Welcome to 2015!

Welcome to 2015, which is sure to be a milestone year for the Cubs.  There was much excitement at the 30th Annual Cubs Convention, which was held last weekend (January 16-18) at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.  

Current and past Cubs players on stage during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

This was my 7th Convention and the mood during the weekend was noticeably different than in previous years.  Cubs fans were pumped, energized and seemed to have a renewed outlook on a team that's ready to compete, rather than "re-build." 

For the first time in years, Convention passes and hotel rooms sold out before the Convention started, which I think is a sign of things to come!  All of the panels were packed and had people standing in the back of the ballrooms and flowing into the hallway.

Fans were the most excited to see Joe Maddon, the new Cubs manager, Jon Lester, the new Cubs starting pitcher, Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro and top prospect Kris Bryant.  

New Cubs Manager Joe Maddon shakes hands with Cubs Alumni during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs Shortstop and All-Star Starlin Castro walks out during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Top prospect Kris Bryant on stage during the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Another highlight of the weekend:
I, along with approximately 550 other guests, had the great opportunity to attend Kerry Wood and the Wood Family Foundation's (WFF) 4th Annual Woody's Winter Warm-Up on Friday, January 16th.

The event had a new venue this year, which was Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch Restaurant and Chicago Sports Museum located in Water Tower Place on the 7th Floor.  The Plain White T's performed while guests mingled with Cubs players and local celebrities, who also took turns guest bartending to earn tips to benefit the WFF.

I got a chance to get a photo with former Cubs Pitcher (and the event host) Kerry Wood

The night raised over $100,000 for the Wood Family Foundation's "Pitch In" program.  This is always an event I look forward to each year, because not only is it a lot of fun, it's a wonderful feeling to also know that my support ends up helping children through the Wood Family Foundation's programs.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo gets ready to guest bartend during Woody's Winter Warm-Up (photo by Karen Burchell)

Now that the Cubs Convention is over and there are just 28 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, I am thoroughly looking forward to this season.  As Chairman Tom Ricketts mentioned at the Opening Ceremonies, "Let's Go!"

Cubs players file for arbitration; Cubs Convention; Strike A Chord; Woody's Winter Warm-Up; Clark the Mascot

As the Cubs Convention is just two days away, there has been a lot Cubs coverage in the media this week.  First off, eight Cubs players filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday.  The players and their 2013 salaries and projected 2014 salaries are listed below:

Jeff Samardzija: $2.64 million (2013); $4.9 million (2014 projected)
Darwin Barney: $562,000 (2013); $2.1 million (2014 projected)
Travis Wood: $527,500 (2013); $3.6 million (2014 projected)
Nate Schierholtz: $2.25 million (2013); $4.4 million (2014 projected)
James Russell: $1.075 million (2013); $1.7 million (2014 projected)
Luis Valbuena: $930,000 (2013); $1.5 million (2014 projected)
Pedro Strop: $502,500 (2013); $1 million (2014 projected)
Justin Ruggiano: $494,500 (2013); $1.8 million (2014 projected)

The Cubs and players will discuss salary figures on Friday if an agreement isn't reached before then.  If necessary, arbitration hearings will take place between February 1-21.

This Friday, January 17th kicks off the 29th Annual Cubs Convention which will take place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 East North Water Street in downtown Chicago.  The Convention continues on Saturday, January 18th and will wrap up on Sunday.  Opening Ceremonies will start at 6pm and will include introductions of all current and past players down a red-carpet runway. 

Confirmed players, coaches and executives attending the convention include:

Major League Players:
Jake Arrieta RHP
Darwin Barney INF
Welington Castillo C
Starlin Castro INF
Kyuji Fujikawa RHP
Justin Grimm RHP
Edwin Jackson RHP
George Kottaras C
Junior Lake OF
Donnie Murphy INF
Blake Parker RHP
Brooks Raley LHP
Anthony Rizzo INF
Hector Rondon RHP
Justin Ruggiano OF
Chris Rusin LHP
James Russell LHP
Jeff Samardzija RHP
Nate Schierholtz OF
Pedro Strop RHP
Ryan Sweeney OF
Luis Valbuena INF
Carlos Villanueva  RHP
Jose Veras RHP
Travis Wood LHP
Wesley Wright LHP

Minor League Players:
Arismendy Alcantara INF
Albert Almora, OF
Javier Baez INF
Kris Bryant INF
C.J. Edwards RHP
Kyle Hendricks RHP
Pierce Johnson RHP
Eric Jokisch LHP
Mike Olt INF
Neil Ramirez RHP
Armando Rivero RHP
Rubi Silva OF
Jorge Soler OF
Christian Villanueva INF
Arodys Vizcaino RHP

Cubs Alumni:
Ernie Banks INF
Glenn Beckert INF
Jim Bullinger P
Bobby Dernier OF
Scott Eyre P
Randy Hundley C
Fergie Jenkins P
Jay Johnstone OF
Les Lancaster P
Derrek Lee 1B
Ted Lilly P
Bill Madlock INF
Gary Matthews OF
Dave Otto P, Broadcaster
Milt Pappas P
Mark Prior P
Mike Remlinger P
Scott Sanderson P
Dwight Smith OF
Lee Smith P
Tim Stoddard P
                                        Rick Sutcliffe P
                                        Steve Trout P
                                        Billy Williams OF
                                        Kerry Wood P


 

Coaching Staff:
Rick Renteria, Manager
Mike Borzello, Catching Coach
Chris Bosio, Pitching Coach
Mike Brumley, Assistant Hitting Coach
Jose Castro, Quality Assurance Coach
Eric Hinske, First Base Coach
Brandon Hyde, Bench Coach
Gary Jones, Third Base Coach
Bill Mueller, Hitting Coach
Lester Strode, Bench Coach

 Team Executives/Broadcasters:
Tom Ricketts, Chairman
Laura Ricketts, Board Member
Pete Ricketts, Board Member
Todd Ricketts, Board Member
Theo Epstein, President, Baseball Operations
Crane Kenney, President, Business Operations
Jed Hoyer, EVP/GM
Jason McLeod, SVP, Scouting & Player Development
Randy Bush, Assistant GM
Shiraz Rehman, Assistant to the GM
Pat Hughes, Radio Broadcaster
 Ron Coomer, Radio Broadcaster
                                                         Len Kasper, TV Broadcaster
                                                         Jim Deshaies, TV Broadcaster


I always look forward to the Cubs Convention (tweet with #CubsCon) and will share my experiences on this blog throughout the weekend.  You can also follow me at @kcburchell on Twitter.

There are also two Cubs events this Thursday and Friday, which are scheduled around the Convention.  First, former Cubs outfielder David DeJesus and his wife Kim are hosting "Strike A Chord" along with Cubs Charities and the David DeJesus Family Foundation on Thursday at 6:30pm at American Junkie, 15 W. Illinois Street.  Cubs players will sing karaoke to help raise money to benefit ALS research and support.  Heavy appetizers will be provided by American Junkie, Chicago q, GT Fish and Oyster, Siena Tavern and Wow Bao.  Tickets are $125 in advance or $150 at the door and will also include an open bar, live auction and raffle.  For more information or to purchase tickets: cubs.com/karaoke

The Wood Family Foundation (WFF) (Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood and his wife Sarah's foundation) will host the third annual "Woody's Winter Warm-Up" event on Friday night at 8pm at Harry Caray's Tavern, Navy Pier.  The event will emceed by radio personality Pete McMurray and television host Catie Keogh and will showcase Chicago Cubs past and present, celebrities and media personalities as 'guest-bartenders' mixing drinks and competing for tips to raise money for WFF.  The night will also feature meet-and-greet opportunities with players, a silent auction, premium open bar, dinner buffet, raffle and DJ.  Robert Randolph is the headliner of this year's event.  Tickets are $150 in advance or $175 at the door.  For more information or to purchase tickets, go to this link.

Ernie Banks and Kerry Wood at "Woody's Winter Warm-Up" in 2013

In other Cubs news, the team introduced their first mascot in history, Clark the Cub on Monday.  Fans seem to have mixed feelings about Clark as a large amount of fans expressed negative feelings on Twitter and Facebook towards the new mascot, but others think the mascot is a good idea for entertaining kids.

Cubs prospects helped to introduce Clark at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago on Monday when they helped to reinforce positive activities being taught to children with autism and other developmental challenges.  The players did jumping jacks and stretches with the children, answered questions about their favorite ice cream flavor and colors and competed in friendly games of "Connect 4."  Kris Bryant, the Cubs' No. 1 Draft pick was on hand, as well as Albert Almora, Jorge Soler, Mike Olt and Eric Jokisch.

Cubs prospects Kris Bryant, Armando Rivero and Arodys Vizcaino and Clark visit with kids at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

The Cubs organization says that Clark will help to welcome fans to his own clubhouse at Wrigley Field, where families can visit.  Fans also will be able to interact with Clark on Twitter and Facebook.  At first, I wasn't so sure about a Cubs mascot, but as I've had time to think about it, I like the idea of having Clark to interact with kids at events both at and away from Wrigley Field.  It's hard to break tradition of not having a team mascot, but Clark seems harmless enough.  I just wish he would wear some pants!

Lastly, the Cubs have signed 28-year old Chris Coghlan, who was the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year, to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The left-handed hitting outfielder/third baseman will earn $800,000 if he makes the Major League roster and can earn another $250,000 in incentives.

I hope to see some of you at the Cubs Convention this weekend and stay tuned to Cubby News for Convention updates throughout the weekend.  Go Cubs Go! 

28th Annual Cubs Convention a success at new venue (recap and exclusive photos)

A couple of weeks ago, I attended my sixth consecutive Cubs Convention and I wanted to share my experience with everyone.

Although this was the 28th Annual Cubs Convention, this year was unique because of the new venue at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.  Personally, I welcomed the new location and thought the space was nicely laid out, even though at times there were bottlenecks when trying to get into the autograph/photograph ballroom.  I'm pretty sure this is something that will be remedied by the 2014 Convention.

Before the opening ceremonies started on Friday, January 18th, the two huge screens in the ballroom were set up to display people's tweets that included the #CubsCon hashtag.  Of course, I had to try it out and alas, it was pretty cool to see my tweet posted on the screens and then to have people around me say, "Hi, Karen!" as they recognized me from my Twitter profile picture.

My tweet posted on one of two screens at the 2013 Opening Ceremonies

When the players were introduced during the ceremony, they walked in from the back of the room and down the red carpet as they high fived and interacted with fans on their way to the stage in the front of the ballroom.  This was a nice touch - and mental note: Try to get a spot by the red carpet next year! 

Here are some photos I took during the Opening Ceremonies:

 

Here's a link to a video of highlights from the 2013 Opening Ceremonies from WGN-Radio.  There's always a warm, fuzzy feeling to see former players interact with current players and coaches and also when they look genuinely happy to be at the Convention with their teammates and fans.

On the second day of the Cubs Convention (Saturday, January 19th), I was able to get both autographs and photographs with many players.  One new thing this year for the photograph line was that fans received a free 4x6 photo of them with the player, which had "28th Annual Cubs Convention, January 18-20, 2013" printed at the bottom of the photo.

This was a noticeable improvement from former conventions, where you had to either give your camera to a Cubs staff member to take a pic of you, or if you wanted a professional photo, you had to pay $15 to get a cardboard photo jacket (which the player would also sign).  Something about having to pay $15 for the photo jacket and a photo that wasn't usually be best quality just bugged me.  Anyway, kudos to whoever thought of the complimentary photo idea.  And these photos were also very high quality, which was great!  The line also moved much faster with the new setup and there were no stairs to climb, which also saved time.

My photo with former Cub catcher Jody Davis, which I also got signed in an autograph line later

The Cubs also had preprinted backdrops at all of the autograph and photo stages/lines, which made for better looking photo ops.  Also new this year, there were two lines at every autograph stage.  Line 1 was usually for the current player signing and Line 2 was for the upcoming signing.  15 minutes or so before the player was due to sign, the Cubs staff would hand out a limited amount of vouchers good for "one autograph with XX player."  This way, fans had to remain in line and present this voucher in order to obtain an autograph.  This prevented line hoppers who were just there to get as many autographs as possible (mostly for resale purposes, I'm guessing.)

Autograph voucher for Jeff Samardzija

For some reason, the staff working the convention seemed a lot friendlier all the way around than in previous years.  I don't know if they had a more stringent screening process to determine which staffers would work the convention, or if they emphasized the importance of having a good attitude to the employees.  Either way, it made for an enjoyable weekend!

Here are some more photos I took over the Convention weekend:

Outfielder David DeJesus signing autographs

First baseman Anthony Rizzo signing autographs

Third baseman Ian Stewart at an autograph table

Outfielder Tony Campana signing autographs

We ran into Crane Kenney getting coffee in the Sheraton

Shortstop Starlin Castro signing autographs for fans

There were also numerous panels and presentations throughout the weekend, as well as vendors.  The Cubs museum display room was really enjoyable and it would be pretty exciting if they opened a Cubs museum near Wrigley Field (they were getting signatures to support this).  Here's a look at some of the displays in the "museum" room:

All in all, the 2013 Cubs Convention is now a fond memory.  Only 8 more days until Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Mesa!  Time to look ahead to Spring Training!  Let's get 'em in 2013!

List of Attendees announced for 28th Annual Cubs Convention

The 2013 Cubs Convention list of attendees has been officially announced by the team!  There will be over 75 special guests including current Cubs players and coaches, alumni and Minor League players in attendance for the 28th annual Cubs Convention. 

The festivities will take place this Friday, January 18th through Sunday, January 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at 301 East North Water Street in downtown Chicago, which is a new location this year.

According to the Cubs, there are still a limited amount of passes available for $60 each plus service fees at www.cubs.com/convention or by calling 1-800-THE-CUBS.

Scheduled to attend are:

Current players
Scott Baker, Darwin Barney, Michael Bowden, Shawn Camp, Tony Campana, Welington Castillo, Starlin Castro, Steve Clevenger, David DeJesus, Scott Feldman, Matt Garza, Brett Jackson, Edwin Jackson, Carlos Marmol, Dioner Navarro, Brooks Raley, Anthony Rizzo, Chris Rusin, James Russell, Jeff Samardzija, Dave Sappelt, Nate Schierholtz, Alfonso Soriano, Ian Stewart, Josh Vitters and Travis Wood.

Minor League players
Javier Baez, Dallas Beeler, Jae-Hoon Ha, Marcus Hatley, Barret Loux, Trey McNutt, Hector Rondon, Zach Rosscup, Nick Struck, Matt Szczur, Logan Watkins, Robert Whitenack and Tony Zych.

Cubs alumni
Ernie Banks, Glenn Beckert, Jose Cardenal, Jody Davis, Bobby Dernier, Jeff Fassero, Randy Hundley, Fergie Jenkins, Jay Johnstone, Jon Lieber, Gary Matthews, Keith Moreland, Dave Otto, Milt Pappas, Scott Sanderson, Lee Smith, Tim Stoddard, Rick Sutcliffe, Steve Trout, Todd Walker, Billy Williams and Kerry Wood.

For more information on the Cubs Convention schedule of events, please see this link for my previous blog post.

Hope to see some of you at the Sheraton this weekend.  Let me know in a comment if you're planning on attending!

Cubs announce schedule of events for 28th Annual Cubs Convention January 18-20th, 2013

 
The 2013 Cubs Convention schedule has been officially announced by the team!  There will be over 75 special guests including current Cubs players and coaches, alumni and Minor League players in attendance for the 28th annual Cubs Convention.  The festivities will take place Friday, January 18th through Sunday, January 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at 301 East North Water Street in downtown Chicago, which is a new location this year.

According to the Cubs, there are still a limited amount of passes available for $60 each at www.cubs.com/convention or by calling 1-800-THE-CUBS.

The Opening Ceremony is on Friday, January 18th at 5pm and will feature player and alumni introductions on a red carpet runway that will provide special VIP access to children 16-and-under. Following the Opening Ceremony, guests can find some of their favorite Cubs throughout the hotel for the Autograph Hunt Game.  The evening will conclude with Cubs Bingo led by Wayne Messmer, as well as live radio broadcasts of WGN Sports Night.

Saturday’s program will include the return of Cubs Jeopardy, which will pit alumni pitchers Milt Pappas, Scott Sanderson, Lee Smith and Rick Sutcliffe against alumni position players Jose Cardenal, Jody Davis, Randy Hundley and Todd Walker.  Cubs Family Feud will make its Cubs Convention debut Saturday afternoon, as Cubs alumni Bobby Dernier, Jon Lieber, Gary Matthews and Billy Williams take on current Cubs Michael Bowden, Shawn Camp, Brett Jackson and Ian Stewart.

Fans can meet many of the club’s offseason acquisitions at a “Meet the New Cubs” session featuring pitchers Scott Baker, Scott Feldman, Edwin Jackson, catcher Dioner Navarro and outfielder Nate Schierholtz, hosted by new television analyst Jim Deshaies and play-by-play broadcaster Len Kasper.

Additional Saturday sessions include:

• “Ricketts Family Forum,” featuring Tom, Laura, Pete and Todd Ricketts speaking with Len Kasper and fans about their experience as team owners over the past three years.
• “Meet Cubs Baseball Management,” featuring President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer, Assistant General Manager Randy Bush, Assistant General Manager Shiraz Rehman and Manager Dale Sveum speaking about the club’s recent moves and what lies ahead for the 2013 season.
• “From Draft Day to the Big Leagues,” featuring Cubs Minor League prospects Dallas Beeler, Matt Szczur, Robert Whitenack and Tony Zych discussing what it’s like to get drafted by the Chicago Cubs and advance through the Minor Leagues.
• “Dale Sveum and the Coaching Staff,” featuring the Cubs Manager, Bench Coach Jamie Quirk, Hitting Coach James Rowson, Assistant Hitting Coach Rob Deer, Bullpen Coach Lester Strode, First Base Coach Dave McKay and Third Base Coach David Bell speaking with Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies about what’s in store during the staff’s second year.
• “For Kids Only Press Conference, presented by Advocate Health Care,” featuring a unique Q-and-A session where only kids can ask the questions to Darwin Barney, David DeJesus, Brooks Raley, Anthony Rizzo and Chris Rusin.
• “Renew Wrigley Field,” featuring Cubs executives discussing ideas to preserve and renew iconic Wrigley Field based on input from Cubs fans, Season Ticket Holders and the community.
• “Not for Women Only,” making its return to the Convention, featuring Scott Baker, Scott Feldman, Matt Garza, James Russell and Travis Wood discussing their personal sides and lives off the field.
• “WGN Radio’s Sports Central,” a live broadcast with WGN Radio’s Jim Memolo and Glen Kozlowski featuring segments with David DeJesus and Matt Garza; Darwin Barney and Jeff Samardzija; Tony Campana and Starlin Castro; and Brett Jackson, Edwin Jackson and Anthony Rizzo.

Sunday’s program features two panel sessions to close out the Convention:

• “Down on the Farm,” featuring Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Jason McLeod, Director of Pro Scouting Joe Bohringer and Director of Player Development Brandon Hyde joined by Chris Rusin and Josh Vitters giving a breakdown of the Cubs Minor League teams from Iowa down to Mesa.
• “Stat Sundays,” with broadcasters Jim Deshaies, Len Kasper and WGN’s Bob Vorwald offering insight into the statistics they analyze and feature during Stats Sundays throughout the season.

In addition to the sessions highlighted above, the Convention includes many new and returning activities throughout the weekend for fans:

• Rookie of the Year Movie Night, presented by Cubs Kids Club, makes its Cubs Convention program debut, allowing fans to eat popcorn and relax with family and friends Saturday evening while watching the popular film, Rookie of the Year.
• Chicago Cubs Sock Hop is a Saturday fan favorite that keeps attendees dancing until midnight.
• Walgreens Field is a new miniature turf diamond that gives kids a fun place to practice batting, play pick-up wiffle ball games or participate in professional instructional clinics as part of the Baseball Interactive Zone. Cubs players and coaches will pair up with Illinois Baseball Academy instructors to conduct a series of training opportunities for fans of all ages throughout the weekend.
• Comcast SportsNet Chicago is giving fans the chance to test their play-by-play broadcasting skills in a custom-built Fantasy Broadcasting Booth. Guests will call a pre-recorded play in the booth, then download a recorded copy of their work for keeps.
• MLB Network’s Strike Zone allows fans to test their arm speed and win prizes at an inflatable speed pitch.
• MLB.com’s "Bucks on the Pond" trivia game combines contestants’ knowledge with Major League Baseball game play to determine who will win some big league bucks.
•The Sony PlayStation Gaming Zone gives attendees a chance to take a break from the action to play MLB 12 The Show at one of several Sony PS3 kiosks.
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center returns with an area dedicated for families to exercise their creativity with the small building blocks.
• The Blue Bunny Bucket Toss gives kids a chance to win ice cream prizes in a fun bucket toss game.
• American Girl’s Activity Area features activities inspired by American Girl dolls and the chance to win a new doll and book.
• The Chicago Sun-Times Photo Kiosk lets fans have their picture taken for the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times with customizable headlines that make for a memorable souvenir.
Fans can learn about or contribute to the history of the Cubs franchise in collaboration with team archivists. Historical pieces of memorabilia will be on hand for viewing, and guests can receive professional tips on how to preserve their own valuable keepsakes. Attendees are invited to share their personal stories with a video crew that may be used in future promotions or publications. The team is also accepting founding donations to the Chicago Cubs Archives, with accepted donations to be officially recognized by the team. Assets will not be appraised for monetary value or purchase. The Cubs are seeking the following items from years past:

• Photographs
• Uniforms and equipment, such as jerseys, gloves, bats and balls
• Ballpark and grounds materials, such as seating charts, packaging and employee uniforms
• Signage, such as banners and flags
• Recognitions, honors and awards
• Game day and event tickets or parking passes
• Commemorative objects and promotions, such as bobbleheads, pennants, hats and shirts

A wide variety of Cubs memorabilia will also be available for sale or auction from Cubs Authentics, Chicago Cubs Charities and a selection of third party vendors.  This will be my 4th Convention in a row and I hope to see some of you there!

WGN-Radio Schedule Released for 28th Annual Cubs Convention

The WGN-Radio schedule of events has been released for the 28th Annual Cubs Convention, which will take place Friday, January 18th through Sunday, January 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers at 301 East North Water Street in downtown Chicago (new location this year!)  According to the Cubs, there are still a limited amount of passes available at www.cubs.com or by calling 1-800-THE-CUBS.

Friday, January 18
3 – 7 p.m. Garry Meier live broadcast, including Opening Ceremonies coverage with Dave Eanet during the 5 p.m. hour.

7 – 10 p.m. WGN Sports Night live broadcast – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X. Andrea Darlas, Brian Noonan and David Kaplan return to the Cubs Convention and talk with some of the most popular Cubs of the weekend.  This is your chance to hear directly from some of the players and key front office personal in the Cubs organization and find out what they’re looking forward to in 2013. Scheduled guests include:

• 7-7:30 Dale Sveum and James Rowson
• 7:30-8 Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer
• 8-8:30 Jeff Samardzija, Matt Garza, Scott Baker and Scott Feldman
• 8:30-9 Darwin Barney, Anthony Rizzo, and David DeJesus
• 9-9:30 Len Kasper, Jim DeShaies, Pat Hughes, and Keith Moreland

Saturday, January 19
10-11 a.m. Meet Cubs Baseball Management – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
Join WGN Radio’s Dave Eanet as he sits down with: President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer, Assistant General Manager Randy Bush, and Manager Dale Sveum. Learn more about the recent moves the Cubs have made and what lies ahead for the 2013 season. Here’s your chance to hear about what goes on behind the scenes.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. From Draft Day to the Big Leagues – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
We see what happens at the Major League level, but find out what the journey is like through the minor leagues. Find out what it is like to get the phone call saying you’ve been drafted by the Cubs and what happens from there. Cubs minor league prospects will be on hand to describe their first days in rookie ball to where they are today. Hosted by WGN Radio’s Garry Meier and Dave Eanet.
(Minor leaguers include: Javier Baez, Dallas Beeler, Marcus Hatley, Barret Loux, Trey McNutt, Hector Rondon, Zach Rosscup, Nick Struck, Matt Szczur, Logan Watkins, Robert Whitenack, and Tony Zych)

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. For Kids Only Press Conference, presented by Advocate Health Care – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
This unique hour long session is for the kids! Hosted by WGN Radio’s Bill Leff this fun segment will allow kids to take charge and ask the questions. Come listen to Darwin Barney, David Dejesus, Brooks Raley, Anthony Rizzo and Chris Rusin answer some always entertaining questions as well as give advice to these youngsters on how to become future big league stars.

2 – 3 p.m. Not for Women Only – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
Do you want to know what our players do in their spare time? What they like to do on their days off? Join WGN Radio host Carol Roth as she talks to Scott Baker, Shawn Camp, Matt Garza, James Russell and Travis Wood about their life off the field.

4 – 6 p.m. WGN Radio’s Sports Central live broadcast – Ballrooms VIII, IX, X
WGN Radio’s Jim Memolo and Glen Kozlowski bring their Sports Central show to the Sheraton for a live broadcast with some of your favorite current and former Cubs.  They’re covering all the off-season moves, as well as what to look forward to with the 2013 team.

• 4:00- 4:30 David DeJesus, Matt Garza
• 4:30- 5:00 Jeff Samardzija, Darwin Barney
• 5:00-5:30 Starlin Castro, Tony Campana
• 5:45-6:00 Brett Jackson, Anthony Rizzo, Edwin Jackson

Once the Cubs release the full convention schedule, we will post it here on Cubby News.

How many of you will be in attendance next weekend?  It will be my 4th Cubs Convention and I'm really excited for the new venue!  Let us know your plans - we'd love to hear from you!

A New Year Brings New Cubs faces, New Convention venue and exciting fundraisers

Happy New Year, Cubby News readers!  As we are almost finished with the first week of 2013, there has been a lot of Cubs news during the holidays.  Here's a list of some of the players the Cubs have signed in the last month:

OF Nate Schierholtz – one year, $2.25 million
3B Ian Stewart – one year, $2 million
P Scott Baker – one year, $5.5 million
P Shawn Camp – one year, $1.35 million
P Scott Feldman – one year, $6 million
P Kyuji Fujikawa – two years, $9.5 million
C Dioner Navarro – one year, $1.75 million
P Chang-Yong Lim - minor league deal
P Edwin Jackson - four-year, $52 million
P Carlos Villanueva - two years, $10 million 
P Dontrelle Willis - minor league deal
P Hisanori Takahashi - minor league deal

Here's a link to the current 40-man roster.

The 28th annual Cubs convention is less than two weeks away!  This weekend packed with all things Cubs will take place on Friday January 18th through Sunday January 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, located at 301 E. North Water Street in downtown Chicago.  This is a new venue for the convention, which I think will be nice, as this will be my 4th year in a row attending the Cubs Convention.

The Cubs have yet to release the official list of current and former players and coaches that will be in attendance, but once that information is available I will post it on Cubby News.  Here's a link to purchase passes to the convention.  Included with each pass is weekend access to all of the hotel convention space, which will hold the autograph and photo sessions, question and answer seminars, interactive area, memorabilia and vendor booths, as well as exciting new exhibits.

Tying in with the convention are two separate fundraisers hosted by David DeJesus and Kerry Wood and their foundations, which are both listed below:

David and Kim DeJesus will host the inaugural "Strike a Pose" fundraiser on Thursday, January 17th, 2013 at the River East Arts Center in downtown Chicago.  Current and former Cubs players and their spouses will walk the runway and the show will feature fashion by 900 N. Michigan Shops.  There will also be a live auction and raffle, as well as heavy appetizers provided by some of Chicago's hottest restaurants, including Chicago q, RPM Italian, Bull and Bear, Shaw's and Glazed & Infused.  For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/community/strike_a_pose.jsp

Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood will host his second annual "Woody's Winter Warm-Up" at Harry Caray's Navy Pier on Friday, January 18th, 2013.  Cubs players and local celebrities will serve as bartenders throughout the night and proceeds will benefit the Wood Family Foundation.  The night will also feature opportunities to meet and mingle with Cubs players, a silent auction, premium open bar, dinner buffet, and a raffle, as well as a concert, for which details will be announced soon,

I was at their inaugural event in January 2012 and it was definitely worth attending, so I hope to see some of you there!  Tickets are limited and can be purchased at:  http://woodfamilyfoundation.org

Spring Training tickets for games that will be played at HoHoKam Park went on sale Friday.  Here's a link to Spring Training tickets and info.  The Cubs will also play the Texas Rangers in Las Vegas, NV, on March 16 and 17.  Tickets for these two games will be put on sale at a date to be determined.

Meanwhile, only 35 more days until Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training!  Hope to see some of you at the Convention!

2013 Cubs Convention information announced

The Cubs have announced the details for the 28th annual Cubs Convention, which will take place January 18-20, 2013 at a new venue, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers at 301 E. North Water Street.

Fans can book rooms starting this Wednesday, September 19th at a special convention rate, which will also include the opportunity to purchase up to four convention passes for $20 each (vs. $60 per pass for fans not purchasing hotel rooms).

Here's a link to more information from cubs.com about the 2013 Cubs Convention.

How many more days until January 18th, 2013?  Meanwhile, here are a few photos I took at the 2012 Cubs Convention:

David DeJesus and Paul Maholm during the Opening Ceremonies at the 2012 Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

The Cubs band at the 2012 convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Banner for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Cubs Convention (photo by Karen Burchell)

Only 12 more days until Cubs pitchers and catchers report to spring training!

Less than two weeks until Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Mesa.  Cubs fans everywhere are getting excited for the 2012 baseball season to start.  While we're waiting for more Cubs news to report, here are some photos I took at the Opening Ceremonies of the Cubs Convention last month.

 New Cubs David DeJesus and Paul Maholm

Fans during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Cubs Convention

 

 Casey Coleman, Ryan Dempster, and Blake DeWitt

 

Matt Garza and Reed Johnson

 

 Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto

 

Carlos Marmol and James Russell

 

 Randy Wells and Kerry Wood

 

 The face of the Cubs' future, Theo Epstein