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The Dugout: The Cubs Get Ricketts

B. Thompson Stroud — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:15:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central, The Dugout

The Chicago Cubs have finally won. They've got a new owner who isn't afraid to go straight to the local media and announce that the Cubs are going to the World Series. Boastful words, considering that the Cubs haven't even made it to the playoffs since Abraham Lincoln was in office. But it's just this sort of powerful, positive thinking that can do wonders for a ballclub, and as far as baby steps go, this is a pretty freaking big baby.

The transcript of Tom Ricketts being prideful before another season full of "every Cubs season" is after the jump.

The Dugout

	Online Host Welcome to the Wrigley Field Chatroom!
	LuckyRickett: GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE MY NAME IS TOM RICKETTS AND MY FAMILY HAS JUST PURCHASED THE EFF STAR STAR STARRING CHICAGO CUBS
	LuckyRickett: OUR ONE YEAR GOAL: 1. ??? 2. WIN THE WORLD SERIES
	LuckyRickett: I WILL NOW FIELD QUESTIONS
	Reporter: Yes, hi, my first question: why are you yelling at us
	LuckyRickett: I'M NOT YELLING, THIS IS HOW WE TYPE LETTERS AT INCAPITAL LLC.
	LuckyRickett: WE DO SERIOUS, HIGH-LEVEL INVESTMENT BANKING FOR TOP SHELF CLIENTS, ALTHOUGH SOMETIMES WE WILL TAKE A LOWER CASE
	Reporter: Okay. My second question is-
	LuckyRickett: IS YOUR SECOND QUESTION ABOUT THE GOAT, BECAUSE I BET IT'S ABOUT THE GOAT
	Reporter: Yeah! There's this goat, and because of this goat, we can't win the World Series! What are you going to do about this goat!
	LuckyRickett: I UNDERSTAND THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF THE CUBS FAN. MY FAMILY, WE'RE ALL CUBS FANS. I MET MY WIFE IN THE WRIGLEY FIELD BLEACHERS.
	LuckyRickett: SHE KEPT YELLING "WOO" AT ME, AND WE'VE BEEN PITCHING IT EVER SINCE
	Reporter: but this goat
	LuckyRickett: I THINK THE GOAT WOULD BE LESS OF A PROBLEM IF ANYONE HERE THOUGHT POSITIVELY FOR MORE THAN TWO MONTHS AT A TIME
	Reporter: Hi, I've got a question. Are you aware that your last name is homonymous with a malnutrition bone disease?
	LuckyRickett: I AM AWARE OF THAT, YES
	Reporter: and are you aware that from 1994 to 2006, our President and CEO had the word "fail" in his last name?
	LuckyRickett: YES
	Reporter: and that the guy working the interim after him had "dunno" in his last name
	LuckyRickett: WHAT IS YOUR POINT
	Reporter: I was wondering if at any point in my lifetime the Cubs weren't going to be run by a guy who didn't immediately remind me of failure, confusion, or imminent death
	LuckyRickett: AS I'VE SAID, THE CUBS WILL BE RUN BY COMMITTEE, INCLUDING PETE, TOM, LAURA, AND TODD RICKETTS, SO EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK, YOU'RE GETTING RICKETTS
	LuckyRickett: AND IT'S NOT JUST THE FAMILY, I WILL BE HANGING ON THE EVERY WORD OF MY SPECIAL ASSISTANTS, SUCH AS ED LYNCH
	LuckyRickett: HE WILL BE JOINED BY SENIOR ADVISOR JOE FLOUNDER, BASEBALL INFORMANT EDUARDO LOS ONEHUNDREDGAMES, AND COOKIE! THE CLOWN WHO NEVER GOT TO LEAD THE GRAND MARCH ON THE BOZO SHOW
	Reporter: and you're SURE you're going to win the World Series this year
	LuckyRickett: YES, IT IS A 100% STATISTICAL CERTAINTY, UNLESS THE YANKEES OR THE PHILLIES OR SOMEONE ELSE WINS IT FIRST
	Reporter: I've got a question - earlier you mentioned positivity... how can we be positive after 101 years of disappointment?
	LuckyRickett: BY FOLLOWING MY THREE STEP PLAN FOR INSTANT POSITIVITY
	LuckyRickett: STEP ONE - KEEP OUR PARK NAMED "WRIGLEY FIELD." WE AREN'T CORPORATE SELL OUTS LIKE SOME TEAMS BECAUSE SERIOUSLY, WHO WANTS TO PLAY IN HUBBA BUBBA STADIUM OR THE GUSHERS DOME
	LuckyRickett: STEP TWO - KILL MILTON BRADLEY WITH A BATTLE AX AND BURN HIS REMAINS
	LuckyRickett: STEP THREE - I AM GOING TO STARE AT THIS GOAT UNTIL IT DIES
	LuckyRickett: OH AND STEP FOUR, WIN THE WORLD SERIES. IT IS A FOUR STEP PLAN
	Reporter: How do you expect to get these ideas across to your team?
	LuckyRickett: BY SURROUNDING MYSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: GOD DAMMIT TOMMY I BEEN CUSSING THIS GOAT OUT FOR 45 MINUTES AND HE WON'T DIE
	LuckyRickett: NO YOU'RE JUST SUPPOSED TO STARE AT IT
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: THANK CHRIST "STARE" AND "SCREAM" AT THE ONLY TWO SPEEDS I GO
	Online Host SteakGrowsOnDmitri has entered the chatroom.
	SteakGrowsOnDmitri: uhhh scu me
	LuckyRickett: YES, CAN I HELP YOU
	SteakGrowsOnDmitri: i google "gusher" an "dome" an it brung me to this chat room
	SteakGrowsOnDmitri: ay anybody gon eat this goat

Photos link to player info. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) WordUpThome.com

The Dugout: The Cubs Get Ricketts originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Cubs Owner Plans on Winning the World Series

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, MLB Biz

For the first time since they officially became the new owners of the Chicago Cubs, the Ricketts family spoke to the media on Friday morning in Chicago, and they made their top goal as owners perfectly clear. They are going to win a World Series. That's what Tom Ricketts told the throng of reporters surrounding him.

It was one of many things the new owner shared, but obviously, considering the Cubs' history of not winning the World Series, that's the line that will either solidify the Ricketts family as legends in Chicago, or hang over their heads for as long as they own the club.

In his first public appearance since his family officially took ownership of the Cubs earlier this week, Tom Ricketts said flatly, ``We're going to win the World Series,'' and said that single-minded agenda is what sets a family ownership model apart from corporate ownership that must answer to shareholders.

"The fans are our shareholders,'' said Ricketts, who when pressed for a timeline on his visions of a World said:

"I'll be honest, I think we have a team that can do it next year. I won't promise anything. I don't think there's any use in that. But the fact is there's enough talent coming back next season to go all the way to the finish line.''

Ricketts also went on to talk about the family's plans for Wrigley Field, saying he wanted to emulate what the Boston Red Sox did with Fenway Park. Renovating the old stadium without ever having to close it for any period of time. Ricketts also joked that one of the changes the family planned on making was having him and his brother coach first and third base.

As for Ricketts' response to the inevitable question about the team being cursed, he said there was no such thing and he didn't believe in curses. He also went on to say that any current Cubs player that believes the team is cursed will be moved to a "lesser-cursed team."

So I guess that means the Pirates or something.

New Cubs Owner Plans on Winning the World Series originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sale of Cubs Finally Complete

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, MLB Biz, MLB Transactions

It only took 2 1/2 years, but it was announced on Tuesday that the sale of one of baseball's most storied franchises, the Chicago Cubs, was completed. Tom Ricketts' bid to buy the team was first approved earlier this year, and now the team belongs to the son of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts.

Along with the team, Ricketts and his family also assume ownership of Wrigley Field and a 25 percent share of Comcast SportsNet in Chicago, which broadcasts Cubs games, along with old Tribune Company standby WGN. Once it's all said and done, the Tribune Company should pull in about $740 million from the deal, a record surpassing the $660 million John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino paid for the Red Sox in 2002.

As for Ricketts, this is the culmination of a lifelong dream to own the team he rooted for as a child. He even spent time living in an apartment across the street from Wrigley Field, and met his wife at a Cubs game. No doubt winning her over with the line "You know, one day I'm going to own this team and this park. Go out with me and you'll have all the free hot dogs you can dream of."

He now says his new goal is to "go to work building the championship tradition that all Cubs fans so richly deserve." Considering the team's history, fans may want to just settle for the free hot dogs.

Sale of Cubs Finally Complete originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Rays, Pat Burrell Be Avenue for Cubs to Trade Milton Bradley?

Matt Snyder — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:50:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, Rays, AL East, NL Central, MLB Rumors

While we're far from trading season -- the Red Sox and Angels haven't even started their ALDS -- winds are swirling in the Windy City because of the presence of resident albatross Milton Bradley. Bradley signed a three-year contract worth $30 million this past offseason with the Cubs and did everything he could during the regular season to make general manager Jim Hendry realize the signing was the biggest mistake of his tenure. Thus, the Cubs aren't exactly being secretive about their desire to trade him as soon as is humanly possible.

Might they look to another outfielder who has quickly fallen out of favor with his team after signing a lucrative deal? The Tampa Bay Rays have shown interest in Bradley in the past, and they could look to deal Pat Burrell after his disastrous 2009 season.

Of course, this situation is far too ideal for the Cubs for it to be a straight up deal. Burrell only has one more year on his contract and he makes less money, on average, per year than Bradley. The Rays aren't exactly the Yankees, so they'd have to be pretty convinced the trade would work to take on the excess salary. Plus, Burrell -- while so laid-back it comes off as apathy at times -- isn't exactly the clubhouse cancer Bradley is. Annoying teammates with a seeming lack of effort or desire is a lot different than outwardly antagonizing teammates, managers, executives, local media and fans.

So, don't expect the deal to be a straight up player-for-player swap.

Bradley had one of the worst seasons of his mercurial career, hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI in 124 games. The .775 OPS was his worst since 2002. His defense was suspect as well, but the majority of the problems had to do with his attitude. He was suspended for the remainder of the season with 15 games left due to his constant sideshows.

Burrell also had one of his worst seasons. He set or tied career lows with 16 doubles, 14 home runs, 64 RBI, a .367 SLG and a .682 OPS. His batting average and on-base percentage were also well below his career marks. Late in the season he was involved in a locker room scuffle with team captain Carl Crawford. No details surfaced, but it should be pretty easy to connect the dots. Crawford is the most respected and longest tenured Ray, a stand-up guy who plays the game hard every single day and has no attitude issues. And now the Rays want Burrell gone.

There are multiple outlets reporting the Rays have a strong interest in Bradley and the Cubs are desperate to get Bradley out the door as soon as possible. Thus, the two sides will probably try to compromise in order to get the deal complete. Look for the Cubs to grease the wheels by eating a portion of Bradley's salary and possibly sending a prospect or two the Rays way. They might even take back a contract which the Rays wish to rid themselves as well.

The bottom line is that the Rays don't want Burrell (but like Bradley) and the Cubs don't want Bradley (and don't care how they get rid of him). It's pretty likely they find a way to make it work for both sides.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Could Rays, Pat Burrell Be Avenue for Cubs to Trade Milton Bradley? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cubs Fire Hitting Coach Von Joshua

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:15:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central

Earlier this season the Chicago Cubs offense was struggling and Milton Bradley was not getting along with hitting coach Gerald Perry. So after considering that Bradley was making a significantly larger chunk of cash than Perry was, the team decided to relieve Perry of his duties and called up Von Joshua from their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa to replace him.

Now Joshua didn't do much to salvage Bradley's season in Chicago, but after taking over the job the Cubs did improve from 14th in batting average to sixth in the Majors, and also went from 15th to sixth in runs scored. So as a way of thanking Joshua for the improvements the team announced on Monday they won't be bringing him back next season.

Von Joshua was fired as Cubs hitting coach after Sunday's game and was offered his old job as hitting coach at Triple-A Iowa.

"I told him it wasn't anything that I was upset with him," general manager Jim Hendry said. "He didn't do anything wrong. But when you come up from the system in the middle of the year, if things don't make significant differences in improvement, then in my opinion we need to do something."

Yes, except the Cubs did improve, so it's obvious that there are other reasons for the team making this move.

One of which is that considering the team will do everything to rid itself of Milton Bradley's presence in 2010, maybe they want to get rid of Joshua too so he doesn't serve as a reminder. The more likely reason is that it's because they plan on replacing Joshua with Ryne Sandberg.

The same Sandberg who has spent the last few seasons managing in the Cubs minor-league system and has openly lobbied to take over for Lou Piniella when he decides to leave the Cubs. If the Cubs do give the job to Sandberg he'd be able to spend a season with the team before taking over.

Piniella has said he plans on leaving after his contract expires next season.

Cubs Fire Hitting Coach Von Joshua originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ryne Sandberg Could Be Next Chicago Cubs Manager

Matt Snyder — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central, Minor Leagues

Ryne Sandberg, known affectionately as "Ryno" in Wrigleyville, played 15 seasons for the Chicago Cubs in his Hall of Fame career. He went to 10 All-Star games, won nine gold gloves and brought home an MVP. At present, Sandberg manages the Tennesse Smokies -- the Cubs' Double-A affiliate. He previously managed for the Cubs in Single-A as well, so it appears the Cubs are moving him along in hopes he could one day manage the big-league club.

Current Cubs manager Lou Piniella, whose contract expires at the end of 2010 -- at which point he'll likely retire from managing -- believes Ryno will be considered for the 2011 job opening.

"Ryne had a Hall of Fame career here as a player," Piniella said. "I'm not the one who's going to be hiring the next manager here, but certainly, he'll be in the mix."

Of course, Piniella won't be the one deciding upon his replacement, so it may appear this talk is conjecture, but it's likely he's been involved in internal discussions about the minor-league managing situation. Thus, he's just making an estimate based upon the feelings general manager Jim Hendry has about Sandberg's ability to manage a baseball team.

For 2010, expect Sandberg to remain in Tennessee to further evolve as a quality skipper while Piniella takes care of the Cubs, hoping to rebound from an incredibly disappointing campaign.

Ryne Sandberg Could Be Next Chicago Cubs Manager originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Rockies Overcome Big Blow, Widen Lead

Jeff Fletcher — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Braves, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Rockies, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That a couple of game tying three-run homers threatened to make the NL wild-card chase really wild, but the teams that hit them both lost, leaving the Rockies three games up on the Braves with five games to go.

The excitement began in Atlanta, where the Braves' Matt Diaz hit a sixth-inning shot to erase a 4-1 lead. Unfortunately for Atlanta, the Marlins responded with Jorge Cantu's tie-breaking single a half inning later, and Florida held on to snap the Braves' seven-game winning streak.

A few hours later, Rockies closer Huston Street was looking to convert his 27th consecutive save opportunity when he gave up a game-tying homer to the normally powerless Jason Kendall of the Brewers in the ninth. Like the Marlins, the Rockies overcame it, winning in the 11th on Chris Iannetta's two-run homer.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

From The Trainer's Room ...
Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett said he is fine to make his final regular season start on Saturday. Beckett had his last start scratched because of mild back spasms. The Red Sox, who clinched the wild card because Texas lost late Tuesday night, also got good news on Mike Lowell. Lowell, who had two injections for pain in his hip, is expected to be back in the lineup on Thursday. Lefty Hideki Okajima was OK on Tuesday after missing four games because of a sore right side.

Numbers Game ...
The Cubs accomplished a goal that would seem rather modest, but not for them. By winning their 82nd game on Tuesday, they clinched a third consecutive winning season. It's only the second time in the past 70 years the Cubs have had three consecutive winning seasons. The other stretch (of six straight) was from 1967 to 1972.

In Their Own Words ...
"You want to compete the best you can. You don't want to turn anything off. You can't turn it off and turn it on. Nobody is that good." -- Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, expressing concern that his team has lost some of its edge toward the end of the regular season. The Cardinals have lost four of their past five games, with the only victory in that span being the one that clinched the NL Central.

Advance Scouting ...
The Dodgers had a small celebration upon clinching a playoff spot, holding off on the big one until they clinched the division. That was three days ago. Los Angeles will try to snap a three-game losing streak when they play the Padres (10:05 PM ET) in San Diego. Any Dodgers win or Rockies loss will lock up the division for L.A. Needless to say, they'd like to have it over before the Rockies come to town on Friday.

Starting Five: Rockies Overcome Big Blow, Widen Lead originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlos Zambrano Talks Retirement

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central, MLB Rumors

Though he gets most of the attention for doing so, Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen isn't the only member of the Windy City's baseball teams who sometimes talks just to hear his own voice. Guillen's not even the only Venezuelan in town to do so. On the other side of the city there's Carlos Zambrano.

Zambrano has told the media a lot of things he didn't really mean over the years, and on Sunday he likely gave them his latest. The Big Z was talking about his disappointing 2009 season and said that if 2010 goes the same way, he's going to retire from the game of baseball.

"It's been a disappointing season," he replied. "People say, 'Why can't you pitch like [Friday's two-hit shutout of the Giants] all the time?' It's not all the time I feel like that.

"Look, this is the only season I haven't won 16 or 18 or 14 games," he said. "If it happens again next season, two seasons in a row, I'll quit. Believe me, I'll quit. I just have to put this behind me."

There are about 55.125 million reasons to think that Zambrano will not be retiring after next season. Even if he goes 2-18 with an 8.49 ERA in 2010, he'll almost certainly be sticking around. It may not be in a Cubs uniform, but he'll be pitching somewhere.

Now there are rumors that Zambrano may be traded this offseason, as there's been talk that the Cubs are going to look around and see what they could get for their supposed ace. One of those teams that might have interest in Zambrano is the White Sox.

If that happened, then the White Sox would be the run away favorites to lead the majors in empty threats next season.

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ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Torii Hunter of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim celebrates after winning the American League West title in the baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on September 28, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Torii Hunter

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ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Arte Moreno (R) owner of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim celebrates with after winning the American League West title in the baseball agme against Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on September 28, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Arte Moreno

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ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Arte Moreno (R) owner of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim celebrates with center fielder Torii Hunter after winning the American League West title in the baseball agme against Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on September 28, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Arte Moreno;Torii Hunter

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ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Pitcher Jared Weaver (C) of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim celebrates after winning the American League West title in the baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium on September 28, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jared Weaver

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ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Winning pitcher Ervin Santana #54 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is congratulated by manager Mike Scioscia during the eight inning against Texas Rangers before the Angels won the American League West title at Angel Stadium on September 28, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ervin Santana;Mike Scioscia

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Carlos Zambrano Talks Retirement originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Vazquez Dealing, Braves Streaking Into Contention

Jeff Fletcher — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Blue Jays, Braves, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Reds, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That when we told you a few weeks ago that the Braves were just about dead, we might have been a bit premature. Led by Javier Vazquez's third complete game of the season, the Braves beat the Nationals, 4-1, winning their fourth game in a row and 12th out of the past 14.

The Braves are still 3 1/2 behind the Rockies in the wild-card race (and mathematically alive in the NL East, believe it or not), but they do have at least one thing in their favor. They play the Nationals six more times in their final nine games, with the other three against Florida.

In Friday's game, Vazquez added another line to his under-appreciated resume. He is 10-2 since July 7. He has 15 victories this season. The only pitcher to win at least 10 games every year since 2000, Vazquez is second only to Randy Johnson in strikeouts in the decade.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

From The Trainer's Room ...
Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee couldn't play on Friday night because of a neck spasms. The injury was aggravated by teammates whacking him too hard on the head after he scored ahead of Jeff Baker's ninth-inning two-run homer on Thursday night. Pitcher Angel Guzman was identified as the player who hit Lee. Manager Lou Piniella didn't blame Guzman, though.

"All Guzman was trying to do was congratulate him for the stolen base and getting on base and scoring a run. It's something that just happened. I'm not faulting anybody."

Numbers Game ...
The Reds pounded out a 10-1 victory over the Astros, the 22nd win in their past 32 games. They have the best record in the majors since Aug. 22.

In Their Own Words ...
"Regardless of what happens this winter, it means a lot to me." -- Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay, who was greeted by fans chanting "Thank You Roy" after his final home game of the season. Halladay is signed through next year, but the Blue Jays may opt to trade him over the winter, considering they shopped him at the trading deadline.

Advance Scouting ...
The Dodgers and Cardinals will both try again to lock up playoff spots. Each failed on Friday. The Dodgers, who play the Pirates (7:05 PM ET) need a win or a Braves loss to clinch a playoff spot. The Cardinals, who play the Rockies (8:10 PM ET), need a win or a Cubs loss to clinch the NL Central.

Starting Five: Vazquez Dealing, Braves Streaking Into Contention originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Milton Bradley Apologizes to Cub Fans

Tom Fornelli — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:41:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central

The Milton Bradley saga in Chicago seems to be over. On Wednesday afternoon it was announced that the two sides had struck a deal. Bradley will serve his suspension for the rest of the season, but the Cubs have to pay him the remainder of his 2009 salary and try to trade him this offseason. Still, that doesn't settle all the scores in Chicago. There's still the issue of the millions of Cubs fans who are angry with Bradley for his performance there both on and off the field.

So, in a rather surprising move, Bradley attempted to extend an olive branch to the Bleacher Bums he's been so critical of this season, and who have been just as critical of him. Through his agents Bradley released an apology to Cubs fans everywhere on Wednesday.

Jay Mariotti: Hendry Must Go After Bradley Fiasco

"I chose Chicago as a free agent because I wanted to be part of finally bringing a championship to Chicago's fans," Bradley's statement read. "I expected to have a great season, and I am deeply disappointed by my performance and the team's struggles.

"I played every game with everything that I had and wanted desperately to win. My frustration and disappointment boiled over, and I said and did certain things that I regret. In hindsight, I wish that I handled certain things differently, and I apologize for those things that did not work out for the better.

"The air has been cleared, and we all want to move on and look forward to better days."

It's unclear whether Cubs fans will be receptive of the apology. Still, as Bradley said at the end of his apology it's time for both sides to move on. Bradley can now sit at home, collect a paycheck and wonder where he'll play next season, and the Cubs and their fans can finish out the last few weeks of their season wondering what might have been.

After all, since the suspension of Bradley was announced on Sunday, the Cubs have gone 3-0 and the offense has come to life.

Milton Bradley Apologizes to Cub Fans originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Minnesota Moves On, Up

Andrew Johnson — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, Red Sox, Royals, Tigers, Twins, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That the Twins are still surging.

Minnesota shook off a loss to the Tigers Sunday that pushed it three games back in the AL Central and routed the White Sox 7-0 to cut Detroit's edge in the division to 2 1/2 games.

Twins starter Nick Blackburn pitched one of his best games of the season, tossing seven shutout innings and striking out six to pick up his first road win since the end of May.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

"Being in a race like this makes it even more exciting," Blackburn said. "There's more pressure, but it makes us enjoy the wins even more."

From the Trainer's Room ...
Cubs wins leader Ted Lilly will miss his next scheduled start on Wednesday with tendinitis in his left shoulder. Jeff Samardzija will start in his place. Out of contention and closing in on mathematical elimination from the race, the team is being cautious with the left-hander, who has the lowest ERA of any Chicago starter at 3.02.

"If we needed him to pitch Wednesday, he would've pitched," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said.

Numbers Game ...
The Red Sox blew a chance to close to within four games of the Yankees in the AL East, and they did so in the ugliest fashion possible in a 12-9 loss to the Royals. Boston pitchers surrendered 11 walks in the defeat, the most the team has allowed in a game since giving up 13 in a 13-5 loss to the Yankees on Aug. 19, 2006 (during the infamous second Boston Massacre series that effectively knocked the Red Sox out of contention that year).

Kansas City hurlers allowed seven walks of their own, but their offense turned a 9-5 deficit into an 11-9 lead with a six-run sixth inning, the first time they have scored that many runs in a frame since Sept. 24, 2008. The Royals have won 11 of their last 14.

In Their Own Words ...
"Thank goodness for speed. That's a pretty routine double play ball for anyone else." -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy on pinch-hitter Fred Lewis, who beat out a potential double play at first with the bases loaded to help bring in the decisive run in San Francisco's 5-4 win over Arizona. The Giants are now four games back of the Rockies in the NL wild-card race.

Advance Scouting ...
With their showdown series with the Twins less than a week away, the Tigers will try to maintain their shrinking lead in the AL Central. Detroit sends the slumping Edwin Jackson to the mound against the Indians (7:05 PM ET) in Cleveland. Jackson, presumably the Tigers' No. 2 starter in the postseason should they qualify, is 2-2 over his last five starts, but he's posted a 6.03 ERA in that span.

Starting Five: Minnesota Moves On, Up originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: Rational Human Beings

B. Thompson Stroud — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central, The Dugout

Everyone is out to get Milton Bradley. First it was the umpires, then it was Lou Piniella (or was it Lou, then the umpires? I can't remember). Now, the Chicago Cubs have sent Milton home for the rest of the season just for going to the media and talking about how much he hates the Chicago Cubs, people who like the Chicago Cubs, Chicago, bears, and humanity. When is this guy going to catch a break?

Tonight's Dugout gives you a sneak peek at what to expect when Bradley takes this issue to a higher power than Steve Bartman and his Mystery Goat, or whoever is in charge in Chicago.

The Dugout

	Online Host Welcome to the Major League Baseball Players Association Grievance Hearing Chatroom!
	Arbitrator: I AM THE GREAT SHYAM DAS! I hear all, I decide all! Mighty suspensions become four day weekends in my presence! Tremble before my arbitration!
	Arbitrator: Be warned, ye who- what is going on with your hair
	HendryHuggins: lol sorry i just woke up
	Arbitrator: Who are you! Are you Meatloaf? We are not making Bat Out Of Hell IV no matter how many times you ask!
	HendryHuggins: no, my name is Jim Hendry and the Major League Baseball Players Association has filed a general grievance against me for suspending Milton Bradley
	MiltonBradley: before you ask, yes that is my real name, and if you mention the barrel of monkeys I will make it about race
	Arbitrator: What is the issue!
	HendryHuggins: when I signed volatile, locker room poisoning journeyman, I expected him to produce without issue
	MiltonBradley: and when I signed with the Chicago Cubs, I expected to win the World Series
	MiltonBradley: but instead, all I found was a large building made out of bricks and grass full of people watching me play, having opinions on the things I do
	Arbitrator: Mr. Hendry, how could you allow this to happen?
	HendryHuggins: Milton isn't giving you the entire story. We saw how successful the Indians were signing Kerry Wood, so we decide to also offer 10 million dollars a year to a player nobody else wanted
	HendryHuggins: Bradley repaid us by underperforming, accusing the fans of racism, and getting into a "dust up" with our head coach
	Arbitrator: as someone making legal decisions about baseball, I know nothing about baseball... who is your coach?
	HendryHuggins: A gentle, unassuming elderly man named Lou Piniella. He's so nice, we call him "Sweet Lou."
	Arbitrator: is Sweet Lou in the chatroom today?
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: YOU'RE GOD DAMNED RIGHT HE IS, WHO DOES A GUY HAVE TO CUNNALING TO GET A WORD IN
	MiltonBradley: Shut up Lou! Stay out of this!
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: I SWEAR TO GOD THIS WILL NEVER END, I WILL HUNT YOU LIKE THE WOLVES AND SKULLF*** YOUR HEART
	Arbitrator: Lou, what caused the disagreement?
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: MA BRADLEY PUT A BALLCAP ON A MEMORABLE DUMP AND CALLED IT MILTON THIS GUY IS A PIECE OF [expletive] IS WHAT I'M GETTING AT
	MiltonBradley: I'm used to it! Lou Piniella, am I right folks?
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: GET A CLUE SH**BIRD I WILL BRING DOWN THE THUNDER ON YOU, I WILL BECOME THE SKY ITSELF
	HendryHuggins: Milton has a problem accepting authority, especially from Lou and myself
	MiltonBradley: how am I supposed to respect my bosses when they act look and act like the f***in' Nuns on the Run
	Arbitrator: Did you accuse the fans of racism?
	MiltonBradley: America doesn't believe in racism. Nobody wants to listen to me. Bring those microphones closer and I will tell you more about this
	Arbitrator: /gives life-giving attention
	MiltonBradley: I'm talking about hatred, period. I'm talking about when I go to eat at a restaurant, I have to listen to the waiters bad-mouthing me at another table, sitting in a restaurant, that's what I'm talking about -- everything.
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: I HATE YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE SH***Y AT BASEBALL
	MiltonBradley: You hate me because I'm black!
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: I CAN HATE YOU FOR TWO REASONS
	Arbitrator: What racist things to the fans say about you, Milton?
	MiltonBradley: I don't know, I have never listened to what someone else has to say
	MiltonBradley: All I'm saying is I just pray the game is nine innings, so I can be out there the least amount of time as possible and go home
	HendryHuggins: Then why complain when I send you home immediately, after you have done nothing?
	MiltonBradley: because I still want money
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: CRYBABY MILLIONAIRE SPOILED WHINING NOGOOD ATHLETES AAHHHHH THE INTERNET MUST KNOW ABOUT THIS
	Arbitrator: What do you-
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: UNDERSTAND THIS YOU PIECE OF F***ING [expletive], I WILL SPLIT THE EARTH FROM BENEATH YOU LIKE GIGANTO
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: I WILL END YOUR LIFE IN THE DEN OF THE MOLE MAN
	HendryHuggins: hey don't end anybody's life in there, I like my den!
	Arbitrator: Milton, what would make you happy?
	MiltonBradley: first of all, I want all white people removed from the game of baseball
	Arbitrator: So after I get rid of the Red Sox, what else would you like?
	MiltonBradley: secondly, I find cupcakes to be offensive all of a sudden, so I would like to alter my previous agreement to include 100 dollar bills and full wedding cakes at my request
	Arbitrator: that seems perfectly reasonable
	MiltonBradley: thirdly I want to be the only person allowed in the stadium on game day, and I want to be able to make up the score based on nothing
	Arbitrator: Okay. Will these things make you happy?
	MiltonBradley: no, but do them anyway
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: /mashes palms into keyboard, breaks off front of desk
	Arbitrator: I have come to a decision. I am shortening Milton Bradley's suspension from "all games" to "zero games."
	Arbitrator: Jim Hendry is fired as general manager and Lou Piniella is suspended indefinitely
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: WELL GREAT F*** THIS SEASON AT LEAST NOW I'VE GOT TIME TO CATCH UP ON MY HOBBIES
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: /puts unopened pack of cigarettes into mouth /lights head on fire

Photos link to player info. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) WordUpThome.com

The Dugout: Rational Human Beings originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ron Washington Would Take Milton Bradley Back

Jeff Fletcher — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:55:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, Rangers

OAKLAND -- There may be only one manager whose time with Milton Bradley started and ended on a happy note, and he'd take him back.

Rangers manager Ron Washington endorsed Bradley, even in the wake of his latest problems.

"I wouldn't hesitate to get him," Washington said.

Bradley's tenure with the Cubs is likely over after the team suspended him for the final two weeks of the season because of a pattern of problems with the fans and the media.

He has passed through Cleveland, Los Angeles (Dodgers), Oakland, San Diego, Texas and now Chicago, and the only place where he apparently didn't burn any bridges was with the Rangers.

Before Texas played the A's on Monday, Washington said he thought having Bradley was "awesome."

"He did a great job for me," Washington said. "It wasn't my first rodeo with Milton. I knew Milton."

Washington was the A's third base coach in 2006, when Bradley played in Oakland.

"I aint never had a problem with Milton because I was always honest with him," Washington said. "If I didn't like what he was doing, I let him know. I didn't let anything fester with Milton. All Milton wants is people to tell him the truth, to be honest with him. He's no dummy. He knows when he's [screwing] up."

Rangers third baseman Michael Young said he had no issues with Bradley, either.

"A lot of guys like Milton," Young said. "I'm pretty sure if you ask guys in Chicago they'd say they like him. I don't know what's going on in Chicago, so I can't really comment on it."

Young added that he was "surprised" that Bradley would have trouble in the first year of a three-year deal with a team that had plenty of talent.

Apparently the only other person who was surprised was Cubs GM Jim Hendry.

Ron Washington Would Take Milton Bradley Back originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cubs Will Try to Trade Milton Bradley

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central, MLB Rumors

It seems that not only is Milton Bradley's season in Chicago over, but his time as a Chicago Cub us as well. This weekend Bradley pulled himself out of two games due to a knee injury, gave the local media a hard time and then went out and slammed the Cubs and their fans in an exclusive interview. The Cubs responded to that interview by suspending Bradley for the remainder of the season, and it was a move that's been fully supported by both fans and Bradley's teammates.

Now it seems that the Cubs are going to do everything in their power to rid themselves of Bradley's presence on the team. According to sources within the organization the Cubs will try to move Bradley this winter in a trade.

[General manager Jim] Hendry declined to discuss his plans for the remaining two years of Bradley's contract, but sources confirmed again Sunday what has been reported for weeks: The Cubs will attempt to trade Bradley, even if it means eating much of the remaining $21 million on the contract.

The Cubs have looked into possible interest in Bradley since July and found enough listeners to suggest they might be able to find him a new home, likely in a smaller media market with a bigger home clubhouse -- similar to places where he has tended to have better seasons.

I think it's safe to say that if the Cubs are going to find a team willing to take on Bradley and all of his antics, then they're most definitely going to have to pay the majority of the $21 million left in his deal. As the excerpt above said, the most likely destinations for Milton will be a smaller market where the media scrutiny is less intense, and those teams typically can't afford to take on big contracts.

I'm not sure the Oakland Athletics would want Bradley back for a second go around, but maybe a team like Kansas City which is always looking for help on offense would be interested.

Either way, it appears Jim Hendry will be working the phones quite a bit this winter. Along with trying to find a home for Bradley, rumors have started to swirl around Chicago that the Cubs will also be looking for a possible deal involving Carlos Zambrano. The likely destinations there would be the Yankees, Red Sox or even the cross-town White Sox, all teams Zambrano has said he'd be willing to waive his no-trade clause for.

Cubs Will Try to Trade Milton Bradley originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cubs Suspend Milton Bradley for Season

Matt Snyder — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central

After putting up with his antics for the past several months, the Cubs have finally had enough of Milton Bradley. Sunday, it was announced that general manager Jim Hendry has suspended the mercurial outfielder for the remainder of the 2009 season.

In a season chock full of controversy -- which isn't anything new for Bradley -- everything came to a head Sunday morning when Bradley dissed the Cubs, Cubs fans and the entire city of Chicago. This following a game in which Bradley pulled himself out of the lineup, claiming his knee was too sore to continue, and then basically ignored probing reporters after the game.

Jay Mariotti: General Manager Must Go After Bradley Fiasco

"The last few days became too much for me to tolerate," Hendry said.

"I'm certainly not going to let our great fans become excuses," Hendry said. "I'm not going to tolerate [Bradley] not being able to answer questions from the media respectably."

Bradley has been a colossal bust this season. After the Cubs traded Mark DeRosa and Jason Marquis to shed payroll, the Cubs signed Bradley to a three-year contract worth $30 million. He's rewarded them with a .257 batting average, 12 home runs, 40 RBI, a .775 OPS and spotty, at best, defense.

This isn't even mentioning things that stats can't measure, such as the negative impact he may have had in the clubhouse. He had a dust-up with manager Lou Piniella earlier this season and has constantly found ways to make himself the center of (negative) attention when talking to the media.

For now, the circus is over in Wrigleyville. Of course, the Cubs are stuck with Bradley for two more seasons, as there is no chance anyone takes him off their hands in a trade.

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Chicago Cubs' Jake Fox follows through on his two-run home run in the 11th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 in St. Louis. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings to avoid the series sweep. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

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Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, clad in Pittsburgh Pirates' shirt and cap, prepares to throw a ball to former Japanese Pirates pitcher Masumi Kuwata at Hatoyama's official residence in Tokyo before his departure to the United States Monday, Sept. 21, 2009. Hatoyama plans to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a Major League baseball game during his visit to Pittsburgh for the Group of 20 economic summit. (AP Photo/Kyodo News, Toru Futagami) ** JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, FOR COMMERCIAL USE ONLY IN NORTH AMERICA **

ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Relief pitcher Carlos Marmol #49 of the Chicago Cubs throws against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 20, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carlos Marmol

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ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Micah Hoffpauir #6 of the Chicago Cubs breaks up a double play against the Brendan Ryan #13 of the St. Louis Cardinals on September 20, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Micah Hoffpauir;Brendan Ryan

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ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano #38 of the Chicago Cubs reacts to givingup a run against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 20, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carlos Zambrano

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ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Mike Fontenot #17 of the Chicago Cubs scores a run against Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals on September 20, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Fontenot;Yadier Molina

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ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano #38 of the Chicago Cubs throws against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 20, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carlos Zambrano

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ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano #38 of the Chicago Cubs leaves the field against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 20, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carlos Zambrano

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ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Skip Schumaker #55 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws to first base against the Chicago Cubs on September 20, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Skip Schumaker

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ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals fieldsa groung ball against the Chicago Cubs on September 20, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Albert Pujols

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ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Manager Lou Piniella #41 of the Chicago Cubs returns to the dugout against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 20, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lou Piniella

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Cubs Suspend Milton Bradley for Season originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Milton Bradley Continues to Be a Ray of Sunshine in Chicago

Tom Fornelli — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central

For Chicago Cubs right fielder Milton Bradley, his first season in the Windy City playing for the Cubs has not been the best time of his life. After signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the team over the winter, Bradley has hit .257 with an OPS of .775, 12 home runs and only 40 RBI.

Not exactly the kind of production either he or the team were looking for.

Of course, there's also been the off-the-field fun. The mercurial Bradley has never really been known for his sunny disposition, and after taking himself out of the Cubs lineup on Saturday he shared his thoughts on his first season in Chicago. It's safe to say he's not making many friends.

Bradley gave the Daily Herald the privilege of a one-on-one interview with him on Saturday, but as is his normal routine, he gave short and terse answers to all of the questions he was asked. Well, except for one. When he was asked if he's enjoyed his time in Chicago, Bradley became an open book.

"Not really," he said. "It's just not a positive environment. I need a stable, healthy, enjoyable environment. There's too many people everywhere in your face with a microphone asking the same questions repeatedly. Everything is just bashing you. You got out there and you play harder than anybody on the field and never get credit for it. It's just negativity.

"And you understand why they haven't won in 100 years here, because it's negative. It's what it is."

Asked whether he was talking about the fans, the media or even the Cubs organization, he replied: "It's everything. It's everybody."

Bradley then went on to say he didn't regret the decision to sign with the Cubs. It's hard to regret $30 million I suppose.

Am I the only one who enjoys the fact that Milton Bradley, of all people, would complain about the negativity of others? I don't think the man has cracked a smile in five years, and he wants to criticize others for being negative? Then he wants to throw his teammates under the bus by saying he's played "harder than anybody on the field?"

If I could use Milton's own words against him here for a moment, you understand why he's been on seven teams in his nine years playing in the major leagues. It's because he's a negative person is what it is. Maybe one of these days Bradley will look in the mirror and realize there's a reason there's always such negativity around him.

It's because he's the one putting it out there.

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Milton Bradley Continues to Be a Ray of Sunshine in Chicago originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: Cole Looks Like King Again

Andrew Johnson — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Cubs, Phillies, Tigers, MLB Injuries, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That Cole Hamels is starting to look like the World Series MVP.

The left-hander, who was one of the biggest reasons the Phillies won a title last season, tossed eight innings of one-run ball and struck out 10 in a 4-2 win over the Nationals.

Hamels hasn't looked like the ace he was for Philadelphia last year, but his last five starts suggest he could be rounding into form at exactly the right time.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

Hamels is 3-1 with a 1.43 ERA in those five turns and he has 38 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings.

"I think you have to enjoy it," Hamels said. "Sometimes, the games get a little bit more meaningful. The fans know it, we know it. It's just going out there and doing what we know best."

From the Trainer's Room ...
Cubs right fielder Milton Bradley came out of Chicago's 7-4 loss to Milwaukee in the sixth inning with what he described as "knee inflammation." Bradley has had two surgical procedures on his left knee. So will he be back in the lineup Friday when the Cubs open a series with the rival Cardinals? The surly Bradley was little help.

"I got knee inflammation," he said. "I got two knee surgeries. That happens when you got knee surgery, in case you don't know. What else you got?"

How long will you be out?

"What else you got? Anything significant?"

This went on and on until Bradley turned his back, ending the interview.

Numbers Game ...
Since the Angels called up Howie Kendrick after a month-long stint in the minors, the second baseman is hitting .379. Kendrick homered and drove in the game-winning run as Los Angeles avoided a sweep in Fenway Park.

In Their Own Words ...
"By no means do I think we're tight -- you've got to give credit where credit is due," -- Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson after his team lost 9-2 to the Royals, trimming their lead over the Twins in the AL Central down to four games ahead of a critical weekend series in Minnesota. Detroit has six games left against the Twins, but, perhaps more fortunately, none with Kansas City. The Royals have beaten the Tigers in six of their last seven meetings.

Advance Scouting ...
The Rangers sit 6 1/2 games back of the Angels in the AL West, but still have six games left with the division leaders before the end of the season, starting Friday night (8:05 PM ET). In other words, Texas needs to be nearly perfect against Los Angeles to have any hope of reaching the playoffs. Tommy Hunter goes for the Rangers against Scott Kazmir, who has a 1.86 ERA in three starts for the Halos.

Starting Five: Cole Looks Like King Again originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cubs Plan on Shopping Zambrano

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:47:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central, MLB Rumors

This season has been one of immense disappointment for the Chicago Cubs. They were expected to cruise to their third consecutive division title in what was perceived as a weak NL Central in 2009, but with a few weeks remaining in the season, they instead find themselves 9 1/2 games behind the Cardinals and 6 1/2 games out of the wild card.

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano has had his part in failing to meet expectations, as he's spent two stints on the disabled list and been suspended for six games this year. When he has been on the mound, he hasn't been the ace the Cubs need either, going 8-6 with a 3.77 ERA in 24 starts. He could also be one of the changes the Cubs decide to make this offseason as there's word out of Chicago that the Cubs will listen to offers on Zambrano this winter.

Despite the fact that Zambrano has a full no-trade clause, the Cubs plan on shopping him this off-season, sources said, believing he'll waive the clause to go to the right team, as Jake Peavy eventually did when the Padres consummated a deal this summer with the White Sox.

Zambrano said recently he's weary of the media scrutiny after being criticized for playing softball on a scheduled day off during his rehab stint.

When questioned about the possibility of being traded this offseason Zambrano joked that it might not be a bad thing because he might be able to "do what I want." I don't want to tell him that that's not the case, because if anybody is going to take on the rest of Zambrano's contract ($73 million through 2013) it won't be a small-market team without a lot of media scrutiny.

Of course, even if the Cubs do shop Zambrano that doesn't mean they're going to find a dance partner. Sure, there are bound to be teams interested in adding Zambrano to their rotation, but will they have enough to offer in return to convince the Cubs to pull the trigger?

I'm guessing prospects won't do the trick for a team that is under more pressure to win, and win now, than at any time in recent history.

Cubs Plan on Shopping Zambrano originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baseball Brunch: Meet the Rarest Breed

Ed Price — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Athletics, Cardinals, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Marlins, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Rays, Royals, Tigers, Twins, Yankees, MLB Awards, MLB Biz, MLB Inside Scoop, Baseball Brunch

Every Sunday, MLB FanHouse empties out its notebook in Baseball Brunch.

Cody Ross blames his mom.

"My dad was a really good athlete (Kenny Ross, who played safety at New Mexico in the late 1960s)," said Ross, the Marlins' right fielder. "My dad was all right[-handed]. My mom's a lefty, so maybe I got that gene from her."

Ross and St. Louis' Ryan Ludwick are the only two active position players who throw left and bat right. Just 14 such players in baseball history have gotten as many as 1,000 at-bats -- and that list now includes a Hall of Famer, Rickey Henderson.

"He kind of put us on the map," Ross said.

Some of the other names are recognizable -- early 20th-century Yankees star Hal Chase, Mets outfielder Cleon Jones, and more recent players Mark Carreon, Brian Hunter and David McCarty.

Some aren't -- Rube Bressler, Johnny Cooney, Al Nixon and Delos Drake.

"I think it's something that's kind of cool, something to be proud of," Ludwick said. "It's kind of an honor to be able to be in such little company."

Why so rare? There have certainly been plenty of players who throw right and bat left (582 with 1,000 or more at-bats), so it can't be that it's hard to be opposite-handed for hitting and throwing.

The simplest explanation is that a left-handed thrower can really play only four of the eight positions -- outfield and first base -- and is even less valuable if he bats right-handed, since lefties are less common and have the advantage against right-handed pitching.

"I think being a left-handed hitter is viewed as having an advantage," Ludwick said, "so you see a lot more people who throw right and are taught to hit left because it's an advantage."

Nether Ross nor Ludwick could explain how they ended up batting right and throwing left.

"It just happened," said Ludwick, who last year joined Henderson and Jones as the only bat-right/throw-left players to make an All-Star Game. "Natural."

Said Ross: "I have no reason why I do it. Nobody ever taught me to do it."

Both tried switch-hitting as kids -- "for a minute," Ludwick said, "but I was so much better right-handed."

Said Ross, "My dad tried to get me to switch-hit when I was younger. I did for a little while. But I realized really quickly that I had a lot more power from the right side and I didn't want to waste an at-bat [left-handed]."

It's not like Ross and Ludwick can't play. Ross, 28, is third on the Marlins with 22 homers and 83 RBI. Ludwick, 31, has 20 home runs and has driven in 87 runs, both second on the Cardinals.

"I feel like you see a lot of left-handed hitters that are right-handed throwers that have a lot of pop because they're right-hand-dominant, so they can really pull that bat through the zone," Ludwick said. "So I feel like being left-hand-dominant, I can [do the same]."

The bottom hand provides the power in a swing, and some recent boppers who throw right and bat left include Jim Thome, Prince Fielder, Larry Walker, Tino Martinez, Carlos Delgado, Adam Dunn, Jason Giambi and Mo Vaughn.

But those guys who throw left and bat right -- they don't get the love.

Ludwick was a second-round draft pick out of UNLV in 1999, so he never felt a bias because of his bat/throw combination. But Ross, a fourth-rounder in the same draft out of high school in New Mexico, said it worked against him. (Louie Medina, who played 51 games in the majors while throwing left and batting right, scouted both players for that '99 draft. Medina, now a special assistant to the GM in Kansas City, was then a scout for Arizona.)

"You have scouts come to watch you," Ross said, "and I was already challenged because of my height and I wasn't your prototypical baseball player, pushing 5-10. And also throwing left and hitting right, that's a lot against you going into pro ball. Or even college. So I think it affected me a little bit when it came to drafting and stuff like that.

"It's one of those things I knew I had to overcome, and I just did. A little bump in the road."

Both Ludwick and Ross didn't get a chance to become regulars in the majors until they had gone through multiple organizations. Ludwick was traded from Oakland to Texas to Cleveland and then had to sign on with Detroit and St. Louis as a minor-league free agent.

Ross was traded from the Tigers to the Dodgers to the Reds to the Marlins, including being traded twice in 33 days in 2006.

But he didn't blame that bouncing around on throwing left-handed and batting right-handed.

"I think once I got into pro ball, I think all of that kind of goes out the window," he said. "If you can play, you can play, and they'll find a spot for you."

Overheard and Understood

-- If you think Derek Jeter's pursuit of the Yankees' franchise hits record was overblown, wait until next spring training. Because the Yankees seem intent on letting Jeter go into 2010 without a contract beyond this year, and it will be a season-long storyline next year: Is this the Captain's last year in pinstripes?

Chart of the Week
Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria became the ninth player to have 40 doubles, 30 homers and 100 RBI in a season before the age of 24:
Player	Year
Hal Trosky	1934/36
Ted Williams	1939
Alex Rodriguez	1996
Scott Rolen	1998
Eric Chavez	2001
Aramis Ramirez	2001
Albert Pujols	2001-03
Miguel Cabrera	2005
Evan Longoria	2009
Source: Rays

While it might seem good public relations and, emotionally, a no-brainer to try to lock up Jeter long-term this winter, that wouldn't be good business for the Yankees. Not that they don't want him, but Jeter will be coming off his best season in at least three years, maybe 10. So in any contract negotiations this winter, Jeter would have the upper hand. The Yankees couldn't tell Jeter they have an alternative in mind, since both sides know he'll be the team's shortstop in 2010.

And it's not like the Yankees have ever gotten any kind of hometown discount from Jeter; the sides went to arbitration in 1999, avoided arbitration in 2000 with a $10 million salary and then worked out his current 10-year, $189 million deal in February 2001. Considering what he means to the franchise -- and its fans -- Jeter now could have every right to ask for more than Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia.

The only way an extension would get done before Jeter's contract is up (or close to up) is if ownership -- the Steinbrenner brothers -- steps in. They did in the fall of 2007, after the Joe Torre fiasco, to bring back Rodriguez (after his ugly opt-out), and with Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera on above-market deals. But the Steinbrenners may realize now they overpaid then and hold firm on Jeter.

Which will make for a fascinating winter of 2010-11, because the next negotiations will determine how much Jeter makes compared to A-Rod, whether he will be signed for the same length of time (through 2017!) and -- as part of the whole equation -- whether he ever moves from shortstop, and when, and where.

-- With a new ballpark opening next year, the Twins plan to spend more this winter than in any recent offseason. They "won't be picking up the scraps" of free agency, as one person put it.

-- Washington (including its Montreal years) is the only franchise never to have had two teammates with 100 RBI in the same season, but that could be corrected this year as Adam Dunn has 99 RBI and Ryan Zimmerman has 94. Tampa Bay got its first 100-RBI duo this year, with Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena.

-- The Angels could be the first team since the 2005 Cardinals to make it through the season without a four-game losing streak.

-- Figure this: Seven of the Dodgers' final 18 games are against the Pirates. Three others are against the Nationals.

-- Arizona's Chris Young last Sunday became the first player to go into a game batting less than .200 and then hit three homers.

-- The Cubs did not gain ground on the Cardinals in any day from Aug. 3 through Thursday.

-- If the A's, who have 85 errors, can finish with fewer than 100, they will set an all-time record by doing that for the sixth straight year. The Phillies had double-digit errors from 2001 to 2005.

-- Attendance at the Mets' new Citi Field on Thursday, for a game against the Marlins, was 37,620. But the Mets estimated 20,000 no-shows and about 17,000 in the stands.

-- The Rays are promoting right-hander Jeff Niemann (12-5, 3.57 ERA) for AL Rookie of the Year. They cite that he is in the top 10 all-time for winning percentage by an AL rookie starter; the first rookie to beat Roy Halladay twice; the first rookie in 55 years to lead the defending AL champs in wins and ERA; and that he could have three more wins but for two blown two-run leads and a blown three-run lead by his bullpen.

-- Since the start of last year, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, just two AL teams have swept four series from the same opponent (three or more games). It figures that the Yankees swept the Orioles five times, but not that the Royals have swept the Tigers four times.

-- Detroit's Brent Dlugach, called up Sept. 1, is the first big-leaguer ever whose name begins with "DL." Unless you count Mike Hampton.

Baseball Brunch: Meet the Rarest Breed originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting Five: American League Wild-Card Race Washed Out

Jeff Fletcher — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, Giants, Rangers, Red Sox, Yankees, Starting Five

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That the Red Sox and Rangers weren't able continue what is the closest race for any playoff spot. Both teams were rained out, setting up Sunday to be a huge day in the race. Right now the Red Sox are two games ahead of Texas, and both teams will play doubleheaders on Sunday. Boston is playing Tampa Bay and Texas is playing Seattle.

The Red Sox might take a little advantage over the Rangers out of Friday's weather. Because Boston has an off day on Monday, the doubleheader on Sunday won't force them to dig up a spot starter later in the week. (Daisuke Matsuzaka will return to the Boston rotation on Tuesday, though, replacing Paul Byrd.) The Rangers are going to need a sixth starter for Wednesday's game against the A's, probably Dustin Nippert, Doug Mathis or Guillermo Moscoso.

More Coverage: Scoreboard | Standings | Statistics

The Red Sox also caught a break that Jon Lester pitched only one-third of an inning before Friday's game was washed out, so he can still come back on Sunday. Lester was angry that the game was started at all. He fired a ball into the wall the plate when umpires ushered the tarp onto the field.

"Obviously it's very frustrating," said Lester. "They shouldn't even have started the game. It's different when you have a two-hour or one-and-a-half window, but when you have a 30-minute window and you're trying to get five innings of baseball in 30 minutes, that's very frustrating. You have to hurry up to go out there and warm up, and you don't know if you're going to start on time. It's just one of those nights that you have to deal with and try to get through -- luckily it gets postponed to Sunday."

From The Trainers' Room...
Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum played catch and said his back felt fine, although the Giants still aren't sure he's going to take his next turn in the rotation. Lincecum is expected to try to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. If that goes well, he'd be cleared to start on Monday, the first of a three-game series against the Rockies. If Lincecum can't go, the Giants would likely give Madison Bumgarner another start.

By The Numbers...
Now that Derek Jeter is the all-time Yankees' hits leader, a little trivia about franchise hits leaders: Three other players lead their current franchises in hits: Colorado's Todd Helton (2,113), Texas' Pudge Rodriguez (1,738) and Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford (1,274). Two other active players lead former franchises in hits. Atlanta's Garret Anderson is still the Angels' leader with 2,368 and the Mets' Luis Castillo holds the Marlins' record with 1,273

In Their Own Words...
"Sometimes, it feels like you're swimming against the current and you're not getting anywhere." -- Cubs catcher Geovany Soto, whose three-hit game on Friday temporarily interrupted what has been a miserable season for the reigning NL Rookie of the Year. Soto is hitting .220 with 10 homers. Last year he hit .285 with 23 homers.

Advance Scouting...
Today's game between the Yankees and Orioles (1:05 PM ET) has a chance to show what it looks like when two very tired teams take the field without the benefit of amphetamines -- not that we think major league players would really have turned to such things for energy. Thanks to a rain delay the two teams ended Friday's game at 1:31 AM ET on Saturday morning. Both starting pitchers, A.J. Burnett and Brian Matusz, were likely sent back from the ballpark to get some sleep long before the game ended, so they could be the only ones who are alert. Might want to take the under -- not that we'd ever bet on baseball.

Starting Five: American League Wild-Card Race Washed Out originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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