Starlin Castro's career-tying 6 RBI game leads Cubs to big win over Cardinals; Kris Bryant, Lyft driver

Starlin Castro is the Cubs MVP today after hitting two homers and a single totaling 6 RBI in the series opener against the Cardinals.  Did you know that the Cubs are 11-0 this season whenever Castro has at least three hits?  Castro's 6 RBI today matches his Major League debut game on May 7, 2010, against the Reds, where he also had 6 RBI.

Austin Jackson congratulates Starlin Castro after one of his homers during Friday's game against the Cardinals

The Cubs now have a four-game win streak after beating the NL Central division leading Cardinals 8-3.  What an intense game it was, as you could feel the rivalry between the two teams even more than usual.

Cubs starting pitcher Dan Haren accidentally hit pinch-hitter Matt Holliday in the helmet in the fifth inning.  At this point, both teams were given a warning.  However, Cardinals reliever Matt Belisle still retaliated by hitting Anthony Rizzo in his back leg in the seventh inning and was immediately ejected from the game, along with manager Mike Matheny.  It was the 29th time Rizzo has been hit by a pitch this season, which leads the Major Leagues and was also the second time he was hit by a pitch in this game.

Joe Maddon was less than pleased with the Cardinals way of doing things and said, "I'm really disappointed in what the Cardinals did right there.  We did not hit their guy on purpose.  That was an absolute mistake.  To become this vigilante group that wants to get their own pound of flesh, that's absolutely insane, ridiculous and wrong."  I don't blame Maddon for being mad...really mad.

Anthony Rizzo argues with home plate umpire Dan Bellino after being hit by a pitch for the second time in Friday's win over the Cardinals. AP Photo/Paul Beaty

"I never read this book the Cardinals wrote way back in the day regarding how to play baseball," Maddon said, fuming.  "You can take that book and read it yourself because I don't give a crap about that book.  I want everyone there to understand we don't start stuff but we stop stuff." 

The Cubs are now 86-61 (.585) and trail the Cardinals by 6 games in the NL Central and are just 1.5 games behind the Pirates, who will play the Dodgers in Los Angeles tonight at 9:10pm CT.   The Cubs currently hold the second NL Wild Card spot and have a 8.5 game lead over the Giants for the Wild Card.

In other Cubs news, have you seen this video by the ride sharing service Lyft featuring Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, who went undercover as a driver?  Here's a link to the video, which is pretty entertaining.

Kris Bryant goes undercover as a Lyft driver to unsuspecting Chicagoans

The Cubs and Cardinals will play the second game of the three-game series at 12:05pm CT tomorrow at Wrigley Field.  Joe Maddon plans to use a relief pitcher to start tomorrow's game, which could be either Trevor Cahill, Carl Edwards Jr., or Travis Wood.  Michael Wacha will make the start for the Cardinals.

What an exciting season this has turned out to be.  It's far from over yet, so let's keep cheering on our Cubbies because #wearegood!

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!"

Rick Renteria and Cubs earn first win of the Spring; Cubs and 19 players agree to terms on 2014 contracts

Cubs top prospect Javier Baez

The Cubs and new manager Rick Renteria earned their first Cactus League win by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 today in Maryvale.  Javier Baez hit his first homer of the spring and also had 2 hits.

The Cubs agreed to terms today with 19 players on the 40-man roster with 3 or less years experience including:

Infielders:
Welington Castillo
Arismendy Alcantara
Mike Olt
Christian Villanueva
Logan Watkins

Outfielders: 
Junior Lake
Brett Jackson
Matt Szczur
Josh Vitters

Pitchers:
Jake Arrieta
Dallas Beeler
Zac Rosscup
Chris Rusin
Alberto Cabrera
Justin Grimm
Blake Parker
Neil Ramirez
Hector Rondon
Arodys Vizcaino

Details about the contracts were not yet disclosed by the Cubs.  In other Cubs news, shortstop Starlin Castro will be out for 7-10 days due to a mild strain in his right hamstring.  The injury occurred during Sunday's game when Castro tried to steal second base.  “We’re just being cautious with him,” Renteria said.  “It shouldn’t set him back at all for the regular season.”

Castro's situation will allow the team to give Emilio Bonifacio a chance at shortstop and to also try out second baseman Darwin Barney at shortstop.  Barney played shortstop at Triple-A Iowa when Castro was called up to the Cubs in May 2010.  “Shortstop’s my natural position,” Barney said.  “I feel very comfortable over there.  The past three years at second base, I’ve still taken balls at short almost every day as part of my workout to stretch my arm out.  I don’t look at it as a transition.  I just look at it as moving back over to short, whenever I have to.”

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the Oakland Athletics at Cubs Park at 2:05pm CST.  Right handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks is scheduled to make the start for the Cubs.

29 more days until Opening Day in Pittsburgh and 33 days until the Cubs Home Opener! Go Cubs Go!

Cubs beat the Cardinals 2-1 and win 2nd straight game

The Cubs won 2-1 over the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in the first of the two-game series.  Anytime the Northsiders can beat the Redbirds, it's a beautiful thing.  It was really satisfying to watch Cardinals fans listening to Cubs fans fill the Friendly Confines with the sweet words of "Go Cubs Go!"

Starlin Castro makes the throw to first as Yadier Molina slides into second (Chicago Tribune photo)

Travis Wood made the start for the Cubs and was excellent as he allowed one run on five hits while walking one and striking out eight batters over 6.2 innings pitched.  Wood earned his second win of the season and threw 114 pitches.

Wood is the first left-handed Cubs pitcher to start a season with seven consecutive quality starts since Johnny Schmitz in 1948.  Kevin Gregg dominated in the ninth inning and earned his fifth save of the season (in five opportunities).  Carlos Marmol tried his best to give up the Cubs' lead in the eighth, but was thankfully able to get out of the jam unscathed.

Rightfielder Nate Schierholtz hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, which gave the Cubs a 2-1 lead and was enough to win the game.  Schierholtz was even interviewed after the game on the field and didn't even get a shaving cream pie in the face.  Bummer!

Tomorrow the rivals will play each other at 1:20pm CT and Carlos Villanueva will start for the Cubs and try to earn his second win this year.  Can the Cubbies extend their winning streak to three games? I sure hope so!

Cubs with 4-3 walk-off win against Giants in emotional game; Darwin Barney gets his Gold Glove award

Wow, what an (Opening) week it's been for the Cubs and Wrigley Field.  First off, the Wrigley renovation talks are still ongoing, but seem to be making progress.  Secondly, if you haven't heard about the severed goat head that was delivered in a box to Gate K at Wrigley Field and addressed to Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, you don't follow the Cubs all that closely.  Also, Cubs top prospect Jorge Soler was ejected from the Daytona Cubs Class A game earlier this week after a bench-clearing incident and has been suspended for five games.

Lastly, the Cubs blew another lead in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants today, but were able to come back with a walk-off win.  The final score was 4-3 Cubs.

David DeJesus and his Cubs teammates celebrate after he scores the game-winning run on Friday against the Giants (Chicago Tribune photo)

How it happened:  Carlos Villanueva had a great start as he allowed just three hits and no runs and walked one and struck out three batters over 7.1 innings pitched.  When newly named Cubs closer Kyuji Fujikawa came into the ninth, he must've been channeling Carlos Marmol as he blew the 2-0 lead for Villanueva.

Entering the bottom of the ninth, the Cubs were trailing the Giants 3-2 but Dioner Navarro got things started with a home run while pinch-hitting.  David DeJesus then had a two-out single and Starlin Castro followed by hitting a double for DeJesus to score the game-winning run.  DeJesus and Castro both also homered earlier in the game.

It was very satisfying to see the Cubs come back after losing the lead and watch them jump around on the field with so much enthusiasm after the walk-off win while "Go Cubs Go" could be heard in the background.  On a side note, Villanueva said the following about not getting credited with the win today, "Personal stats will come.  Keep doing my job and they'll come eventually.  But the atmosphere in our clubhouse right now...I wouldn't change that for the world.  I'm happy."  Glad to hear it, Carlos!

Before today's game, second baseman Darwin Barney received his Gold Glove award in a ceremony on the field, since he will be rehabbing at Triple-A Iowa starting tomorrow through Monday and is expected to rejoin the Cubs lineup on Tuesday.  Hooray!

Darwin Barney poses with his Gold Glove award at Wrigley Field on Friday (photo from @Cubs on Twitter)

Tomorrow, the Cubs and Giants will play the rubber game of the series at 1:20pm CT.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs and try to earn his second win of the season.

Cubs in first place after 3-2 win over Pirates; Travis Wood's exceptional start

The Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 to win their first series of 2013 and to stay in first place in the NL Central (tied with the Reds).  Travis Wood made his first start of the season and was impressive, allowing just one hit over six innings pitched.

Cubs players celebrate their 3-2 win against the Pirates on Thursday (Getty Images photo)

Wood threw 85 pitches and said, "I had good fastball command and was able to locate it both sides and keep them off balance.  It's great to start off the season up here and get off to a good start and hopefully keep rolling."  That's what we like to hear, Travis! 

Travis Wood allowed just one hit over six innings pitched and earned a win against the Pirates (Getty Images photo)

However, Carlos Marmol almost blew the Cubs' lead (again!), but thankfully was able to earn his first save of the year instead.

Manager Dale Sveum said the following about Marmol, "He gave up hits, but it wasn't like he was throwing the ball all over the place.  For the most part, we know things like that can get interesting with him.  He got the ground ball when he needed it.  He was OK.  It didn't seem that way, but it wasn't too bad."  For the record, Marmol's ERA is 20.25 in two outings this season.

I'm not sure why Sveum is so willing to give Marmol so many chances, when the team now has Kyuji Fujikawa, who has been excellent so far this season.  You know that Cubs fans dread Marmol when numerous tweets about the "Marmol coaster" and "Un-oh, it's Marmol" and such start appearing all over Twitter once Marmol is in the game.  Hopefully Marmol will improve as the season moves on, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that he makes me nervous.

Outfielder Nate Schierholtz's home run in the ninth inning proved to be the difference in the game after Marmol's influence on the game.  Whew!

Nate Schierholtz is congratulated after his homer in the ninth inning against the Pirates (Getty Images photo)

The Cubs got on the board with Starlin Castro's RBI single in the third inning, which scored Travis Wood, who was at second base after hitting a single and advancing on a groundout.

Tomorrow, the Cubs will start a three-game series against the Braves in Atlanta.  Scott Feldman will make his first start with the Cubs.  Game time will be at 6:30pm CT.

Just 4 more days until the Cubs Home Opener!  Here's a photo from @Cubs on Twitter of the marquee at Wrigley Field getting fresh paint today!

Wrigley Field marquee getting a fresh coat of paint before the Home Opener (photo from @Cubs on Twitter)

 Who's going to the Home Opener on Monday?  Go Cubs Go!

David DeJesus defends Bunting title; Cubs reduce spring roster to 53 players; Injury updates

David DeJesus is the winner and defending champion of the 2nd Cubs bunting tournament.  Congrats to the Cubs outfielder, who beat Nate Halm, a video staffer, in the final round.

The first place prize was $3,400, of which $1,000 will be donated to the family of Tom Pratt, who is a longtime Cubs Minor League coach who passed away last December.

David DeJesus proudly wearing the Cubs bunting tournament championship belt

Since there are just a few weeks of Spring Training left, the Cubs made some roster moves today, which include:

Alberto Cabrera, Brooks Raley, Trey McNutt and Logan Watkins have been optioned to the Iowa Cubs.  Robert Whitenack has been optioned to the Tennessee Smokies and Nick Struck has been sent to minor league camp.  The current Cubs roster stands at 53 players, which includes 25 pitchers (nine non-roster invitees), five catchers (two non-roster invitees), 13 infielders (five non-roster invitees) and 10 outfielders (three non-roster invitees).

Last Friday, March 8th, the Cubs optioned Matt Szczur to the Smokies and assigned Dayan Diaz and Michael Brenly (both non-roster invitees) to minor league camp.

As far as the Cubs performance this spring, manager Dale Sveum isn't satisfied with the team's low on-base percentage.  "We've got to start kicking it in.  It's getting to that time in Spring Training where the core players will play quite a bit, longer innings and get more at-bats," Sveum said.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo will miss a few more days as he has been playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic and shortstop Starlin Castro is expected to return on Wednesday, after being sidelined since February 27th with hamstring tightness.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has been playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic (Chicago Tribune photo)

Sveum is optimistic about the core starting players for the team and said, "You've got a lot of young kids, raw kids, who aren't very patient at the plate and making quick outs.  That's a concern for another day.  I'll be more concerned [if there are problems] when I'm putting my regular eight guys out there and Rizzo is here and Castro is here."

I definitely agree with him and am curious to see how the team does with the regular starting players.  Hopefully there will be more wins, even if they are exhibition games!

Utility player Brent Lillibridge is also expected to return Wednesday, after suffering a strained groin on February 27th.

Third baseman Ian Stewart, who left an intrasquad game on February 21st with soreness in his quad is expected to return and play this Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale.

Sveum said the following about Stewart's chances to make the team, “He came in knowing it was a job he was going to have to play well and produce (to start).  There are still 16, 17 possible games left starting Thursday, so hopefully cram 30 at-bats into that, and some minor league at-bats, too.  Go down there and lead-off and get 7-8 at-bats in a day.”

Josh Vitters, who has also been sidelined with a quad injury will also return Thursday as a reserve.

Can you believe there are just 22 days until the Cubs open their season in Pittsburgh against the Pirates?  Go Cubs Go!

Cubs agree to terms with 21 pre-arbitration eligible players; Starlin Castro to rest 4 more days

The Cubs signed all 21 of their pre-arbitration eligible players on the 40-man roster today.  Below are the players and their 2013 salaries:

Darwin Barney $562,000
Travis Wood $527,500
Michael Bowden $509,500
Welington Castillo $503,000
Anthony Rizzo $498,000

The league mininum salary is $490,000.  Other players who the Cubs signed include:

Alberto Cabrera
Steve Clevenger
Rafael Dolis
Brett Jackson
Junior Lake
Trey McNutt
Brooks Raley
Hector Rondon
Chris Rusin
Dave Sappelt
Matt Szczur
Christian Villanueva
Josh Vitters
Arodys Vizcaino
Logan Watkins
Robert Whitenack

Cubs players in the dugout during a Cactus League game (Chicago Tribune photo)

Shortstop Starlin Castro reportedly will not play for at least four more days in order as a precaution for his strained left hamstring, which happened on February 27th when he was running out a ground ball.  Manager Dale Sveum said, "If it was the regular season, he'd probably be playing."

Starlin Castro won't be taking part in Cactus League action for at least four more days as a precaution (Chicago Tribune photo)

The Cubs announced yesterday that Jeff Samardzija will the the team's Opening Day starting pitcher when the team opens the season on the road in Pittsburgh on April 1st.  The projected rest of the rotation at the start of the season includes Edwin Jackson, Travis Wood, Carlos Villanueva and Scott Feldman, but could still change.  Matt Garza and Scott Baker are expected to start the season on the disabled list.

Jeff Samardzija has been named the Cubs' Opening Day starter (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Only 29 more days until Opening Day!  I can almost smell it!

Starlin Castro leaves today's game against Dodgers early with hamstring tightness; Cubs announce single-game ticket sales

The Cubs lost 11-7 to the Los Angeles Dodgers today at HoHoKam Stadium.  Not only did they lose their exhibition game, but Starlin Castro left the game in the fourth inning after injuring his left hamstring when he was running out a ground ball.  His injury has been referred to as hamstring tightness and his status will be day-to-day.

Starlin Castro bats during Wednesday's game against the Dodgers in Mesa (Chicago Sun-Times photo)

Starting pitcher Matt Garza, who has been out with a lat strain could start throwing again by Thursday, depending on how his workout today went.  Manager Dale Sveum is thinking that Garza should have enough time to recover by Opening Day, which is April 1st.

Third baseman Ian Stewart, who is sidelined with a left quad injury, was still able to participate in the bunting tourmanent today, but lost to first baseman Anthony Rizzo.  Stewart and Josh Vitters are rehabbing together, since they both have the same injury.  "Me and Ian are basically doing the same routine," Vitters said.  "We push each other."

Ian Stewart is rehabbing from a left quad injury, along with Josh Vitters (photo from Chicago Sun-Times)

Others that advanced in the bunting tournament today were Logan Watkins, Chris Rusin and strength coach Tim Buss, who beat pitcher Scott Baker.

The Cubs announced that single game tickets will go on sale at the ticket office at Wrigley Field on Friday, March 8th at 8am CT, with online and phone sales following at 10am CT.  Fans who wish to purchase tickets in person at Wrigley Field between 8-10am on March 8th must obtain a wristband, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Sunday, March 3, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Monday, March 4, from 7 am to 7 pm, at the Captain Morgan Club on the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue. 

The winning numbers will be chosen two days in advance of the on-sale date so fans can plan to be at Wrigley Field for Friday's general on-sale event.  Winning numbers will be announced on WGN Radio (720 AM) and www.cubs.com Wednesday, March 6, at 8 am.  Winners of the wristband drawing will be able to purchase single game tickets in person at Wrigley Field on Friday, March 8th starting at 8am.  There is a limit of one wristband per person.  Fans will be required to show two forms of identification when picking up their wristband, one of which needs to be a valid government-issued photo ID.  Wristbands must be unaltered, intact and worn until the buyer has made their ticket purchase.  The same form of identification used to obtain a wristband must be presented at the time of purchase.  For more details on single-ticket sales, please visit this link.

Just 34 more days until Opening Day!

after pulling up lame running out a ground ball to short.

Castro was trying to beat out an infield single to short in the fourth inning when he grabbed his leg halfway down the line and began limping toward first.

After meeting with the trainer, Castro was removed from the game. The Cubs said the injury was left hamstring tightness. - See more at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-castro-20130227,0,6552536.story#sthash.lWvTgSJQ.dpuf

after pulling up lame running out a ground ball to short.

Castro was trying to beat out an infield single to short in the fourth inning when he grabbed his leg halfway down the line and began limping toward first.

After meeting with the trainer, Castro was removed from the game. The Cubs said the injury was left hamstring tightness. - See more at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-castro-20130227,0,6552536.story#sthash.lWvTgSJQ.dpuf

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!