Great article by Joe Posnanski on Theo and changing the culture of the Cubs organization http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/51282651
HP on Stephen Strasburg
Unless you read every word, you probably didn't see that defacto OV owner Harry Pavlidis has expanded his internet empire to the Washington Post, where he will write about pitch f/x-y things for the Nationals. Luckily for HP, they have this Stephen Strasburg guy. Here's his first of what will be many great articles.
Daily Facepalm – 3.5.13
MLBTR must be reading our comment section They posted a "Where are they now" of everyone involved in the Matt Garza trade with Tampa. I forgot that the Cubs threw in Chirinos and Guyer, unfortunately for them they've both been plagued by injuries since moving to the Rays. This Jorge Soler guy could be pretty good JD Sussman at Fangraphs …
Daily Facepalm 3.3.13 – Shark named opening day starter, Garza probably to miss a month
Matt Garza shut down, likely to miss first month of the season Per Carrie Muskat, Garza experienced more pain related to his strained lat muscle during a throwing session today. He's been shut down a week by the trainers, and it's "likely" that he'll miss the first month of the season. Carlos Villanueva is probably the happiest guy in the clubhouse …
All Time BA Top 100 lists
If you've got some time to kill, this is a fun trip down memory lane. Fun fact: the Cubs only had one player in the top 100 in 1993 and 1994….and it was the legendary Brooks Kieschnick. Lots of bare years after that too, when Kerry Wood was the only real prospect in the system. Also, Brian Dopirak was once …
Mild lat strain for Garza, will rest for one week
Via Carrie Muskat on twitter MRI shows #Cubs Garza has mild lat strain. He'll rest 1 week to make sure he's pain free. Not sure what it means re: reg season — Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 19, 2013
#6Org
Dave Cameron rationalizes the Felix Hernandez extension. But, if the frictional costs of shipping Felix out are as high as Farnsworth’s estimates suggest that they are, then it may very well be in the Mariners best interests to overpay Felix in salary rather than try to make due with depressed revenues in the future. Paying a pitcher this much money …
Spring Training Broadcast Schedule Announced
Less than one month until Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air! WGN Radio will broadcast nine games. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the rest are covered on Gameday Radio, as was the case last year. No word yet on any televised games, though I would be surprised if any are non-weekend games.
Some minor MLB rule changes for next year
This ESPN blurb lists three relatively minor rule changes for the upcoming season. Here's the highlights Coaches and managers are now allowed to bring an interpreter when conferencing with a pitcher. The article implies that this rule is mostly due to Yu Darvish. Due to the recent trend in teams having two hitting coaches, teams may now have seven managers …
Cubs Come Away From Uneventful Winter Meetings with Ian Stewart and Nate Schierholtz
The Cubs big moves during the winter meetings were to sign two players that were non-tendered by their teams a week ago. This is a year! The Cubs signed former Giants OF Nate Schierholtz to a one year, $2.25m deal plus incentives. He's an above-average defender, but has posted a .270/.319/.409 line over the past six seasons. Granted, a lot …