Chicago Cubs News: Pro Sports Daily

February 3

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs and pitcher Matt Garza avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $9.5 million contract just before they were to go through the arbitration process Friday morning. Garza, who was 10-10 with a 3.32 ERA in hist first season as a Cub, had been seeking $12.5 million and the Cubs had offered $7.95. Garza's new deal also includes performance bonuses."

Mike Quade takes issue with Dale Sveum's evaluation of Cubs' effort

February 3

Chicago Sun-Times

"When Dale Sveum was hired as Mike Quade's replacement to manage the Cubs, he said the Cubs would be held to a higher standard. He suggested Quade's Cubs were lackadaisical at times. "When you lose that many games, there are obviously problems,'' Sveum said. "Losing isn't OK. Not running a ball out isn't OK. It's unacceptable, and that has to be communicated.'' Quade, who is fishing on a daily basis in Florida while waiting for a major-league job opportunity to surface, didn't like hearing that."

Cubs sign Cuban left-hander Concepcion

February 3

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs have signed left-handed pitcher Gerardo Concepcion to a reported $7 million multi-year, major league contract. Concepcion, 19, defected from Cuba in the Netherlands after being named rookie of the year for the Cuban national team. He will be invited to spring training, but is not expected to make the rotation. The Tribune first reported the team's interest in him during December's winter meetings."

ALCS ring stolen from home of Cubs' Garza

February 2

Chicago Tribune

"A 2008 American League Championship Series ring was among the items stolen from the home of Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza during a burglary in Fresno County in California. Garza was the MVP of the 2008 ALCS for the Tampa Bay Rays, twice beating the Boston Red Sox. The Fresno County Sherriff's Office valued the ring at $30,000."

Sources: Playoff expansion has issues

February 1

ESPN.com

"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"

Six teams eye Cespedes

February 1

CSN Philly

"Yoenis Cespedes will finally be able to sign with an MLB team and there is considerable interest in the Cuban slugger. At least six are bidding on Cespedes, tweeted Jim Bowden of ESPN (Yahoo! Sports has the story). The former Cuban citizen (current citizen of the Dominican Republic), has plans to visit the United States to meet with clubs. Only five of the six "seriously negotiating" with Cespedes are known: The Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers."

Cubs brass learning about new facility in Dominican Republic

February 1

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs' new academy in the Dominican Republic is 12 to 18 months away from completion, but that won't stop Chairman Tom Ricketts, his siblings and the team's key staff members from traveling to Santo Domingo this week. Ricketts is having a quarterly board meeting on the island, which he and his baseball staff view as key for player acquisition and development. "It's a chance for some of our people who haven't been there to see what we're doing,'' Ricketts said. "It's also a chance to reiterate our commitment to the facilities down there. … We plan to have a very strong presence there.''"

Hendry to join Yankees as assistant

February 1

Chicago Tribune

"Former Cubs general manager Jim Hendry will be announced as a new special assistant to Yankees' GM Brian Cashman, a source confirmed Tuesday. Hendry, who was fired by the Cubs in August, will not only help the Yankees scout major league talent, but will be involved with grading the minor league system and helping the team with the draft."

At hot stove, compensation on back burner

February 1

Boston Globe

"They were sitting near each other at last night's Hot Stove Cool Music panel discussion at Fenway Park's State Street Pavilion, but the general managers of the Red Sox and Cubs did not resolve the compensation issue that is now in the hands of the commissioner. When asked if there was a resolution in sight, the Cubs' Theo Epstein said, "Seems like it should be coming to an end sometime soon.''"

Yoenis Cespedes signing before spring training

January 31

Yahoo! Sports

"Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes is now free to sign with any team he would like and his agent, Adam Katz, told Fox Sports Monday that his client is expected to do just that before spring training camps open in a few weeks. "We are aware of the (spring-training) dates," Katz told Fox. "We expect him to be in camp with one of the clubs." Of course, Katz may have a lot of sifting to do before then. The word has been that pretty much everybody who has seen Cespedes pick up a bat has some interest in signing the 26-year-old. Katz termed the market for Cespedes as "meaningful and aggressive" to Fox."

Report: Theo Epstein compensation nearing resolution

January 31

Chicago Sun-Times

"A resolution could be coming to the pending compensation issue between the Cubs and Boston Red Sox. The stalemated issue over what the Red Sox should receive for allowing Theo Epstein out of the last year of his contract to become Cubs president is in the hands of commissioner Bud Selig. He said over the weekend that he has yet to resolve the issue, but a report Monday in the Boston Globe said a meeting could be scheduled shortly with representatives of the teams. An unnamed American League general manager speculated the Cubs might have to part with a "significant" player. The commissioner's office could not confirm a meeting."

Jackson believes his time is coming — soon

January 29

Chicago Tribune

"Funny thing about Brett Jackson: He has been both a Cubs' savior and a Cubs' survivor — and he has only played in parts of three minor league seasons. "Savior" because he originally was billed the franchise's face of the future as a late first-round draft choice. "Survivor" because he has lasted through purges by the old regime and the new regime as they traded top prospects for potential talent (see Chris Archer, Robinson Chirinos, Tyler Colvin and Andrew Cashner). And soon — very soon, this spring training-soon if he has his way — we will see if Brett Jackson adds Cubs' star to his resume, even some day joining Cuban free agent Yoenis Cespedes in what could be part of a dream outfield."

Three women arrested for trespassing at Wrigley Field

January 28

Chicago Tribune

"Three women were charged with trespassing after they sneaked into Wrigley Field early this morning and refused to leave, police said. A stadium security guard saw Allison Rexin, Rachael Michelozzi, and Michelle Burleson enter the stadium through an area under construction and then sit on the field, according to a police report. The guard asked them to leave but they refused, so the guard called Town Hall District police. Officers arrested the women at about 12:15 a.m., the report said."

Selig: No timeframe for solving Cubs-Red Sox compensation

January 28

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs and Red Sox have submitted written proposals – thought to include names of players – to commissioner Bid Selif in hopes of settling their dispute over compensation for Theo Epstein switching allegiance. "I'd like to get it done as expeditiously as possible," commissioner Bud Selig said Friday evening at SoxFest. Asked if it were fair for a third party to decide what talent ultimately switches teams, Selig replied: "That's the way baseball is set up. If the clubs can't solve their own disputes, then the commissioner does. After 20 years, I accept it as part of the job and don't really think too much about it." An obviously irritated Selig had told the Cubs and Red Sox several times"

Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall

January 28

Chicago Tribune

"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."

Cubs take Corpas off big league roster

January 27

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs removed reliever Manny Corpas, who is still recovering from elbow surgery, from the 40-man roster but will still invite him to spring training with a chance to make the team. Corpas was signed this offseason as a free agent from Colorado, where he helped the Rockies make the World Series in 2007 as the bullpen closer. He underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2010 and missed all of last season."

New Cubs pitching coach old-school

January 26

Chicago Tribune

"If you believe that printouts from Carmine II or Big (Cubbie) Blue, or whatever Theo Epstein calls his new computer system, is going to dictate what happens on the field completely, then you haven't met Chris Bosio. He's the new pitching coach for manager (and old friend) Dale Sveum and he says things like "there's a lot to be said about the old-school ways, like just get the guy out.""

Ex-Cub, Sox minor leaguer Ward suspended 50 games for amphetamine

January 26

Chicago Tribune

"Daryle Ward, an 11-season veteran who hasn't played in the major leagues since 2008, has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a banned amphetamine under the minor league testing program. Ward spent last season in the minor league systems of the White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. He batted .318 with two homers and 18 RBIs in 28 games with Double-A Mobile in the Diamondbacks system. He currently is a free agent."

Cespedes is a free agent, and bidding can begin

January 25

CBSSports.com

"The bidding for Yoenis Cespedes can finally begin. The 26-year-old Cuban outfielder has established residency in the Dominican Republic, and Major League Baseball told teams on Wednesday that he is now officially a free agent. But where will he go, how much will he cost, and how fast could he make an impact? First, the where: Cespedes himself told reporters in the Dominican that the Cubs have shown the most interest in him, with the Marlins, Tigers, White Sox and Orioles also involved. The Nationals have also shown interest in Cespedes, and the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies scouted him, although it's believed that none of the three will be among the top bidders. The Marlins have made no"

MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington

January 25

Dallas Morning News

"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."

Wrigley rooftop venue sold in bankruptcy auction

January 25

Chicago Tribune

"The owner of a Wrigley Field rooftop business acquired a neighboring property with a rooftop venue at a bankruptcy auction for $4.8 million. A bankruptcy judge Tuesday approved the sale of the building that houses the Lakeview Baseball Club, 3633 N. Sheffield Ave., to a company affiliated with Mark Schlenker, who owns Brixen Ivy beyond the left-field wall on Waveland Avenue. The deal is expected to close next week, said the trustee, Chicago lawyer Rick Fogel."

Cespedes gains residency in the DR

January 24

MLB.com

"The bidding is about to begin. Cuban outfield prospect Yoenis Cespedes has established residency in the Dominican Republic and is now waiting on approval from Major League Baseball to be declared a free agent, his representative Edgar Mercedes said. Cespedes, who just finished a stint with Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, recently said the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers, and Indians have expressed the most interest in signing him. He is expected to command a contract greater than the one received by Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who signed a six-year, $30.25 million deal with the Reds in January 2010."

Cubs staking a lot on Rizzo

January 22

Chicago Tribune

"On a May day in 2008, Anthony Rizzo walked out of a Boston hospital room with his diagnosis: Hodgkin's lymphoma. Waiting for him were his parents and Jason McLeod, the Red Sox scouting director who had gone to extraordinary measures in drafting Rizzo. "We were in the lobby, and his mom was crying," McLeod says. "Even then I remember Anthony told her, 'It's going to be OK, Mom.' It's like he was embarrassed. "I kept thinking, this kid is only 18 years old. If I was 18, I would be bitter, like 'why me?' He had just gone through a month where he (hit for a high average at Class A) Greenville, and I thought he would be pissed off and mad at the world."

Pena agrees to deal with Rays; Cubs to give LaHair chance at first

January 21

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs are set to give Bryan LaHair a chance to be their next first baseman. Meanwhile, Carlos Pena moved back to his former team. Pena agreed to terms on a one-year, $7.25 million deal Friday with the Tampa Bay Rays, pending a physical. The salary is less than the $10 million Pena made in his one season with the Cubs. Pena, 33, hit .225 with 28 home runs and 80 RBI for the Cubs. That was similar to his season with the Rays in 2010, when he had 28 homers and 84 RBI but hit .196. Pena also drew interest from the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees but chose to return to the team where he had his best success and where he was a popular player. He played four seasons with the Rays"

Rays re-sign first baseman Carlos Peña

January 21

St. Petersburg Times

"Carlos Peña can be a loquacious and inspirational speaker, but on Friday he needed only two words — well, and five exclamation points — in a text message to convey how he felt about returning to the Rays: "Sooooo excited ... !!!!!" Peña is headed back after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $7.25 million contract that is expected to be officially announced — and thoroughly discussed — after his physical exam on Tuesday. The deal is the second step, following last week's signing of DH Luke Scott, of what the Rays project to be a significant upgrade of their offense. Peña averaged 36 homers and 102 RBIs during his 2007-10 stint with the Rays, while playing stellar defense and providing"

Cubs re-sign pitcher Lopez

January 20

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs have re-signed pitcher Rodrigo Lopez, who filled in as a starter late in the season, as an insurance policy against injuries. Lopez signed a minor league contract but will be invited to spring training and could make $900,000 if he makes the big league roster. The signing was reported in Mexico by a baseball magazine."

Power rankings: No. 26 Cubs

January 20

Chicago Tribune

"En route to 91 losses last season and a radical regime change, the Cubs were outscored by 102 runs. As it happens, half of those can be put down to talent and half of them to playing the game well. Bill James tracks manufactured runs, both created and allowed. He defines manufactured runs as those on which two of the four bases result from something other than station-to-station baseball."

Cubs sign catcher Jaramillo as possible backup

January 19

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs have signed 29-year-old Jason Jaramillo to a minor league contract, with the possibility he could make the team in spring training as the backup to Geovany Soto. The switch-hitter missed much of last season with an elbow injury, but has played for the Pirates as a backup. Last year's backup, Koyie Hill, was not resigned by the Cubs."

Cubs have interest in Yoenis Cespedes

January 18

ESPN.com

"Cuban defector Yoenis Céspedes said the Chicago Cubs have shown the most interest in him, although the slugging outfielder cautioned that it doesn't mean he'll be signing with the North Siders. "Of all the teams that have approached us, the one that has had the most interest in me has been the Chicago Cubs," Céspedes said, according to The Associated Press in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. "I have had dinner a couple of times (with Cubs officials) and we have talked a lot, but that doesn't mean that I am going to sign with them. "I am only telling it like it is, they have shown more interest than others.""

Cubs, Red Sox want Bud Selig to set compensation for Theo Epstein

January 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"The compensation headache over Theo Epstein's move from the Boston Red Sox to the Cubs is officially Bud Selig's problem, turning a minor embarrassment for the Cubs into a potential precedent-setting action for Major League Baseball. Multiple sources told the Sun-Times that the Cubs and Red Sox have requested that their nearly three-month stalemate be resolved by the commissioner, a move apparently initiated by Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino late last month, one source said."

Six Cubs avoid arbitration; Matt Garza still unsigned

January 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs reached agreement on 2012 contracts with six of their seven arbitration-eligible players by the deadline for filing arbitration figures Tuesday. Only Matt Garza, who made $5.95 million last season, didn't come to terms. Garza, who went 10-10 with a 3.32 ERA last season, filed an arbitration figure of $10.225 million; the Cubs' countered with $7.95 million."

Garza lone arbitration holdout for Cubs

January 18

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs avoided going to arbitration with six of their seven eligible players, with pitcher Matt Garza the lone holdout at Tuesday night's deadline. Garza will seek $10.225 million from an arbiter, while the Cubs have offered $7.950 million. The two sides still could agree on a midpoint before the case is heard. Last season, Garza avoided arbitration after his trade to the Cubs, agreeing to pitch for $5.95 million. He was 10-10 in his first season on the North Side."

Cubs' apparent budgetary constraints stress need to find Next Big Thing

January 16

Chicago Sun-Times

"For all the new faces, packed ballrooms, countless autographs and hours of banter between fans and Cubs people, the big thing about the Cubs Convention this year was, well, The Next Big Thing. Whatever it turns out to be. It's what president Theo Epstein was brought in to identify, what is at the core of his staff's efforts to redefine the Cubs' baseball operations and what is likely to justify or deflate the three-day gush of hype and hope at the Chicago Hilton and Towers during the weekend. ''It's always there, looking for that next frontier of competitive advantage,'' said Jason McLeod, Epstein's top scouting and player-development executive."

Cubs Convention wrap-up: New seats, Soriano, Theo and more

January 16

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs Convention wrapped up Sunday morning at the Hilton Chicago, and the countdown to the start of spring training begins in earnest. The convention was a success by all accounts, with most fans seemingly impressed by the explanations of the Cubs' game plan by baseball president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer, and the tough-love approach espoused by manager Dale Sveum and his staff. Is Epstein almost done with his offseason reconstruction job?"

Job security has Kerry Wood, party guests feeling good

January 16

Chicago Tribune

columnist Luis Gomez

"The tips collected at Kerry Wood's charity event at Harry Caray's Tavern at Navy Pier Friday went straight to the Wood Family Foundation, which might explain why the Cubs and Bears players working the "Woody's Winter Warm-up" benefit seemed determined to earn gratuity by any means necessary. The Cubs' Randy Wells served drinks behind the bar and at one point allowed a middle-aged woman to stuff a $5 bill down the front of his collar. Former Bear Otis Wilson also got behind the bar but seemed to earn his biggest tips when he allowed guests to try on his Super Bowl ring from the triumphant 1985 team."

Faithful Cubs followers flock to Theo Epstein's pulpit

January 15

Chicago Sun-Times

"For the first time in years, the players were virtually afterthoughts during the longest, busiest day of the annual Cubs Convention. Not even a relatively anonymous group of incoming players representing the Cubs' least-flashy offseason in at least two front-office regimes could provoke the passions of Cubs faithful Saturday. This time around, all the passion was saved for new team president Theo Epstein, by far the star of Saturday's heavy schedule of events, which began with a tightly packed fan question-and-answer session devoted solely to Epstein. Seated opposite mediator Len Kasper in a deep-cushioned armchair, Epstein covered topics and philosophies related to his plan for"

Ricketts family discuss hot topics at Cubs Convention

January 15

Chicago Tribune

"The Ricketts family held their annual question-and-answer session at the Cubs Convention on Saturday, addressing topics from the rules changes in the collective bargaining agreement to organ music. Afterwards the Cubs announced a new party deck will be built above the far right field bleachers, a version of the Green Monster seats at Fenway Park, with a 70-foot LED board above the wall for stats. Groups can rent out the section and fans can purchase up to 150 tickets for group outings. The area has recently been sold as individual premier box seats."

Cubs to play with an edge

January 15

Chicago Tribune

"It will take weeks for the 2012 Cubs to get to know each other, but new manager Dale Sveum is certain his team eventually will forge an identity fans will enjoy. Sveum is not looking for a "vanilla" team, but one with the ability to "irritate" its opponents. "Sometimes a team does need some identity to irritate the other team," Sveum said Saturday at the Cubs Convention after a fan asked about Nyjer Morgan's "obnoxious" antics in Milwaukee. "You have to have some cockiness on the field. Nyjer might have taken things a little far sometimes, but Nyjer was a great guy, probably one of the quietest, nicest guys in the world. But when you cross that line, he came to play."

Cubs and Sox poised to make big splash with Cuban prospects

January 15

Chicago Tribune

"Very quietly, while you were stockpiling New Year's Eve provisions or watching your favorite directional state university in the Go Daddy.com Bowl from Progressive Insurance Stadium, the Cubs struck a preliminary blow on baseball's new battleground. They signed a pair of young Cubans — 19-year-old center fielder Yasiel Balaguert and 20-year-old right-hander Carlos Martinez. Don't feel badly if you haven't heard much about them. They are inexpensive lottery tickets who may or not translate into significant prospects. Balaguert and Martinez have played on Cuban junior teams alongside 19-year-old Jorge Soler, who like the more widely advertised fellow center-fielder Yoenis Cespedes is"

Matt Garza too busy to think about trade

January 14

Chicago Sun-Times

"Even with Kerry Wood back in the fold, the Cubs' pitching drama remains centered on Matt Garza, whose future with the team has been the subject of much speculation. ''I really don't pay attention [to rumors],'' Garza said Friday. ''I got way too much going on. I work out about three to four hours a day, and then I got three kids, and only two of them go to school, so I'm busy, busy, busy. Most of my focus is getting ready for February. ''My name is in trade rumors every season, so it doesn't bother me. It's been a business. It's always going to be a business, and if things happen, they happen. But I'm happy where I'm at, and right now, I'm a Chicago Cub and I'll be pitching in Wrigley come"

Teammates rally to Starlin Castro's defense

January 14

Chicago Sun-Times

"Teammates close to shortstop Starlin Castro predictably rallied around him Friday a few hours after he was questioned by Chicago police regarding an alleged sexual assault 31/2 months ago. "He lived with me for a few months [in 2010]," said Alfonso Soriano, who spoke to Castro about the issue earlier this week. "I believe in him. I know what kind of person he is. The problem he has right now is not true, and I believe him." Castro is attending the Cubs Convention this weekend, as promised, but his schedule has been altered. He released a statement, which he obviously didn't compose, through his attorneys Friday in which he said he didn't plan to make any other public comments. While he"

New deal for Kerry Wood and his adoring Cubs fans

January 14

Chicago Sun-Times

"In his first season as Kerry Wood's teammate, Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd last spring referred to Chicago's favorite pitcher as ''Mr. Cub,'' the Ernie Banks of his generation. That Byrd made the comment just a few weeks into Wood's second tour with the team only goes to show how obvious and persistent Cubs fans' affections remain for the one-time Kid K, the former Texas phenom whose promise of annual dominance and championships was betrayed by repeated injuries and adversity beyond his control. And it remains one of the damndest love stories in sports. What Byrd recognized almost immediately last year was on display again Friday night during Cubs Convention opening ceremonies. Engineering"

Optimism in air at Cubs Convention

January 14

Chicago Tribune

"Years ago, Cubs fans would cram the ballroom at the Hilton Chicago every January and scream one player's name over and over again. "Sammy, Sammy, Sammy …" The new-era Cubs ushered in the 2012 campaign in much the same fashion Friday, though the biggest cheers were reserved for the new president. "Theo, Theo, Theo …" Change is here, and it's a strange thing to behold. "Much appreciated," Theo Epstein said of the chanting. "But I'll know I've done my job if they're chanting the players' names at the end of the year, the way it should be. I'm sure it will be." In spite of re-signing Kerry Wood to a one-year deal before Friday's opening ceremony, the Cubs have downsized the last two months,"

Six teams eye Yoenis Cespedes

January 14

ESPN.com

"Yoenis Cespedes' much-awaited debut in professional baseball didn't go as expected, but the Cuban prospect remains optimistic about his future as he revealed the six teams which have expressed interest in his services. Cespedes, who is awaiting word from Major League Baseball on his status as a free agent after defecting to the Dominican Republic, has worked out for most teams, but he said the most interest has come from the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins. It has been speculated that Cespedes could command a signing bonus similar to the $30 million fellow Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman received from the Cincinnati"

Kerry Wood signs one-year, $3 million deal to stay with Cubs

January 14

Chicago Tribune

"Kerry Wood said it took 15 minutes to get a deal done with Cubs President Theo Epstein after more than two months of negotiating and recent reports he was resigned to leaving. "I thought it was three different teams in about a week," Wood said. "I made it the right one." Wood, 34, agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal Friday with a $3 million club option in 2013 and no buyout. He said he was waiting for a call to take a physical with another team he declined to reveal, having already agreed to terms. "I'm not sure if (the Cubs) knew," Wood said of the other deal. "I wasn't relaying what I was doing to anybody, but there were definitely options out there and I was close. ? I wasn't ready to"

Kerry Wood signs one-year, $3 million deal to stay with Cubs

January 13

Chicago Tribune

"Kerry Wood said it took 15 minutes to get a deal done with Cubs baseball president Theo Epstein after more than two months of negotiating and recent reports he was resigned to leave. "I thought it was three different teams in about a week," Wood said. "I thought I was going to be in three different places. I made it the right one." Wood agreed on a $3 million deal Friday with a $3 million club option in 2013 and no buyout. He said he was waiting for a call to take a physical with another team he declined to reveal, having already agreed to terms."

Report: CPD interviews Starlin Castro

January 13

ESPN.com

"Chicago Cubs All-Star shortstop Starlin Castro was questioned by Chicago police Thursday night and into Friday morning over allegations of sexual assault, according to WBBM Newsradio in Chicago. A woman accused Castro, 21, of sexual assault last fall, but no charges have been filed and Castro's representatives deny the allegation. When reached by ESPNChicago.com, Chicago police spokesman Robert Perez would not confirm that Castro had been interviewed, per department policy, but he did say that "he's not under arrest." Castro returned to Chicago on Wednesday for the first time since the season ended on Sept. 30, according to WBBM. He is expected to attend the Cubs Convention later Friday at"

Alfonso Soriano is Cubs' best bet for cleanup spot

January 13

Chicago Sun-Times

"They shipped out troublesome former ace Carlos Zambrano, let top hitter Aramis Ramirez leave in free agency and decided against bringing back power hitter Carlos Pena. So what do the Cubs do with the big-ticket holdover they couldn't move this winter? They bat Alfonso Soriano cleanup, of course. This could be where the Cubs' winter of disconnect-from-the-past takes them as the new front office heads to the Chicago Hilton and Towers this weekend to face the fans at Cubs Convention — just five weeks before spring training."

Zambrano: Trade to Marlins marks "rebirth in career"

January 13

Chicago Tribune

"Carlos Zambrano is excited about the trade that sent him from the Cubs to the Marlins, expressing confidence that it will rejuvenate his career. The hot-tempered pitcher was a three-time All-Star with the Cubs, but he feuded with teammates, management and umpires. Miami is hoping he will get back on track while pitching for his Venezuelan countryman, new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen. "This is like a rebirth in my career, and I say so because it is a new experience, a change that creates a new opportunity," Zambrano said Thursday in his first public comments since the deal."