so long Mark

I guess I should make mention of the departure of Mark Prior. I don't have any tremendous thoughts on Prior's move back West.

I think it was time to move on. The Cubs just don't have the money to drop on yet another rehab prospect. Prior is from San Diego and the Padres are a good fit for him. The Padres got a 27-year-old pitcher that has shown periods of dominance for $1.0MM and a heavy incentives package. He joins a San Diego rotation of Maddux, Peavy, and Chris Young. Randy Wolf, another pitcher with a good resume who is coming off of shoulder surgery, recently signed on with the Padres as well.

I wish Prior luck. The memories of 2003 are fond, despite the ending, but the Cubbies needed to do this. It didn't seem like a relationship that was blossoming in any way.

Welcome to SBC Ameritech Field...

...home of your 2007 National League Central Division Champion Chicago Cubs!

The Tribune Company finally got their deal done earlier this month. The proud new owner of the media giant is Sam Zell. I think it is a nice gem for the modest price of $8.2 billion. According to Zell, the Tribune Co. will have the Cubs sold by Opening Day.

He has previously stated that he may sell the team and Wrigley Field separately and is now suggesting that the naming rights to Wrigley Field could be worth selling. Given the reported $13 billion in debt the Tribune Co. is saddled with, you can hardly blame the man for trying to maximize his revenue sources. Not to mention that it wouldn't be the first name change for the old beast on Addison.

Nevertheless, I am personally horrified by the concept of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority getting ownership of the park. I'm wary of having both Chicago parks run by the same organization. Not to mention that we would all hold our breaths as the ISFA contemplates a redesign or total implosion of Wrigley. Perhaps they've learned since building the new Comiskey Park (you can call it The Cell or US Cellular or whatever, I don't). Surely, the most recent upgrades have been worthwhile, but I remain skeptical. I don't have enough space here to detail my opinion of the management and leadership of the Illinois General Assembly and the City of Chicago.

One thing is for certain, there are no shortage of potential buyers.

This is the End

Prior is no longer a Cub. I can't see I didn't see the writing on the wall, but it still has an element of sadness. I certainly don't think it was the wrong move by the Cubs. Nevertheless it is the end of a bitter tale that started so promissingly.

I wish Prior luck. For the team and the Cub fans, it is time to move on.

Beast from the East

It appears the Cubs have gotten their man, Japanese star outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. Word on the street is that the North Siders outbid the other suitors by offering Fukudome something in the area of $48MM over 4 years. Though many have quietly wondered if this is an overpayment, the $12MM per year figure is at the top of the range originially predicted when Dome was thought to be pursuing a move to the US.

The outfielder posted very good numbers in 2006, finishing the season as the Central League MVP. His 2007 season was cut short by a problem in the right elbow that eventually required surgery to remove bone fragments.

Fukudome has been a player on the baseball radar since he was a youngster. He turned down a deal with the Kintetsu Buffaloes (due to a desire to play for the Chunichi Dragons or the Yomiuri Giants) and chose to remain an amateur. He became the youngest player chosen to an Olympic baseball team in 1996, winning a silver medal in Atlanta.

Drafted by Chunichi in 1998 as a shortstop, Dome's fielding problems resulted in an eventual move to the outfield, where a strong arm and good speed eventually resulted in four Golden Gloves. Dome led the league in batting in 2002. A second Olympics in 2004 resulted in a bronze medal. 2006 was a banner year, with a World Baseball Classic Championship and the Central League MVP after leading the league in batting average, slugging percentage, on base percentage and doubles (a league-record 47).

I've seen 2008 predictions anywhere from a .265 average to .300. One thing is clear, Dome does not possess monster power, but will probably hit somewhere around 20 HRs. Indications are that he has patience and gap power, which should translate very well to the Major Leagues. All things considered, I think he will fit well with the Cubs and with Piniella, who has managed a number of Japanese players already. Fukudome adds the left-handed bat the team has been looking for and will slide in nicely with the other bats.

Tick Tock

Reports are saying that Japanese star, Kosuke Fukudome, will not be playing in Japan this year, instead opting to have a go in the US. Teams allegedly interested are the Cubs, White Sox, Giants and Padres.

Word is that he will make some sort of official announcement....soon.

While the Cubs continue to wait, Milton Bradley appears to have made a deal with the Texas Rangers. Early indications are Bradley is going to sign a deal in the range of $5MM for one year.

Hey, Hey, Lahey

The Cubs grabbed pitcher Tim Lahey from Tampa for cash as part of the Rule 5 Draft. Tampa Bay had selected Lahey (from the Twins) first overall in the Thursday Rule 5 Draft. Chicago is looking to add more competition for the coming spring and felt the former catcher had the makeup for success as a Wrigley Field pitcher. A ground ball pitcher with a low 90s fastball.

Other hot talk now has the North Siders looking at Orioles switch-hitting infielder Brian Roberts. The team is still looking to add speed after Matsui ended up signing with Houston. New Baltimore front office man, Andy MacPhail, is certainly familiar with what assets the Cubs have throughout their system.

Roberts put up good numbers with a .377 OBP, 50 stolen bases (career high), 103 runs and a 0.899 walk to strikeout ratio. Though he slumped fairly significantly in the second half of the year (.247 vs .324 batting average), Roberts did fare well for his 37 day games (.301 average) and had comparable home and away numbers (.281 vs .299 average). The Baltimore second basemen had a respectable .267 average with RISP and posted a .350 average under late inning pressure and .306 under LIP with runners on. He had a .292 avg and a .372 OBP in 243 leadoff at bats.

All-in-all, Roberts is a player I would like to see on the Cubs. He just turned 30 in October, has only played over 100 games in the last five seasons and has been relatively consistent. Roberts signed a two-year contract extension in March 2007 that would pay him $14.3 million in 2008 ($6.3MM) and 2009 ($8.0MM). Not chump change, but not out of bounds for one of the top second basemen in the league, a legit stolen base threat at the top of the lineup, and a player that showed his drive by returning for 2006 after surgery on an elbow dislocation that ended his 2005 campaign.

To compound the situation, the Dodgers threw cash at Andruw Jones (allegedly, $36.2MM--2 years) after a very down year. I know he's young, but he has some miles on him. For my dollar, he isn't worth it, but you have to pony up if you want to get anything. Going down the line, Jones is off the market, as is Miguel Cabrera (traded to Detroit with D. Willis), Jose Guillen (signed with KC, $36MM--3 years), Torii Hunter (signed with Angels, $90MM--5 years), and Delmon Young (traded to Twins).

So what is left at the bottom of the bin? Milton Bradley (head case with injuries), Mike Cameron (25-game suspension coming), Luis Gonzalez (old), Geoff Jenkins (platoon type, after hitting .215 vs leftys last year), Kenny Lofton (does he have a season left in him?), Aaron Rowand (CF will command a pretty penny). Let's not forget the Japanses superstar the Cubs have already targeted.

A couple of top prospects for Roberts would go a long way to making the Cub offense into the machine some people envisioned it might be with boppers Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee and Alfonso Soriano at the heart of the order. It would ease the pressure on any deal with Fukudome and/or whatever other OF they might target. The team would have Daryl Ward, Murton and Pie, as well as DeRosa (Roberts taking his slot at second base). Word is that right fielder Fukudome can also play CF. The OF may shape up to be Soriano, Fukudome and DeRosa.

With Theriot earning the SS position (though DeRosa could spot him for a few starts) last year and Geovany Soto getting a shot at catcher, these last two moves would really put the Cubs in a good situation. The starting rotation would still appear iffy, but the team would look very good overall. It's a rare club that has no holes.

No urgency? No doubt

The Cubs are plodding through this offseason. They are not even coming up in any ridiculous trade rumors, which is odd. They are always mentioned as they are one of the few teams with the ability to pack on salaries. Is this a sign that they have learned to barter quietly somehow since the resignation of the team President? Or perhaps they really are not seriously active and content to cherry pick whatever is left of the outfield pile?

It seems Japanese outfielder, Fukudome, will narrow down his options this week. So far, he hasn't even expressed definitively that he is coming to the US. He has a legitimate offer on the table from the Tokyo Giants. It is concerning that the Cubs seem locked on this one target. On the other hand, so much energy is focused on Johan Santana and Miguel Cabrera that you can't be sure what the rest of the league has been up to behind closed doors.

The Cubbies are saying the right things, but I want to see something done. This team can contend with a few more pieces. It seems like there are pieces parts out there to be had for young talent. Obviously, the Cubs run the risk of trading the next greatest thing ever, but please give me a bird in the hand (yes, I mean Oriole stud pitcher Erik Bedard). Young talent does not always equate to major league stardom. I'm tired of watching the next great hope fail to materialize as the North Siders trot yet another 5-tool outfield prospect into center field.

Word is that the Orioles and A's are looking to deal. Perhaps the price is not right, I don't know. But Rich Hill, as promising as he is, should not be untouchable. For the likes of Bedard, Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, and Rich Harden you have to give up something. There are rumors swirling about Capuano (a cross border trade is not likely), Jason Bay and Luke Scott.

As a fan, I'm not terribly comfortable with the combination of pitching and balanced hitting the Cubs are ready to run with. I'm not sure how they could be. I am sure they were watching during the latest playoff flop. I have a feeling they are playing it very close to the vest, but it's still a little unnerving to picture the current roster vying with the likes of Boston and New York for MLB mastery.

The Cubs did send recently acquired infielder Omar Infante and reliever Will Ohman to the Braves for reliever Jose Ascanio - a 22-year-old right handed pitcher with 16 major league innings to his name. That certainly makes me feel better.

We Got Wood....for another year.

The Cubs agreed to a one-year, $4.2MM deal with Kerry Wood. As Dempster appears headed into the rotation, Wood vies with Carlos Marmol for the closer job. If things go perfectly, Wood and Marmol could combine for a pretty wicked one-two punch.

In his limited action last year, Wood looked good. 18 scoreless appearances out of 22 total was a good first taste of Wood's potential as a reliever. His 3.33 ERA was a bit higher than you would like, but 8 of his 9 runs given up were surrendered in only 3 appearances (at Colorado, at Pittsburgh and the Dodgers). Marmol looked almost unhittable at times, posting 96 strikeouts in 69.1 innings with a 1.43 ERA and a .169 opponents' batting average.

Thanks again, D

Story

Keying on Kaz

The Cubs are reportedly taking a run at Kaz Matsui. Matsui revived himself in Colorado after failing to blossom in the Big Apple. He posted 118 hits, over 84 runs and 32 stolen bases. However, his average was skewed heavily toward the home field (.330 vs .249). Despite this fact, Kaz did hit well with RISP (.295) and RISP and 2 out (.388) and hit .355 over 107 lead-off at bats. Additionally, Matsui batted slightly better during the day (.300) than he did in night games (.283).

Certainly not a sexy name, Matsui wll still likely be an affordable addition, a solid glove and, as a switch-hitter, adds the intrigue of a lefty.

This forces some wrangling over what happens with Theriot (who slumped down the stretch in his first full season) and DeRosa (perhaps now part of the outfield quagmire), as well as how the offensive lineup shakes out. Presumably, Kaz would be destined for the leadoff spot. This early on, I shan't even speculate.

First Free Agent Salvo

The first major impact for the Cubs this offseason was felt Tuesday as the club President, John McDonough, resigns and takes the same position for the mighty Black Hawk. I can't say that I'm not glad to see a competent front office man moving over to help the Hawks. On the other hand, I have mixed feelings about the Cub loss.

McDonough has only been in the position since October 2006, after Andy MacPhail stepped down. However, it's never good to see the uncertainty of a pending sale seep into day-to-day operations (see any number of lengthy corporate transitions for evidence of the negative impact this period can have). No doubt, the fact that McDonough had no job security under the future owner's regime influenced his decision. Additionally, the Cub job seems like a tense situation. The club needs to maintain a full house, placate the community and fans, and compete during the aforementioned transition period. Business as usual for one of baseball's premier teams. The Hawks, on the flip side, are on the come. Finally emerging from a lengthy period of atrocious play, they look like the coach and a mix of young and veteran players are finally meshing. Attendance has no where to go but up, and the pending broadcast of some home games is a boon fans have been clamoring for.

In other news, looks like the Brewers are going to take a flyer on Kendall, the Mariners have offered something to Kuroda, and Boston has their eye on Kid K, Kerry Wood.

The ball is in your court, Cubbies.

Book your flights

Cubs released their Spring Training schedule for the 2008 Cactus League.

Z5

Zambrano finished fifth in the NL Cy Young voting (as he did in '04 and '06).

Big Z ended the 2007 campaign with 18 wins. However, he also notched 13 losses and career highs for runs (100), earned runs (95), home runs (23) and ERA for a season with more than 7 starts (3.95). Z also gained a decision in 31 of his 34 starts, a solid 6 1/3 innings per start.

Despite a rough start and an even rougher August, Zambrano posted a 4-2 record and 2.53 ERA in June and a sizzling 5-1, 1.38 in July that was a primary contributing factor in the Cubs surge back into the NL Central race. The stretch included a 3-start block where Carlos went 8, 9, and 8 innings, respectively and gave the bullpen a much needed break.

Sometimes maddeningly inconsistent (as was the case for the entire team), Zambrano also provided glimpses of the fire and brilliance fans have come to love, including a .247 batting average, a .346 slugging percentage and a .980 fielding percentage while sprinkling in 9 runs and 5 RBIs.

Where's Ditka When You Need Him?

MLB and Baby Ruth are going to celebrate the 100th anniversary of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the opening week of the 2008 season.

You can blame composer Jack Norworth for the horrid screetching of the guest conductors at Wrigley these days and for the Clive Barker-esque horror scene that is the Harry Caray statue.

Financial Management

The Cubs admit to needing a bat and another starting pitcher. The team has not been tight with the purse strings of late, having locked up Ramirez, Lee and Soriano. There has been something in the range of $100 million allocated for 13 players in '08.

What remains on the agenda are potential free agent deals for Wood and Kendall (at a significant cut from last year's mega-salary). Wood could be a good pen option as the Cubs are now toying with Dempster as a starter (imposing rotation, no?). Kendall seems like a decent fellow (though he may have a bit of swindler in him...over $13 million last year!), but I would rather give Soto a shot to prove his year-end numbers were the real deal. Floyd and Trachsel are destined for other teams and Ward was signed for a measly $1.2 million (mutual option). I'd take it. I would also do as the Cubs did. Ward proved invaluable off the bench and was a model employee (.327 in total, .268 with 11 walks as a pinch-hitter).

Wood could be pricey on the open market after a solid return last year. Prior and Wuertz are due for salary arbitration. Wuertz is almost surely back, but the Prior plan is being closely guarded by the Cub brass. I imagine they would like to give him another shot, but will probably look to get a cheap deal. Perhaps they are best parting ways, but I wouldn't mind seeing the Trojan alum toe the rubber for the Cubs again. Only as a last man on the bench option, mind you, not a solution.

The Prior and Wood situations would probably dictate what happens to Eyre and Ohman as the Cubs structure the bullpen for the coming season. It wouldn't be right if their future wasn't a constant headache.

And so, what the hell is left in the coffer? I really don't know. It seems like they don't have the scratch to come up with two top tier players. Regardless, Sportscity.com has a Top 50 Free Agents list and it is not inspiring for teams on the hunt. Torii Hunter, Andruw Jones and Bonds (?) are the only unsigned players in the top ten (Lowell seems certain to ink something soon). Other notables on the list are Michael Barrett (35), Joe Borowski (40), Sammy (45) and Jon Lieber (50). Without going into the possibles, those names should give fans a fright about what is waiting to be had for the "right" price. At the least, Kosuke Fukudome comes in at number 11 ahead of Posada (16) and Rowand (19) so maybe he has some skills. I should probably try to find out.

While we are thinking about the mystical prowess of players from the Land of the Rising Sun, I should recommend a book called You Gotta Have Wa. Any book that touches on a part of the Bob Horner saga is a must read. Similarly, let's not forget Tuffy "3 HRs on Opening Day" Rhodes and his stellar run over in Japan. 55 home runs in one seasson. Oh, baby!

Pie Trainer

Traynor was a HOF Pirate. Pie needs a trainer.

As wordplay goes, that flat out stunk. Similar reviews could be bandied about for Felix Pie's performance in the Dominican Winter Baseball League. In 13 games for the Tigres del Licey, Pie has hit for a .205 average. Gerald Perry (hitting coach), Bob Dernier (minor league baserunning instructor), and Ryne Sandberg (Class A manager) were in the DR to witness some of this diamond mastery.

Dirty Deeds

Wrigley Field is in the process of having the turf and drainage systems revamped. Not that you could really call the last remaining "crowned" field much of a system.

White Sox groundskeeper, Roger Bossard, is in charge of the operation. Removing 7,500 tons of dirt and lowering the field surface by 14 inches. Bossard has already completed 10 renovations of MLB parks and word is that 4 of the last 6 WS champions have used Bossard fields (Boston, St. Louis, White Sox, and Arizona).

The redo will use clay from Kansas City and sod from either Colorado or New Jersey (depending on the weather at the time of transport), that will be hauled cross country in refridgerated trucks then installed and covered with a material designed to keep the turf 7-9 degrees warmer than the ambient temperature.

Timing is critical, as anyone who has tried to grow anything knows, and Bossard is condensing a 7-week job into 4 so the renovations can be complete by the close of November.

The main question has to be what impact the disturbed ashes of deceased Cub fans will have on the Billy Goat Curse. The second important question is, of course, when will the organization be hawking small vials of the removed dirt.

Let's get it on

The Chicago Cubs are approaching the century mark without winning that elusive World Series Championship title. Meanwhile, the White Sox and Redsox have managed it. Even the Marlins have managed it.

The boys in blue fizzled in the 2007 playoffs, but I don't think any of us thought they would do otherwise. However, some of us fans were buoyed by the second half of the season. A decent club that could be tweaked and massaged into something a little more ready to compete.

So, the Cubs went out and traded Jacque Jones for infielder Omar Infante, then followed up with the blockbuster Craig Monroe deal. Admittedly, fans were down on Jacque for not being quite a superstar. Realistically, he did a fairly decent job, though situational success was not all it could have been. Monroe is declining from whatever mediocrity he peaked at and was due to be jettisoned to the free angent market anyway, so the Cubs gain the much sought after Player To Be Named Later for what otherwise was a complete loss.

The real worry is that this mild moves presage yet another winter of stocking mid-tier talent. Everyone needs that, for sure, but the Cubbies need another superstar bat and, really, another top flight starting pitcher. A Carl Crawford deal appears dead. Kosuke Fukudome is a great sounding name, but what? Felix Pie looks to be a fine discipline challenged bat. I don't hear much else from the Cubs' camp, but perhaps they can muster something up.

Let's hope so. Otherwise, it'll be another long season.