Before we begin grading the Cubs' performance in the final days of Major League Baseball's trading season, it seems appropriate to state that the minimal activity the Cubs engaged in is a bit puzzling. For starters, the current cast of Chicago Cubs isn't exactly the cliched "year or two away" from being contenders. If anything, the most appropriate way to describe the current roster is more like a year or two removed—from contention, their prime, even respectability.Additionally, it may be noble for players to profess loyalties to their employer, but it's another thing to have general managers take such beliefs ...
The 2010 season has had a familiar feeling for the Chicago Cubs in regard to the team's performance and standing within the National League Central division. But unlike numerous Cubs teams of the past, this year's version has been based largely on developing young talent and building a culture that operates from within. Since Dallas Green joined the Cubs as general manager in 1982, the Cubs have been an organization based on free agency. Over the past 30 years, the Cubs have landed numerous free agents and fielded teams largely comprised of players from competing franchises. Often, the result of ...
Since arriving like a whirlwind in 1998, Kerry Wood has been just one of a few Cubs players regarded as one of Chicago's very own. Upon setting the National League record for strikeouts in a single game, Wood became another face of hope for Chicago Cubs fans.Though injuries have hindered Wood's career, he has always been a fan favorite at Wrigley Field. Perhaps many still linger in hope that Wood will one day have the Cy Young Award-winning season many have felt his abilities were capable of. Perhaps many Cubs fans hold affection for Wood as they would one of ...
The Chicago Cubs have been nothing short of terrible when it comes to the MLB Draft. Granted, many teams have missed out on their fair share of draft picks. Albert Pujols was passed on by every Major League club numerous times, as he was drafted in the 13th round.But how poorly have the Cubs truly performed in the draft?One would figure that for the Cubs the law of averages would have swung in their favor at some point. However, it has not. Have a look for yourself. The following is a complete list of all the players the Cubs have ...
Since the inception of free agency in Major League Baseball during the mid 1970s, the winter off-season months of America's pastime have been filled with speculation, anticipation and hope for baseball fans.Who can forget the impact made by Reggie Jackson in the 1977 season upon signing with the New York Yankees? Jackson signed what was considered a monstrous deal ($2.9 million for five years) prior to the 1977 season, and went on to become "Mr. October" later that year.Future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Nolan Ryan, Manny Ramirez and Catfish Hunter all managed to be instrumental pieces in the growth and ...
I haven't always been the world's biggest Carlos Zambrano supporter. Sure, like many Cubs fans, I always thought Zambrano had the ability to be the true ace of the Cubs' pitching staff if only he'd find a way to corral his emotions.I've always thought Zambrano should just "shut up and pitch."After Carlos' implosion at U.S. Cellular Field last June, Zambrano was ordered to undergo anger management counseling. It was probably the most bizarre bit of discipline ever forced upon a Chicago Cubs player.Since his stint on a shrink's sofa, Zambrano has returned to the form many Cubs fans believed would ...
The 2011 season has been nothing short of a struggle for the Chicago Cubs. Rookie manager Mike Quade has spent a large portion of this season simply filling gaps created by injury. Already in the young 2011 season, the Cubs have managed to send five position players and three starting pitchers to the disabled list.Among those players have been starting catcher Geovany Soto, starting outfielders Marlon Byrd and Alfonso Soriano and starting pitchers Randy Wells, Andrew Cashner and Matt Garza.Thus far in 2011, the Cubs have needed a veritable shuttle between Des Moines, Iowa and Chicago in order to handle ...
For years, Wrigley Field was seen as somewhat of an afternoon party spot. Regardless of the product placed on the field, Cubs fans and casual fans alike would flock to the friendly confines on Chicago's north side. Never mind the fact that the Cubs had not won a World Series in nearly a century—the beer was cold, the atmosphere was pleasant and a seat inside Wrigley Field was like experiencing Americana firsthand. Over the course of nearly 30 years, former owner of the Chicago Cubs, the Tribune Company, transformed the Cubs into a national baseball icon. The Cubs went from ...
The Chicago Cubs entered the 2011 season as a team in the midst of rebuilding. Having finished 5th in the NL Central just one year ago and traded long-time cornerstone first baseman Derrek Lee, expectations for the Cubs were slim for 2011.Now, a little more than a quarter into the 2011 season, there may be hope for Cubs fans after all. At 20-25 and just 6.5 games back in a wide-open NL Central, the Cubs are—believe it or not—still in contention. Here's why Cubs fans shouldn't abandon hope just yet.Begin Slideshow
