Not much remains in the free agent class of 2012. Only a few big names are left, and none larger than Prince Fielder.The Cubs are believed to have significant payroll flexibility for next season. By some estimates, Chicago could have as much as $30 million remaining, assuming they match last year's spending totals. That's certainly enough to make a major move.While the Cubs aren't in any hurry to write big checks, Theo Epstein prizes unpredictability. And he wasn't hired to lose—he plans to win games.When asked about the team's chances in 2012, Epstein said the Cubs "might surprise some people." The first surprise, of course, ...
Paul Maholm's Twitter account is aflutter with activity. And all of it points to him joining the Chicago Cubs. "Just wanna say thank u to everyone that has cheered for me during my career as a Pirate. I loved my last six plus years in the city," Maholm tweeted.He followed that with, "I hope to get to continue some things when I visit during the year and start some great things as I start my Cubs career." When asked if he was going to be at Ryan Dempster's charity pizza event on Thursday night he responded, "Don't know yet. Just joined ...
According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs will send Carlos Zambrano (and $15 million) to Miami in exchange for Chris Volstad.Home run, Team Epstein. Well done, sirs. Bravo, nod and a tip of the cap. All that stuff.Because what the Cubs got in return for Carlos Zambrano was more than anyone could have imagined: Something. That something includes $3 million in savings, a pitcher with a pulse and the freedom and peace of mind that only $15 million buys.Namely, knowing that Mt. Zambrano is not going to turn Chicago into Pompeii, and the Cubs no longer need to fear a Zambranic eruption every fifth day.At first ...
Moises Alou went ballistic. Mark Prior started the fingerpointing. And Alex Gonzalez committed the worst error of his career.The meltdown has been reviewed over and over (and over), and several players poured gasoline on the fire. So playing "what if" with Cubs fans about the Bartman Incident is like poking little caged bears with a long stick: they'll cry, whimper and complain, but there's nothing they can do about it.It's just mean.A recent episode of ESPN's 30 for 30 looked closely at what happened, interviewed players and fans sitting near Steve Bartman, and made a compelling case that he deserves an apology.He ...
Carlos Zambrano and Alfonso Soriano are still on the team.Aramis Ramirez took his .306, 26 HR, 93 RBI production to the division rival Milwaukee Brewers.Sean Marshall was traded to a different division rival, the Cincinnati Reds.And Chicago's ace, Matt Garza, is rumored to a different club every few days, because apparently good pitching is a position of strength on the North Side (rolls eyes). Carlos Peña and his team-leading 28 dingers are gone, along with his positive clubhouse presence, leaving fans to ask in all seriousness: Who's on first?David DeJesus, the Cubs new right fielder, hit .240 with 10 home runs last season. Yep, new ...
The Chicago Cubs were hopeful about Yu Darvish until the end of the bidding, won by the Texas Rangers.But that was smokescreen. They were always thinking about a Matt Garza trade.Which do you believe:That Team Epstein was willing to hand $125+ million and the keys to his new franchise over to an unproven pitcher?Or, that Hoyer & Co. were interested in driving up the bidding on Yu to make Matt Garza more attractive to losers of the Darvish derby?Because the higher the bid on Darvish by Texas, Toronto and the Yanks, the better the odds the losers would overreact and trade ...
Deal Starlin Castro. Swap Matt Garza for prospects. Find homes for Carlos Zambrano and Alfonso Soriano, even if you have to include an untouchable like Brett Jackson.Admit it, the Cubs roster is two thumbtacks and a wrench short of a junk drawer. At best, it's an assortment of loose screws.Big fixes are needed—the Cubs won 71 games last year.And if Team Epstein is looking to improve via trades, they need to put some ribbons on the trash the Cubs have to offer.Because nobody trades something for nothing, and it costs millions to unload garbage on another team. That means pondering tough deals ...
The Epstein Era has begun.One thing is clear: It's a new team, headed a new direction, following new leaders.We've already seen minor moves as management, players and coaches trickle into Wrigley Field. But on the cusp of baseball's winter meetings, Chicago Cubs fans ought to brace for bigger, bolder changes ahead.Here's a look at how far the franchise and its fans have come already. Begin Slideshow
