Weekend Catch-Up: Arrieta Finally Signs, Camp Cuts and Cubs Contracts, Much More

That turned into an extremely busy March weekend, eh? Catch yourself up on the headlines here if you ducked out.

Friday, March 9

• Among Friday’s Bullets, the defensive ability within Ian Happ’s versatility could take another step forward this year.
• Tommy La Stella took his prank war with the front office to the next level, parking a bounce house in their spots.
• Lots of Cubs pitching prospect notes to get into, including love for the guys at the top.
• Facebook secured the exclusive rights to 25 MLB games this year.
• The Cubs cut 13 from big league camp.
• In a bit of analysis that would prove not only correct but also entirely academic, I couldn’t see Jake Arrieta winding up back with the Cubs on a one-year deal.
• Old friends return, as Matt Murton and Chris Denorfia have joined the front office.
• Kris Bryant is now the Cubs’ MLBPA rep.
• A couple free agents came off the board on one-year deals, with Carlos Gonzalez returning to the Rockies and Jonathan Lucroy heading out to join the A’s.
• The Cubs won their Friday Cactus League game 6-1 behind the power bats and Jon Lester. One of those power bats was Kyle Schwarber, who ripped an LOL-caliber homer.

Saturday, March 10

• Despite his earlier comments that he was 100 percent, Javy Baez’s hamstring was still bothering him this weekend and he had an MRI.
• Among Saturday’s Bullets, Jon Lester looking great, some early Spring numbers, and young players getting scared into extensions.
• Jed Hoyer said the Cubs nailed the offseason, and Michael went about fact-checking.
• Lance Lynn became the next free agent to settle for a one-year deal, signing with the Twins.

Sunday, March 11

• The day started off sufficiently slowly with a look at the Cubs’ split-squad action from the day before.
• Some Cubs players read letters from young fans, and it was lovely.
• And then the Cubs came to agreements with their pre-arb players, but had to renew Ian Happ.
• And Kyle Schwarber homered in a game the Cubs lost.
• But the big, big story of the day was Jake Arrieta finally signing, ultimately landing with the Phillies.