The Cubs agreed to a deal with utility infielder Jon Berti several days ago, but adding him meant clearing space on the 40-man roster. They created room by designating 25-year-old infielder Luis Vázquez for assignment. A glove-first player whose bat had come around over the past two seasons, Vázquez was pushed out of favor by the rise of several other prospects and the … [Read more...] about Cubs Announce Jon Berti Signing, DFA Luis Vázquez
CI’s Cubs All-Quarter-Century Team
Now that Sammy Sosa and Derrek Lee have been inducted into the Cubs’ Hall of Fame, I thought it would be fun to create the franchise’s All-Quarter-Century team. Most of the names included played on the 2003 and ’16 teams, and some are surprises. The list is based on statistics only, so though I believe Aroldis Chapman is the best closer Chicago has had since the 2000 season, he … [Read more...] about CI’s Cubs All-Quarter-Century Team
Matt Boyd Legitimate Breakout Candidate Despite Age, Injuries
It’s hard to believe, but Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Arizona in two weeks. There is nothing in sports like the time from the Super Bowl to Opening Day. Fans of the NFL, PGA, NASCAR, and college basketball get their sports fix fulfilled. For Cubs fans, it’s when hope genuinely springs eternal. You might even see a smile on my face, a rarity for a curmudgeon like … [Read more...] about Matt Boyd Legitimate Breakout Candidate Despite Age, Injuries
The Rundown: Pressly Addition Nearly Completes Hoyer’s Offseason, Bregman Still Not a Fit, Remaining Free Agents Getting Antsy
Good morning and welcome to Houston North, where the Cubs are accumulating Astros castoffs at the rate of about one per month. Is Alex Bregman next? That depends on whether Jed Hoyer will exceed the $241 million payroll tax threshold, surrender his second and fifth-round picks this year, and lose $1 million in IFA bonus pool allocation next year. Phew. Would you trade all that … [Read more...] about The Rundown: Pressly Addition Nearly Completes Hoyer’s Offseason, Bregman Still Not a Fit, Remaining Free Agents Getting Antsy
Cubs Finalizing Trade for Closer Ryan Pressly
After Tanner Scott signed with Dodgers, the Cubs started to focus on the trade market as the most realistic means of trading for a reliever. Reports of a Ryan Pressly deal surfaced on Thursday, with several outlets reporting the interest throughout the evening. After several days of haggling/recruiting, Jeff Passan was first with the news that Pressly would waive his no-trade … [Read more...] about Cubs Finalizing Trade for Closer Ryan Pressly