Yankees are the Champs

Congratulations to the New York Yankees, the champions of the baseball world for 2009. A special tip of the cap to former Cub Joe Girardi, the current Yanks' skipper. I also want to congratulate former Cubs Chad Gaudin and Jerry Hairston Jr. on their accomplishment, even though neither had outstanding Cub-careers.

Now that that's over with, let's get the off season started! What does the World Series being over mean for the Cubs?

The First 15 Days~
The first 15 days after the conclusion of the World Series is the window in which players can file for free agency. The Cubs would like to get John Grabow re-signed before he even hits the free agent waters. Other Cubs who will become free agents are Reed Johnson, Kevin Gregg, Rich Harden, and Chad Fox.

Next 4 Days
The Cubs, and all other MLB clubs, have 4 days left to add their own Rule 55 minor league free-agents to their 40-man roster. One Cub who is a candidate to be added to the 40-man roster is Brad Snyder. If they don't add him, they could try to re-sign him to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training, but Snyder will most likely try to sign with a team where he will have a better chance to play in the big leagues next year.

November 20
Deadline for adding minor league players who are eligible for selection in the Rule 5 draft to the 40-man roster. The Cubs could try to add guys like Welington Castillo, John Gaub, Blake Parker, and Matt Camp. Any of the 4 that are not added to the roster by the 20th will likely be lost in the December 10 Rule 5 Draft. Other candidates to the drafted include Rafael Dolis, James Adduci, Steve Clevenger, Chris Robinson, Jeremy Papelbon, and Alessandro Maestri. Last year the Cubs lost Donnie Veal.


December 12
Deadline for clubs to tender 2010 major league contracts to unsigned players on the 40-man. Neal Cotts could be non-tendered.

MLB Awards
The BBWAA Awards will be~
Nov. 16: Rookies of the Year
Nov. 17: AL Cy Young
Nov. 18: Managers of the Year
Nov. 19: NL Cy Young
Nov. 23 AL MVP
Nov. 24 NL MVP

Other important November Dates:
Nov. 9: MLB Network Offseason Shows Start
Nov. 9-11: GM Meetings in Chicago
Nov. 10: End of Waiver Period
Nov. 11: Start of New Waiver Period
Nov. 30-Dec. 4: Major League Baseball Players Association executive board meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona

It should be fun! I'll keep you posted on all the rumors & news all offseason long here at Everything Cubs.

Later in the Day:
-Updates from Organization Meetings
- Cubs in Winter Ball Updates


Stay tuned!

Cubs Offseason Schedule

Once the World Series is over, Major League Baseball offseason will really get going. Here's a list of import Cubs dates:

• Late Oct./Early Nov.- Tom Ricketts is expected to take control of the Cubs
• Early November- Organizational Meetings in Mesa
• Nov. 4 10am: Cubs Convention weekend passes go on sale at Cubs.com.
• Nov. 9: MLB Network Offseason Shows Start
• Nov. 20: Reserve lists for all Major and Minor League levels filed.
• Dec. 1: Last date for former Club to offer salary arbitration to receive compensation
• Dec. 7-10: Winter Meetings, Indianapolis
• Dec. 10: Rule 5 Draft
• Dec. 12 Tender Deadline
• Jan. 15-17: 25th Annual Cubs Convention

Expected dates based on last years':

• Nov. 1: Players file for Free Agency
• Nov. 10-20: MLB Awards (MVP, Cy Young, ect.) announced
• Dec. 3: Cubs announce Spring Training Schedule
• Dec. 17: Minor League Coaching Staff Changes
• Dec. 18: Cubs Announce Caravan Tour
• Jan. 9: Spring Training Broadcast Schedule Released
• Jan. 11: Cubs Convention Complete Schedule and List of Attendees Released
• Jan. 12-13: Cubs Caravan
• Jan. 20: Cubs make Spring Training Invites
• Feb. 14: Pitchers & Catchers Report
• Feb. 16: Broadcast Schedule for Reg. Season
• Feb. 20: Tickets go on Sale

So, this winter promises to be a thrilling one, and I'll continue to have daily posts and all the latest updates here on Everything Cubs Blogs. We'll have special coverage of the winter meetings in December, Cubs Convention in January, and Spring Training in February! But for the next two months, it's all about looking forward, looking back, and the Hot Stove!