After the Cubs missed on Masahiro "We think he's a No. 3 Starter – Cashman" Tanaka, the Cubs went to a fall back plan. They signed Jason Hammel to a 1-year, $6 million dollar deal. Hammel, who has been good at times and bad most others, is a classic pump-and-dump candidate a la Feldman/Baker/numerous others. Do you remember the Scott Hairston …
The Cubs’ IFA Mistake
Why we can be confident that the Cubs didn’t intend to exceed their pool space in 2013-14 International Free Agency.
Better Know a Cub: Pedro Strop
Pedro Strop was part of the trade that sent Scott Feldman over to the Orioles. While the "big prize" in that trade was considered to be Jake Arrieta, there's a great chance that Strop is going to provide more value going forward. He had a rought beginning to 2013 before he was traded to the Cubs. What's Strop likely to …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (35-45) at Oakland Athletics (48-35)
When I checked the schedule before my work trip to San Francisco two weeks ago, I was bummed that the A's weren't also in town to allow me to knock another stadium off my list. When I got there, I was glad that they weren't in town, as raw sewage backed up through the drains and flooded both clubhouses and …
Cubs Acquire Moreno, Arrieta, Strop, Guerrier, Go All In on 2013 IFAs
The Cubs made a series of moves today, the net result being the acquisition of a few marginal players and some additional pool space to sign international free agents. Trade Roundup Trade 1: Cubs give up Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger for Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop, and pool space Feldman had been good this year, but unfortunately his track record …
What the hell am I missing? Can the Cubs contend in 2014 or 2015?
Over the last two or three days, I've read a few articles that have mentioned that the Cubs could contend as early as next season. I don't want to single anybody out, because I have a lot of respect for both of these writers. The first time I read it, I thought "what the hell?". The second time I read …
Cubs trade Brent Lillibridge, Hisanori Takahashi and other notes
Yesterday the Cubs traded Brent Lillibridge to the Yankees for a player to be named later or cash. Lillibridge had only 24 PA for the Cubs before being sent to the minors. He managed a .042/.042/.042 batting line and provided -0.5 fWAR. The city of Des Moines is thankful the Cubs have traded him. The Cubs also traded Hisanori Takahashi …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (28-39) at St. Louis Cardinals (44-25)
I had to stop and ask myself if the Cubs had even played the Cardinals yet this year. Two and a half months into the season, the Cubs and Cardinals have only played a two game series back in May that they split. This is probably a good thing for the Cubs win-loss record (or a bad thing, depending on …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (26-38) at New York Mets (24-37)
The Cubs have had a crappy year, but it's been just about as bad for the Mets. I'm sure Ron Santo is smiling somewhere that at least if the Cubs are going to be bad, the Mets are just as awful. They've gone 2-8 in their last ten games, and there's been a roster shakeup or two. Manager Terry Collins's …
Daily Facepalm 6.10.13 – Welcome to the Cubs, Edwin Jackson
Edwin Jackson finally arrives The 'real' Edwin Jackson showed up for the first time this season, striking out eight while allowing one run, one walk, and four hits in seven innings. More importantly, his fastball averaged 94.78 on the day, much closer to his career avg of 95 mph than the paltry low 93.x mph he had been throwing earlier …