells is expected to return to the rotation sooner than Cashner.


• Bruce Miles tweets that the tarp is on the field at Wrigley. The weather forecast is iffy for today, but I would expect them to get the game in.


• Heading into action today, the Cubs and Brewers are tied for third in the NL Central, just 0.5 games out. The Reds and Cardinals are locked in the top spot. All five other teams in the division play under the lights tonight. It's only April, but the Cubs have a chance to move into first place this weekend.

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

Weekend Quick Hits: Santo Special, Kosuke's Health, The Rotation and More

Here's the latest in the world of Cubs baseball!

• WGN-TV will air a Cubs special tonight before the Cubs game against the Rockies. "Ron Santo: In His Own Words" starts at 6:30 CT.


• WGN Radio has announced a seven part series of one-hour interviews featuring Cubs players which will air on the network. The hosts of WGN Sports Night, David Kaplan and Brian Noonan, will also host the series, which is called Cubs Corner. The debut on Tuesday, April 26 at noon features Andrew Cashner and Kerry Wood.


• Patrick Mooney tweets that the Cubs have not yet decided who will start on Tuesday. James Russell and Jeff Samardzija are possibilities, or the Cubs could decide to call-up Ramon Ortiz or Roberto Coello.


• Carrie Muskat reports that Mike Quade is open to bringing a player up from Triple-A to start, but only if they are ready. He wants to talk to his coaches first.


• Kosuke Fukudome, who has been out with a right hamstring strain, did some light running and took batting practice last night. He is close to returning to the lineup.


• Andrew Cashner has no pain and full range of motion in his right shoulder. Muskat reports that the rehab is going well.


• Carlos Zambrano apologized to Mike Quade for leaving the mound too early when he was yanked from a game earlier this week.


• Paul Sullivan says that Sean Marshall is not an option for the rotation.


• The Tennessee Smokies have placed top pitching prospect Trey McNutt on the disabled list.

Sorry about the formating issues on some of the posts lately. We are trying to resolve that problem. That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Cashner & Wells Go Down: Rotation Options Now

The Cubs surprised everyone today by announcing that they have lost two of their starting pitchers after just one time through the rotation. Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner have both been placed on the 15-day DL.

Cashner has a strained right rotator cuff. He left Tuesday's game with the injury, so that was not as much of a shock as Randy's injury. Wells has a strained right forearm.

Losing two starting pitchers this early in the season is a huge hit to a 3-3
Cubs team that fell to the D'backs today. This is about the time that the Cubs regret letting Carlos Silva and Braden Looper go instead of offering one of them a bullpen spot. In spring training, the Cubs had four solid options for the back end of the rotation. All four are now out of the picture- one retired, one released and two injured.

After tomorrow's off day, Carlos Zambrano and Matt Garza will work the first two games in Milwaukee. Then Wells' spot will come up in the rotation. Casey Coleman is expected to be called up from Triple-A Iowa to make the start. Coleman did a great job last year in a starting role and had a fairly good spring. While Coleman is a no-brainer at this point, Cashner's rotation replacement remains a question mark.

Todd Wellemyer, who received a few starts in spring training, is still trying to recover from hip injury. He will start the year at Fitch Park until he is ready to pitch in game situations. Of the rest of the Iowa Cubs projected rotation (Austin Bibens-Dirkx, Roberto Coello, Thomas Diamond, J.R. Mathes and Coleman), Thomas Diamond makes the most sense to come up to the big leagues. He didn't fair too well last year, bouncing back and forth between the pen and starting five. However, Diamond still has the most experience among the four.

The best option could be in the Cubs bullpen. Lefty James Russell was a starter in the minor leagues and could easily move back into that role. Jeff Samardzija is expected to remain in relief for now, while Marcos Mateo is also out of the question.

Most likely, Mike Quade will decide to skip the fifth spot for a while. Ryan Dempster can pitch on regular rest on Monday thanks to the off day Thursday. The Cubs have another day off next Thursday. Q could avoid using more than four starters until either Cashner or Wells returns, depending on how long they are out.

Two roster additions will be made before Friday's game, one of which will be Casey Coleman.

Dempster Set for Opening Day Start

Tomorrow at 1:20, Ryan Dempster will take the hill as the Cubs opening day starter for the first time. Demp will get the nod against the Pirates at Wrigley Field. Mike Quade announced that he would receive the nod to start the season a week before Cactus League games even began, ending Carlos Zambrano's streak of Opening Day starts.

Zambrano started the first game of the season every year from 2005 to 2010. Before that, Kerry Wood (2003-2004) and Jon Lieber (2000-2002) took the honor. Newcomer Matt Garza was also in the mix for the 2011 nod, but he will start the season's third game on Sunday.

Dempster does has previous opening day starting experience, but it has been a while. The last time he took the hill to start a season was in 2002, his second straight Opening Day with the Florida Marlins.

Ryan is set to begin his eighth year as a Cub. It is the final year of his contract, but he is expected to pick up his player option for 2012. A year ago, Dempster went 15-12 with a 3.65 ERA in 34 starts. Quade is not ready to call him the "ace", but he is expected to be the most consistent member of the starting five.

After spending three years as the Cubs closer, Dempster moved into the rotation for the first time in 2008. He had an outstanding year, posting 17 wins and an ERA of 2.96. Surprising performances from he and fellow starter Ted Lilly, who also won 17 games, helped the Cubs win their second straight division title.

Ryan is one of the more charitable and friendly Cubs. He rarely turns down an autograph seeker and raises lots of money for children with illnesses similar to his daughters.

The Opening Day honor is well-deserved for a great pitchers and a great guy. Although the Cubs do not open up until tomorrow, today is Opening Day for some Major League Baseball teams.

Here's the schedule:
Yankees VS Tigers Noon ESPN
Angel VS Royals 3:10
Braves VS Nationals 12:05
Brewers VS Reds 1:10
Padres VS Cardinals 3:15 ESPN
Giants VS Dodgers 7:00 ESPN

I will be at Fitch Park this afternoon to see Andrew Cashner's final tuneup in a minor league game. I'll let you know how it goes later.

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!

Weekend Quick Hits: Conflicting Reports on Castillo, A Plaque for Santo, Barney Pulling Away & More

• Bruce Miles reports that the Cubs will not go after Luis Castillo, who was recently released by the Mets.
• Miles is hoping that the Cubs throw Andrew Cashner into the rotation and cut Carlos Silva.
• Augie Ojeda has not been able to play due to back spasms. Darwin Barney has emerged as the favorite to take the final infield spot.
• According to Carrie Muskat, Todd Wellemyer has been out of the spring rotation because of a sore right hip.
• Casey Coleman has been sent over to Fitch Park to get some innings in.
• Here is a picture of the new Ron Santo plaque at HoHoKam Park.
• MLB Trade Rumors, citing ESPN Deportes as their source, says that the Cubs are interested in Castillo.
• Bruce Levine thinks that the decision on the final two spots in the rotation could be made as soon as Monday or Tuesday.
• The Sun Times reports that Reed Johnson is pulling away from Fernando Perez for the final outfield spot and Barney has the final infield spot all but wrapped up.

My final four picks: Florida, Duke, Ohio State and Kansas.

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

Radio Recaps: Bruce Levine's Latest on Talkin' Baseball

Bruce Levine talked baseball on ESPN 1000 today. Here are some of the things he had to say about Chicago's North Side baseball team.

• Randy Wells and Carlos Silva have not been guaranteed a spot on the Cubs roster.
• Andrew Cashner will be given a shot to start. He that does not work out, he will be in the pen.
• Since James Russell is the only lefty in the mix, he will be given a fair chance at the rotation.
• One fan called in to complain about a surcharge that is put into effect when someone tries to buy tickets early. If a team can make some money by doing something, they are going to do it.
• Fred does not want to hear about Albert Pujols. Levine agrees that this story has not legs because it is ten months away.
• Bruce says that it is certainly possible that the Cubs could bring in a Field or a Pujols, but the guys agree that it may be too much to spend on a 33-year old that you will be stuck with for ten years.
• Levine thinks that GMs need to pay players for what they think they will do during the contract, not what they have already done.

Tom Ricketts joined the guys to talk Cubs baseball:

• Ricketts wants the team to build on the momentum that they had at the end of last season.
• He wants the Cubs to use this next 40 days effectively to get ready for April 1.
• Jim Hendry has 100% support from the Ricketts family. Tom thinks that Hendry had a terrific offseason making the most of what little flexibility the team had going into the offseason.
• Ricketts is excited to have Carlos Pena on the ballclub. A contract extension late in the season if he is having a good year could be an option for Hendry.
• It is true that the Cubs will have a lot more flexibility next offseason. How they decide to put that money to work will be decided late in the season.
• Fans will see more food options that the concession stands this year.
• Levine asked Tom where he stood on a second wild card. Ricketts can see both sides of it and does not have a hardwired opinion.

That's it for now, I'll have more later on the first day of full squad workouts!

January Cubs Updated Roster Predictions

Everyone winter, I predict who will make the Cubs Opening Day roster and update it about once a month as the offseason moves along. With the Cubs latest moves, here is the third update this winter. Changes from the last post, which was in mid-December, are in italics.

Starting Rotation
1. Ryan Dempster
2. Carlos Zambrano
3. Matt Garza
4. Andrew Cashner
5. Randy Wells

Others in the Rotation Mix in Spring Training
Casey Coleman
Jeff Samardzija
Andrew Cashner
Carlos Silva (moved out of rotation with recent moves)

Bullpen
Closer- Carlos Marmol
LH Setup Man- Sean Marshall
RH Setup Man- Kerry Wood (Move Cashner to rotation)
LH Middle Relief- John Grabow
RH Middle Relief- Jeff Samardzija
Long Relief- Casey Coleman
Long Relief-James Russell (with Gorzo being traded, he has a better shot)

Others in the Bullpen Mix in Spring Training
Justing Berg
Thomas Diamond
Scott Maine
John Gaub
Esmalin Caridad
Angel Guzman
Silva

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

Bench
Koyie Hill
Jeff Baker
Darwin Barney
Reed Johnson (Replacing Sam Fuld, will have to compete with Perez)
Kosuke

Others in the Mix
Welington Castillo
Scott Moore
Bryan LaHair
Fernando Perez

Thoughts?

Midweek Quick Hits as the Cubs Caravan Gets Underway

There's a lot going on in the world of the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs Convention is just two days away! Let's catchup on the latest notes:

• The Cubs Caravan started today. Tour one stopped at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse (Cubs Caravan Luncheon) and Cleveland Elementary School. Tour two also went to the luncheon as well as Lake View High School, Mt. Carmel Academy, Prospect High School and the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford.
• Mike Quade made his return to his Prospect High School, where he attended.
• Bruce Miles reports that Andrew Cashner wants to start. Add another name to the rotation mix, as James Russell is expected to get a shot to stretch out in the spring.
• Quade said that Matt Garza is in the mix for the opening day assignment along with Dempster and Zambrano.
• Miles also reports that the Cubs are not counting on Angel Guzman at all. They will see how he progresses in Spring Training but will not rush it.
• If you missed it earlier, the Cubs have signed Reed Johnson to a minor league contract and avoided arbitration with Koyie Hill.
• Johnson is expected to compete with Fernando Perez for the fifth outfield spot.
• Paul Sullivan writes that Quade hasn't committed to a lead-off man, but he has said that Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker are in the mix.
• The report date for pitchers and catchers is set for February 13 with the first workout taking place the following day. The first full squad workout is set for February 19.
• There was a report from 670 the score today that Kerry Wood's contract has a clause to become the team's radio broadcaster after his retirement in it. The Cubs have denied the report and Wood told David Kaplan that he has no interest in broadcasting.
• According to multiple reports, the Cubs new radio broadcaster will not be named this weekend. The station and the team will wait to make the announcement until close to the first broadcast of the spring.
• The full schedule for the Cubs Convention has been released.
• Be sure to vote on our new poll up on the right sidebar!

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

Post Holiday Quick Hits

• Brandon Webb, who was being targeted by the Cubs, signed a one-year contract with the Rangers.
• Click to enjoy a great article on Ron Santo by Barry Rozner.
• Carrie Muskat has an update on former Cubs pitcher Mark Prior.
• Bruce Miles broke down his Hall of Fame ballot, which includes Lee Smith and eight others.
• Bruce Levine says that the Cubs are still in the mix for Matt Garza.
• Rick Sutcliffe is very interested in joining Pat Hughes in the WGN Radio booth. Mark Grace is not expected to leave Arizona, but Keith Moreland, Dave Otto and Randy Hundley are also in the mix.
• Andrew Cashner will have a shot at the Cubs rotation next season.
• Last week I broke down the Cubs schedule for April and May.
• According the Vineline, a special Ron Santo tribute will take place at the Cubs Convention.

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

Cubs 2010 Rookies

The 2010 Chicago Cubs team has been full of rookies, especially on the pitching staff. Tonight, another the third different rookie position player to take the field for the Boys in Blue this season.

Here are some numbers on the young Cubs:

14- Rookies to suit up for the Cubs this season

11- Rookies to pitch for the Cubs this season

8- Guys to make their big league debut for the Cubs this season

6- Pitcher to make their big league debut for the Cubs this season

Let's review the debuts!

April 5, 2010
James Russell, the only rookie pitcher to break camp with the Cubs, pitches two shutout innings on Opening Day! The Cubs were crushed by the Braves 16-5.

May 6, 2010
Starlin Castro breaks in with a bang, launching a homer, a triple, and 6 RBIs! The Cubs beat the Reds 14-7 behind their new starting shortstop.

May 31, 2010
Andrew Cashner throws only one pitch to get the out he needed in his debut in the 8th inning. The Cubs fell to the Pirates 2-1.

June 28, 2010
Brian Schlitter got the job done against the Pirates, striking out both men he faced. After the previous pitcher left mid-better, it only took Brian two pitches to notch his first career K. The Cubs went on to lose the game 2-1.

August 2, 2010
Casey Coleman breaks into the big leagues with a wobbly first appearance. He becomes the third generation of MLB hurlers in his family, the first family ever to send three generations of guys to the bigs as pitchers! Coleman was charged with six earned runs in a lopsided 18-1 loss to the Brewers.

August 3, 2010
Thomas Diamond, called up to replaced Ted Lilly in the rotation, pitches well in his debut. He went six innings and gave up only three runs on seven hits. However, the Cubs couldn't score enough runs for a win and Diamond ended up taking the loss.

August 9, 2010
Marcos Mateo is tossed right into a tied game in extra innings the day he was called up from Iowa. He did not allow a run in the tenth inning, but then the Giants scored with one out in the 11th on a walk-off sac fly.

August 11, 2010
Tonight Welington Castillo is in the lineup, batting 8th and catching. He will make his debut as the batterymate of Tom Gorzelanny. Castillo will look to have a big night at the plate against Giants lefty Barry Zito.

Will these guys be able to help the Cubs win in 2011 and beyond?

All Star Break Roundup: Rumors, TV Schedule, The Futures Game, and More

Before we get into all of the Cubs rumors going around today, let's start with the All-Star festivities!

Yesterday, the XM Radio All-Star Futures Game took place at Angel Stadium! The U.S. team beat the World 9-1 took even the all time series at 6-6. Two Cubs prospects took part in the game. Brett Jackson was on the winning U.S. team. Jackson struck out in his first at bat and walked in his only other trip to the plate. Right after drawing the base on balls, he was picked-off first base by the catcher. Jackson started in center field and then moved over to right in the second inning.

Hak-Ju Lee came off the bench to play the second half of the game at shortstop for the World team. Lee is a 19 year old who is playing for the Peoria Chiefs. He popped out to short in his first AB before drilling a sharp single to left in the 8th. Hak-Ju had a fun week playing at Wrigley Field on Wednesday and Angel Stadium on Saturday. However, he had a rough time in the field in Sunday's Futures Game, making two mistakes at short (1 ruled a hit, the other ruled an error).

For those of you that don't know, here's the full schedule of the MLB-All Star Break on TV. All times are CDT.

Tonight:
Now-7:00 MLB All-Star Batting Practice, MLB Network
6-7 Base Tonight All-Star Edition, ESPN
7-9 MLB Home Run Derby 2010 Live from Angel Stadium, ESPN
7-9 Classic MLB All-Star Games, MLB Network
Southern League All-Star Game 7:30 radio broadcast on MiLB.com
**Game includes Cubs farm hands Blake Lalli, Robinson Chirinos, Steve Clevenger, Tony Campana, Ryan Butcher, and Luke Sommer
9-10 Taco Bell Legends & Celebrity Softball Game (recorded Sunday), ESPN
9-10 MLB Tonight: All-Star Team, MLB Network

Tuesday:
Noon-3 1975 All-Star Game, MLB Network
3-4 MLB All-Star Red Carpet, MLB Network
4-6:30 MLB All-Star Batting Practice, MLBN
5-7 Sports Center at the All-Star Game, ESPN
7:00 MLB All-Star Game, FOX
10-12 Sports Center at the All-Star Game, ESPN

Wednesday:
12-3 1990 All-Star Game @Wrigley, MLBN
5-6 Plays of the First Half, MLBN
6-9 Triple-A All-Star Game PCL VS IL, MLBN
** Includes Iowa Cubs Darwin Barney and Thomas Diamond

Now for the Cubs rumors going around today:

• Tom Ricketts has given Jim Hendry to vote of confidence, but when asked about his GM's job security the Cubs owner said, "I support him, I think he does a great job, and after that we'll just take it one day at a time."
• Ricketts told Carrie Muskat that he's having a great time in his first year as the owner despite the team's struggles.
• MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Rays has some interest in Ted Lilly, who could fit the Tigers and Twins as well.
• Lou Piniella's agent Alan Nero says that Lou will definitely finish out this season but he isn't sure about Piniella's future behind this season.
• Derrek Lee will not ask to be traded to a contender. He plans to finish out the year with the Cubs.
• Josh Thole is one of the names that the Mets could send the other way in a Ted Lilly trade according to WGN Radio's Geoge Ofman.
• Fred Mitchell and David Kaplan write that we should count out the Reds in the Lilly sweepstakes. They add that a Giants scout was at Wrigley last week to see Tom Gorzelanny.
• Andrew Cashner gained some respect in the clubhouse by hitting Blake DeWitt with a pitch on his first throw of the 8th inning last night against the Dodgers.
• Lou was not happy about the umpiring crew this weekend according to Bruce Levine.
• Jeff Baker, Mike Fontenot, and Ryan Theriot are all being shopped. At least one of them is expected to be traded by the deadline.
• Xavier Nady is drawing interest from the Rangers according to Levine.
• Bruce also says that the Colorado Rockies now have interest in Theriot, but the Tigers interest has cooled.

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

Cubs 2010 First Year Player Draft Preview

Coverage & Times
Tonight the 2010 Major League Baseball first year player draft will get underway at 7:00pm CT. The first round will take place tonight televised on the MLB Network. The draft will resume tomorrow at 11am and finish on Wednesday.

This year, the Cubs have the 16th overall pick, which is the highest they've picked in the first round since 2007. All week I will provide you with full reports and updates on the draft on www.twitter.com/cubsfarmupdates!

Recent Top Picks
Here is the list of the Cubs' first round selections from the last ten years and where they are now!

2000: Luis Montanez (SS, #3 overall pick)- finally broke into the big leagues with Baltimore in 2008. He never panned out in his seven seasons in the Cubs' organization. Left the Cubs as a minor league free agent after the 2006 season.

2001: Mark Prior (P, #2 overall pick)- I don't think I need to update you on him. Prior was a good pitcher before all the injuries. Mark hasn't pitched in a big league game since 2006 despite several tries to come back in the Padres organization.

2002: Bobby Brownlie (P, 21st overall pick)- Has a career ERA over four in seven pro seasons. Brownlie pitched in the Cubs' organization until 2007, when he signed a minor league contract with the Nationals. Last season he pitched in 14 games with the Braves' AAA team and 11 Independent League games for Newark.

2003: Ryan Harvey (CF, 6th overall)- Now Harvey's playing in the Rockies organization. He hit .246 for AA-Tulsa last year. The Cubs finally gave up on him after the 2008 season.

2004: The Cubs did not have a first round pick, so their first selection was Grant Johnson, a pitcher out of Notre Dame, who was the 66th overall pick.

2005: Mark Pawelek (LHP, 20th overall)- left the organization at the end of the 2008 season. Currently, he's pitching in the Reds' chain.

2006: Tyler Colvin (OF, 13th overall)- Colvin became the first Cubs' top draft choice since Mark Prior to play in the bigs with the Cubs when he made his debut last September. So far Tyler is having a great season as the Cubs' extra outfielder.

2007: Josh Vitters (3B, 3rd overall)- Vitters was recently promoted to Double-A Tennessee,where he is hitting just .219 in 23 games. Josh is still adjusting to the pitching after his call-up from the Florida State League.

2008- Andrew Cashner (RHP, 19th overall)- Just got called up from AAA to join the Chicago bullpen. He made his big league debut last Monday against the Pirates. So far Cashner has not allowed a run in 3 innings of work.

2009- Brett Jackson (OF, 31st overall)- Enjoying a great season at Class-A Daytona, where he's hitting .274 with a .394 OBP.

What Are They Looking For?
As you can see, the Cubs have started to do a lot better in the department of drafting and developing young players over the last four years. Tim Wilken is reportedly focused on drafting the best athletes that are available. The Cubs are expected to look for some pitching depth. They also will look at the high school crowd a lot this year.

Prediction Time
Most experts think the Cubs will use their first round draft choice on a pitcher. Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com predicts that the Cubs will take RHP Asher Wojciechowski from The Citadel. Wojciechowski, who most writers think will make a big league reliever, is also the guy that www.mymlbdraft.com expects the Cubs to take. Baseball America thinks the Cubs will pick Karsten Whiteson out of Chipley High School in Florida. Whiteson has a lively fastball to go along with his nasty slider and solid change-up.

Rounds 2-50 will have coverage only on MLB.com, starting Tuesday at 11 (Rounds 2-30) and continuing Wednesday (Rounds 31-50).

I'll will have full coverage of the draft all week right here on Everything Cubs Blog!

Weekend Quick Hits: Colvin to Get More Playing Time, Lee Says He's Staying, and More

• Lou Piniella is "fed-up" according to Paul Sullivan. He may bench Kosuke and Geovany Soto in order to get Tyler Colvin and Koyie Hill in the lineup everyday.
• Today's report is the Lou is not "benching" Kosuke, but he is going to try to get Colvin in the lineup on an everyday basis. As Piniella points out, Tyler can play all three outfield spots.
• Ryan Dempster pitched well in the first month but then had a tough month of May where he went 1-4 with a 4.54 ERA. Demp is on the hill tonight.
• The Cubs and the Chicago Fire have begun talks to bring a soccer game to Wrigley.
• Derrek Lee is staying a Cub. He has no desire to leave the organization, and says that any trade rumors are inaccurate.
• Moving Alfonso Soriano back to the lead-off spot is not being considered.
• Randy Wells will pitch tomorrow and Carlos Silva has been moved to Monday.
• The Cubs are taking a longer and better look at Jeff Samardzja's stuff at AAA-Iowa before promoting him again.
• Carrie Muskat reports that the Cubs would liked to see Ryan Theriot show some more patience at the plate.
• Andrew Cashner and Jeff Stevens have both been pitching very well.

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