Bryan LaHair Injury: Cubs 1B Is '50-50' For Opening Day

Chicago Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair's status is considered "50-50" for the team's Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals on Thursday, according to Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago. LaHair has been dealing with a sore back during spring training, but until recently there was significant optimism that he wouldn't miss any of the regular season.

LaHair, 29, is getting his first legitimate chance to be a starting first baseman in the majors. He didn't played in Chicago's final four Cactus League games, though, so his first full season with the Cubs may not begin on time. The general expectation was that LaHair would keep first base warm while top prospect Anthony Rizzo gets in a few more reps in the minors.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum says that Blake DeWitt, Joe Mather or Jeff Baker would start in LaHair's place on Opening Day if he can't go. It's unlikely that Chicago will need to put LaHair on the disabled list for the back issues, but the continued problems aren't a good thing.

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Chicago Cubs To Start Season With Six Relief Pitchers

The Chicago Cubs will be starting the season with a smaller-than-usual pitching staff, as ESPN Chicago's Doug Padilla reports that the team will be using just six relief pitchers in its bullpen at the beginning of the season. Most teams typically have seven pitchers in the bullpen, but Chicago is using an additional position player on the bench instead.

Cubs GM Jed Hoyer says that Carlos Marmol, Kerry Wood, Rafael Dolis, James Russell, Shawn Camp and Lendy Castillo are all going to be in the team's Opening Day bullpen, leaving out right-handed pitcher Rodrigo Lopez. Hoyer suggested that Lopez will likely be used at some point soon, though.

The move is primarily caused by Chicago's claim of Blue Jays infielder Luis Valbuena off waivers on Wednesday. That gave the team 14 position players, but it appears that they're content having just 11 pitchers on the 25-man roster going into the season. The six-man bench certainly gives the Cubs additional flexibility in the lineup.

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Chicago Cubs Claim Luis Valbuena Off Waivers

The Chicago Cubs have claimed infielder Luis Valbuena off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Keith Law of ESPN. Valbuena never played for Toronto after being claimed by the Blue Jays off waivers from the Cleveland Indians in November of last year.

Valbuena, 26, has split the past few seasons between Cleveland and Triple-A. In 2009, he made 398 plate appearances with the Indians, posting a .250/.298/.416 line. After a positively brutal 2010 season, Valbuena was back in the minors for most of 2011, hitting .302/.372/.476 with 17 homers in 472 PA's for Triple-A Columbus.

Chicago's bench already included Steve Clevenger, Jeff Baker, Blake DeWitt, Reed Johnson and Joe Mather, but it appears that Valbuena may join the Cubs as a sixth position player on the bench. That would leave the Cubs with a six-man bullpen to begin the 2012 season.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: Chicago Finishes Spring Above .500

The Chicago Cubs wrapped up their spring training schedule on Tuesday with a 5-3 win over Milwaukee, finishing their Cactus League slate with a 17-16 record. Several of the players that the Cubs will rely on during the regular season had solid springs:

Starlin Castro: .311/.312/.527 with 2 HR, 9 2B, 9 RBI
Alfonso Soriano: .286/.267/.696 with 6 HR and 18 RBI
Geovany Soto: .318/.388/.705 with 4 HR and 12 RBI

Jeff Samardzija pitched 20 innings this spring, striking out 16 while walking just one batter. He posted a 4.50 ERA. Matt Garza struggled with his control, walking nine over 16-1/3 innings.

But now the slate is clean, and they'll look toward a regular season in which not many expect them to compete for a postseason bid.

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Cubs Vs. Brewers Final Score: Chicago Wins Spring Training Finale, 5-3

Starlin Castro hit a two-run home run in the first inning to give the Chicago Cubs a lead they would not relinquish en route to a 5-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday afternoon. It was the final game of spring training for the Cubs, who now must prepare for their season-opener against the Washington Nationals on Thursday.

Related: Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, Mesa, Arizona, Tuesday 4/3, 2:05 CT

Travis Wood got the start on the mound for Chicago and pitched six innings, allowing one run on six hits while striking out four.

After the two-run first fueled by Castro, Chicago got two more in the second and one in the fifth, which came on a solo shot from Alfredo Amezaga.

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Bryan LaHair Injury: Cubs 1st Baseman's Status Up In The Air

Chicago Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair sat out the team's last four Cactus League games with back trouble, and now the Cubs are just waiting to see if he'll be ready for opening day. Cubs manager Dale Sveum says LaHair is making progress:

"He’s getting better every day, so we’ll just see with the treatment," Sveum said before Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. "I don’t think it’s a DL thing or anything like that, because he’s got pretty good range of motion as far as rotation and all that. It’s just the shooting pain.

Related: Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, Mesa, Arizona, Tuesday 4/3, 2:05 CT

It's still possible at this point that LaHair will have to miss Thursday's opener, but Sveum expects LaHair to be available some time over the weekend, so it does not appear as though it will be a lengthy setback.

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Cubs Vs. Diamondbacks Final Score: Chicago Takes 8-3 Victory

Chicago starter Jay Jackson gave up three runs in four innings of work, but the bullpen held Arizona scoreless the rest of the way, and the Cubs used a big five-run sixth inning to beat the Diamondbacks 8-3 on Monday afternoon.

Related: Bryan LaHair Injury: Cubs 1B Nursing Sore Back, Still Expected To Play On Opening Day

Kerry Wood was one of five relievers to help the Cubs to victory, and one of four to give up zero hits in an inning of work.

Geovani Soto hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning, and both Aflonso Soriano and Jeff Baker each drove in two runs.

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Cubs Vs. Angels Final Score: Chicago Takes 8-1 Victory

The Chicago Cubs improved to 15-16 this spring with an 8-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels in Cactus League play on Sunday afternoon. Chris Rusin pitched 5-1/3 scoreless innings for the Cubs, giving up just two hits in the process. Los Angeles managed just five base hits on the day, though Albert Pujols was absent from the lineup.

Related: Cubs Use Extra-Base Barrage To Bury Angels 8-1

At the dish, Starlin Castro and David DeJesus had multi-hit games for Chicago. Jeff Baker hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning to help blow the game open.

The Cubs finish up their preseason slate with the Diamondbacks on Monday and the Brewers on Tuesday.

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Bryan LaHair Injury: Cubs 1B Nursing Sore Back, Still Expected To Play On Opening Day

Chicago Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair won't be in the lineup when the team faces the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday due to a sore back, but ESPN Chicago's Doug Padilla reports that the team still expects him to play on Opening Day. LaHair also didn't play in Chicago's previous game against L.A. on Saturday.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum spoke to reporters about LaHair's status earlier in the day:

He’s much better today and probably could have played. His back is better. It just got stiff and locked up. He had some discomfort down the leg so there is obviously something there with a nerve or whatever but today he was much better. Hopefully we’ll have him in there tomorrow, but if not the last day.

Padilla says that the first baseman is still expected to get into Cactus League play again before Opening Day on Thursday against the Washington Nationals. The obvious alternative to LaHair would be top prospect Anthony Rizzo, who was recently optioned to Triple-A to begin the season.

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Randy Wells Demotion: Dale Sveum, Jed Hoyer, Wells Discuss SP's Assignment To AAA

The Chicago Cubs pitching rotation is set: Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster, Jeff Samardzija, Chris Volstad and Paul Maholm. One notable omission is Randy Wells, who, when healthy, has been a mainstay in the Cubs rotation since 2009, but Wells was optioned to AAA Iowa on Thursday by Chicago's new front office.

In interviews with the media, new head coach Dale Sveum and new general manager Jed Hoyer were predictably positive and encouraging, noting that Wells pitched well in the spring. But they also noted that the Cubs need him to be throwing a starter's workload in AAA if (though more likely when) he needs to be recalled to the majors when a spot opens up in the Cubs rotation due to injury.

Wells was fighting with Samardzija and Volstad for the final two spots in the Cubs rotation, and the writing might have been on the wall when Wells threw only 7.1 innings in the spring compared to Samardzija's 20 and Volstad's 14.2. Wells didn't allow any earned runs in those seven innings, and though his four hits allowed was almost as impressive, he only tallied one strikeout.

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Cubs Vs. Dodgers Preview: Chicago Sends Out Opening Day Lineup Against LA

The Chicago Cubs are marching through the remaining five games on their 2012 Spring Training Schedule, taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday afternoon.

Friday's starting group features what manager Dale Svuem has suggested will be the Opening Day lineup, including Opening Day starter, RHP Ryan Dempster. Here is a look at today's and the Opening Day's lineup:

1. RF David DeJesus
2. 2B Darwin Barney
3. SS Starlin Castro
4. 1B Bryan LaHair
5. LF Alfonso Soriano
6. 3B Ian Stewart
7. CF Marlon Byrd
8. C Geovany Soto
9. P Ryan Dempster

The Cubs hope to get another performance from Dempster better than they did in the 2011 Opening Day, when the veteran went 6 and 2/3 innings, but allowed 6 earned runs.

Game Time: 3:05 p.m. CDT, Friday, March 30

Location: HoHoKam Park, Mesa, AZ

Broadcast: WGN Radio (no TV broadcast)

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Cubs Roster 2012: Chicago Sets Their Opening Day Lineup

According to The Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Cubs have already set their Opening Day linuep:

1. RF David DeJesus
2. 2B Darwin Barney
3. SS Starlin Castro
4. 1B Bryan LaHair
5. LF Alfonso Soriano
6. 3B Ian Stewart
7. CF Marlon Byrd
8. C Geovany Soto
9. P Ryan Dempster

The Cubs, who are featuring this lineup on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, would prefer to have more players with high on-base percentages, but, says manager Dale Svuem, they only have outfielder David DeJesus who fits that mold:

"On this team we don’t have a whole lot of on-base percentage guys to evaluate that way. You evaluate more on productivity. Hopefully the on-base percentage happens without maneuvering the lineup because of it because we don’t have any proven guys besides DeJesus that has any longevity to say he’s had a decent on-base percentage."

The Cubs begin the 2012 MLB regular season on Thursday with a 1:20 p.m. CDT game against the Washington Nationals.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012, Cactus League Schedule Winds Down Before Opening Day

The Chicago Cubs open the 2012 MLB Regular Season against the Washington Nationals on Thursday, April 6, but there is still the business of rounding out the Cactus League schedule and wrapping up a productive Spring Training period. The Cubs have five games left on the docket, and while none of them count for anything in the real standings, there are always finer points to be ironed out before real baseball begins. Here is a look at the remaining preseason games on the Cubs' schedule:

Just in case you are looking past these exhibition games, it bears repeating that the Cubs begin the 2012 MLB season next Thursday when take on the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.

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Cubs Vs. Padres Final Score: San Diego Prevails, 12-11

In a back-and-forth game that did not lack for offense, the San Diego Padres scored the final six runs of the game to claim a 12-11 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Cactus League play on Thursday afternoon. Down 6-5, Chicago scored four runs in the fifth inning, then added two more in the sixth to take an 11-6 lead. But San Diego answered with two runs of its own in the bottom half of the sixth, scored one run in the seventh, and picked up three in the eighth.

Related: Cubs Spring Training 2012: Jeff Samardzija Discusses Wednesday's Start

Chris Volstad got the start for Chicago and gave up six runs and nine hits in 4-2/3 innings of work. Darwin Barney had a big day at the plate for the Cubs, going 4-4 with one RBI.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: Jeff Samardzija Discusses Wednesday's Start

Jeff Samardzija had a rough outing against the Colorado Rockies on March 23 -- he allowed seven runs on 10 hits in just four innings of work. But he was able to bounce back nicely against Cleveland on Wednesday, going five innings and allowing zero runs. In the video below, Samardzija talks about the successful start against the Indians, and what might have been different from the Rockies game.

Related: 2012 Cubs Roster: SP Jeff Samardzija Named To No. 3 Spot In Rotation

Samardzija already has secured a position in the 2012 Cubs starting rotation, as the team announced he will be their No. 3 starter.

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2012 Cubs Roster: SP Jeff Samardzija Named To No. 3 Spot In Rotation

According to Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago, the Chicago Cubs have named former Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver RHP Jeff Samardzija as the team's No. 3 starter entering the 2012 season. Samardzija, who pitched out of relief in the 2011 season, beat out last year's starter RHP Randy Wells, who was reassigned to Triple-A on Thursday.

Starting for the first time since 2010, the 27-year-old Samardzija greets the new baseball year with eager anticipation:

"You don’t know how many of these opporutniries you’re going to get to start," Samardzija said. "Once you become a reliever and have success, a lot of times that’s where you end up for your career. I really wanted to give this a full head of steam, a full shot and go from there. I’m excited for the season and I can’t wait."

The Cubs begin the 2012 MLB season next Thursday when they welcome the Washington Nationals to Wrigley Field.

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2012 Cubs Roster: Chicago Cuts 9, Including Wells; Roster At 31

The Chicago Cubs continued to approach their 2012 season on Thursday when the team cut their roster from 40 players down to just 31. Here are the list of players cut, according to the official Cubs Twitter account:

• SP Randy Wells
• RP Scott Maine
• SP Travis Wood
• OF Dave Sappelt
• C Welington Castillo
• RP Blake Parker
• IF Edgar Gonzalez
• IF Matt Tolbert
• C Blake Lalli

The biggest news concerns last year's No. 5 starter SP Randy Wells, who was cut despite general speculation that he would join the Cubs bullpen. Wells started 23 games in 2011, sporting a career-worst 4.99 ERA and 5.11 FIP.

Also among the cuts, SP Travis Wood goes down to Triple-A after spending the last two seasons in the Cincinnati Reds rotation.

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Cubs Send Randy Wells To Triple-A Iowa In Surprise Roster Cut

Just yesterday, Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum told reporters that roster decisions were "95-percent finished," but in a surprise move pitcher Randy Wells had to clear out his locker and say goodbyes to teammates because the Cubs optioned him to Triple-A Iowa. Wells had pitched mainly in relief during the spring and it was assumed he would be a part of the team's bullpen, but now it appears he will serve as a starter in Triple-A Iowa and be available as the next pitcher up if any other starter gets injured or seriously falters.

The Cubs also decided to keep Steve Clevenger over Welington Castillo as the backup catcher on the major league roster. Castillo will likely be the starter for the Iowa team. The team has not officially announced the other roster moves yet, but Blake Lalli, Blake Parker, Travis Wood,Scott Maine, Matt Tolbert and Dave Sappelt are all expected to be cut from the major league roster as well.

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Indians Vs. Cubs Final Score: Chicago Gets Another Shutout In 2-0 Victory

The Chicago Cubs blanked an opponent for the second time this week in a 2-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday afternoon. Chicago also shutout the San Diego Padres on Monday in another Cactus League match-up.

With the Cubs' staff looking on in preparation of meeting later on Wednesday to discuss the alignment of the rotation for the beginning of the season, Jeff Samardzija was absolutely superb. The reliever-turned-starter gave the Cubs six scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and one walk, making quite the statement regarding his readiness to give starting full-time a shot.

Not needing much on offense, the Cubs came through with just enough despite getting ten hits. The Cubs only got two extra-base hits on the day, including a triple by Samardzija himself, and only walked once, so it was mostly a barrage of singles. A few finally got strung together in the sixth inning, allowing Chicago to get a pairs of runs and a lead that the bullpen could keep intact.

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Chicago Cubs Release 2010 8th-Round Pick Cam Greathouse

The Chicago Cubs have released minor league pitcher Cam Greathouse, according to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus. Greathouse was selected by the Cubs in the eighth round of the 2010 draft, but he struggled badly within the Cubs' organization as a pro.

Greathouse actually had a solid professional debut with the Cubs in a short-season stint after signing in 2010. Making ten appearances for Low Single-A Boise, including seven starts, Greathouse posted a 2.75 ERA with 44 strikeouts and just 11 walks in 39 innings.

The pitcher stumbled badly in 2011, though, with his command and control essentially falling off the map. His 4.37 ERA in 59 innings with Single-A Peoria isn't terrible, but he also posted an absolutely brutal 49/53 K/BB ratio during that time.

He's still a tad intriguing given that he's only 21 and he was missing bats in Single-A last year, but it says something that the Cubs were willing to let him go for nothing.

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Indians Vs. Cubs Preview: Jeff Samardzija Makes Key Start

The Chicago Cubs are hosting the Cleveland Indians at HoHoKam Park on Wednesday in a Cactus League match-up. The Cubs have actually struggled playing in their spring home park so far, but they're coming off a solid 7-4 road victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The game against Cleveland should be particularly important for starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who continues to compete for a spot in Chicago's starting rotation. Cubs manager Dale Sveum told Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago that Samardzija's performance against Cleveland will factor into the team's decision, which could be decided tonight after team staff meets.

Here is today's lineup via the Cubs' official Twitter account:

1. CF Tony Campana
2. 2B Blake DeWitt
3. SS Starlin Castro
4. LF Alfonso Soriano
5. 3B Ian Stewart
6. C Geovany Soto
7. 1B Bryan LaHair
8. RF Joe Mather
9. P Jeff Samardzija

Game Time: 3:05 p.m. CDT

Location: HoHoKam Park

Broadcast: MLB.com (audio)

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Cubs Spring Training: Theo Epstein Initially Asked Padres About Josh Byrnes, Not Jed Hoyer

The Chicago Cubs are hoping to return to prominence on the backs of new president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and his general manager, Jed Hoyer, but apparently this set-up was always the plan. According to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, Epstein actually asked the San Diego Padres about Josh Byrnes, the former Diamondbacks GM that now holds the same position in San Diego, before hiring Hoyer.

When Chicago president of baseball operations Theo Epstein first contacted [then-Padres owner Jeff] Moorad for permission to speak with a member of the Padres' front office, Epstein requested Byrnes, who was at the time a special assistant to baseball operations and considered available, instead of Hoyer, an industry source confirmed.

At the time, Hoyer was the GM in San Diego and Byrnes was one of his special assistants. After the Cubs failed to lure Byrnes to Chicago, they offered Hoyer a five-year deal to move to the north side of Chicago. Hoyer went back to the Padres and asked them to match the offer, but they declined and allowed him to leave for the Cubs.

Following his departure, the Padres simply promoted Byrnes to become the new GM, essentially confirming that the organization preferred Byrnes to its previous GM. According to Hayes, Moorad actually told Hoyer that the team wouldn't match Chicago's offer, "because he was the GM of a last-place team."

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Cubs Spring Training: Marlon Byrd Trade Is More Likely In July

The Chicago Cubs have continued to receive inquiries on starting center fielder Marlon Byrd, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that a trade isn't likely at this point. The outfielder is in the final year of a three-year contract that he signed with Chicago before the 2010 season.

Rather than finish a deal before the end of the season, Rosenthal says that a trade is more likely to occur in July. Such a situation would allow the Cubs to give top prospect Brett Jackson, Byrd's expected successor in center field, additional time to develop with Triple-A Iowa.

Don't expect the Cubs to get a substantial return for Byrd, though, as Rosenthal notes that teams will be reluctant to give up top prospects for the veteran outfielder even if the Cubs are willing to eat a significant portion of his $6.5 million salary.

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Cubs Vs. Reds Final Score: Big 9th Inning Propels Chicago To 7-4 Win

The Chicago Cubs took a 3-0 lead on the Cincinnati Reds, lost that lead, then re-took control of the game in the ninth inning with some clutch power hitting. Chicago scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to claim a 7-4 win.

Related: Cubs Blow 3-0 Lead, But Win On Ninth-Inning Home Runs

Matt Garza struck out six batters in four innings of work, but he allowed seven hits and two runs in the process. The two teams were tied at three heading into the ninth inning, and that's when Chicago's power hitting proved decisive. The Cubs hit a pair of home runs on the way to four runs in the inning.

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Cubs Vs. Reds Preview: Matt Garza Looks To Regain His Control Against Cincinnati

The Chicago Cubs (12-14) and the Cincinnati Reds (10-15) pair up on Tuesday afternoon in another Cactus League matchup. Toeing the mound for the Cubs, SP Matt Garza enters the game looking to nail down his control issues. Garza has started four games in the 2011 Spring Training season, finishing a total of 12 and 1/3 innings with a 5.84 ERA to go with 8 strikeouts and 6 walks.

Garza has secured the No. 2 role for the Cubs rotation after a stellar 2011 season, so his control issues probably do not concern the Cubs management too much, but it never hurts to dominate.

Here is today's lineup via the Cubs' Twitter account:

1. RF David DeJesus
2. 2B Darwin Barney
3. LF Alfonso Soriano
4. 1B Bryan LaHair
5. 3B Joe Mather
6. CF Marlon Byrd
7. SS Alfredo Amezaga
8. C Welington Castillo
9. P Matt Garza

Game Time: 3:05 p.m. CDT

Location: Goodyear Ballpark

Broadcast: MLB.com (audio)

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Cubs Trade Rumors 2012: Marlon Byrd Drawing Interest From Braves And Nationals, According To Report

The Chicago Cubs have prospect Brett Jackson tabbed as their center fielder of the future, but perhaps his time could come sooner than originally thought. Jackson has played well during spring training, and now incumbent CF Marlon Byrd -- who is in the final year of his contract and owed $6.5 million in 2012 -- is drawing interest from the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. Manager Dale Sveum told Wittenmyer that "Brett Jackson is ready to play here for sure," and added that he would be surprised if Jackson didn't join the Cubs before September call ups.

Despite the rumors surrounding Byrd, it might not make sense to blaze a direct path for Jackson right now. Back in February, Cubs GM Jed Hoyer said Bryd and Soriano will be with the team on opening day, which fits with the observation from Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLB Trade Rumors, who noted that if Jackson is called up sooner than mid-to-late June, he would be eligible for Super Two arbitration, meaning his cost to the Cubs would rise considerably over the long-term.

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Cubs Vs. Padres Final Score: Paul Maholm Leads Chicago To 2-0 Win

The Chicago Cubs picked up another Spring Training victory this evening when Dale Sveum's team defeated the San Diego Padres 2-9 in split-squad action. Paul Maholm, is the favorite to nail down the fifth starter's spot in the Chicago rotation, got the start and pitched well. Maholm struck out six over five scoreless innings to propel the Cubs to the win.It was Maholm's third Cactus League start of the spring.

First baseman Bryan LaHair hit an RBI double for Chicago in the victory.

Closer Carlos Marmol entered in the six inning and did not allow any runs. Marmol hadn't pitched since last Tuesday when cramps in his throwing hand and neck and shoulder tightness forced an early exit.

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Kerry Wood Injury: Cubs Pitcher Has Vague Injury, Insists He Will Be Fine

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood hasn't seen action in eight games, but do not worry: the reliever says everything is OK. Well, maybe you should be a little worried. Wood was bothered by a balky back early in Spring Training, and says that's no longer the issue. So what is? Kid K (he still goes by that, yes?) isn't really revealing.

"[Pitching coach Chris] Bosio kind of talked about the pace of spring this year and kind of how many innings we wanted to get to," Wood said. "We got in four [outings] early and then did a side, some stuff working on curveballs and then kind of slowed it down a little bit and we’ll get ready to crank it up here in the next couple of days."

Says manager Dale Sveum:

"[The back] is not the issue it’s just backing off to ease on into the season after getting built up and ready to go a couple of weeks ago," Sveum said.

The plan is to have Wood pitch in a live Spring Training game on Saturday. He threw a bullpen session this morning, according to reports. Wood is expecting to also pitch a week from today before shutting it down until Opening Day against the Nationals.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: Jay Jackson To Start Vs. Arizona

Cubs Spring Training 2012: Maholm Takes The Hill Vs. Padres

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Paul Maholm has almost certainly secured a spot in the team's starting rotation for this season, but he can make it even more likely with a solid start today vs. the San Diego Padres. Maholm has looked good in very limited time this spring, giving up four hits and one earned run in five innings while striking out four and walking two. Today will be his third start of the spring, and it's likely that he will be stretched out longer than either of the two previous starts.

Here's split-squad line up, with the first pitch taking place at 3:05 p.m. CT:

1. Reed Johnson, CF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Bryan LaHair, 1B
5. Geovany Soto, C
   
6. Jeff Baker, RF
   
7. Edgar Gonzalez, 3B
8. Tony Campana, LF
9. Paul Maholm, SP

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Spring Training 2012, Cactus League Schedule (Weekly Schedule Preview)

Baseball fans everywhere can start getting excited, as Opening Day is just around the corner. It's the final full week of Cactus League play for Dale Sveum as he and the Chicago Cubs get ready for the 2012 season.

Here's who the Cubbies will be taking on this week in the Cactus League:

Monday: split squad vs. Padres, 3:05 p.m. CDT, split squad at Diamondbacks, 3:10 p.m. CDT
Tuesday: at Reds, 3:10 p.m. CDT
Wednesday: vs. Indians, 3:05 p.m. CDT
Thursday: at Padres, 3:05 p.m. CDT
Friday: vs. Dodgers, 3:05 p.m. CDT
Saturday: vs. Angels, 3:05 p.m. CDT

The Cubs are set to open the regular season a week from Thursday on April 4, as they take on the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field. Still, there's plenty to watch this week before then. Jeff Samardzija's next start will be worth watching, as he tries to make the successful transition to the starting rotation.

For more on all things Chicago Cubs, be sure to head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue and join the discussion.

Cubs Spring Training: Andy Sonnanstine Refuses Triple-A Assignment, To Be Released

The Chicago Cubs will release pitcher Andy Sonnanstine after he refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa, according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. The Cubs had signed the former Ray to a non-guaranteed split-contract in December 2011.

Adding Sonnanstine into the mix was part of the Cubs' effort to build up some pitching depth after having to use the likes of Rodrigo Lopez and Casey Coleman in the rotation for extended periods of time. The team also brought in younger pitchers like Chris Volstad and Travis Wood, though, leaving Sonnanstine with little room to compete for a spot in the rotation.

Now a free agent, the 29-year-old will likely latch on with another team soon. For now, the Cubs plan on using Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, Paul Maholm, Chris Volstad and either Wood, Jeff Samardzija or Randy Wells in their 2012 rotation.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Spring Training 2012: Kerry Wood, Marcos Mateo Dealing With Injuries

The Chicago Cubs are trying to get their bullpen situation established for the upcoming season, but injuries continue to take a toll on the flexibility that the team will have. According to Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago, Cubs relievers Kerry Wood and Marcos Mateo are expected to miss some time this spring as they recover from injuries.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum spoke with some reporters for a short period about the injuries, including Wood's back issues.

(Wood is OK) besides the back, but other than that he's been fine. The back always flares up once in a while but it's not a concern now. It's fine... There's no issue, it's just mainly backing him off and getting him a couple more outings before the season starts

Wood dealt with back issues during the 2010 season, so the Cubs may be treading on some thin ice here with the oft-injured pitcher. Sveum also said that Mateo will be shut down for at least ten days, guaranteeing that he won't be able to make the Opening Day roster.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Vs. Indians Preview: Chicago To Send Out Most Of Starting Line Up

With the regular season drawing ever nearer, it's time for every team's best players to round into top form. On Sunday, the Chicago Cubs will send out a good portion of their projected opening day line up vs. the Cleveland Indians, with Rodrigo Lopez, who is still battling for a rotation spot, taking the hill.

Lopez has been impressive this spring, giving up only three earned runs in 12 innings while striking out nine and walking only one. With Jeff Samardzjia getting knocked around a bit in his last start, Lopez may be able to make some headway if he looks good on Sunday.

Here's the full line up for today's game:

1. Reed Johnson, RF
2. Blake DeWitt, LF
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Alfonso Soriano, DH
5. Bryan LaHair, 1B
6. Geovany Soto, C
7. Ian Stewart, 3B
8. Jeff Baker, 2B
9. Joe Mather, CF

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

2012 Cubs Roster: RHP Chris Volstad Likely Headed To Rotation

The Chicago Cubs may be down to just one open rotation spot. According to The Chicago Tribune, Cubs manager Dale Svuem has suggested the team will likely use RHP Chris Volstad as the team' 3rd or 4th starter:

"[Volstad's] name came up," Sveum said. "But there's nothing etched in stone there. What I said was 'Obviously if he keeps throwing the ball the way he's throwing the ball, he's going to be hard to keep out of the rotation.' It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out."

If Volstad indeed wins one of the final spots, it leaves just one more rotation spot for RHP Jeff Samardzija, RHP Randy Wells and LHP Travis Wood -- who has nearly played himself out of contention.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Spring Training 2012: Travis Wood Shaky In Loss

New Chicago Cubs acquisition Travis Wood is still battling for a start at the back of the team's rotation, but starts like the one he had on Saturday aren't going to help him much. Wood threw 3.2 innings against the San Diego Padres, giving up five hits and three earned runs and only striking out one batter, bring his spring ERA to 17.28.

Wood got through his first three innings unscathed, but things began to unravel in the fourth when he gave up a single to Padres top catching prospect Yasmani Grandal and then hit outfielder Jeremy Hermida. After an out, second basemen Jonathan Galvez followed with a single to score Grandal. After another out, Wood was pulled and replaced by lefty Trever Miller who gave up a two-run double to Padres outfielder Will Venable.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Play Host To San Diego Padres In Spring Training Game At HoHoKam Park

Next up on the spring training schedule for the Chicago's North Side team, the Cubs, is the San Diego Padres. The Padres and Cubs will play a 3:05 EDT game Saturday at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Ariz.

The Cubs, 10-8 winners over the Colorado Rockies on Friday, will start Travis Wood against the Padres. Wood, who has had his problems on the mound this spring, will be making his fourth appearance of the exhibition season. In his three previous appearances, he has given up 13 earned runs on 13 hits and six walks in just 4 2/3 innings of work. Randy Wells, who has not given up a run or walked a batter in 5 2/3 innings, is expected to follow Wood on the mound.

Anthony Bass will get the start against the Cubs on Saturday and is scheduled to go the first four innings. Bass, who is bidding to make the Padres' pitching staff as a long reliever, has a 2.00 ERA in spring exhibition games.

Chicago comes into Saturday's game with a 10-12 Cactus League record and fresh off a 10-8 win over the Colorado Rockies on Friday. The Padres are 13-9 so far this spring.

Cubs Vs. Rockies Final Score: Geovany Soto Leads Cubs Past Colorado

Home runs were aplenty on Friday afternoon in Scottsdale, Arizona for a Spring Training game between the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies. Led by catcher Geovany Soto, Chicago out-slugged the Rockies 10-8. Soto hit a pair of home runs and drove in five runs in the Chicago victory.

Soto hit a two-run homer off Colorado starter Tyler Chatwood in the second inning and the fourth inning. Chatwood was roughed up by the Chicago offense, giving up nine runs, seven earned, and nine hits oer 4 1/3 innings.

Colorado outfielder Carlos Gonzalez was the star for the Rockies. Gonzalez drove-in five runs in the loss.

Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija allowed seven runs on 10 hits in four innings. Before today, Samardzija had held opponents to three runs in 10 innings.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

2012 Cubs Roster: Ryan Dempster Earns No. 1 Pitching Slot

The Chicago Cubs have made some of their first key roster decisions regarding the 2012 MLB season, announcing on Friday that the team will start SP Ryan Dempster on Opening Day 2012:

#Cubs name Ryan Dempster Opening Day starter.

— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) March 23, 2012

Dempster started opening day in 2011 as well and has pitched 200 or more innings in each of the last four seasons. In 2011, he had another strong season, pitching 202.1 innings with a 3.91 FIP. Some bad luck through the early half of the season inflated his 2011 ERA (4.80), but the Cubs front office had confidence he can return to his sub-4.00 ERAs.

By moving Dempster to the No. 1 slot, SP Matt Garza will get the third spot by default. Garza had a career year in 2011 (3.32 ERA, 2.95 FIP), but has been less consistent over the last three years, as his strikeout rates have fluctuated dangerously despite otherwise solid ERAs.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Chicago Cubs Ranks No. 4 In Forbes' List Of Most Valuable MLB Teams

The Chicago Cubs earned a No. 4 rankings in Forbes' 2012 Business of Baseball rankings, behind the No. 1 New Yankees and ahead of their crosstown rivals, the No. 10 Chicago White Sox.

According to Forbes, the Cubs -- now worth $879 million -- has gained about 14% in value over the last year, an impressive feat for a club dealing with a weak on-field product and certain debt issues:

The Cubs are over the league's operating income-to-debt limit ratio of 10 as result of $580 million in debt that was taken on as a result of the purchase of the team by the Ricketts family from Tribune in 2009. MLB commissioner Bud Selig has given the Cubs a pass for the time being. But the team has been rightly focusing on increasing ancillary revenue through concerts ... [and ad sales]. The Cubs have also moved more televised games from WGN-TV to Comcast SportsNet Chicago (of which the team owns 20%) because the team gets more revenue per broadcast from the regional sports network (about $450,000).

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts has repeatedly expressed an interest in building a Cubs television network similar to that of the Yankees' YES Network, which would presumably put the Cubs at or near the No. 2 team in the MLB.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Spring Training 2012: MRI Reveals No Significant Damage To Carlos Marmol

An MRI performed on Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol showed no significant nerve damage to the pitcher's neck and upper-shoulder area, according to Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago. A spokesperson from the team announced the results.

Marmol told the team that he felt a pain in his neck area while pitching in Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers, so the team scheduled the MRI to be performed to ensure that there wasn't major structural damage. It appears that he'll be okay, though, so the Cubs should still have their veteran closer for the beginning of the season.

Chicago will re-evaluate Marmol in a couple of days after he gets some rest, but the good news is that there doesn't appear to be a major injury here.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Cubs coverage, visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Spring Training: Jed Hoyer Denies Rumors Of Agreement With Jorge Soler

While the Chicago Cubs are widely viewed as the frontrunner to land Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler when he becomes a free agent, GM Jed Hoyer denies reports that there's already an agreement in place between Soler and the team. As Hoyer told CSN Chicago's Patrick Mooney, the reports are "completely bogus."

It's expected that the 20-year-old will be able to command major money on the open market assuming that he can hit it before June 2, when the new CBA rules go into effect and teams will be capped on international spending. Most in the industry expect Soler to beat that date and land a deal in excess of $20 million, and the Cubs are the most frequently mentioned team as a match.

Chicago was one of the most aggressive teams in bidding on another young Cuban free agent, outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, before he signed with the Oakland A's. Soler would immediately become one of the best prospects, if not the best prospect, in a system that's led by Brett Jackson and Javier Baez.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Cubs coverage, visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Chicago Cubs Opening Day: Stephen Strasburg Named As Starter For Nationals

The new look Chicago Cubs will meet the Washington Nationals on Opening Day 2012, and Cubs fans may not like what they see. Today, Nationals manager Davey Johnson announced that phenom and ace Stephen Strasburg will open the season on the hill vs. the Cubs.

Davey Johnson announces Stephen Strasburg will start Opening Day vs. Cubs. "I like to put my best foot forward from the get-go."

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) March 21, 2012

This may come as a bit of a surprise, as some teams like to reserve their top starter for their home opener, but Johnson— who openly called for Bryce Harper to open the season in the big leagues— has been a proponent of Washington's youth movement. Strasburg made five starts at the end of last season, striking out 24 batters in 24 innings while only allowing 15 hits and four earned runs. Spring has not been kind to him (he has posted a 5.52 ERA), but exhibitions and Opening Day are two very different animals.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Cubs coverage, visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Chicago Cubs Tie Oakland 5-5, Lose To Texas 6-2 In Split Squad Games

In split squad action on Tuesday afternoon, the Chicago Cubs tied the Oakland A's 5-5 -- the game was called following the 10th inning -- and dropped a 6-2 decision to the Texas Rangers. Notably, Carlos Marmol had to leave the Rangers game early because of cramps in his throwing hand. He is set to undergo a precautionary MRI but said he does not think there is anything seriously wrong.

Related: Cubs Do Everything But Win In Split-Squad Games

In the Oakland game, Chicago took a 5-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth, but the A's managed a rally to prevent a Cubs victory. Texas got two runs in the eighth and two in the ninth to turn what had been a closely contested game into a relatively easy win.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Cubs coverage, visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Carlos Marmol Injury: Cubs Pitcher Leaves Game With Cramp In Right Hand; Will Undergo Precautionary MRI

Chicago Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol left Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers after less than an inning of work. According to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat, Marmol was experiencing cramps in his right hand and will undergo a precautionary MRI as a result.

The right-hander started the seventh inning and got the first two batters out, then hit the Rangers’ Chris Robinson. Marmol threw two pitches to Mike Olt and athletic trainer Ed Halbur and manager Dale Sveum went to the mound, and the right-hander was pulled.

Related: Cubs vs. Rangers and Cubs vs. Athletics, Tuesday 3/20, 3:05 CT

After the game, Marmol said he is not concerned about the injury.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Cubs coverage, visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Vs. Rangers: Carlos Marmol Leaves Game With Apparent Injury

The Chicago Cubs have split up the squad to play a pair of games Tuesday afternoon, and over in their contest with the Texas Rangers, closer Carlos Marmol suffered an apparent injury that forced him to leave the game early.

Marmol leaves mound in 7th w/ 2 outs.. Injury not disclosed yet #cubs

— Pat Boyle (@CSNBoyle) March 20, 2012

Related: Cubs vs. Rangers and Cubs vs. Athletics, Tuesday 3/20, 3:05 CT

Marmol entered in the seventh inning and got two batters out before getting some attention on the mound and ultimately leaving the game. No further details have been made available at this point. When he left the game, the Cubs and Rangers were tied 2-2.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Cubs coverage, visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

2012 Cubs Roster: SP Paul Maholm 'A Lock' For The Rotation

The latest news out of the Chicago Cubs' camp helps clear the muddied picture of the Cubs 2012 rotation:

Sveum says Maholm a lock for rotation. Not a surprise. Two spots to go and Volstad, Samardzija seem to be the favorites.

— Doug Padilla (@ESPNChiCubs) March 20, 2012

Lefty SP Paul Maholm joined the Cubs as a free agent this offseason after spending the last seven years as a starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates. With Maholm taking a rotation spot, the Cubs 2012 starters should look something like this:

1. Matt Garza
2. Ryan Dempster
3. Paul Maholm
4. open
5. open

A group including SP Chris Volstad, SP Travis Wood and SP Jeff Samardzija are currently battling for the remaining two spots.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Vs. Mariners Final Score: Chicago's Offense Comes Alive In 12-7 Win

Travis Wood had a rough start for the Cubs, giving up seven runs on seven hits -- including three home runs -- in just two innings of work, but Seattle's pitching was no better, and Chicago eventually prevailed 12-7 on Monday afternoon.

Related: Chicago Cubs vs. Seattle Mariners, Peoria, Arizona, Monday 3/19, 3:05 CT

While Wood was struggling, Chicago's offense was covering for him as best it could. The Cubs scored seven runs in the top of the first inning but Seattle had the game tied by the end of the third inning. But that's all the M's would get, as Chicago's relievers settled things down.

The Cubs scored the go-ahead run in the top of the sixth, added three in the eighth, and one more in the ninth.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Cubs coverage, visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Vs. Mariners Preview: Travis Wood Hoping To Improve Against Seattle

The Chicago Cubs (7-11) send SP Travis Wood to the mound, hoping the young lefty can improve against the Seattle Mariners (11-6).

Wood has played in two games so far this Spring Training, giving up 1 run in his first outing, but allowing 5 ER in his second game -- in which he lasted only 1 out. Wood came to the Cubs in the RP Sean Marshall trade last December. The 25-year-old is among several pitchers vying for a position at the bottom of the team's rotation.

Here is a look at today's lineups courtesy of MLB.com:

RF David DeJesus
2B Darwin Barney (back from his strained left side)
SS Starlin Castro
LF Alfonso Soriano
3B Jeff Baker
CF Marlon Byrd
DH Reed Johnson
1B Joe Mather
C Welington Castillo

Game Time: 3:05 p.m. CDT

Location: Peoria Stadium, Peoria, AZ

Broadcast: radio via MLB.com

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2012 Cubs Spring Training, Cactus League Standings: Chicago In 12th Place

There is a lot about the Chicago Cubs that's new for 2012, from the players in the clubhouse to the front office, and the team is still adjusting to those changes. After a solid 6-4 start to Cactus League play, the Cubs have lost seven of their last eight games.

The Cactus League standings as of Monday morning:

Related: Split Decision: Cubs Beat Rangers, But Lose To White Sox

The Cubs return to the field Monday for a game against the Seattle Mariners.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth Cubs coverage, visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Chicago Cubs Spring Training 2012: Cubs Split Wins In Split-Squad Action

The Chicago Cubs took care of business in the first of their split-squad spring training action on Sunday with a 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers in Mesa, then a 7-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox in extra innings.

Against the Rangers, Joe Mather came up big for Chicago with a tie-breaking solo home run off Sean Green in the ninth inning. The Cubs were ahead when Guilder Rodriguez doubled and then scored on an RBI-single from Ryan Strausborger. That's what set up the game-winning situation for Mather in the ninth inning.

In the pitcher's duel, Chris Volstad gave up one run and four hits in four innings, while striking out three and walking none for Chicago. Texas pitcher Matt Harrison allowed one run and one hit in five innings, while striking out five and walking just one batter.

Against the White Sox, the Cubs tied the game at 5 with a pair of runs in the eighth inning, but it wasn't enough to withstand the hometown rivals, who came back with a two runs of their own the 10th inning.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: Soriano, LaHair To Face Rangers, Castro, DeJesus See White Sox

The Chicago Cubs will take part in split-squad action today, with one squad taking on the Texas Rangers in Las Vegas and the other facing the Chicago White Sox in Mesa. The line ups for each game have been announced, and although the most interesting match up of the day may be new Cubs acquisition Chris Volstad going up agains the Texas Rangers, most of the star power on the Cubs will be facing their crosstown rivals in Arizona.

Cubs vs. Rangers

1. Reed Johnson, LF
2. Junior Lake, SS
3. Blake DeWitt, 2B
4. Alfonso Soriano, DH
5. Bryan LaHair, 1B
6. Joe Mather, 3B
7. Steve Clevenger, C
8. Dave Sappelt, RF
9. James Adduci, CF

Cubs vs. White Sox

1. David DeJesus, DH
2. Marlon Byrd, CF
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Geovany Soto, C
6. Jeff Baker, LF
7. Josh Vitters, 3B
8. Alfredo Amezaga, 2B
9. Tony Campana, RF

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Spring Training 2012: Cubs Face Rangers And White Sox In Split Squad Action

The Chicago Cubs will be in action twice today, with one of its squads taking on the Texas Rangers and the other taking on the Chicago Cubs. Here is schedule and broadcast info for both match ups:

Rangers at Cubs

Time: 3:05 p.m. CT

Location: Cashman Field, Las Vegas, Nevada

TV: Fox Sports Southwest, MLB.tv

Chris Volstad will be on the hill for the Cubs on Sunday, and he's been stellar this spring, giving up three hits and no earned runs in six innings while striking out four and not walking a batter. But the Rangers and their potent line up (or at least whichever part of it shows up in Vegas this afternoon) will be as tough of a test as he's faced this spring.

White Sox at Cubs

Time: 3:05 p.m. CT

Location: Hohokam Park, Mesa, Ariz.

Radio: 670 WSCR AM, MLB.com

The crosstown rivals have met once this spring, with the White Sox coming out on top 5-1 on March 9.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: Chicago Drops A Pair Of Games In Split Squad Action

The Chicago Cubs (6-10) lost a pair of games on Saturday, falling to both the Texas Rangers (4-10) and the Oakland Athletics (12-4) in split squad action.

Cubs 7, Rangers 12

Despite a strong effort from SP Jeff Samardzija (L, 1-1), the Cubs' could not beat the Rangers offensive juggernaut. The 27-year-old Samardzija completed 4.0 innings and allowed only 3 H and 1 ER with 3 K. Lefty RP James Russell did not fair as well, allowing a pair of runs in his one inning to give Texas a 3-0 lead.

The Cubs tried to stage a late comeback, but poor performances from RP Trever Miller (1.0 IP, 5 ER) and RP Casey Weathers (0.0 IP, 3 ER) sealed the Cubs' fate. The Cubs relievers died the death of a thousand cuts as the Rangers had only 2 extra base hits, but kept the basepaths warm with 10 singles and 5 walks.

Rule 5 Draft pick 2B Adrian Cardenas had a stellar day at the plate with a 3 for 4 outing, including a homer and a double. SS Junior Lake (1 for 4) and C Steve Clevenger (1 for 2) also homered.

Cubs 3, Athletics 4

The Cubs also proved unable to muster enough offense against the Athletics, again despite a strong performance from their starter, SP Paul Maholm (L, 0-1). The former Pirates lefty pitched 3.0 innings with 3 K and 3 BB, allowing 3 unearned runs.

RP Ryan Rowland-Smith followed up with a pair of quiet innings (2.0 IP, 1 BB, 2 H) and then non-roster invitee RP Manuel Corpas pitched the next two frames (2.0 IP, 2 K, 2 H, 1 ER), allowing the decisive run on a 6th inning sac fly. RP Esmailin Caridad closed out the game and struck out all three batters he faced.

C Geovany Soto proved a menace to the A's pitchers as he went 2 for 2 with a walk, a double and a homer. The Cubs also got a triple from leadoff man David DeJesus, who went 1 for 3.

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Cubs Vs. Athletics Preview: Samardzija Looks To Impress In Second Start

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija has been impressive in limited innings this spring, giving up only two earned runs in six innings and holding opponents to a .150 BAA. But six innings is obviously a small sample, and Samardzija will need to keep up that production if he's going to convince Cubs fans, and the the team's new brass, that he's ready to turn the corner and leave the inconsistencies that has plagued his career behind.

Cubs Vs. Giants Final Score: Chicago Falls, 3-2

Matt Garza pitched four innings for the Cubs, giving up three hits and two runs in the process, and Chicago lost 3-2 to the San Francisco Giants in Cactus League play on Friday afternoon.

Related: Cubs' Comedy Of Errors Results In 3-2 Loss To Giants

The Cubs were plagued by mistakes all afternoon, which were outlined by Bleed Cubbie Blue's Al Yellon in his recap. Here's one example:

The Cubs ran themselves out of an inning in the sixth. Starlin Castro led off the inning by reaching on an error charged to Ryan Theriot (how familiar does that sound?). He advanced to second on a single by Rizzo, but was then thrown out trying to steal third. Rizzo took second on the caught-stealing.

Then Rizzo tried to swipe third as Joe Mather was striking out. He was thrown out to end the inning. Both throw-outs were by Giants backup catcher Eli Whiteside.

The Cubs will play both the Athletics and Rangers on Saturday, in split squad action.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Cubs, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check outMLB Daily Dish.

2012 Cubs Spring Training: Chicago Drops Pair Of Games Thursday

The Cubs played a pair of spring training contests on Thursday, dropping each of them and pushing their spring training mark to 6-7.

Ryan Dempster got the start in Chicago's matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and he threw three and two thirds innings, allowing eight hits and three runs. Marlyn Bird and Starlin Castro led the offensive charge, as each collected a pair of hits.

In the second outing of the day, veteran rigthy Rodrigo Lopez started and threw three innings against the Colorado Rockies, allowing two runs on six hits. More importantly, however, he was able to stay in the game after being struck in the lower back in the third inning by a comebacker.

Blake Dewitt, the Cubs second baseman, left the game after being hit by a pitch on his right arm. There is no update on his status as of now.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Cubs, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check outMLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Vs. Diamondbacks Preview: Ryan Dempster, Alfonso Soriano Try To Keep Hot Against Arizona

The Chicago Cubs (6-5) take on the Arizona Diamondbacks (3-9) and the Colorado Rockies (6-6) during today's split squad action in the 2012 Cactus League preseason.

The Cubs will send RHP Ryan Dempster to the mound, sporting an impressive 1.80 ERA through his early spring training action. Dempster -- who has become the Cubs' workhorse starter -- had a rough season in 2011, sporting a 4.80 ERA and 3.91 FIP through 202.1 IP. The Cubs are hoping that Dempster's ERA can rebound in 2011 with a stronger defensive alignment that includes the likes of RF David DeJesus and 3B Ian Stewart.

Also looking to keep his hot streak going, LF Alfonso Soriano (4 HR, 1.941 OPS this spring) gets the start today in the No. 4 hole. Soriano leads the team and the majors in home runs this spring and has the best OPS among players with at least 10 at bats -- all after hitting only .244/.289/.469 in 2011.

Here's a look at Thursday's broadcast information and lineups:

Game Time: 3:05 PM CDT / 3:05 PM CDT (home/away)

Locations: HoHoKam Park (home) / Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (away)

Broadcast: MLB.com (radio) / MLB.com (radio)

Lineup (Diamondbacks game):

RF Reed Johnson
CF Marlon Byrd
SS Starlin Castro
LF Alfonso Soriano
1B Jeff Baker
C Geovany Soto
2B Darwin Barney
3B Josh Vitters
P Ryan Dempster

Lineup (Rockies game):

RF David DeJesus
2B Blake DeWitt
3B Adrian Cardenas
1B Bryan LaHair
CF Joe Mather
LF Brett Jackson
C Welington Castillo
SS Junior Lake
P Rodrigo Lopez

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Chicago Cubs Spring Training 2012: Josh Vitters Sent Down To Triple-A

Third baseman Josh Vitters will likely get his shot at the big leagues someday soon, but it won't be on Opening Day 2012. The Cubs optioned the young right-handed hitter today to Triple-A Iowa. The demotion of Vitters highlighted a group of other moves made by Chicago:

More Cubs moves: Beliveau, Cabrera, Gaub and Vitters optioned to AAA. Lake, Szczur optioned to AA. Jaramillo assigned to minor lg. camp.

— Doug Padilla (@ESPNChiCubs) March 15, 2012

Vitters was the third overall selection in the 2007 MLB Draft. Ian Stewart, the former Colorado Rockies third baseman, will start at the position for the Cubs on Opening Day.

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Brewers Vs. Cubs Final Score: Travis Wood Implodes, Cubs Lose 10-2

The day began quite well for the Cubs' pitching staff, as starter Randy Wells tossed three scoreless innings to keep the game knotted up going into the fourth inning. Chicago's bullpen quickly unraveled from there, though, allowing six runs in the fourth inning en route to a 10-2 defeat against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

To relieve Wells, the Cubs called upon lefty Travis Wood, the 25-year-old acquired in the Sean Marshall trade. He's been vying for one of two openings in Chicago's rotation this spring along with Wells and fellow new Cub Chris Volstad.

Wood definitely hurt his odds by struggling on Wednesday, though, another subpar outing for the young lefty. Wood faced eight batters in the fourth inning, allowing three hits, two walks and six runs while getting just one out.

With the Cubs' offense struggling to muster much against the Brewers' pitching, they needed a far better performance from their own hurlers. Ian Stewart had a nice day, going 1-for-1 with a double and a walk, but he was the only Cubs player to get on base more than once.

The Brewers, meanwhile, saw numerous solid offensive performances. New starting shortstop Alex Gonzalez was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk, and catcher George Kottaras had a pair of doubles and 5 RBI.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: Brett Jackson Still Expected To Begin Season In Triple-A

Chicago Cubs outfielder Brett Jackson is off to a hot start this spring, but the club's top prospect is still expected to begin the season with Triple-A Iowa. Cubs manager Dale Sveum spoke with Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago on Wednesday, and he noted that there just isn't much room on the roster right now.

You don't want the guy to sit on the bench. He needs to go play still. Unfortunately there isn't an opening right now for that to happen. You still have to remember that developing is just as important as anything else, too. There are just no job openings, unfortunately for him. It's just one of those things, timing and a numbers thing.

Clearly, Sveum is trying to make it clear that Jackson hasn't done anything to prevent himself from making the team. It's just that the roster in its current construction doesn't really need another full-time outfielder, and the club isn't willing to promote Jackson only to stick him on the bench.

Jackson is 5-for-13 (.385 BA) with a home run so far this spring. For now, the Cubs will go with a trio of veterans- Marlon Byrd, David DeJesus and Alfonso Soriano- as their primary outfielders.

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Cubs Vs. Giants Final Score: Chicago Pulls Out 5-4 Victory

The Chicago Cubs improved on their record this spring with a 5-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. San Francisco had the tying run at third base with two outs in the ninth inning, but right-hander Alberto Cabrera got out of the jam to get the save.

Right-hander Chris Volstad, acquired from Miami in the Carlos Zambrano trade, made another strong start for the Cubs, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and zero walks. Andy Sonnanstine, another offseason addition, didn't fair so well for Chicago, giving up three runs in an inning of relief.

The Cubs got to Giants starter Madison Bumgarner, one of the better pitchers in the NL, who allowed three runs on seven hits over four innings. No Chicago hitter had more than one hit, but Anthony Rizzo smacked his first home run of the spring in the seventh inning and prospect Josh Vitters had an RBI triple.

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Cubs Vs. Giants Preview: Lineups, Starting Pitchers, Game Time And More

The Chicago Cubs (5-4) take on the San Francisco Giants (8-3) on Tuesday afternoon in Arizona. Here is a look at the game's details:

Location: Scottsdale Stadium, Scottsdale, AZ

Game Time: 3:05 p.m. CDT

Broadcast: MLB.com (radio), Gameday (live stats)

Starting Pitchers:

CHC RHP Chris Volstad (4.89 ERA, 4.32 FIP and 165.2 IP)

SFG LHP Madison Bumgarner (3.21 ERA, 2.67 FIP and 201.2 IP)

Cubs Lineup:

RF David DeJesus
2B Darwin Barney
SS Starlin Castro
LF Alfonso Soriano
1B Bryan LaHair
3B Joe Mather
C Steve Clevenger
CF Dave Sappelt
P Chris Volstad

The veteran outfielder Soriano will hit fourth again today, looking to prove he still has some power left in the tank -- especially an ability to crush left-handed pitchers, something he has done without fail since joining the Cubs in 2007.

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Cubs Vs. Reds Final Score: Chicago Takes 8-6 Victory Over Cincinnati

The Chicago Cubs offense has been pretty potent here at the start of Cactus League play, and that continued on Monday afternoon, as the Cubs built an early 4-0 lead on Cincinnati and went on to win 8-6. Carlos Marmol earned the win for Chicago despite blowing a save opportunity by allowing three runs in the seventh inning.

Related: Chicago Cubs Officially Sign Gerardo Concepcion To Five-Year Contract

After Marmol's struggles, the Cubs found themselves down 6-4 heading into the bottom of the inning, but they responded with three runs of their own to reclaim the lead, then tacked on an insurance run in the eighth to complete the day's scoring.

Alfonso Soriano hit his fourth home run of the spring; Joe Mather and Blake Lalli also went yard for the Cubs.

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Chicago Cubs Officially Sign Gerardo Concepcion To Five-Year Contract

The Chicago Cubs and 20-year-old Cuban pitcher Gerardo Concepcion have officially agreed to a five-year contract, as the team announced on Sunday. The two sides had previously come to an agreement, but the deal wasn't made official by MLB until the announcement.

According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, Concepcion will receive $6 million over the course of the contract. While the investment in the Cuban defector is quite substantial, Concepcion will be sent to minor league spring training to begin his American career.

Despite signing for more than most first-round draft picks, Concepcion generally isn't considered an elite prospect like other Cuban defectors such as Yoenis Cespedes and Jorge Soler.

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Cubs Vs. Brewers Final Score: Chicago Wins 6-1

Ryan Dempster pitched three scoreless innings, Starlin Castro hit a home run, and the Chicago Cubs to a 6-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers (SS) in Cactus League play on Saturday.

Related: Cubs Spring Training 2012: David DeJesus Will Hit Leadoff, Alfonso Soriano Will Hit 4th or 5th

The Brewers split squad managed only six hits on the day and did not push a run home until Alex Gonzalez hit a solo home run in the seventh inning. That home run cut Chicago's lead to 2-1, but the Cubs added two runs in the eighth and two more in the ninth to seal the deal.

Blake DeWitt, Ian Stewart and Alfredo Amezaga had multi-hit games for the Cubs.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: Roster Down To 57

As teams get closer to Opening Day, the focus on the roster becomes more intense. For the Chicago Cubs, the Opening Day roster came into clearer focus on Saturday, as Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago reports the Cubs have trimmed their roster down to 57:

Right-hander Dae-Eun Rhee and catcher Micah Gibbs were sent back to the club’s minor-league facility at Fitch Park.

The Cubs have now assigned six players to minor league camp in two separate moves, bringing their spring roster to 57 players: 27 pitchers, six catchers, 14 infielders and 10 outfielders.

Gibbs, who played at LSU and was a third round pick of the Cubs in 2010, still needs to work in order to establish himself as a potential catcher at the highest level. Rhee looked good in an appearance against the White Sox during Spring Training, but hasn't appeared above Class A yet in his career.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: David DeJesus Will Hit Leadoff, Alfonso Soriano Will Hit 4th or 5th

Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum revealed what part of his Opening Day lineup will look like this afternoon. Chicago Tribune reporter Paul Sullivan was the first to tweet the news, so we'll give him the honors:

Sveum sez DeJesus will lead off this year and Sori will bat 4th or 5th.

— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) March 10, 2012

Soriano had been occasionally hitting leadoff in Spring Training games.

DeJesus was brought to Chicago this offseason by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer on a 2-year, $10 million deal. He's had experience hitting leadoff for before with the Kansas City Royals, and appear to be the obvious answer atop the lineup all along.

DeJesus will certainly have to improve on his on-base percentage if he wants to stick in the leadoff spot for long. He OBP'd just .323 last season in 442 at-bats with Oakland, about .15 below the league-average. DeJesus did have a career-high on-base percentage of .384 in 91 games with KC in 2010.

Hitting fourth or fifth should also suit Soriano well. He certainly couldn't hit leadoff after finishing 2011 with a laughable .289 on-base percentage, but his power numbers are respectable. Soriano whacked 26 dingers last year and finished with a .469 slugging percentage. Whether they'll be anyone on-base for Soriano to drive-in remains to be seen, but it's for Cubs fans to get some sense of what the 2012 team will look like.

Baseball, it'll be here before you know it.

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Cubs Vs. White Sox Final Score: Cubs Take 5-1 Victory

The Chicago Cubs met crosstown rivals the Chicago White Sox for the first time this spring on Friday afternoon and came away with a 5-1 win. The Cubs' committee of pitchers, including Travis Wood, Randy Wells and Rodrigo Lopez, limited the White Sox to just four hits on the day.

Chris Sale, who is expected to be a mainstay in the White Sox rotation in 2012, got the start for the south siders and allowed three runs on three hits in three innings of work. But he did strike out four batters.

Related: Cubs Homer Three Times In 5-1 Win Over White Sox

Marlon Byrd, Edgar Gonzalez and Steve Clevenger homered for the Cubs.

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Chicago Cubs Spring Training 2012: Cubs Give Up 13 Hits In Falling To The Seattle Mariners 10-3

The Seattle Mariners scored seven of their 10 runs between the fourth and eighth innings Thursday, wiping out strong pitching performance by Cubs' pitchers Chris Volstad and Kerry Wood on the way to a 10-3 blowout over Chicago in spring training action. Volstad and Wood worked the first four innings, yielding no runs on just two hits combined before the roof caved in on the Chicago relievers out of the bullpen.

The Cubs jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the second inning of the game played in Mesa, the Cubs Arizona spring training home. But Chicago wasn't able to hold on after the stellar performances by Volstad and Wood through the first half of the game. Seattle jumped all over normally reliable right-handed reliever Carlos Marmol, erupting for four runs in the fifth, one in the sixth, two in the seventh and three more over the final two innings.

Dustin Ackley hit a two-run round-tripper for the Mariners off of Marmol in the fifth and drive in three runs for the game.

Alfonso Soriano got the Cubs' scoring started in the second with a solo shot off of Mariners starter Kevin Millwood. It was Soriano's third home run of the spring. It was Seattle's fifth consecutive spring-training win, raising the M's record to a Cactus League leading 6-1. The Cubs's spring record fell to 2-3.

Next up for the Cubs on their spring exhibition schedule is a date in Phoenix Friday with their cross-town Windy City rivals, the White Sox.

Cubs Vs. Royals Final Score: Chicago Cruises To 6-4 Win

More: Samardija dominant against Royals

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija made his first Spring Training start of 2012 today against the Kansas City Royals during a 6-4 Cubs win. Samardzija looked excellent in his three innings of work, allowing only one hit (a single) over three scoreless innings. Samardzija ended the day with three strikeouts.

The Cubs' offense also continued to mash, pounding Kansas City pitching for 15 hits in the victory. Chicago entered the game hitting .364 as a team, and Bryan LaHair, Reed Johnson, and Starlin Castro weren't about to hit the team average slip. Each player netted two hits in the Chicago victory.

Chris Volstad will take the mount for the Cubs on Thursday against the Seattle Mariners.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: Back-Up Catcher Job Between Steve Clevenger And Welington Castillo

The competition for the back-up catching gig on the Chicago Cubs is between Welington Castillo and Steve Clevenger, according to Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago. Jason Jaramillo, a non-roster invite, was expected to compete but he hasn't been able to participate due to a leg injury.

Castillo, 25 in April, is considered one of Chicago's better prospects. Last season, he posted a .286/.351/.524 line with 15 homers in 61 games for Triple-A Iowa, flashing some impressive power.

Clevenger isn't as highly regarded by prospect experts, but he hit well in the upper minors for the Cubs last season. In 120 games between Double-A and Triple-A, the soon-to-be 26-year-old posted a .319/.383/.475 line in 448 plate appearances.

Both are competing to back-up incumbent starter Geovany Soto.

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Chicago Cubs Release 24-Year-Old Pitcher Kyle Smit

The Chicago Cubs released right-handed pitcher Kyle Smit on Wednesday, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America. Smit had been acquired during the middle of the 2010 season as part of the trade that sent Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Smit, 24, split the 2011 season across three levels with the Cubs, struggling throughout. In 45 relief appearances, Smit posted a combined ERA of 5.69 with 47 strikeouts and 35 walks. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2006 draft.

Over the past four seasons, Smit has ERA figures of 6.55, 6.12, 2.25 and 5.69, respectively. The 2.25 ERA that he posted during the 2010 season sticks out like a sore thumb.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012: Jeff Samardzija Has Legitimate Shot At Making Rotation

As spring training goes on, pitcher Jeff Samardzija has a legitimate shot at making the Chicago Cubs' starting rotation for this season, according to Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago. Samardzija is starting for the Cubs on Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals, and he spoke for a bit with Levine:

This is a big chance for me to prove I can be a starting pitcher in the major leagues. Commanding my pitches, attacking the zone and keeping my stuff down is the key.

After bouncing between Triple-A and the majors for a few years while trying to find a role, the 27-year-old emerged as a quality relief option for Chicago last season. Over 88 innings, he posted a 2.97 ERA while striking out 87 and walking 50, flashing his power stuff but also some pretty mediocre command.

While Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm are fixed into Chicago's first three spots in the rotation, Samardzija is competing with Randy Wells, Travis Wood and Chris Volstad for the final two spots.

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Cubs Vs. Rockies Final Score: Alfonso Soriano Hits 2 HR As Chicago Rolls 11-4

The Chicago Cubs bounced back from a loss on Monday to Oakland to defeat the Colorado Rockies 11-4 on Tuesday afternoon. Between Alfonso Soriano's two home runs and a three-run shot by Brett Jackson, the Cubs had no trouble scoring runs, and by the end of the fifth inning, they had a 9-3 lead.

Related: Soriano, Jackson Homer, Cubs Defeat Rockies 11-4

Soriano finished 3-3 at the plate, while Anthony Rizzo and Welington Castillo had two hits apiece. Matt Garza started on the mound and gave up two runs on three hits in two innings of work.

The Cubs return to action on Wednesday against Kansas City.

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Cubs Vs. Athletics Final Score: Chicago Loses, 8-7

The Chicago Cubs got off to a good start against the Oakland Athletics on Monday afternoon and built a 6-1 lead, but the A's were able to rally over the final four innings for an 8-7 win. The rally started with a four-run sixth inning and Oakland scored the go-ahead and eventual game-winning run in the top of the ninth inning.

Related: Cubs Lose To Athletics, Again

Blake DeWitt was 1-2 with a walk and a three-run home run for Chicago, while Jeff Baker and Joe Mather collected two hits apiece. Ryan Dempster pitched 2-1/3 innings, allowing two hits, one run and striking out two.

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Cubs Vs. Athletics Preview: Ryan Dempster Starts Chicago's 2nd Spring Training Game

The Chicago Cubs (0-1) hit the field again on Monday, sending RHP Ryan Dempster to the mound to start. Dempster had a rough ERA in 2011 (4.80), but advanced statistics suggest he had another solid season (3.91 FIP, 3.79 SIERA). Because it is still early in the season, Dempster will likely only pitch an inning or two.

Here's a look at today's starting lineup:

CF Tony Campana
2B Darwin Barney
SS Starlin Castro
1B Bryan LaHair
RF Jeff Baker
LF Reed Johnson
C Steve Clevenger
DH Blake DeWitt
3B Josh Vitters

As with Dempster, the starting lineup will likely only stay in for a few at bats as the team looks to get playing time for its prospects.

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Spring Training 2012: Dale Sveum Stressing Fundamentals In Cubs Camp

New Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum is starting with the basics at the start of Chicago Cubs spring training, and that means a focus on fundamentals. He's even gone so far as to hold a bunting tournament. In the video below, Sveum discusses his philosophy and approach and points out the consequences that can result from fundamental errors.

Related: Know Your Enemy: Cubs Interleague Opponents

Jeff Baker talks about what Sveum has meant to the team so far. The team is also employing the services of a psychologist to work with the players on their mental approach, and Bryan LaHair talks about some of the benefits of that.

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New Chicago Cubs Manager Dale Sveum Could Hit Alfonso Soriano In The Cleanup Spot

If nothing else, new Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum has flexibility with his lineup. Gone are former middle-of-the-order stalwarts Aramis Ramirez and Derek Lee; in their place is a group castoffs and young players, the exact type of hitters that are the most difficult to project in spring training.

Because of all that, Sveum said today that he is contemplating hitting outfielder Alfonso Soriano in No. 4 hole. Sveum wants to give new first baseman Brendan LaHair the opportunity to grab the spot, but says Soriano, a once-proud veteran slugger, is also an option.

Soriano sounds flatter that he's being considered for the cleanup spot, perhaps discouraging so for a player working his way though an 8-year, $136 million contract.

"Wow," Soriano said upon hearing Sveum's cleanup plan. "I'm ready for anything. I don't want to put pressure on myself. I want to stay healthy and do my job. If he put me batting fourth it's the same as batting seventh. I batted seventh last year. The goal is to stay healthy. That's my goal."

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Chicago Cubs Rumors 2012: Cubs Now Hoping To Ink SP Matt Garza To Long-Term Deal

Despite rumors this winter that the Chicago Cubs' new-look front office was interested in dealing starting pitcher Matt Garza to help restock the farm system, Cubs GM Jed Hoyer told Comcast SportsNet Chicago today that he hopes to sign Garza to a long-term extension.

The Cubs acquired Garza before the 2011 season from the Tampa Bay Rays, and gave up a boatload of impressive prospects to get the trade done. It now appears that Garza is seen as an anchor to the rotation Theo Epstein and Co. hope to build moving forward.

"We have a good relationship with Matt," GM Jed Hoyer told Comcast SportsNet. "We need more Matt Garzas. We'll sit down to talk to him about a deal. We're hoping to get something worked out, but you never know and we'll keep it private when we do."

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2012 MLB Offseason: Brett Jackson, Anthony Rizzo Poised For Mid-Season Call-Ups

The Chicago Cubs have a pair of top prospects on the cusp of reaching the majors, and 2012 may be the year they finally stick at the major league level.

Outfielder Brett Jackson, who played in Double-A and Triple-A in 2011, may well earn some considerable playing time in 2012. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLB Trade Rumors, however, Jackson's callup may not occur until mid June at the soonest. Nicholson-Smith reports that Jackson -- if called up sooner than mid-to-late June, would be eligible for Super Two arbitration, meaning his cost to the Cubs would rise considerably.

If the Cubs call him up in late April, they will still have Jackson under team control through 2018, but if he comes up any sooner or starts the season with the team, he would only be under control until 2017. If the Cubs are already out of contention by mid June, it seems likely they would begin to look towards calling up Jackson, and given his service time issues, it seems likely they would have little else standing in their way at that point.

The other Cubs prospect likely for mid-season callup is 1B Anthony Rizzo. Though the Cubs have already committed to 1B Bryan LaHair for the starting role, Rizzo will lose Super Two eligibility around late August, meaning a September callup may well be in his future.

Rizzo played a little with the San Diego Padres in 2011, giving him 0.068 years of service time, according to Nicholson-Smith, so the soonest the Cubs are likely to call him up appears to be sometime in July when he at least will earn an additional year of team control.

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2012 Cubs Offseason: Carlos Marmol Slims Downs And Tweaks Approach Heading Into New Season

With his earth-shattering 2010 season behind, the Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol will look to improve upon his non-shattering 2011 season when he posted a more pedestrian 4.01 ERA and 3.54 FIP -- and had a particularly a rough second half of the season when his walks increased, his strikeouts decreased and his effectiveness generally dissipated:

David Kaplan of CSN Chicago reports that Marmol came to camp lighter and looking to improve:

"I lost about 15 pounds this winter through my workouts and I really didn’t have to change my diet much because I eat healthy, lots of chicken and vegetables," he said.

Marmol apparently spent the winter doing cardio workouts, lifting weights and -- naturally -- riding horses. According to pitching coach Chris Bosio, Marmol will feature a new pitching approach in addition to a new belt size:

"We have tweaked his approach and his pitch selection some by having him use his fastball and curveball more and setting up that great slider. Carlos has all of the tools to be a great pitcher and we have to all work together to get him back to where he was. Not many teams have a bullpen that feature a Carlos Marmol and a Kerry Wood and we are very fortunate to have them in ours. Carlos has looked great so far in camp and I am looking for him to have a big year for us," Bosio said.

Marmol and the Cubs begin their season with their first Spring Training exhibition on Sunday, March 4.

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2012 Cubs Spring Training: Starlin Castro Hit On The Wrist, But Appears To Be Okay

The Cubs faithful took a collective gasp on Monday afternoon when Twitter users began reporting that 22-year-old SS Starlin Castro had been hit on the wrist during Spring Training drills by RHP Kerry Wood. Luckily for Cubs fans, the star and the face of the franchise appears to be okay.

According to Cubs manager Dale Sveum, Castro finished his drills without hardly missing a beat:

"I wasn't there to witness it, but it sounded a little more scary (than it was)... He stepped right in and did all his drills after that. It was almost like he didn't get hit."

The young Castro led the National League in hits in 2011, collecting a strong .307/.341/.432 slash with 10 homers and 22 steals. Castro will hit the field for the first time in 2012 next Sunday when the Cubs take on the Oakland Athletics.

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2012 Cubs Spring Training: Geovany Soto Sits Out With Minor Groin Injury

While his teammates went through live batting practice on Saturday, Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto didn't join them as he dealt with a minor groin injury. Cubs manager Dale Sveum told ESPN Chicago's Doug Padilla that the injury isn't serious, but he didn't want to push Soto too hard this early.

It was more [because] you can’t catch without using your groin so we just kind of gave him the day off today.

Catcher is one of the most injury-prone positions in baseball, with the 29-year-old Soto being a good example of that. Since becoming the full-time starter in 2008, Soto has averaged just 118 games played per season. He was healthy enough to go through pre-workout exercises on Saturday, so going forward this doesn't appear to be an issue.

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2012 Cubs Spring Training: Tom Ricketts Thrilled About New Direction, Team Still Exploring TV Options

With the Chicago Cubs in the early stages of the 2012 Spring Training season in Arizona, the team's chairman Tom Ricketts took some time to speak with the media about a variety of subjects. It would appear his initial impressions of the new leadership regime headed by President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein and manager Dale Sveum could not be much higher:

"We’ve got a good team and we’re going to have a good year," he said.

Ricketts was especially impressed with Epstein's commitment to communication. Epstein and the highest levels of leadership are drafting a manual entitle "the Cubs Way" in an effort to create a unified approach throughout the Cubs organization:

"What they’re doing is they’re putting everything down on paper and they’re signing off on it," he said. "Everybody is working together to create something that everyone buys into. So not only does it help you be more consistent in the way you treat players and the way you train players, everyone buys in. You’re accountable, and that’s a big part of the Cubs way."

The chairman also briefly talked about the issue of creating a new Cubs television network, much like the YES Network which has enabled disproportionately large payrolls for the New York Yankees over the last two decades. According to Ricketts, the Cubs are still in the process of acquiring a new TV deal, but the process appears to still be in early stages:

"We’re looking at it, but we’re not sure when, (or) exactly how it’s all going to work out."

The Cubs will look to improve on their 2011 season starting March 4 when the team takes the field for their first Spring Training exhibition games.

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2012 MLB Offseason: Starlin Castro Learning From Off-The-Field Issues

Last December, the star shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, 22-year-old Starlin Castro, came under public scrutiny when a Chicago woman accused him of committing sexual assault at his apartment. Castro spoke with the media (video) for the first time since the incident, which has not involved any charges as of yet. The Dominican Republic native declined to discuss the specifics of the matter, but instead offered some of the lessons he learned:

"...[You’ve] got to be careful because there are a lot of bad people in the world."

Castro ultimately claims his focus at the moment is on his job:

"I cooperated with the police and talking about that," he said. "I don’t have (anything) to say about that. I’m ready to play baseball and am practicing very hard."

Fellow teammates LF Alfonso Soriano and CF Marlon Byrd came to Castro's defense:

"He never felt down because he told me he did nothing wrong," Soriano said. "I believe him. if you know you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to worry about."

--snip--

"I think he understands now that he's 'Starlin Castro,'" Byrd said. "That's a big name right now, and it's going around the world. Somebody that young (being on a) Sports Illustrated cover, playing on the Chicago Cubs, already an All-Star... He just has to be very, very careful."

The Cubs have begun their Spring Training in earnest, with the position players reporting Friday and the whole team executing its first full workout on Saturday, Feb. 25. Castro and company will play their first game March 4 against the Oakland Athletics.

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VIDEO: Dale Sveum Talks About Working With Young Players

Like every team in the major leagues, the Chicago Cubs have some young players in camp for spring training. In this brief video below from CSN Chicago, manager Dale Sveum talks about how to handle the presence of young players who are trying to come in and make an impression on the organization.

Related: Bryan LaHair: Future Cubs Star, Or AAAA Player?

Sveum says that the more laid back nature of his coaching staff should help with the younger guys, since the staff isn't going to "beat 'em up mentally."

The Cubs open up Cactus League play against the Oakland Athletics on March 4.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Cubs, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Spring Training 2012: David DeJesus Will Lead Off And Bryan LaHair Will Hit 4th, According To Dale Sveum

On Thursday, new Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum offered a glimpse at how he's going to arrange his lineup in 2012.

#Cubs mgr Sveum says DeJesus will leadoff, LaHair bat 4th, and he's still deciding rest of lineup

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 23, 2012

Sveum was adamant on Thursday that Bryan LaHair is his first baseman and that there is not battle for that job. "It’s [LaHair’s] job; it’s not his job to lose," Sveum said.

LaHair played in just 20 games for the Cubs in 2011 and has played in a total of 65 games in the majors. He spent the majority of 2011 in AAA, where he hit an impressive .331/.405/.664 with 38 home runs. It looks like Sveum is going to give him time to see how those numbers translate to the major leagues.

David DeJesus hit .240/.323/.376 for Oakland in 2011.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Cubs, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Spring Training 2012: Stadium, Cactus League Map And More

Spring Training has arrived! The Chicago Cubs have officially begun their post-winter camp in Arizona, and the team is now weeks away from playing Cactus League exhibition games at Hohokam Park in Mesa, Arizona.

Planning on joining the Cubs for a game or two this season? Well, be sure to know the layout of Phoenix and its outlying towns. Here is a map courtesy of CactusLeague.com:

The Cubs start up their Hohokam games on Sunday, March 4, with a matchup against the Oakland Athletics. Ticket prices vary from $8 on the low end to $28 for premium games.

Some important tips for the curious game goers:

• Children under the age of 3 do not need tickets -- if they are on a parent's lap -- but children do not otherwise get a discount.
• The stadium is accessible to persons with handicaps.
• Sections 200 through 212 and 2011 through 211 tend to get the most shade.
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the parking lot (for tailgating).
• Prohibited items in the stadium:
  -- chairs
  -- umbrellas
  -- food
  -- beverages
  -- coolers
  -- large bags
  -- and, obviously, alcohol

2012 Cubs Spring Training Schedule: Chicago's First Game Set For March 4th

Pitchers and catchers reported to Chicago Cubs camp on Saturday, leaving now less than two weeks between Chicago's first game of the spring. The Cubs' 2012 Cactus League spring training schedule begins Sunday, March 4, against the Oakland Athletics.

Related: The Five Most Beautiful Words In The English Language

In that first week, the Cubs will visit the Chicago White Sox and get an early look at the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. They'll get another shot at the White Sox later in the month, and they also have a few games against defending American League champion Texas.

The Cubs wrap up the preseason schedule with the Brewers April 3 and open the regular season at home against the Washington Nationals April 5.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Cubs, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Cubs Spring Training 2012, Pitchers And Catchers

On Saturday, Chicago Cubs fans are able to say the five sweetest words an MLB fan can ever utter in the month of February: "pitchers and catchers report today." The 2012 season has a much different feel that anything in the past five years, and much of that has to do with the turnover at the top of the organization. President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein is pushing the team in a new direction, while Jed Hoyer has replaced Jim Hendry as GM, and Davle Sveum has taken over for Mike Quade as manager.

There are plenty of changer is on the field as well. The project starting rotation includes some familiar faces like Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza, but the back end is all new. Travis Wood, Chris Volstad and Paul Maholm figure to round out the quintet of starters, while Randy Wells might be the next in line should anyone falter.

Carlos Marmol and Jeff Samardzija are the two relief pitchers who have been around since the Cubs last one a division title in 2008, while Manuel Corpas and Trever Miller are several non-roster invitees that could make the roster as a bullpen arm.

Related: Cubs 2012 Spring Training: Brett Jackson, Trey McNutt And Jay Jackson Among Non-Roster Invites

The full reporting schedule for the Cubs looks like this:

Al Yellon from SB Nation's Chicago Cubs blog, Bleed Cubbie Blue, has modest expectations heading into the 2012 MLB season.

What I would like to see is improvement, and I think we're going to get that. When I say that, I'm not even necessarily talking about wins, although I think we'll get that too. What I want is to see better fundamental baseball, tighter defense, better situational hitting, better bullpen management, accountability when players don't hustle.

And I think we'll get that from Dale Sveum and the new management team. Yes, I know. I thought we'd get that from Mike Quade a year ago, and it didn't take too long to show that Quade and his minor-league coaching staff was way over its collective head.

That shouldn't happen here. Sveum has coaching experience on playoff teams, and took over a Brewers team in 2008 under weird circumstances and guided them to a wild-card berth. Jamie Quirk has been a bench coach on a World Series team. Dave McKay has many years coaching under Tony La Russa. It's a far more experienced staff.

Baseball is finally back, so enjoy.

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Cubs Spring Training 2012 Preview: Chicago Starts Camp On Saturday With Pitchers And Catchers

The Chicago Cubs finished the 2011 MLB season with 71-91 record, good for 5th place in the NL Central Division. They promptly underwent a massive personnel overhaul in the offseason, hiring former Boston Red Sox GM Theo Epstein and former San Diegos Padres GM Jed Hoyer.

The team has since traded for an almost entirely new pitching staff and begun to transition into a defense-focused team. Their reporting schedule looks as follows:

The Cubs will get their first look at the new rotation on Saturday, a rotation expected to look like this:

Project Starting Rotation

1) Ryan Dempster
2) Matt Garza
3) Travis Wood
4) Chris Volstad
5) Paul Maholm

The team will also have open competition between Randy Wells, Casey Coleman and a number of other potential starters for the fifth starter and long man roles. Meanwhile, the team should have a trio of new faces in their starting lineup:

Projected Cubs Lineup

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

And here's a gander at the first week of Cactus League schedule for the Cubs:

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Cubs 2012 Spring Training: Brett Jackson, Trey McNutt And Jay Jackson Among Non-Roster Invites

The Chicago Cubs are prepping for the rapidly-approaching 2012 Spring Training and have finalized their list of non-roster invitees. According to the official Vine Line blog, the Cubs will welcome the following players to camp:

Pitchers

RHP

Marco Carrillo
Manuel Corpas
Jay Jackson
Rodrigo Lopez
Trey McNutt
Blake Parker
Dae-Eun Rhee

LHP

Trever Miller
Chris Rusin

Catchers

Michael Brenly
Jason Jaramillo
Blake Lalli

Infielders

Afredo Amezaga
Edgar Gonzalez
Jonathan Mota
Bobby Scales
Matt Tolbert

Outfielders

James Adduci
Jae-Hoon Ha
Brett Jackson
Joe Mather

Though the list features a number of top prospects in Brett Jackson, Trey McNutt and Jay Jackson, the non-roster invitees most likely to make the team probably include relievers Manuel Corpas and Trever Miller, as well as infield utilityman Bobby Scales.

Corpas signed with Cubs after spending the first portion of his career with the Colorado Rockies. He is coming off of Tommy John surgery, but could be a potential strength in the bullpen if his velocity and health can hold. Miller is a LOOGY -- lefty one out only guy -- who the clubs thinks may still have something left in his age 39 season.

Scales is a long-time minor league veteran who has played the majority of his last few seasons with the Cubs, making his major league debut at age 31 in Wrigley Field. He spent half of the 2011 season in Japan, where he DH'd and hit above league average. His strong patience and defensive flexibility puts him in competition with Edgar Gonzalez and Matt Tolbert for the backup infielders position.

For more on the offseason, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around baseball, head over to Baseball Nation. To keep track of all rumors and happenings in the game, check out MLB Daily Dish.

Spring Training 2012: Chicago Cubs Announce 21 Non-Roster Invitees

The start of Chicago Cubs spring training is right around the corner, and on Monday afternoon the team announced that 21 players not on the current roster have been invited to camp.

Related: Cubs Issue 21 Non-Roster Invitations To Spring Training

The list includes some promising prospects mixed in with some of the guys the Cubs signed to minor league deals during the offseason. Bleed Cubbie Blue has the breakdown:

Nine pitchers: righthanders Marco Carrillo, Manuel Corpas, Jay Jackson, Rodrigo Lopez, Trey McNutt, Blake Parker and Dae-Eun Rhee and lefthanders Trever Miller and Chris Rusin

Three catchers: Michael Brenly, Jason Jaramillo and Blake Lalli

Five infielders: Alfredo Amezaga, Edgar Gonzalez, Jonathan Mota, Bobby Scales and Matt Tolbert

Four outfielders: James Adduci, Jae-Hoon Ha, Brett Jackson and Joe Mather

Pitchers and catchers report to Cubs camp on Feb. 18 and everyone else joins them on Feb. 23

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Cubs be sure to visit Bleed Cubbie Blue. Visit Baseball Nation for more news and notes around the league.

2012 Cubs Spring Training: Chicago Outright Manuel Corpas From Roster

According to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald, the Chicago Cubs have outrighted RHP Manuel Corpas off the team's 40-man roster, meaning the Cubs would likely mean to make a corresponding move to put Corpas back on the roster if he wins a spot out of training camp.

Corpas, a once-highly-touted reliever with the Colorado Rockies, missed the entirety of 2011 with Tommy John surgery. The Cubs signed Corpas last December with the hope he could contribute to the club in 2012. The 29-year-old Corpas sports a 3.93 ERA and 3.82 FIP through 286 MLB innings.

The Cubs 2012 Spring Training games being on March 4 with an afternoon game against the Oakland Athletics.

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