First, a site note: I’m headed to New York this morning for the Blogs with Balls conference (i.e., large online sports media conference at which they are, among other things, presenting the Best Team-Specific Site award that I’ve been bugging you about (hopefully we win, and I’ll let you know as soon as I do – trying to keep my expectations low)) where I hope to pick up some more tips on how to best navigate this here new job of mine, and how to improve the BN experience for all of you. So, while I’ve got a few things in the can for today, posting may be reduced this weekend. Also, the Enhanced Box Scores may be delayed. For those interested, I’ll try to put together a Meta post about my experience some time next week. OK, on to the Bullets…
Carlos Pena is unsure whether he’ll return to Chicago next season, and, in light of Aramis Ramirez’s declaration that he wants to be a free agent, is a little unsure whether he wants to. “Yes, it’s true I have become emotionally attached to this city and the Cubs,” Pena said. “That’s the way I am. I’ve always put my heart and soul into the teams I play for. Some places are easier than others to do that. I think looking at the thing objectively maybe, maybe [Ramirez will affect my decision]. But the kid in me says what everyone else does has no impact on what my decision will be. I have a tendency to follow the kid in me rather than the analytical part.”
Phil Rogers says the Cubs should consider a cheap, one-year fill-in at third base for 2012 in the hopes that one of DJ LeMahieu, Ryan Flaherty or Josh Vitters is ready to take over by 2013.
Mike Quade’s confidence that he’ll be back in 2012 comes not from his contract, which runs through next season, but from the fact that he likes managing, and “think[s he’s] good at doing it.” There goes another rubber tree plant.
Carrie Muskat answers questions, the most frustrating of which is the last. Why isn’t Bryan LaHair seeing any starts at first base? Because Mike Quade is trying to get Carlos Pena to 30 homers. Swell.
Paul Sullivan recounts the weird moments of the 2011 Chicago Cubs’ season.
Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here.
Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.
Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...
Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....
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I don't want to overreact to a relatively brief stretch of success, and I certainly don't want to jinx anything. But Christopher Morel has looked pretty darn solid at third base the last couple weeks, hasn't he? Maybe some of...
UNCLENCH. They did it. There was 9th inning drama, because of course there was, but Drew Smyly was able to get the job done, pitching for the third consecutive day. Cubs win the game, Cubs win the series. Cubs win...
Thank god. I was starting to think Brandon Pfaadt was Cy Young in disguise or something. I can't stand (or understand, for that matter) how this guy carves up the Cubs while getting destroyed by almost everybody else. But at...
Owen Caissie is just one of several Cubs top prospects at Triple-A Iowa this season, but after a monster Spring Training performance (following an equally impressive Double-A debut last season), he's got a lot of eyes on him this summer....
In discussing the potential for a Cubs move today for a fresh arm, I wondered if they'd go down and grab someone already on the 40-man roster or if they'd shift Julian Merryweather over to the 60-day IL to make...
CUBS LINEUP — How many rubber matches can one team have? After two wild games to start the series, the Cubs are looking to win their second-consecutive series this afternoon in Arizona. Jordan Wicks is on the mound for Chicago....
If you have an MLB.TV subscription: I suggest you try to catch a Baltimore Orioles game soon. The Orioles lineup is chock-full of young talent, and they're absolutely mashing the baseball right now. They're fun to watch if you can...
The Bengals missed the playoffs in 2023 and QB Joe Burrow played just 10 games. The team is now moving forward and focusing on the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the Bengals list of draft picks for 2024. Cincinnati Bengals...
Are you ready to experience the thrill of sports betting? The new DraftKings promo code is here to get you started. DraftKings, one of the leading online sportsbooks in the United States, is offering a fantastic opportunity for new users...
Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...
Welcome to the final day of the 2023-24 NHL season, hockey fans! The Blackhawks visit the LA Kings to close the books on their campaign tonight. Gotta love a 9:30 puck drop against a team that's beat the Hawks soundly...
New users can score a BetMGM bonus code right now for a $1,500 first bet offer in legal states. Check out today's MLB odds, NBA futures, and more as you look to make your first bet. BetMGM Sportsbook Promo Code...
The Los Angeles Rams got hot to end the 2023 season to reach the playoffs before being knocked out in the Wild Card Round. Now, they focus on the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the team's selections for this year's...
Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....
Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...
The Houston Texans were one of the huge surprises of the 2023 season as they reached the playoffs and now they look to build on their success in the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the Texans' full list of draft...
Led by Connor Wong (two-game homer streak), the Boston Red Sox (10-9) are favorites versus the Cleveland Guardians (12-6) Thursday at 1:35 PM ET. Sportsbooks have named the Red Sox as -123 favorites for the game, which airs on NESN.Brennan...
NEWSLETTER
First, a site note: I’m headed to New York this morning for the Blogs with Balls conference (i.e., large online sports media conference at which they are, among other things, presenting the Best Team-Specific Site award that I’ve been bugging you about (hopefully we win, and I’ll let you know as soon as I do – trying to keep my expectations low)) where I hope to pick up some more tips on how to best navigate this here new job of mine, and how to improve the BN experience for all of you. So, while I’ve got a few things in the can for today, posting may be reduced this weekend. Also, the Enhanced Box Scores may be delayed. For those interested, I’ll try to put together a Meta post about my experience some time next week. OK, on to the Bullets…
