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). 

Cubs beat Pirates 4-1 to win 6th consecutive game

I was lucky enough to be at the Friendly Confines today to see the Cubs continue to play some really excellent baseball to win 4-1 over the Pirates, which was also their 6th win in a row!  Not only was it great to see the left and center field bleachers full again, it was also a different atmosphere at Wrigley Field.

You could definitely notice the electric crowd and you could see the way the players seemed to gel with each other and their skipper, Joe Maddon.  It was completely different than what I've seen the past several years.

Jon Lester pitched up to his ace status as he allowed one run and nine hits, struck out seven and walked one in seven innings for his fifth consecutive quality start.  Kris Bryant continued to impress with his hitting (although no homers today) and smart baserunning.  Bryant also extended his career-best hitting streak to six games.  Addison Russell made an outstanding catch to rob Neil Walker of a hit.  Travis Wood stepped up to pitch in relief and earned the first save of his career.

Here are some photos I took at the game:

Cubs players during the National Anthem before Saturday's game against the Pirates (photo by Karen Burchell)

3B Kris Bryant on deck (photo by Karen Burchell)

Kris Bryant on the Jumbotron (photo by Karen Burchell)

1B Anthony Rizzo (photo by Karen Burchell)

2B Addison Russell (photo by Karen Burchell)

Left field digital display and Jumbotron after the Cubs' 6th win in a row (photo by Karen Burchell)

Right field display after the Cubs win on Saturday (photo by Karen Burchell)

The "W" flag on the Jumbotron (photo by Karen Burchell)

The Cubs are now 21-15 and are in 2nd place in the NL Central, 3 games behind the Cardinals.  Another fun fact:  The Cubs are also six games above .500 for the first time since Oct. 3, 2009.

I love the way this team is playing and I'll admit I'm really fired up for this season.  Go Cubs Go!  #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!

Welcome to 2015!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cubs 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.