Joe Maddon and the Cubs Celebrate Leap Day in Mesa

It's no surprise to hear that Joe Maddon planned some fun into his team's workout in Mesa on Leap Day.  The Cubs manager was dressed for the occasion as he pulled up in his van, which he named the "Cal State Fullerton." 

Joe Maddon arriving at Cubs spring training in his van on Leap Day (photo from @MLB Twitter)

For the full details of today's dose of fun, you can read this article from cubs.com.

Speaking of fun, last week the Cubs let loose with a dance circle during practice.  Reliever Justin Grimm got that party started with his smooth moves and pitcher Justin Grimm joined in (see video below).

The Cubs will open Cactus League play on Thursday against the Brewers, where Travis Wood is scheduled to start, followed by Kyle Hendricks.

Pierce Johnson will start the game on Friday's spring home opener against the Angels at Sloan Park.  Trevor Cahill will start Saturday's game against the Reds and Adam Warren will start against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

In other Cubs news, have you heard that first baseman Anthony Rizzo is taking piano lessons this spring, in the hopes that he can play music with some of his teammates in the future?  I absolutely love how this team really knows how to mix in some fun along with hard work!

Spring Training is in Full Swing for the Cubs, Even in Chicago!

Spring Training has officially started in Mesa for the Cubs and Kyle Schwarber has hit another car in the parking lot with one of his home run bombs, or should we say #Schwarbomb?

Kyle Schwarber lands another BP homer on a parked car on Tuesday (photo from Wally Rzemienski)

Back in Chicago, the Cubs held a pop-up #HitForTix event at Wrigley Square in Millennium Park.  Fans found out about the event through social media posts and showed up to try to hit a homer in order to win a pair of Cubs tickets.  Too bad I had to be at work, otherwise that would've been fun to give it a shot and be around the camaraderie with fellow Cubs fans!

Here's a link to a lucky fan hitting one out to win tickets.  Mother Nature cooperated, as it felt more like an early Spring day in Chicago today as the sun was out and the temps were in the high 40's.

Anyway, enough about the weather.  Fox Sports is the latest media outlet to jump on the Cubs bandwagon, as their article 3 reasons to believe this finally will be the year for the Cubs shows.

Can the Cubs win it all in 2016? (photo by Jon Durr)

What do you think?  Are you a believer that the Cubs will win the World Series this season?  Let's hear your thoughts!  You can also tweet your thoughts to me on Twitter @kcburchell

Guess Which Team is Ranked #1 for Their Starting Rotation in 2016?

That's right, the CUBS!  What?  Yes, you read that correctly.  If anyone had said even just a year ago that the Cubs would be ranked as having the #1 starting rotation, not many people would have believed it, including myself.

The USA today article ranks all 30 MLB teams in terms of their starting rotations.  It's definitely worth a read.

Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta pitching during the NL Wildcard game in 2015 (Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports Images)

As a bonus after reading the article, you can even vote on which team you think will have the best starting rotation in 2016.  (Right now the Mets are in 1st place with 57.57% of the vote, with the Cubs in 2nd place with 15.05%, so us Cubs fans need to get voting!)

The Postseason-Bound Cubs are having fun with Rookie Dress Up Day

The Cubs just swept the Reds in Cincinnati by winning their 94th game this season, which was also their 5th W in a row.  Joe Maddon's team kept in the tradition of having their rookies dress up for their last flight of the regular season.

Here are some photos of what the Cubs rookies are wearing on the plane to Milwaukee:

Cubs rookies dressed up in their costumes for the flight to Milwaukee from Cincinnati

Kris Bryant as Elsa

Javier Baez on Cubs rookie dress-up day (photo by Jesse Rogers/ESPN.com)

As more photos surface, I will add them for your viewing pleasure.  Don't you agree that the Cubs have the BEST rookies in MLB?

The Cubs have 3 regular season games left to play in Milwaukee.  Tomorrow's game is at 7:10pm CT, where Jake Arrieta will make the start for the Cubs.  Arrieta holds the best ERA following the All-Star break in Major League Baseball history (0.80) and leads the Majors with 21 wins. 

Cubs win 5-4 over Cardinals for 5th consecutive win as rivalry continues

Wow, just wow.  The Cubs beat the Cardinals 5-4 Saturday at Wrigley Field for their fifth consecutive win.  The crowd at the Friendly Confines was definitely charged up and into the game as there was plenty to cheer about.

Jorge Soler and Kris Bryant hit back-to-back homers to lead off the fifth inning.  The homer into the last row of the left field bleachers was Bryant's 25th home run of the season, which ties Billy Williams'  rookie record for home runs.  Williams set the record in 1961.

Fernando Rodney (not pictured) pours sunflower seeds onto Kris Bryant after he hit a home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field on Sept. 19, 2015, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

The Cubs held a lead during the entire game, beginning in the bottom of the first inning.  Trevor Cahill earned the win and Michael Wacha gets the loss.  

Addison Russell made an impressive diving catch and then flipped it to Javier Baez at second base to get the final out of the game.

Addison Russell's diving catch to secure the Cubs win on Saturday over the Cardinals

The Cubs now trail the Pirates for 2nd place in the NL Central by a half game (The Pirates will play the Dodgers at 8:10pm CT).  I'm sure I won't be the only one cheering on the Dodgers tonight!  The Cubs are now 5 games behind the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central. 

The Cubs magic number is now 6!  Go Cubs Go! #wearegood

The Cubs and Cardinals will play their final matchup of the regular season on Sunday at 1:20pm CT.  Jon Lester (10-10, 3.38) will face Carlos Martinez (13-7, 3.02). 

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!

Kris Bryant highlights Spring Training, Cubs shaving heads for charity

It's been an exciting and eventful Spring so far for the Cubs.  Top prospect Kris Bryant has been setting records with his 8 homers (best in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues), new manager Joe Maddon has been keeping it fun, and the Cubs are taking time to raise money for charity.

Cubs players, coaches, and fans had their heads shaved today and raised over $12,000 for pediatric cancer research.  This is something Maddon brought with him from Tampa Bay.  More than 20 players participated by donating $100 to have their heads shaved and get a "Respect Bald" T-shirt. 

The players that participated included:  Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, Phil Coke, Drake Britton, Mike Olt, Chris Denorfia, Matt Szczur, Ryan Sweeney, Felix Doubront, Justin Grimm, Chris Coghlan, Edwin Jackson, Welington Castillo, Neil Ramirez and Starlin Castro.

Here are some photos from the fundraiser:

Anthony Rizzo tweeted this selfie after getting their heads shaved for charity today in Mesa

Joe Maddon gets his head shaved to benefit pediatric cancer research

Cubs players taking a selfie before getting their heads shaved to benefit pediatric cancer research

Kris Bryant will start to work in the outfield after the off day on Monday, according to Joe Maddon.  It's still up in the air as to whether Bryant will get to start the season at Wrigley Field or if he'll have to wait a few weeks.

Kris Bryant signs autographs for fans during Spring Training

In other Cubs news, lead off hitter and centerfielder Dexter Fowler is celebrating his 29th birthday.

The Cubs lost to the Padres 6-1 today and have the day off tomorrow.  They will play the Oakland Athletics at HoHoKam Stadium on Tuesday at 3:05pm CT.

Two weeks from tonight is Opening Night at Wrigley Field!

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 spring training in full swing; 7 players are Top Prospects; Spring Training Broadcast Schedule

Cubs players have been working hard in Mesa at the Cubs' new spring training facility to prepare for the upcoming season.  Below are some photos:

Cubs full squad workout (photo from @CarrieMuskat on Twitter)

1B Anthony Rizzo at Spring Training (photo from Boys of Spring)

Top prospects Javier Baez and Jorge Soler at Spring Training (photo from Boys of Spring)

Top prospect 3B Kris Bryant at Spring Training (photo from Boys of Spring)

3B Mike Olt at Spring Training (photo from Boys of Spring)

In other Cubs news, there are seven Cubs players in Baseball America's annual Top 100 prospects list, including two in the Top 10 and five in the Top 50.  These players are listed below:

  #5 - Javier Baez
  #8 - Kris Bryant
 #28 - C.J. Edwards
 #36 - Albert Almora
 #41 - Jorge Soler
 #87 - Pierce Johnson
#100 - Arismendy Alcantara

The seven Cubs prospects tied for second with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Boston Red Sox are in first place, with eight prospects (which makes sense, since it was Theo Epstein's former club).  To compare, the Cubs had just four prospects on last year's list.  We'll take it!

Here is the Cubs' Spring Training broadcast schedule, for those of you who are itching to watch our men in blue:

2014 Cubs Spring Training Broadcast Schedule

Date	Opponent	Time (CT)	TV	Radio
February
Thursday, February 27	vs. Arizona	2:05 PM	WGN	MLB.com
Friday, February 28	@LA Angels	2:05 PM		WGN 720
March
Saturday, March 1	@Arizona	8:10 PM		MLB.com
Saturday, March 1	vs. San Francisco	2:05 PM		MLB.com
Sunday, March 2	vs. Kansas City	2:05 PM		WGN 720
Monday, March 3	@Milwaukee	2:05 PM		WGN 720
Tuesday, March 4	vs. Oakland	2:05 PM		MLB.com
Wednesday, March 5	vs. Colorado	2:05 PM		MLB.com
Thursday, March 6	@Cleveland	2:05 PM		MLB.com
Friday, March 7	vs. Cleveland	2:05 PM		MLB.com
Saturday, March 8	@Cincinnati	2:05 PM		MLB.com
Sunday, March 9	vs. Milwaukee	3:05 PM		MLB.com
Monday, March 10	@San Francisco	3:05 PM		MLB.com
Tuesday, March 11	vs. Colorado	3:05 PM		MLB.com
Wednesday, March 12	@Seattle	9:05 PM		MLB.com
Friday, March 14	vs. LA Dodgers	3:05 PM		MLB.com
Saturday, March 15	@Kansas City	3:05 PM		WGN 720
Saturday, March 15	vs. NY Mets	3:05 PM	WGN
Sunday, March 16	vs. Cleveland	3:05 PM	CSN	MLB.com
Monday, March 17	vs. LA Angels	3:05 PM	CSN	MLB.com
Tuesday, March 18	@Texas	9:05 PM		MLB.com
Wednesday, March 19	@Colorado	8:40 PM		MLB.com
Thursday, March 20	vs. Seattle	3:05 PM	CSN	MLB.com
Friday, March 21	@Chi White Sox	3:05 PM		MLB.com
Saturday, March 22	vs. Cincinnati	3:05 PM	WGN	WGN 720
Sunday, March 23	@Oakland	3:05 PM	WGN	MLB.com
Monday, March 24	vs. San Diego	9:05 PM		WGN 720
Tuesday, March 25	vs. LA Angels	3:05 PM	CSN	MLB.com
Wednesday, March 26	@Arizona	3:10 PM		MLB.com
Thursday, March 27	vs. Chi White Sox	2:05 PM		WGN 720
Friday, March 28	@Arizona	8:40 PM	CSN	MLB.com
Saturday, March 29	@Arizona	3:10 PM	CSN	WGN 720

Just think, there are 38 days until #Cubs Opening Day in Pittsburgh and 42 days until the #Cubs Home Opener!  Comment below if you're one of the lucky ones that will be in Mesa to watch a game at Cubs Park.

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! 

Cubs make roster moves before non-tender deadline; Tree lighting on Thursday

As the MLB non-tender deadline approached Monday night, the Cubs had many decisions to make.  All in all, the team tendered 2014 contracts to the following arbitration-eligible players, including second baseman Darwin Barney, starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija, outfielder Nate Schierholtz, starting pitcher Travis Wood, relief pitcher Pedro Strop, reliever James Russell and third baseman Luis Valbuena.

Starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija was one of seven arbitration-eligible players to whom the Cubs tendered contracts to. (Chicago Tribune photo)

MLBTradeRumors.com projects Samardzija to get $4.9 million in 2014, while Schierholtz is projected to get $4.4 million; Wood $3.6 million; Barney $2.1 million; Russell $1.7 million; Valbuena $1.5 million; and Strop $1 million.

In addition, the Cubs signed fan favorite Donnie Murphy to a one-year $825,000 contract plus incentives.

The Cubs also reached an agreement with backup catcher George Kottaras (who was acquired last week from the Kansas City Royals) for a one-year, $1.075 million contract.

George Kottaras will be the Cubs' backup catcher in 2014 (photo from Chicago Sun-Times)

The Cubs non-tendered relievers Daniel Bard and Chang-Yong Lim and also infielder Mat Gamel.  All three are now free agents.

Former Cubs catcher Dioner Navarro agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.  We wish him the best.

The Cubs' 40-man roster currently stands at 37 players.

Former Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly has retired due to chronic neck pain.  "I am retiring," Lilly wrote.  "I don't want to, but I think it is the realistic decision."  Lilly had the nerve endings on the right side of his neck cauterized by a spine specialist recently, which allowed him to pitch in the Venezuelan Winter League, but the discomfort continued.  Besides the Cubs, Lilly also played for the Dodgers, Yankees, Blue Jays, A's and Expos during his 15-year MLB career.

The Cubs Christmas Tree Lighting will take place this Thursday, December 5th in front of the Wrigley Field marquee.  The Cubs have not yet announced the time of the event.

And that's a wrap at Wrigley Field for the 2013 Cubs

The Cubs ended their home season at Wrigley Field on Wednesday by beating the NL Central second place Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 4-2.  It's become somewhat of a tradition for me to attend the last home game of the season with family/friends but it's definitely a letdown once that last game at the Friendly Confines is over.

Members of the Cubs bullpen high-five each other before the start of the home finale on Wednesday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players and coaches threw out 1,000 autographed baseballs to fans in the stands before Wednesday's game.  I was lucky enough to catch Outfielder Nate Schierholtz's attention, who threw me a ball that ended up being autographed by rookie Pitcher Zac Rosscup.  It really is a nice gesture for the Cubs to do this for the fans, especially after another rough season during the rebuilding process.

Autographed Zac Rosscup ball thrown to me by Nate Schierholtz (photo by Karen Burchell)

Jake Arrieta made the start for the Cubs and earned the win after giving up one run on four hits over six innings.  Arrieta came to the Cubs from the Orioles in the Scott Feldman trade in July. 

Jake Arrieta warming up in the bullpen before starting for the Cubs against the Pirates (photo by Karen Burchell)

Although the Cubs finished with a 31-50 record at Wrigley, which set a franchise record for most losses at home in a season, it was hard to tell this was the case while sitting amongst fellow loyal Cubs fans on Wednesday. 

Below are some more photos I took at the game.  Enjoy and let's hope the Cubbies can win against the Cardinals this weekend!  Tonight the rivals will play in St. Louis at 7:15pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his 10th win of the season. 

Relief pitcher Hector Rondon signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Relief pitcher Justin Grimm signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Bullpen catcher Andy Lane signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Relief pitcher Carlos Villanueva signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Assistant hitting coach Rob Deer signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Darnell McDonald's bat - possibly the one that hit the game-winning homer? (photo by Karen Burchell)

Starlin Castro (center) walks on the field before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Donnie Murphy, Ryan Sweeney and Anthony Rizzo before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Members of the Cubs bullpen high-five before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Some of the Cubs bullpen before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

So this is how Blake Parker occupies his time in the bullpen during games! (photo by Karen Burchell)

September call-up Brooks Raley during Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players and coaches tip their hats to fans following the conclusion of the home finale and win on Wednesday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Thanks for reading and for your support!  Keep following Cubby News for the latest Cubs news during the offseason!

Scott Baker's Cubs debut; Rookie Hazing Day Costumes

The Cubs lost 3-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday at Wrigley Field, but still had some fun on Rookie Hazing day, when players followed the tradition of dressing in costumes for their roadtrip to Cincinnati.  More on that later.

Scott Baker made his Cubs debut and pitched for the first time in a big league game since August of 2011.  He underwent Tommy John surgery on April 17, 2012.  The Cubs signed Baker to a one-year, $5.5 million contract in the off-season. 

Scott Baker made an impressive Cubs debut against the Brewers (photo by Karen Burchell)

Baker made an impressive start and allowed just two hits, walked one and struck out one over five innings pitched.  He was on a 75-pitch limit and was lifted after throwing 55 pitches.  "First time out, he did a great job and we'll leave it at that and evaluate going forward," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said.

"There were some emotions there," Baker said.  "It's been a long, long road, and I'm happy my family was here to share this moment.  They're as much a part of this as I am."  At least Baker finally got to make his first start since becoming a Cub, but who knows if he'll be around next season.

Now back to the rookie hazing costumes.  Even though some people are offended by players dressing in embarrassing costumes for their roadtrip, I personally think it's fun to see and shows another side of the players (Although I do wonder if this year's lingerie theme may have been inspired by Miley Cyrus' controversial performance at the VMAs?)  Here are some photos from Twitter:

Cubs reliever Blake Parker signed for fans while in costume

Pitcher Chris Rusin in his rookie hazing costume

Junior Lake in his rookie hazing costume

Logan Watkins in his rookie hazing costume

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo in costume (even though he technically isn't a rookie!)

Zac Rosscup (and Brooks Raley behind him) in their rookie hazing costumes

That's some good stuff you don't see every day.  Thanks to @wjude468 on Twitter for the photos.

Tonight the Cubs and Reds will play the first game of a three-game series in Cincinnati.  The Cubs will then travel to Pittsburgh and then Milwaukee before heading back to Chicago for the final homestand of the 2013 season.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his ninth win of the season.  First pitch is at 6:10pm CT.