Best shape of his life? An intense week of hitting in November may help Brett Jackson become the hitter the Cubs think he can be. Jackson and teammate Darwin Barney spent time with Cubs manager Dale Sveum, hitting coach James Rowson and assistant hitting coach Rob Deer at Fitch Park. After striking out 59 times in 120 big league at-bats …
#6Org
Dave Cameron rationalizes the Felix Hernandez extension. But, if the frictional costs of shipping Felix out are as high as Farnsworth’s estimates suggest that they are, then it may very well be in the Mariners best interests to overpay Felix in salary rather than try to make due with depressed revenues in the future. Paying a pitcher this much money …
Best comment ever
Mish highlighted what has to be the best comment ever posted anywhere (comment number 4): Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be breached by men with bats. I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Sosa and you curse Bonds. You have that luxury. You have the …
WAR is more “widespread, threatening and serious” than actual war?
I was tempted to begin this column with the almost-obligatory lyrics from "War," a No. 1 hit song in 1970. But when Edwin Starr sang that war was good for "absolutely nothing'' (say it, say it again), he was recording a protest against actual warfare. My protest, on the other hand, is about something much more widespread, threatening and serious. …
Carlos Marmol Accused of Domestic Violence
Bad news concerning Carlos Marmol: According to a report in the Domincan Republic, Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is being accused of Domestic Violence. — David Kaplan (@thekapman) January 31, 2013 More on this as it develops, but if true this could be a hairy situation. I've been debating whether or not to throw a control issues joke in here, but …
Cubs Minor League System Ranked #10 by John Sickels
John Sickels has the Cubs minor league system rated #10 in his latest rankings. Last year they were 20th. The Cardinals are #1, the Pirates are #5, the Reds are #15 and the Brewers are #23. 10) Chicago Cubs (20): Another system that has improved quickly. Strengths: hitting at the top: Javier Baez, Albert Almora, Jorge Soler, Dan Vogelbach is a …
Spring Training Broadcast Schedule Announced
Less than one month until Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air! WGN Radio will broadcast nine games. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the rest are covered on Gameday Radio, as was the case last year. No word yet on any televised games, though I would be surprised if any are non-weekend games.
DBacks Want To Trade Upton or Kubel by Friday
Folks involved in this process believe that the D-Backs want to make a decision on trading Kubel or Upton by Friday.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 23, 2013
Darwin Barney: regresssion candidate
Darwin Barney was among the 9 candidates Baseball Prospectus highlighted today in their Regression Candidates article. I think it goes without saying that Barney is likely to regress, but I'm sure a lot of Cubs fans don't agree with that. I really don't know that I actually think Barney will decline this season, but I do think he'll be one …
Dale Sveum on Brett Jackson
Dale Sveum on Brett Jackson and his issues with making contact. CHICAGO — Cubs manager Dale Sveum and hitting coach James Rowson were happy Brett Jackson accepted the drastic changes they suggested to the young outfielder's swing during a workout in November in Mesa, Ariz. Jackson was promoted to the big leagues Aug. 5 despite leading the Pacific Coast League …