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!"

Woody's Winter Warm-Up a success for 2nd consecutive year

Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood and his wife Sarah hosted the second Woody's Warm-Up event on Friday, January 18th 2013, which was also the opening night of the 2013 Cubs Convention. 

Cubs players, Bears players and local celebrities got behind the bar and served drinks to guests while competing for tips.  There was also a live and silent auction.  More than $96,000 was raised at Harry Caray's Tavern at Navy Pier that night to benefit the Wood Family Foundation.

I had the pleasure of attending the fundraiser for the second year and it was a night to remember.  It was so special to see everyone come together to support such an amazing foundation.  Even though Kerry Wood retired last spring, many members of the current Cubs roster still came out to support the former Cub.  Some of the Cubs' top prospects also helped out behind the bar and mingled with guests.

Trey McNutt, Darwin Barney and Marcus Hatley (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs manager Dale Sveum, along with President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Senior Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Jason McLeod, Director of Pro Scouting Joe Bohringer, as well as Tom, Todd and Pete Ricketts were also in attendance.

Some of the players in attendance that I had a chance to talk to included Anthony Rizzo, Darwin Barney, Tony Campana, Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Steve Clevenger, Ian Stewart, Dave Sappelt, James Russell, Brooks Raley, Travis Wood, David DeJesus, former Cubs Jody Davis, Kerry Wood and Scott Sanderson.  In addition, prospects Dallas Beeler, Marcus Hatley, Zac Rosscup and other Cubs minor leaguers were there to support the Wood Family Foundation.

Hanging out with the host of the evening, Kerry Wood (photo by Karen Burchell)

This is one of my favorite Cubs fundraisers because of the more relaxed and casual atmosphere.  It's also a great opportunity to meet and talk to your favorite Cubs players and staff.  Everyone is friendly and accessible, minus the chaos of the convention.  I hope that Kerry and Sarah will continue to host this event, which is also a perfect kickoff to Cubs Convention weekend.

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!

Cubs busy as baseball's Winter meetings end; Anthony Rizzo, Kerry Wood and David DeJesus' fundraisers

The Winter baseball meetings have ended and there was some activity on the Cubs' part.  First off, the Northsiders signed right-handed Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa to a 2-year, $9.5 million contract.

Kyuji Fujikawa posed for photos at Wrigley Field after his signing was officially announced (photo from @Cubs on Twitter)

WGN-TV and the Cubs agreed to a four-year contract with Jim Deshaies to be their TV analyst, replacing Bob Brenly and joining Len Kasper in the broadcast booth.  You can find them on Twitter as @LenKasper and @LenandJ.  Deshaies is a former Houston Astros pitcher and was their TV analyst since 1997.

Jim Deshaies is welcomed to the Cubs and Wrigley Field by Len Kasper

The Cubs also signed right fielder Nate Schierholtz to a one-year, $2.25 million deal.  David DeJesus will move to play center field from right field.

Third baseman Ian Stewart re-signed a one-year, $2 million deal with $500,000 in incentives with the Cubs.  However, the money isn't guaranteed and Stewart can be released if he doesn't make the team in spring training.  Stewart tweeted, "Glad to be healthy and back with the Cubs. The support from the Cubs organization and the fans has been incredible. Thank you all so much" on December 6th.  Even former Cubs starter Paul Maholm tweeted, "Congrats @IAN_STEWART_2sc on heading back with the cubbies. Good luck."

The Cubs selected RHP Hector Rondon from the Cleveland Indians in the Rule 5 Draft on December 6th.  Rondon was Cleveland’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2009.  The Cubs also lost RHP Starling Peralta, OF Michael Burgess, IF Matt Cerda and RHP Alvido Jimenez.

Former Cubs starting pitcher Randy Wells signed a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training with the Texas Rangers last week.  Wells underwent elbow surgery in July 2012 and didn't seem appreciated by the Cubs' front office and management. 

Randy Wells is now part of the Texas Rangers (Reuters photo)

Former Cubs starter Ryan Dempster rejected a two-year, $25M offer from the Boston Red Sox, as well as two-year comparable deal from the Kansas City Royals.  Dempster is reportedly looking for a three-year deal, possibly with the Cubs or Milwaukee Brewers.  I personally would love to have Demp back on the team.

Ryan Dempster could return to the Cubs (Chicago Tribune photos)

Anthony Rizzo hosted his first 'Walk Off for Cancer' 5K today in his hometown of Parkland, Florida this morning. Over 800 people participated in the walk, including Rizzo, who is a cancer survivor.  Rizzo was diagnosed with limited state classical Hodgkins' lymphoma in April, 2008 while he was in the minor leagues in the Red Sox organization.  Rizzo was able to beat the cancer and is now trying to inspire and help others in their battles against the disease. 

Hall of famer and former Cub Andre Dawson was also on hand to show his support.  "Beating cancer and overcoming everything -- it's all hitting me right now," Rizzo said, pausing to collect himself.  "It's crazy -- I'm usually never like this."

Hall of famer and former Cub Andre Dawson was on hand to support Anthony Rizzo's 5K for cancer (photo from @Cubs on Twitter)

Proceeds from the 5K will benefit the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is part of the University of Miami health system, as well as Livestrong, which also helped Rizzo when he was fighting cancer.

Anthony Rizzo held a 5K in Parkland, Florida to help cancer patients (photo from cubs.com)

Although it's the offseason, Cubs players are gearing up for their upcoming fundraisers which will be held during the week just before the Cubs convention kicks off.

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

David and Kim DeJesus will host the inaugural "Strike a Pose" fundraiser on January 17th, 2013 at the River East Arts Center.  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

Cubs lose 6-3 to Cardinals on Kerry Wood Appreciation Day

The Cubs couldn't secure a win Sunday in the rubber match against the Cardinals and lost 6-3.  Justin Germano started for the Cubs and allowed four runs on ten hits while walking one and striking out three batters over 5.2 innings pitched.

Today was Kerry Wood Appreciation Day at the Friendly Confines.  Wood's son Justin threw out the first pitch to his father and Wood was joined by his entire family to sing the 7th inning stretch.

Kerry Wood was honored at the Cubs-Cardinals game on Sunday (photo from Chicago Sun-Times)

September 23rd was officially declared "Kerry Wood Day" in Illinois (photo from @cubs Twitter)

Kerry Wood and his family sang the 7th inning stretch (photo from @cubs Twitter)

Kerry and Sarah wood and their kids on the dugout on Kerry Wood Appreciation Day (photo from @cubs Twitter)

The Cubs are trying to avoid a 100-loss season, which would be the first time since 1966.  Manager Dale Sveum said, "With nine games left, we've got our work cut out for us.  Six are on the road and three at home, so we've got to find some way to come up with four wins."

Tomorrow the Cubs have an off-day before starting a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field starting Tuesday at 7:40pm CT.  Chris Rusin will start for the Cubs and try to earn his second win of the season.

Cubs lose 9-6 to Cardinals as Ron Santo Day takes place at Wrigley Field

The Cubs lost the first game of the three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, 9-6 at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon.  Travis Wood started for the Cubs and was dealt his third straight loss (and sixth loss of the season) as he also became the first major league starting pitcher to give up a homer in each of the first five innings of a game.  Yikes.  This also tied a franchise record, along with Carlos Zambrano.

Wood allowed seven hits on eight runs and also walked two and struck out two batters over five innings pitched.  They hit every pitch I had," said Wood.  "I was on a roll (for three games) and now I'm on the other side of it," he said.  "It's nice I (had the three good ones) because the confidence is still there."

Travis Wood started for the Cubs against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday (Getty Images photo)

Highlights of the game were Anthony Rizzo going 2-for-4 with a 2-run homer and RBI single.  Starlin Castro was 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs and an RBI.  Geovany Soto and Alfonso Soriano also had RBIs.  The Cubs did hit for the cycle in the first inning against the Cardinals' Lance Lynn.

Anthony Rizzo is congratulated after hitting a 2-run homer in the first inning against the Cardinals (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Today the Cubs celebrated Ron Santo's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame since today was the first home game since Santo was inducted last weekend.  Santo's No. 10 was mowed into the center field grass and blue No. 10 flags were spread throughout the roof of Wrigley Field.  Santo's grandson threw out the first pitch to Kerry Wood, who was Santo's favorite player, and Santo's family sang the seventh inning stretch.

#10 flags fly above Wrigley Field's roof to celebrate Ron Santo (photo from @M_Montemurro on Twitter)

Cubs players click their heels as they take the field on Friday in honor of Ron Santo's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame (photo from cubs.com)

In other Cubs news, Matt Garza won't make a start until after the trade deadline, due to slight fluid buildup found in his triceps from an MRI.  The earliest he could pitch is late next week, according to Cubs manager Dale Sveum.  So this means that Garza most likely won't be traded before the trade deadline on Tuesday, July 31st.  It's also up in the air as to whether Ryan Dempster will be dealt before Tuesday.

Right handed pitcher Randy Wells, who was put on the 7-day disabled list last week by the Iowa Cubs, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow on Tuesday in Chicago.  He will most likely be out for the rest of the season.  Wells cleared waivers in June after he was designated for assignment and would have been an option to rejoin the Cubs rotation if Garza or Dempster were traded.  Personally, I hope Wells has a full and quick recovery and wish him the best.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Cards will play the second game of the series at 12:05pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs and try for his eighth win of the season.

Matt Garza leads Cubs to a 3-1 victory and sweep over Diamondbacks

The Cubs won 3-1 over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday to complete the series sweep.  Matt Garza was excellent as he pitched seven shutout innings and allowed five hits and struck out seven and walked one to earn his fifth win of the season.

Matt Garza pitched seven shutout innings to earn the win against the Diamondbacks on Sunday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Garza has allowed three or fewer runs at Wrigley Field in 18 consecutive starts, which is the most since Kerry Wood in 2002.  In his last 18 starts at Wrigley, Garza is 7-4 with a 1.97 ERA. 

As with Ryan Dempster yesterday, there were plenty of scouts at the Friendly Confines today checking out Garza's performance.  However, Garza said he wasn't thinking about the scouts or the possibility of being traded.  "No, man, I've got a (pregnant) wife who's due in 23 days," he said.  "(Rumors) are the last thing on my mind right now.  I got a wife who's ready to pop so I don't care where I'm going to be right now.  When she calls, I'm going to be next to her.  That's all I'm worried about right now."

Today's win was the Cubs' 12th victory in their last 16 games and they are now 3-1/2 games ahead of the Houston Astros.  Anthony Rizzo's drove in the first run today with an RBI single and Darwin Barney's homer drove in two runs. 

Darwin Barney runs the bases after his 2-run homer on Sunday against the Diamondbacks (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Darwin Barney is high-fived by Bryan LaHair after his two-run homer on Sunday against the Diamondbacks (photo from Chicago Tribune)

The Cubs have an off-day Monday and will start a three-game series against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on Tuesday at 7:05pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try for his fifth straight win.

Paul Maholm's best performance of season leads Cubs to 4-0 shutout of Astros; Kerry Wood's Bowling Fundraiser

Paul Maholm had his best outing of the season as he pitched 8-2/3 innings and allowed just four hits, leading the Cubs to a 4-0 shutout of the Houston Astros Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.  Maholm struck out six batters and walked one.  Today's win was Maholm's first in his last eight starts, as well as his 200th career start.

Paul Maholm pitched 8-2/3 innings in Friday's Cubs win over the Astros (photo from cubs.com)

Luis Valbuena, Steve Clevenger, and Alfonso Soriano all homered in today's game.  Clevenger's was his first career homer, which was hit onto the Budweiser Patio and into the hands of one of several guys dressed in red pajamas/long underwear.  It looked like the Cubs had to make a deal with the red PJ guy to have him give up the ball to Clevenger for a keepsake.

In other Cubs news, right-handed pitcher Randy Wells, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday, cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa today. 

Randy Wells has cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa on Friday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Ryan Dempster is expected to miss another start on Tuesday in Atlanta.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum has yet to decide who will pitch in Dempster's spot, but it sounds like it will be either Chris Volstad or Casey Coleman.  Should be interesting, either way.

Dempster won't return to the rotation until just after the All-Star break.  “I feel great, completely pain free,” Dempster said Friday morning.  It won't take long after I get going."

Kerry Wood, along with his wife Sarah, and his Wood Family Foundation hosted its 7th annual Stike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament at 10pin Bowling Lounge on Wednesday night, which raised over $300,000 to benefit children in need.

Most of Wood's former Cubs teammates were in attendance, along with WWE Champion CM Punk, former WWE Diva Lita, the Plain White T’s band members Tom Higgenson and Dave Tirio, and ‘85 Bears player Steve McMichael.

Ryan Dempster was all decked out for the Wood Family Foundation bowling fundraiser on June 27, 2012 (photo by Kenny Kim)

Kerry Wood and his family at his fundraiser on June 27, 2012 (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Astros will play game two of the three game series at 3:05pm CT.  Matt Garza will start for the Cubs and will hopefully get some run support and a win for the Cubs.  Then maybe his teammates can get back at him with multiple shaving cream pies!

Lots of changes on Cubs roster; Crosstown Classic game 2 recap

There continued to be lots of changes to the Cubs roster today.  Kerry Wood formally retired and held his retirement announcement on the field at Wrigley today at 2pm.  His wife Sarah and three kids were in attendance on the field, as well as the entire Cubs team.  Laura Ricketts spoke on behalf of the Ricketts family and presented Wood with a framed photo of Wood hugging his son after his last strikeout in yesterday's game.  Ricketts also gave Wood the flag that was hanging at Wrigley Field that represented his 20-strikeout game during his rookie season in 1998.

Kerry Wood makes his official retirement announcement at Wrigley Field today (photo from cubs.com)

Kerry and Sarah Wood at a celebratory retirement dinner (photo from Kerry Wood's twitter account)

Kerry Wood posted the photo above to his twitter account in a tweet that said, "Thanks for the warm wishes & amazing send off. A day my family & I will never forget. Cheers! #Newbeginning #Gocubs"

Catcher Geovany Soto was placed on the 15-day disabled following a left knee arthroscopy.  Backup catcher Wellington Castillo has a has a mild MCL sprain in right knee and may miss 4-7 days.  In a somewhat surprising move, the Cubs acquired former Cubs catcher Koyie Hill acquired from the Reds for cash considerations.  During tonight's game, Darwin Barney was the emergency catcher again.

The Cubs also recalled right-handed pitcher Randy Wells from Triple-A Iowa.  Wells takes Kerry Wood's spot on the 25-man roster and will pitch in long relief.  Wells is 27-31 with a 4.05 ERA (229 ER/509.0 IP) in 88 major league appearances, all but four as a starter.  He spent most of the last three seasons in the Cubs rotation, posting a 7-6 record with a 4.99 ERA (75 ER/135.1 IP) in 23 starts last year after missing nearly two months in April and May due to a right forearm strain.  Wells went 6-3 with a 4.04 ERA (40 ER/89.0 IP) in 14 starts after the All-Star Break.

Ryan Dempster started for the Cubs tonight and had his worst outing of the season as he gave up four runs on seven hits over six innings, which increased his ERA from 1.74 to 2.28.

Ryan Dempster started for the Cubs on Saturday (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs ended up losing 7-4 to the White Sox.  For a complete game recap, here's a link to cubs.com.

Pitcher Blake Parker, who was just called up on Thursday, was pulled from his second career outing in tonight's game with tightness in his right hamstring.

Tomorrow the final game of the Crosstown Classic will be played at Wrigley Field at 1:20pm CT.  Paul Maholm is the scheduled starter for the Cubs and will go for his fifth win of the season.

Kerry Wood retires; Chris Volstad optioned to Iowa; Blake Lalli called up; Soto to DL; Crosstown Classic

Wow, there certainly has been a lot of Cubs news this Friday, the biggest being fan favorite Kerry Wood's announcement of his retirement. 

Kerry Wood and his son and teammates in the bleachers before Friday's game (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Crosstown Classic ad (photo from Paul Sullivan)

Kerry Wood and his son walk off the field before Friday's game

The Cubs optioned struggling starting pitcher Chris Volstad to Triple-A Iowa and called up catcher Blake Lalli to take Geovany Soto's spot on the roster.  Soto has a meniscus tear and will have knee surgery and is expected to miss about three weeks. 

Travis Wood will take Volstad's next start on Tuesday in Houston, but the roster move won't happen until then. 

The Cubs lost 3-2 to the Chicago White Sox in game 1 of the 3-game Crosstown Classic.  Jeff Samardzija was the losing pitcher. 

In the third inning, Samardzija unintentionally hit Paul Konerko in the face and Konerko had to leave the game.  In the next inning, White Sox pitcher Phillip Humber retaliated by throwing a pitch to Cubs' first baseman Bryan LaHair's head.  Luckily, LaHair got out of the way before being hit.  The funny part is that Humber ended walking LaHair anyway.  Konerko was treated for a laceration and swelling around his left eye and was sent for more tests.

In the fifth inning, David DeJesus was called safe on a slide at second base, then was called out by third base umpire Marty Foster after Gordon Beckham pummels DeJesus off the base.  Dale Sveum was the most heated as he's been all season when he came out to argue the call and ended up being ejected.  The drama between the North and South siders is always there, that's for sure!

Kerry Wood came into the game in the 8th inning and struck out Dayan Viciedo.  Then Sveum pulled him and Wood received a standing ovation from the crowd.  His son was waiting for him at the entrance of the Cubs' dugout.  He received hugs from his teammates and coaches in the dugout and left on a high note.

Kerry Wood receives a standing ovation from the crowd at Wrigley Field Friday (photo from cubs.com)

Tomorrow the crosstown rivals will play at 6:15pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Ryan Dempster is scheduled to make the start for the Cubs and hopefully will receive run support to earn his first win of the season (despite an impressive 1.74 ERA.

Cubs hold inaugural Social Media Night and lose 9-2 to Phillies; Lendy Castillo to DL; Scott Maine called up

The Cubs lost 9-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies tonight at Wrigley Field.  Matt Garza started for the Cubs and allowed two runs during six and 2/3 innings pitched.

Garza had a 2.58 ERA, but remains stuck on two victories.  Before the game, Cubs manager Dale Sveum said, "Garza has an edge every time he steps on the mound," referring to his dominant pitching.

But Garza somehow loses that edge whenever he has to make fielding throw, especially when the opposing team tries to bunt against him.  Garza messed up fielding two bunts in today's game with very weak throws to Bryan LaHair at first base.

Shawn Camp ended up with the loss tonight and Michael Bowden allowed a grand slam in the ninth inning.  The Cubs' bullpen has definitely been the team's biggest weakness, blowing eight of 14 save chances.  Rookie closer Rafael Dolis is trying to learn on the job, veteran Kerry Wood has been struggling to find his control, and Carlos Marmol is on the disabled list with an injured hamstring.

On a brighter note, Alfonso Soriano, who went with a lighter bat again, hit a 2-run homer tonight, which was his second home run in a week. 

Matt Garza allowed two runs during 6 and 2/3 innings pitched (photo from cubs.com)

Blake DeWitt cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa today.  Dewitt has 24 hours to accept the assignment, which he is expected to do.

Carlos Marmol is at least 10 days away from coming off the disabled list.

The Cubs put Lendy Castillo on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain and called up Scott Maine from Triple-A Iowa to take his spot on the roster.

The Cubs held their inaugural Social Media Night tonight before and during the game. Below are some photos from the event:

The Cubs inaugural social media night panel (photo from @CMCWrigleyville twitter)

Cubs third baseman Ian Stewart displays his social media night card (photo from @Cubs twitter)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Phillies will play game 2 of 2 at 7:05pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs and try for his first win of the season.

Cubs lose to Brewers in crazy 13-inning game; David DeJesus hits grand slam

Tonight was a pretty up and down game for the Cubs.  They were trailing 1-0 until David DeJesus came into the game as a pinch hitter and hit his second career grand slam in the seventh inning to make it Cubs 4, Brewers 1.

David DeJesus celebrates his 2nd career grand slam at Miller Park (photo from cubs.com)

Matt Garza started for the Cubs after 11 days of rest because he had the flu.  He pitched five innings and allowed one run on four hits and allowed five walks.  He struggled in the first inning when he loaded the bases with no outs and then former Cub Aramis Ramirez drove in a run with a double play grounder.

Carlos Marmol came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and left the game with a strained right hamstring.  He was actually throwing a lot of fastballs in the mid-90 mph range but the Brewers scored one run off him.  Then Michael Bowden came into the game and the rest was downhill.  Bowden served up a three-run double to Jonathan Lucroy to make it a 5-4 game.

In the ninth inning, Ian Stewart reached on a throwing error by Ramirez and advanced when closer John Axford threw a wild pitch.  DeJesus then tripled which brought home the tying run and ended up also scoring the go-ahead run.  Alfonso Soriano then singled to give the Cubs a two-run lead and led to Axford's exit.

But Rafael Dolis came in to pitch the ninth and blows the Cubs' lead by allowing a 2-run homer to Coery Hart.  Kerry Wood pitched next and kept the game interesting, by throwing 9 straight balls for his first nine pitched, but luckily no one was able to score.  The game then continued into the 13th inning, when Lendy Castillo hit the first two batters and then gave up a single to Ramirez and a game-winning RBI single to Corey Hart.  The Brewers win, 8-7.

Tomorrow the two teams will play game 2  at 12:05pm CT, where Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs.

Ryan Dempster with another quality start, but Cubs lose 3-1 to Braves; Dempster Family Foundation Casino Night is tomorrow!

The Cubs lost 3-1 to the Atlanta Braves in game 2 of the 3 game series tonight.  The series is now tied at 1-1.  Ryan Dempster had his fifth quality start and allowed six hits and one earned run and walked one batter and struck out seven during seven innings pitched.  However, he didn't receive much run support and ended up with a no-decision.

Starting pitcher Ryan Dempster high-fives Alfonso Soriano after making a catch on a fly out by the Braves' Chipper Jones during the fourth inning (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Alfonso Soriano had an RBI double and David DeJesus was 2 for e with a walk and double.  Kerry Wood came into the game in the 8th inning and allowed two runs on a two-run single by Dan Uggla to give the Braves a 3-1 lead.  He then tossed his glove and cap into the stands on his way to the dugout.   Tonight was Wood's second appearance since coming off the disabled list, and he now has a 14.54 ERA.  In contrast, Dempster has a 1.02 ERA in five starts.

The Cubs will play the rubber game of the series tomorrow at 1:20pm at Wrigley Field.  Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs.

Meanwhile, Cubs' President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein is focusing on the upcoming amateur draft, in which the Cubs have the No. 6 pick.  "It's probably the most important thing that we're doing right now, to be honest," Epstein said.  "Therefore, it takes up the vast majority of our time.  Draft day is the most important day of the year for every organization.  It's a year-long process, and right now we're right in the sweet spot, finishing up evaluations, going back and getting final looks."

Epstein said they have around 10 players they are considering with their first pick.  "Some years there are six obvious guys," he said.  "This is not necessarily a year where there's a clear-cut top tier at the very, very top." 

Tomorrow night is the third annual Dempster Family Foundation Casino Night at the Palmer House Hilton.  For more details on the event, you can read my previous blog post here.  I will be volunteering at this amazing fundraiser and hope to see some of you there!