Cubs | Talks for Peavy ending
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:03:55 -0800

Carrie Muskat, of MLB.com, reports the Chicago Cubs have ended trade talks with the San Diego Padres for SP Jake Peavy, according to a Cubs source. The team could not afford to trade for Peavy after re-signing SP Ryan Dempster.

Cubs | Deadline set to purchase team
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:36:37 -0800

The Associated Press reports major league baseball set a Dec. 1 deadline for bidders to submit offers to purchase the Chicago Cubs.

Cubs | Mateo's contract purchased
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:56:25 -0800

The Sports Network reports the Chicago Cubs purchased the contract of RP Marcos Mateo Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Cubs | Berg's contract purchased
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:56:10 -0800

The Sports Network reports the Chicago Cubs purchased the contract of P Justin Berg Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Cubs | Atkins' contract purchased
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:55:44 -0800

The Sports Network reports the Chicago Cubs purchased the contract of SP Mitch Atkins Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Cubs | Piniella says team was prepared for playoffs
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:59:06 -0800

Paul Sullivan, of The Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella, speaking on ESPN-1000's "Waddle and Silvy Show," said the team was prepared for the playoffs this season, refuting SP Ryan Dempster's comment in which he said the team underestimated how prepared they needed to be for a playoff run.

Cubs | Dempster says maybe team wasn't ready for playoffs
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:14:14 -0800

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports Chicago Cubs SP Ryan Dempster said the team may not have been prepared for the playoffs. "Maybe we underestimated how prepared you have to be, how ready you have to be, especially in a five-game series," Dempster said. "It's like a short heavyweight bout. Ding, the bell is ringing, you've got to go."

Cubs | Fontenot could be dealt
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:36:06 -0800

Bob Dutton, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chicago Cubs 2B Mike Fontenot could be traded to the Kansas City Royals in order to acquire OF Mark Teahen.

Cubs | Cedeno could be dealt
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:35:44 -0800

Bob Dutton, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chicago Cubs IF Ronny Cedeno could be traded to the Kansas City Royals in order to acquire OF Mark Teahen.

Cubs | Pie could be dealt
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:35:20 -0800

Bob Dutton, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chicago Cubs OF Felix Pie could be traded to the Kansas City Royals in order to acquire OF Mark Teahen.

Cubs | Have been interested in DeJesus
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:34:54 -0800

Bob Dutton, of The Kansas City Star, reports the Chicago Cubs have been interested in Kansas City Royals OF David DeJesus for a long time. However, the Royals would prefer to hold on to him, especially if they can move him to left field and acquire a center fielder. Talks between the Cubs and Royals remain in the initial stages, but that could change in the coming days.

Cubs | Interested in Teahen
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:23:30 -0800

Bob Dutton, of The Kansas City Star, reports the Chicago Cubs are interested in acquiring Kansas City Royals OF Mark Teahen.

Cubs | Could drop out of Peavy sweepstakes
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:48:55 -0800

Corey Brock, of MLB.com, reports the Chicago Cubs might move on from a potential deal with the San Diego Padres for SP Jake Peavy after re-signing SP Ryan Dempster to a four-year deal Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Cubs | More on Dempster's deal
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:21:46 -0800

Updating a previous report, Rick Gano, of The Associated Press, reports the Chicago Cubs re-signed SP Ryan Dempster to a four-year deal worth $52 million with a team option for 2012 Tuesday, Nov. 18. He will receive a $4 million signing bonus, $8 million next season, $12.5 million in 2010 and $13.5 million in 2011. Dempster has a 2012 option worth $14 million.

Cubs | Spears goes yard Monday
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:37:58 -0800

Danny Wild, of MLB.com, reports Chicago Cubs SS Nate Spears hit a two-run home run in the Arizona Fall League Monday, Nov. 17.

Cubs | Only team in running for Peavy
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:54:13 -0800

Tom Krasovic, of The San Diego Union-Tribune, reports the Chicago Cubs are the only team currently in the running to acquire San Diego Padres SP Jake Peavy, according to Padres general manager Kevin Towers. Towers said a potential deal could take a while to happen and it could involve a third or fourth team.

Cubs | Dempster re-signs
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:31:02 -0800

The Sports Network reports the Chicago Cubs re-signed SP Ryan Dempster to a four-year deal worth $52 million Tuesday, Nov. 18, according to the Newark-Star Ledger and the Chicago Sun-Times.

Cubs | Dempster update
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:44:19 -0800

Updating an earlier report, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports the Chicago Cubs are close to re-signing SP Ryan Dempster to a four-year deal worth slightly more than $50 million.

Cubs | Samardzija retains rookie status
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:56:50 -0800

Cubs.MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports Chicago Cubs RP Jeff Samardzija will be a rookie in 2009.

Cubs | Dempster close to re-signing
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:14:53 -0800

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports the Chicago Cubs are close to re-signing SP Ryan Dempster to a four-year deal.

Cubs | Sutcliffe selling the Cubs to Peavy
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:58:17 -0800

The Chicago Tribune's Fred Mitchell reports ESPN analyst and former Chicago Cubs SP Rick Sutcliffe, who retains the same agent as San Diego Padres SP Jake Peavy, has been trying to convince Peavy to approve a possible trade to the Cubs.

Cubs | To play first games in new Yankee Stadium
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:41:02 -0800

ESPN.com reports the Chicago Cubs will play the New York Yankees in the first exhibition games at new Yankee Stadium Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4.

Cubs | Still in sweepstakes for Peavy
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:51:55 -0800

ESPN.com reports the Chicago Cubs are still in the running to land San Diego Padres SP Jake Peavy, according to FOXSports.com.

Cubs | Team interested in Johnson
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:02:54 -0800

The Chicago Cubs are one of six teams who have contacted Al Nero and Barry Meister, the agents for free-agent SP Randy Johnson (Diamondbacks), according to Nick Zaccardi of MLB.com.

Cubs | Wood wanted to stay
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:36:42 -0800

Paul Sullivan, of The Chicago Tribune, reports free-agent CL Kerry Wood (Cubs) said he would have been open to re-signing with the Chicago Cubs for one year after the team encouraged him to seek a three or four-year deal on the open market.

Cubs | Have not discussed trading for Giles
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:07:26 -0800

Gordon Wittenmyer, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Chicago Cubs have not discussed trading for San Diego Padres OF Brian Giles, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Cubs | May have interest in Dunn
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:07:08 -0800

Gordon Wittenmyer, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Chicago Cubs may have interest in signing free-agent OF Adam Dunn (Diamondbacks).

Cubs | Gregg expected to enter 2009 as setup man
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:58:31 -0800

Gordon Wittenmyer, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Cubs RP Kevin Gregg is expected to begin the 2009 season as the setup man to RP Carlos Marmol. However, Gregg could end up becoming the team's closer if Marmol struggles.

Cubs | Team may have interest in Ibanez
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:05:02 -0800

The Newark Star-Ledger reports the Chicago Cubs may have an interest in free-agent OF Raul Ibanez (Mariners).

Cubs | Team may have interest in Abreu
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:04:14 -0800

The Newark Star-Ledger reports the Chicago Cubs may have an interest in free-agent OF Bobby Abreu (Yankees).

Cubs | Gregg had knee surgery in offseason
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:04:31 -0800

The Associated Press reports Chicago Cubs RP Kevin Gregg (knee) had knee surgery performed earlier this offseason but will begin throwing in January and will be ready for spring training, according to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry. "My surgery I had was kind of a maintenance issue," said Gregg after his trade from the Florida Marlins to the Cubs. "It definitely hindered my performance in August and limited [the] amount of pitching I did in September. ... I'm 100 percent confident I'll be 100 percent going into next year."

Cubs | Zambrano wins NL Silver Slugger Award
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:46:42 -0800

MLB.com reports Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano won a National League Silver Slugger Award for the 2008 season.

Cubs | Ward unlikely to return
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:17:18 -0800

Paul Sullivan, of The Chicago Tribune, reports free-agent 1B Daryle Ward (Cubs) is unlikely to return to the Chicago Cubs next season.

Cubs | Marmol the favorite to close next year
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:16:58 -0800

Paul Sullivan, of The Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Cubs RP Carlos Marmol is the favorite to become the team's closer next season.

Cubs | Will not re-sign Wood
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:09:55 -0800

Paul Sullivan, of The Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Cubs will not re-sign free-agent CL Kerry Wood (Cubs), according to general manager Jim Hendry. "We're just in a situation, as Kerry fully understands, that that length of deal, for the kind of salary he'd command right now, is not our first priority. We certainly have to finish our rotation, we have offensive situations to address, and by having the prominence that (Carlos) Marmol now brings to the table, it certainly doesn't come before the other needs we have. We felt it was time Kerry goes out and does what's best for him and his family, and gets a huge multi-year deal if possible," Hendry said. Wood is expected to demand a deal worth $50 million for four years on the free-agent market. The Cubs were only interested in re-signing him for one season.

Cubs | Ceda traded
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:52:12 -0800

Clark Spencer, of The Miami Herald, reports the Chicago Cubs traded P Jose Ceda to the Florida Marlins Thursday, Nov. 13, in exchange for RP Kevin Gregg.

Cubs | Gregg acquired
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:19:56 -0800

Ken Rosenthal, of FOXSports.com, reports the Chicago Cubs acquired RP Kevin Gregg from the Florida Marlins Thursday, Nov. 13. It is not known who the Cubs will give to the Marlins in return. Gregg would likely be used as a bridge to RP Carlos Marmol if free-agent CL Kerry Wood (Cubs) does not return.

Cubs | Castillo pleads not guilty
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:03:58 -0800

The Associated Press reports Chicago Cubs P Julio Castillo pleaded not guilty Thursday, Nov. 13. Castillo is accused of throwing a ball that hit a fan in the head during a bench-clearing brawl in the minor leagues this year. He did not appear in court, but remains free on bond.

Cubs | Team's offer for Peavy not preferred
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:40:51 -0800

CBSSports.com's Scott Miller reports the Chicago Cubs are allegedly offering OF Felix Pie, IF Ronny Cedeno and SP Sean Marshall for San Diego Padres SP Jake Peavy. Peavy's preference is said to be with the Cubs, but the Padres prefer the Atlanta Braves' offer.

Cubs | Fukudome could be moved to center
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:25:22 -0800

Carrie Muskat, of MLB.com, reports Chicago Cubs OF Kosuke Fukudome could be moved to center field next year, where he would likely platoon with OF Reed Johnson.

Cubs | Piniella unaware of Peavy talk
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:20:23 -0800

Nick Cafardo, of The Boston Globe, reports Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella is not putting much emphasis in trade talks for San Diego Padres SP Jake Peavy. "First of all, I think it's only talk," said Piniella. "I haven't talked to (GM) Jim Hendry too much about our situation. We had a nice conversation two weeks ago at the organizational meetings. There were no specifics. At the time we hadn't talked about Peavy. I've really learned about Peavy on ESPN. Obviously, a very good pitcher, a top of the rotation pitcher. As far as myself I haven't had substantiative talks with Jim about it."

Cubs | Coaching staff returning
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:17:49 -0800

The Sports Network reports the Chicago Cubs coaching staff will return for the 2009 season. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild will return for his eighth season. Hitting coach Gerald Perry, bench coach Alan Trammell, first-base coach Matt Sinatro, third-base coach Mike Quade, bullpen coach Lester Strode and special assistant Ivan DeJesus will all be returning for their third seasons with the team.

Cubs | Piniella named NL Manager of the Year
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:09:29 -0800

ESPNews reports Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella was named the National League Manager of the Year for the 2008 season.

Cubs | Vitters could be dealt
Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:30:58 -0800

Buster Olney, of ESPN The Magazine, reports the Chicago Cubs have discussed 3B Josh Vitters as part of a deal to acquire San Diego Padres SP Jake Peavy.

Cubs | Howry unlikely to return
Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:29:34 -0800

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports free-agent RP Bob Howry (Cubs) isn't expected to return to the Chicago Cubs.