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!

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!

Cubs end their Cactus League season with a W and head home to Chicago

The Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers, 5-3 today in their final Cactus League game of the spring.  Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro hit a home in the bottom of the first inning and the Cubs held their lead for the remainder of the game.  Travis Wood pitched six innings and allowed one run on six hits and struck out four batters.  He will start the season in Triple-A Iowa. 

Travis Wood had a good outing today against the Brewers (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs have now headed back to Chicago, where they will have an off-day Wednesday, before the home opener on Thursday.  Ryan Dempster will start on Thursday against the Washington Nationals at 1:20pm CST at Wrigley Field.  The regular 2012 season is finally upon us!

Cubs win 8-3 against the Diamondbacks; Kerry Wood is good to go

The Cubs beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-3 at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale today in their final Cactus League road game.  Jay Jackson started for the Cubs, followed by Jeff Samardzija.  Then, Kerry Wood pitched in relief for the first time in a week and said, "My body feels ready to go."

Cubs reliever Kerry Wood feels ready to go for Opening Day (USPresswire photo)

Darwin Barney was in the leadoff spot today, while David DeJesus got the day off.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum said they've noticed a mechanical flaw with DeJesus that they think they've corrected.  DeJesus is hitting .207 this spring.  Sveum said, "It could actually have a huge impact on why the numbers haven't quite been there the last year, and in spring training."

The Cubs have also been working on more aggressive base running this Spring.  Second baseman Darwin Barney said, "We're trying to take advantage of anything we can.  Being a good base-running team is something they've been preaching before spring training started, and everybody is really conscious about it."  Sveum said, "I think they're (the team) really buying into it. We've scored some runs because of it.  You make these mistakes early on, and now at the end of spring training, everybody is hovering and doing the right thing."  Let's hope this will pay off during the regular season!

The Cubs will play their final Cactus League game tomorrow at 2:05pm CST against the Milwaukee Brewers at HoHoKam Park, where Travis Wood (who is headed to Triple-A Iowa) will start.  Only 3 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs beat the Angels 8-1; Sveum on the 25-man roster

The Cubs beat the Los Angeles Angels today, 8-1, to improve their Cactus League record to 15-16-2.

Prospect Chris Rusin threw 51/3 scoreless innings.  Shawn Camp pitched 1-2/3 scoreless innings, which helped his case for a spot in the bullpen.

The Cubs have until Wednesday to set their 25-man roster.  Currently there are eight relief pitchers in camp and only seven spots.  Manager Dale Sveum said, "I wouldn't say we're any closer, no [to a decision].  There are still performances to be done." 

Cubs manager Dale Sveum is still finalizing the 25-man roster (photo from Chicago Tribune)

The Cubs will play their last Cactus League games Monday and Tuesday and then head to Chicago for the home opener against the Washington Nationals.

Matt Garza pitched four innings in a Minor League game at Fitch Park in Mesa today, where he gave up two hits and struck out six, throwing 51 pitches.  After that, he threw some more in the bullpen.  Garza's next start will be on Saturday against the Nationals at Wrigley Field.


Tomorrow the Cubs will play the Arizona Diamondbacks at 3:10pm CST in Scottsdale, where right-handed pitcher Jay Jackson will start.  Only 4 days until Opening Day!

Cubs reveal Opening Day lineup; Cubs-Dodgers recap

The Cubs lost their Cactus League game to the Los Angeles Dodgers today, 6-3.  Their spring record stands at 14-16-1.  Ryan Dempster, who will also be the Cubs' Opening Day starter, pitched 4 and 2/3 innings and allowed one run, four hits, and three walks today.  "I'm looking forward to getting up to Chicago and getting this under way," Dempster said.

Ryan Dempster was the starting pitcher in today's game and will also be the Cubs' Opening Day starter (photo from cubs.com)

Cubs Manager Dale Sveum also revealed and used his Opening Day lineup for today's game, which is:

RF David DeJesus
2B Darwin Barney
SS Starlin Castro
1B Bryan LaHair
LF Alfonso Soriano
3B Ian Stewart
CF Marlon Byrd
C Geovany Soto
P Ryan Dempster

Tomorrow the Cubs will take on the Angels at 3pm CST in Mesa, where Paul Maholm will be the Cubs' starting pitcher.  Only 6 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs beat the Indians, 2-0; 25-man roster almost set

The Cubs beat the Indians, 2-0 today.  Jeff Samardzija pitched six scoreless innings and even hit a triple.  Carlos Marmol pitched in relief and had his second scoreless outing since he had hand cramps.  "I feel pretty good, man," Samardzija said.  "Looking at my camp as a whole, there's not much I can say other than that last (poor) outing. Obviously, we'll see what happens."

Jeff Samardzija pitched six scoreless innings today (photo from Chicago Tribune)

The Cubs are close to finalizing their 25-man roster (which is currently at 40 players).  "We're just going to make our decisions tonight and see where we go with it," Manager Dale Sveum said.  "We've got to make a decision on the long man as well and that's as much of a priority.  We have 22 or 21 guys who are pretty much decided and we'll spend hopefully not more than four hours on the other four guys.  "Some people are attached to somebody and that means a lot, but sometimes you have to put your feelings aside when it comes to these decisions and what's best for the 25 guys in the organization."

The Cubs will play the Padres at 3:05pm CST tomorrow in Peoria, AZ.  Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs.  Only 8 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs win 7-4 over the Reds; Byrd rumors; Roster cuts coming Thursday

The Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds, 7-4 in Goodyear today.  Matt Garza pitched four innings and gave up two runs and seven hits with three walks and six strikeouts.  Second baseman Darwin Barney was 3-for-4 today and is hitting .389 for the spring.

Second baseman Darwin Barney had three hits vs. the Reds on Tuesday (AP photo)

The rumor mill has been going crazy lately about the Cubs looking at trading centerfielder Marlon Byrd in order to be able to call up top prospect Brett Jackson and also in hopes of getting a relief pitcher in the trade.  I personally am a big fan of Byrd's and feel that his positive attitude is a great asset to the team.  I can attest to this because I've met him a couple of times and he is one of the nicest guys around and his positive energy definitely rubs off on you.  But we'll see what happens.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum expects to have 95 percent of his roster set after a meeting with his coaching staff following tomorrow's game.  There will be numerous cuts to the roster on Thursday, which is currently at 40 players.

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the Cleveland Indians at HoHoKam Park at 3:05pm.  Jeff Samardzija is scheduled to start the game.  Randy Wells is expected to pitch at least one inning in relief.  Wells will get another start on April 1st.  You can listen to tomorrow's game on cubs.com.  Only 9 more days until Opening Day!

Paul Maholm continues to impress in Cubs' 2-0 split-squad win over Padres

Paul Maholm, who has been named the Cubs' fifth starter, was impressive in today's split-squad game against the Padres, where he threw six strikeouts over five scoreless innings and led the Cubs to a 2-0 win.  Maholm also allowed four hits and walked two batters.  “I was working on a few different things that we are trying to implement and gave up a few hits but they were good pitches,” Maholm said.  “The main thing was getting out there, getting through five, to the 70-pitch mark and for the most part I worked ahead.”  Maholm has given up just one earned run in four starts this spring and has a current ERA of 0.90.  

Bryan LaHair had an RBI double in the game.  Cubs Closer Carlos Marmol made his first appearance since last Tuesday, when he had to leave the game due to hand cramps.  "My body feels great and mentally I feel great," Marmol said. "It's a good sign."

Paul Maholm threw six strikeouts in the Cubs' win over the Padres on Monday (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs lost 3-2 in their other split-squad game to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Scottsdale.  Ian Stewart had an RBI double.  Blake DeWitt was 2 for 4, which should help his chances of making the roster.

The Cubs signed veteran right-handed reliever Shawn Camp to a Minor League deal today and also released veteran left-handed pitcher Trever Miller.  The Cubs' spring roster is currently at 40 players.

Matt Garza will start for the Cubs tomorrow when the team will head to Goodyear to face the Cincinnati Reds.  The game will be broadcast on cubs.com at 3:05pm CST.  Only 10 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs get a W against the Indians, 6-2; Sveum says Opening Day Lineup not set yet

The Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians, 6-2 in Goodyear, AZ today.  Rodrigo Lopez pitched 4.1 innings and allowed two runs.  Alfonso Soriano was 1 for 3 and hit hit sixth homer of the Spring.

Alfonso Soriano signing autographs today in Goodyear (photo from WGN-TV)

Rodrigo Lopez helped pitch the Cubs to a win over the Indians on Sunday

Cubs Manager Dale Sveum said that the lineup is not yet finalized, so he isn't completely sure if David DeJesus will be in the leadoff spot.  Sveum said, "It's probably going to be four days from now where we just sit down and say 'All right, this is what it's going to be on Opening Day.'  Nothing is etched in stone except Soriano is going to be (No.) 3, 4 or 5," he said.

Joe Mather’s spot on the roster seems secure, and that status was most likely assured even before he had another impressive day today.  Not only did he make a great catch in deep center field while reaching behind his head, he also delivered at the plate by hitting two doubles, which raised his Cactus League batting average to .432. 

Tomorrow the Cubs will play their last set of split-squad games of the Spring.  Paul Maholm, who has been named the Cubs' #5 starter, will start against the San Diego Padres at HoHoKam Park at 3:05pm CST.  Jay Jackson will start the road game against the Diamondbacks at 3:10pm CST in Scottsdale.  Only 11 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs lose 5-1 to the Padres; Mateo and Kerry Wood Updates; Happy Birthday to Starlin Castro

The Cubs lost 5-1 to the San Diego Padres at HoHoKam Park today.  Travis Wood was the starting pitcher and had a much better outing than last time, although he still gave up three runs and five hits and hit 2 by pitch and threw one strikeout over 3 2/3 innings pitched.  When asked regarding where he might start the season at, Wood said, "They're going to make their decisions, and whatever will be will be."

Cubs Outfielder Alfonso Soriano scored the Cubs' only run against the Padres on Saturday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Randy Wells pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief and allowed one hit.  He is still in the competition for a spot in the starting rotation along with Chris Volstad (who pitched in a Minor League game today), Jeff Samardzija, and Rodrigo Lopez.  "There's obviously competition going on," Wells said. "If you start getting caught up in that, it makes it tougher to pitch. I just go out there and try to do my best."  Wells has not given up a run over 7 1/3 innings in three Cactus League games.  "I'd be disappointed," Wells said of his reaction if he isn't named a starter. "Three years in the rotation, to have to go to the bullpen -- but it could be a new challenge and something exciting."

Volstad, who has given up one run on seven hits over 10 innings in his three Cactus League outings said, "I've tried to be efficient, getting ground balls, and I feel I've put in the hard work. It's not like I can control the decision, but I feel pretty good where I'm at right now."  Cubs Manager Dale Sveum is expected to finalize the starting rotation on Wednesday.

Cubs reliever Marcos Mateo will be resting for at least ten days and then have his right elbow re-examined after he underwent an MRI after being pulled from Thursday’s game in Surprise.

Sveum mentioned that Kerry Wood has not pitched since last Sunday.  Sveum said that there are no issues and the right-hander will get a couple more outings before the end of spring training.

Today is Starlin Castro's 22nd birthday.  On Thursday, he presented some children who are battling cancer at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa with a visit and autographed Cubs hats.

Cubs Shortstop Starlin Castro visited children in a Mesa hospital on Thursday (photo from Carrie Muskat)

Rodrigo Lopez and the Cubs will take on the Cleveland Indians tomorrow at 3:05pm CST.  The game will be broadcast on WGN-TV and WGN-Radio.  Ryan Dempster will start in a Minor League game at Fitch Park..

Only 12 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs Beat the Rockies; Dempster Named Opening Day Starter; Spring Roster At 40

The Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies, 10-8 in Scottsdale.  Jeff Samardzija gave up 10 hits and 7 runs during 4 innings pitched and gets the win, although his ERA went from 2.70 to 6.43.  Casey Coleman allowed no earned runs in three innings.  Geovany Soto was 3 for 3 and hit two home runs and 5 RBIs.  Bryan LaHair was also 3 for 3.  Marlon Byrd was 2 for 3.

Geovany Soto was 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs in a 10-8 win vs. the Rockies today (AP photo)

The Cubs optioned Anthony Rizzo and Adrian Cardenas to Triple-A Iowa today.  They also sent Brett Jackson, Jay Jackson, Jim Adduci, and Michael Brenly to minor league camp today.  The spring roster now stands at 40 players.

Brett Jackson was sent to the Cubs' minor-league camp on Friday. (photo from US Presswire)

Cubs manager Dale Sveum announced that Ryan Dempster will be the Opening Day starter.  This will be Dempster's 2nd consecutive year as the Cubs' Opening Day starter and his 4th career Opening Day start.

Matt Garza will be the Cubs' #2 starter and Paul Maholm will be 5th starter.  Dale Sveum won't name starters #3 and #4 until Wednesday, March 28th.  The candidates for spots #3 and #4 are Randy Wells, Chris Volstad, Jeff Samardzija, and Rodrigo Lopez.

The new rooftop building owner of the former Lakeview Baseball Club building is debating whether or not to get rid of the Eamus Catuli and numbers signs and is looking to Cubs fans for their input.

Travis Wood will start tomorrow for the Cubs-Padres game, which will be televised on WGN-TV at 3:05pm CST.  Randy Wells, who has not walked a batter or given up a run over 5 2/3 innings in two Cactus League games, will follow Wood.  Meanwhile, Chris Volstad will pitch in a Minor League game at Fitch Park on Saturday.

Only 13 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs beat the Rangers, Ian Stewart with 1st HR of spring

The Cubs beat the Texas Rangers, 11-4 today.  Matt Garza made his final start of the Cactus League season.  Manager Dale Sveum confirmed he will announce Friday who the team's Opening Day starter will be (either Ryan Dempster or Garza). 

Garza pitched five innings today and gave up three runs, two hits, walked three, and struck out three.  Out of 81 pitches thrown, 48 were strikes.  Joe Mather was 3 for 3, with a home run, single, and double.  Alfonso Soriano also hit a two-run home run in the 5th inning.  Ian Stewart hit his first home run of the spring.  RHP Marcos Mateo was pulled in the 6th inning after throwing just two pitches.  His injury is unknown.

The Cubs optioned RHP Andy Sonnanstine to Triple-A Iowa today.  The Cubs roster currently stands at 47 players.

Cubs pitcher Andy Sonnanstine was optioned to Triple-A Iowa today (photo from US Presswire)

2 weeks until Opening Day!

Carlos Marmol's MRI is good news; Special Events at Wrigley Field; Jorge Soler Talks are Rumors

The Cubs had their only off-day of the spring today.  Their spring record currently stands at 8-12-1.

It was announced today that Stephen Strasburg will start for Washington Nationals on Opening Day April 5th vs. the Cubs at Wrigley Field.  It's expected that Cubs manager Dale Sveum will announce the Cubs Opening Day starter (probably either Ryan Dempster or Matt Garza) later this week.

Within a week, the back end of the Cubs' starting rotation should be clearer.  Dempster, Garza, and Paul Maholm are locks for the first three spots, while Jeff Samardzija seems likely to be awarded the fourth spot, which leaves the fifth spot open for either Randy Wells, Chris Volstad, Rodrigo Lopez, or Travis Wood.

Jed Hoyer says that the Cubs have no deal in place for Jorge Soler and that the talk is just simply rumors.

An MRI revealed no significant nerve damage to Carlos Marmol's right hand, since he had cramping during yesterday's game and was pulled to get an MRI as a precautionary measure.

New this season, the Cubs are going to hold Special Event Nights at Wrigley Field, including a "Playing the Field" singles night with Cubs "Singles Night" Tees to let other singles know you're ready to mingle.  This should certainly be interesting, but you've got to give the Ricketts family credit for trying new promotions.  The other special event nights can be found here.

Wednesday, July 18 is 2012 Singles Night at Wrigley Field, one of the Special Events this season

 Only 15 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs lose to the Rangers and Tie with the A's; Only off day of the Spring Tomorrow

The Cubs played another pair of split-squad games today.  Ryan Dempster, who already has a guaranteed spot in the starting rotation, was the first Cubs starter to finish six spring innings and allowed four hits, two earned runs, issued two walks and three strikcouts today against the Rangers.  Although Blake DeWitt was 2 for 4 and had an RBI triple and scored and Starlin Castro was also 2 for 4 with a double and triple, the Rangers beat the Cubs 6-2.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said the following about Dempster, "Very, very, very good.  Very good fastball command, he was able to pitch up in the zone.  It was kind of like the Dempster that pitches all the time that I've seen shove it up our butt in Milwaukee when I was there."  Dempster said, "I feel good, my body feels good, my arm feels really good.  I'm looking forward to a couple of more starts before the season starts."  We'll see if Dempster or Matt Garza will get the nod to be the Opening Day starter.

Ryan Dempster pitched 6 innings against the Rangers (photo from Chris Carlson/AP)

Closer Carlos Marmol had a cramp in his right hand during the Cubs-Rangers game and had a precautionary MRI.  Marmol said before going for the MRI that he wasn't worried.  "I know my body, I feel great," he said. "I don't know where (the cramp) comes from."

In the Cubs other split-squad game against the Oakland Athletics, Rodrigo Lopez, who is a contender for a starting rotation spot, pitched five innings and allowed three hits, one earned run, issued one walk and four strikeouts.  Tony Campana was 4 for 5 in the game.  The Cubs and A's ended in a 5-5 tie.

Rodrigo Lopez pitched against the A's today (photo from Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Cubs starter Paul Maholm has reached his goal of 20,000 followers on Twitter.  He tweeted today, "Gonna be doing the give away contest on Thursday. I will let u know what time. I have 2 opening day tix, a team signed ball etc up for grabs"  You can find and follow Maholm on twitter as @paul_maholm.

The Cubs have their only off day of the spring tomorrow.  Only 16 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs get a "W" over the Mariners, 12-7

Randy Wells allowed three hits and two runs this morning in a rare "B" game against the Cleveland Indians on a cold and windy back field in Goodyear.  The Cubs lost 6-5 and first baseman Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run triple in the game. 

Manager Dale Sveum said, "Wells actually was fairly sharp down in the zone.  He got the outs when he needed to.  [Cristian] Guzman, trying to get the guy over, hooked the ball out of the park on him.  Other than that, he didn't give up any runs.  He got out of some big jams with bases-loaded ground-ball double plays.  It wasn't bad by any means."  Wells finds himself in the competition (along with Chris Volstad, Jeff Samardzija, and Travis Wood) for a spot in the starting rotation for the third year in a row.

Randy Wells is competing for a spot in the Cubs' starting rotation once again (photo from Reuters)

Travis Wood started in the Cubs game this afternoon against the Seattle Mariners.  He didn't have an impressive outing as he allowed 7 runs, 7 hits (including 3 home runs), 2 walks, 2 strikeouts in two innings pitched.  James Russell allowed zero runs, one hit, issued no walks, and threw one strikeout during two innings pitched.  Jay Jackson also didn't allow a run, but allowed 4 hits, one walk, and struck out one during four innings pitched.  The Cubs had a total of 18 hits from 13 different players and ended up beating the Mariners, 12-7.

Tomorrow the Cubs will face the Texas Rangers at 3:05pm in HoHoKam Park.  Only 17 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs win one and lose one in chilly AZ and Vegas today

On an unusual weather day where it was 30 degrees warmer in Chicago than in Arizona, the Cubs lost 7-5 to the White Sox in their split-squad game today in Mesa.  Casey Coleman had a better outing than previously as he allowed two hits, zero runs, zero walks, and three strikeouts over three innings.

Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol during the fifth inning of today's game against the White Sox. (photo from Jake Roth/US Presswire)

The Cubs won their other split-squad game 3-2 against the Rangers in Las Vegas.  Chris Volstad, who is in the competition for a spot in the starting rotation, was impressive, allowing four hits, one earned run, no walks, and three strikeouts in four innings pitched.  The Cubs' spring record stands at 7-11.

It seems possible that Jeff Samardzija has locked in the fourth starting rotation spot with the impressive spring he's had so far, even though he's only started in five major league games in his career.  The first three spots in the Cubs' rotation seem to be locked in to veterans Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster, and Paul Maholm.  If Samardzija wins the fourth spot, that would mean that Randy Wells, Chris Volstad, and Travis Wood would all be competing for the fifth rotation spot.  It doesn't sound like the final decision regarding the fourth and fifth starting spots will be made until closer to the end of spring training. 

Tomorrow, Travis Wood will pitch against the Seattle Mariners, where he will have another chance to redeem himself, since he hasn't had a good spring so far.  The game will be broadcast live on a free  cubs.com audio webcast at 3:05pm CST.   Meanwhile, Randy Wells will start in a "B" game for the Cubs against the Cleveland Indians in Goodyear at 10am, where he also has a chance to continue building his case for a spot in the starting rotation. 

On the other side of the Cubs organization, here's a link to an article in the Chicago Tribune about Cubs' Senior VP of Scouting and Player Development, Jason McLeod's key role in the team's rebuilding process. 

Jason McLeod, left, is a key part of the Theo Trio (photo from Phil Velasquez/Tribune)

18 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs don't have luck of the Irish as they lose both split-squad games

On the warmest St. Patrick's Day in Chicago that I can remember, the Cubs lost both of their preseason games today out West.  They lost 4-3 to the Oakland Athletics and 12-7 to the Texas Rangers. 

Highlights of the split-squad games include Geovany Soto hitting his first homer of the spring in the game against the A's and Steve Clevenger and Junior Lake also homered in the game against the Rangers.

Paul Maholm allowed three unearned runs on two hits and two walks against the A's over three innings.  Jeff Samardzija allowed one run on three hits over four innings against the Rangers in Las Vegas.

Paul Maholm started against the Oakland A's today in Phoenix (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs will play split-squad games again tomorrow.  Andy Sonnanstine will start against the White Sox at HoHoKam Park, while Chris Volstad will start in Las Vegas against the Rangers.  Both games will be at 3:05pm CST.  You can listen to the Cubs-Sox game on cubs.com.  Only 19 more days until Opening Day! 

Wrigley Field abuzz today; Cubs lose to the Giants; David DeJesus wins Bunting Tournament

The Cubs lost 3-2 to the San Francisco Giants today.  Matt Garza started for the Cubs and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and issued 1 walk over 4 innings pitched.  This was former Cubs infielder Ryan Theriot's first trip back to HoHoKam Park since he was traded from the Cubs.  Cubs.com has a complete game recap.

Former Cubs infielder Ryan Theriot is now playing for the San Francisco Giants (photo from Jennifer Hilderbrand/US Presswire)

The Cubs claimed right-handed pitcher Frankie De La Cruz from the Brewers today and added him to the 40-man roster where he will be competing for a spot in the bullpen.  The Brewers were hoping that De La Cruz would clear waivers and start at Triple-A Nashville. 

David DeJesus defeated Casey Coleman to win the Cubs' first bunting tournament, held today on a back field at HoHoKam Park.  DeJesus beat Wellington Castillo in the semifinals and Coleman beat Paul Maholm to advance.  Apparently, the players were treated to lunch on the back field.

Cubs Bunting Tournament winner David DeJesus today

Wrigley Field was abuzz today with people attending tours of the historic ballpark and buying tickets.  Here are some photos of the action at Wrigley from earlier today:

The right field bleacher patio construction is ongoing at Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field was busy today (March 16th) with people going on tours and purchasing tickets

The Cubs will play two split squad games tomorrow.  Jeff Samardzija will start against the Texas Rangers in Las Vegas, while Paul Maholm will start in Phoenix against the Oakland A's.  Both games will take place at 3:05pm CST.  You can listen to the game against the A's on WGN Radio or cubs.com.  Only 20 more days until Opening Day! 

Cubs lose both split-squad games today and make roster moves

Although the Cubs had 11 hits in their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, they lost 12-2 in the split squad game.  Michael Brenly hit a home run and Matt Szczur hit an RBI single.

For their other split squad game, the Cubs lost 7-5 to the Colorado Rockies.  Junior Lake hit a 3-run homer and Bryan LaHair was 3 for 5.

Ryan Dempster started in the Mesa game today (photo from Boys of Spring/John Antonoff)

Darwin Barney was sidelined as a precautionary measure with tightness in left side, which was something he felt during batting practice today.  His status is day-to-day.

Blake DeWitt was pulled from the Cubs-Rockies game after being hit by a pitch in the right hand while batting.

Ian Stewart was sidelined with a sore right quad and is also day-to-day.  On a brighter note, Carlos Marmol settled down from his recent appearances and pitched a scoreless inning in relief today.  

Alberto Cabrera, Jeff Beliveau, John Gaub, and Josh Vitters were optioned to Triple-A Iowa today, while Junior Lake and Matt Szczur were optioned to Double-A Tennessee.  Jason Jaramillo was sent to minor league camp. The spring roster is at 48 players.

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the San Francisco Giants at 3:05 pm CST, where Matt Garza will start.  3 more weeks until Opening Day!