Baseball - Chicago Cubs news

• Happ throws hat in Cubs' second-base ring

  19-02-2019 21:15 via mlb.mlb.com
  The Cubs have innings to offer at second base this season and Ian Happ wanted to make sure he did not get lost in the conversation. Over the offseason, Happ made it known to manager Joe Maddon that he wanted to be considered for that position as the team mapped out its spring workout plans.
  
  Read more

• Baez expects more from self, Cubs' lineup

  19-02-2019 19:50 via mlb.mlb.com
  On Tuesday morning, Javier Baez met with the media for the first time this spring, discussing last year's abrupt finish for the Cubs and his goals for the season ahead. He expects to see more daily urgency from the players, and he's hoping to once again hear those M-V-P chants from the fans pouring into Wrigley Field.
  
  Read more

• Bryant ready to show off old swing this spring

  18-02-2019 23:48 via mlb.mlb.com
  On the field or in the clubhouse, there will be no easing into the spring for Cubs star Kris Bryant.
  
  Read more

• The Cubs' Spring Training battle to watch

  18-02-2019 23:20 via mlb.mlb.com
  The next five weeks will see lots of shuffling on Major League rosters. Here are the most intriguing positional battles on each of the 30 MLB clubs.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Tom Ricketts addresses father's emails, Addison

  18-02-2019 22:00 via mlb.mlb.com
  Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts addressed the team on Monday morning as he does every spring, but this year, he needed to discuss more than just the baseball season ahead. Off-the-field issues have dominated the focus recently for Chicago, creating distractions from the upbeat feelings typically associated with the start of camp.
  
  Read more

• Bryant revisits St. Louis chatter at Cubs camp

  18-02-2019 17:51 via mlb.mlb.com
  It did not take long for Kris Bryant's comments at Cubs Convention last month to make their way to St. Louis. His audience of Cubs fans was laughing and cheering, but the Cardinals players who caught wind of his remarks most certainly were not.
  
  Read more

• Reasons for optimism for each MLB club

  18-02-2019 02:02 via mlb.mlb.com
  On this opening week of Spring Training, all 30 Major League teams have one thing in common: optimism. Here's an optimism cheat sheet for each of them.
  
  Read more

• Bright side: Reasons for optimism for each team

  18-02-2019 00:39 via mlb.mlb.com
  On this opening week of Spring Training, all 30 Major League teams have one thing in common: optimism. Here's an optimism cheat sheet for each of them.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Kintzler eyes return to grounder-heavy attack

  17-02-2019 23:56 via mlb.mlb.com
  Brandon Kintzler believes his struggles in the second half with the Cubs last season were due to a classic case of information overload.
  
  Read more

• Maddon putting emphasis on situational hitting

  17-02-2019 22:49 via mlb.mlb.com
  Cubs manager Joe Maddon does not expect onlookers to see a dramatic difference in how he navigates his way around the practice diamonds this spring.
  
  Read more

• Almora's time as everyday player 'on the horizon'

  16-02-2019 23:06 via mlb.mlb.com
  Cubs manager Joe Maddon believes center fielder Albert Almora Jr. will soon grow into being an everyday player. That, however, is not likely to be the case when the regular season begins.
  
  Read more

• Descalso won't go headfirst into role as leader

  16-02-2019 22:13 via mlb.mlb.com
  When Daniel Descalso walked into the Cubs' clubhouse earlier this week, he quietly dropped off an equipment bag at his locker and then disappeared down a hallway. It was a moment that was easy to miss amidst the buzz around the room that morning.
  
  Read more

• Descalso won't go head-first into role as leader

  16-02-2019 22:13 via mlb.mlb.com
  When Daniel Descalso walked into the Cubs' clubhouse earlier this week, he quietly dropped off an equipment bag at his locker and then disappeared down a hallway. It was a moment that was easy to miss amidst the buzz around the room that morning.
  
  Read more

• Maddon to take a 'fluid' approach to closer role

  16-02-2019 00:42 via mlb.mlb.com
  Standing at his locker, Cubs reliever Pedro Strop cracked a smile when asked for his thoughts on being the closer to start the season. "Did he tell you I'm going to be the closer?" Strop said with a laugh, referring to manager Joe Maddon.
  
  Read more

• Russell contrite, takes responsibility for actions

  16-02-2019 00:06 via mlb.mlb.com
  Addison Russell spoke methodically, navigating his way through a series of questions several months in the making. When the Cubs shortstop took his seat in an interview room on Friday morning, it was his first time talking publicly about his ongoing suspension for violating Major League Baseball's Domestic Abuse Policy since being placed on administrative leave in September.
  
  Read more

• Prospects who should vie for a roster spot

  15-02-2019 00:36 via mlb.mlb.com
  The 30 prospects below all are getting very long looks this spring with an eye toward breaking camp with the parent club. Even if they start the year in the Minors, they all should get the chance to contribute at some point in the very near future.
  
  Read more

• Chatwood hopes small fix has big results in '19

  14-02-2019 23:28 via mlb.mlb.com
  All Tyler Chatwood needs to do is look around the Cubs clubhouse to realize that the odds are stacked against him making the North Siders' starting rotation.
  
  Read more

• Cubs add lefty reliever Cedeno to 'pen mix

  14-02-2019 22:49 via mlb.mlb.com
  In search of relief help that would fit within their budget parameters, the Cubs have added veteran left-hander Xavier Cedeno on a $900,000 non-guaranteed deal, a source told MLB.com on Wednesday night. The club has not confirmed the deal.
  
  Read more

• Edwards hopes pause in delivery aids accuracy

  14-02-2019 21:21 via mlb.mlb.com
  The delivery that Carl Edwards Jr. unveiled during his first official bullpen session of Spring Training this week looked a lot like the one used by Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen.
  
  Read more

• 20 questions that will define the NL Central

  14-02-2019 17:35 via mlb.mlb.com
  It was only five years ago that the Cardinals won the National League Central with only 90 wins. Heck, it was only 12 years ago that the Cubs won it with 85, and 13 that the Cardinals won it with 83. Point is: There have been times in recent baseball history that the NL Central was not exactly the toughest gauntlet in the sport. But in 2019, it looks like the scariest division in baseball.
  
  Read more

• Source: Cubs have deal with reliever Cedeno

  14-02-2019 04:48 via mlb.mlb.com
  In search of relief help that would fit within their budget parameters, the Cubs have added veteran left-hander Xavier Cedeno on a $900,000 non-guaranteed deal, a source told MLB.com on Wednesday night. The club has not confirmed the deal.
  
  Read more

• Projected 2019 lineups, rotations for every team

  14-02-2019 02:51 via mlb.mlb.com
  Spring Training is here, so now is a good time to project what each club's Opening Day lineup and rotation would look like if the season began today. Of course, rosters are still fluid at this point, but with help from all 30 MLB.com beat writers, here's a roundup of how they might turn out.
  
  Read more

• Darvish ready to be rid of last season's troubles

  13-02-2019 23:55 via mlb.mlb.com
  Following a bullpen session on Wednesday morning, Yu Darvish made his way to a vacated practice field. With no coaches, teammates or staffers around, the Cubs right-hander worked through a series of tosses into a batting practice screen to continue refining his delivery.
  
  Read more

• Morrow's injury adds intrigue to Cubs' bullpen

  13-02-2019 22:43 via mlb.mlb.com
  A comeback from a right elbow injury will keep veteran reliever Brandon Morrow out of the picture for the season's first month, contributing to a Cubs bullpen competition that features a long list of arms.
  
  Read more

• Cubs to launch Marquee Sports Network

  13-02-2019 16:01 via mlb.mlb.com
  The Chicago Cubs and Sinclair Broadcast Group on Wednesday announced the launch of Marquee Sports Network to provide increased access and around-the-clock coverage of the team. This new regional sports network will be the exclusive television home of the Chicago Cubs beginning in 2020.
  
  Read more

• Epstein details rigorous expectations for Russell

  13-02-2019 02:20 via mlb.mlb.com
  Addison Russell went through a normal morning workout at the Cubs' spring complex on Tuesday, but there is nothing routine about the shortstop's current situation. Once the regular season arrives, Russell will have a series of important steps to complete before being permitted to take the field again.
  
  Read more

• Cubs open camp with high expectations

  12-02-2019 21:14 via mlb.mlb.com
  The daily sense of urgency officially begins right now for the Cubs. On Tuesday, Chicago's pitchers and catchers were required to report to Arizona, marking the first step in Spring Training's six-week build toward Opening Day.
  
  Read more

• 30 low-key acquisitions who could pay off big

  12-02-2019 18:57 via mlb.mlb.com
  Fans and analysts spend the entire offseason speculating where the top free agents could go, but sometimes an under-the-radar pickup can end up making a world of difference. As positional competitions begin to heat up at Spring Training camps this month, MLB.com's beat writers were asked to identify one potentially overlooked acquisition for each of the 30 clubs. Here's who they came up with.
  
  Read more

• Uniform patch to mark 150 years of pro baseball

  12-02-2019 15:09 via mlb.mlb.com
  All 30 Major League teams will wear special "MLB 150" patches on their uniforms for the entire 2019 season in honor of the 150th anniversary of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first openly all-salaried professional baseball team.
  
  Read more

• Cubs, reliever Brach complete deal

  11-02-2019 19:05 via mlb.mlb.com
  The Cubs and right-handed pitcher Brad Brach completed a 2019 contract with a club/player option for the 2020 campaign on Monday.
  
  Read more

• Predicting the Cubs' Opening Day roster

  11-02-2019 15:57 via mlb.mlb.com
  A lot can change prior to Opening Day, but the Cubs' projected 25-man setup has little wiggle room at the moment. Barring something unexpected, Chicago's five-man rotation is set and the lineup and bench are occupied. The biggest source of competition for Spring Training will be in the bullpen.
  
  Read more

• Cubs' projected roster has little wiggle room

  10-02-2019 23:21 via mlb.mlb.com
  A lot can change prior to Opening Day, but the Cubs' projected 25-man setup has little wiggle room at the moment. Barring something unexpected, Chicago's five-man rotation is set and the lineup and bench are occupied. The biggest source of competition for Spring Training will be in the bullpen.
  
  Read more

• Cubs' potential roster has little wiggle room

  10-02-2019 23:21 via mlb.mlb.com
  A lot can change prior to Opening Day, but the Cubs' projected 25-man setup has little wiggle room at the moment. Barring something unexpected, Chicago's five-man rotation is set and the lineup and bench are occupied. The biggest source of competition for Spring Training will be in the bullpen.
  
  Read more

• Baez, Morrow ranked among the game's best

  10-02-2019 01:00 via mlb.mlb.com
  MLB Network's countdown of baseball's best players at each position continued with the third installment of the "Top 10 Right Now!" series, featuring the game's top first basemen and starting pitchers.
  
  Read more

• Bryant looks to reboot power swing in 2019

  09-02-2019 19:25 via mlb.mlb.com
  All eyes will be on Kris Bryant this spring. Every swing within view on a practice field and every Cactus League plate appearance will be under the public microscope. For the Cubs, Bryant exists as the most critical component to correcting the offensive landslide that occurred last year.
  
  Read more

• Inbox: Why should Cubs focus on velocity?

  08-02-2019 19:30 via mlb.mlb.com
  Beat reporter Jordan Bastian discusses why the Cubs and other teams are focused on on pitchers that throw hard and answers questions about the bullpen.
  
  Read more

• Cubs head to camp seeking sense of urgency

  07-02-2019 21:15 via mlb.mlb.com
  Shortly before the Winter Meetings in December, when it was increasingly clear that the Cubs would not be major players in the free-agent marketplace, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said what has become the unofficial slogan for 2019 for his team. "This year is really a reckoning in a lot of ways," Epstein said.
  
  Read more

• 10 players you forgot were once Cubs

  07-02-2019 00:45 via mlb.mlb.com
  Many star players become known for their stints with a particular team or two. There are also many who had brief, easy-to-forget stops elsewhere along the line. Here are 10 players you might have forgotten suited up for the Cubs.
  
  Read more

• Here's your guide to Cubs Spring Training

  06-02-2019 22:20 via mlb.mlb.com
  A year after winning 95 games but seeing October come to a far-too-abrupt end, the Cubs are ready to embark on the 2019 season. Here's everything you need to know about Spring Training in Mesa, Ariz.
  
  Read more

• Around the Horn: Cubs will rely on INF stars

  06-02-2019 19:00 via mlb.mlb.com
  In the weeks leading up to the start of Spring Training, MLB.com has been going Around the Horn, examining different facets of the Cubs' roster. In the final installment this week: Infielders and catchers.
  
  Read more

• Get ready to watch: MLB.TV available for 2019

  06-02-2019 15:55 via mlb.mlb.com
  Spring Training is imminent, Opening Day is within sight and the big league season isn't complete for fans without a subscription to MLB.TV. The most comprehensive streaming service in professional sports is now available for the 2019 season.
  
  Read more

• Bryant, Rizzo among best position player duos

  06-02-2019 00:20 via mlb.mlb.com
  MLB.com looked at each team's two highest-ranked position players in WAR, according to the Steamer projections. Here are the top 10, but keep in mind that things could change once Manny Machado and Bryce Harper find homes.
  
  Read more

• Fina-Lee: Smith enjoys HOF Orientation Visit

  05-02-2019 22:03 via mlb.mlb.com
  Lee Smith's Hall of Fame journey ended in December with a call informing him he had achieved baseball's greatest individual honor. In his first trip to Cooperstown since, the joy was apparent throughout his whirlwind visit.
  
  Read more

• This is the Cubs prospect to watch in camp

  05-02-2019 02:10 via mlb.mlb.com
  The countdown to pitchers and catchers reporting is down to single digits for all 30 MLB clubs, but as exciting as it is to see the return of Major League stars, it's also a time to dream about the next wave of baseball talent.
  
  Read more

• Hamels preparing to take on leadership role

  04-02-2019 17:37 via mlb.mlb.com
  Cole Hamels felt his time in Chicago last season, combined with the knowledge that he would still be suiting up for the club in 2019, would allow him to more confidently step forward as a clubhouse leader this year.
  
  Read more

• Players with the most WAR for their current club

  04-02-2019 01:35 via mlb.mlb.com
  We are looking at the players on each active roster who are making history for their franchises every time they step on the field. We're looking at the player who has compiled the highest WAR (per Baseball Reference) for his current team so far in his career.
  
  Read more

• Rizzo ranked No. 5 1B by MLB Network

  03-02-2019 01:04 via mlb.mlb.com
  MLB Network's countdown of baseball's best players at each position continued with the third installment of the "Top 10 Right Now!" series, featuring the game's top first basemen and starting pitchers.
  
  Read more

• 12 sleeper Cy Young candidates for 2019

  02-02-2019 02:24 via mlb.mlb.com
  It's easy to argue that baseball's best races right now are for each league's Cy Young Award, and all the usual favorites will be back in play. But allow us to dream a little deeper and look at some true dark horse candidates for the 2019 Cy Young.
  
  Read more

• Reliever Barnette, Cubs agree to 1-year deal

  01-02-2019 22:34 via mlb.mlb.com
  The Cubs will have all spring to sort through their options for a bullpen beset with question marks. On Friday, Chicago allowed right-hander Tony Barnette to throw his name into the ring.
  
  Read more

• Inbox: How is Bryant's shoulder progressing?

  01-02-2019 17:01 via mlb.mlb.com
  What's the prognosis on Kris Bryant's shoulder injury -- and what role does the former MVP's father have in his training? Beat reporter Jordan Bastian answers this and more in the latest Inbox.
  
  Read more

Follow @ChicagoCubs_Nws on Twitter!