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Comments, News & Rumors - January 2005
2004 Archives | January | February
Headlines
Union Approves Trade - 1/31/05 11:07pm
New Cubs Era - 1/29/05 11:54am
Sosa being Traded to O's - 1/29/05 11:25am
Sosa's Agent Thinks Trade Will Happen - 1/27/05 6:41pm
Cubs Convention = Long Lines - 1/23/05 2:40pm
Hendry waiting for call from Sosa - 1/23/05 2:34pm
Single Game Tickets on Sale Soon - 1/23/05 2:26pm
Dempster set to be Closer - 1/21/05 9:25pm
Cubs Convention Kicks Off - 1/21/05 8:55pm
Cubs to Retire Sandberg's Number - 1/21/05 8:44pm
Cubs Remove Name from Home Jerseys - 1/19/05 7:00pm
Barrett, Farnsworth, Patterson sign - 1/19/05 6:58pm
Cubs Convention Attendees Announced - 1/16/05 10:13am
Next Plan: Maggs - 1/10/05 7:13pm
Beltran to sign with Mets - 1/09/05 8:01am
Cubs make offer to Beltran - 1/05/05 9:35pm
Sandberg going to HOF - 1/04/05 11:15pm
Beltran still interests Cubs - 1/02/05 6:27pm
1/31/05 11:07pm - Union Approves Trade
A key piece of the trade was approved on Monday as the players union agreed to allow Sosa to be traded
to the O's.
Sosa's contract currently contains a clause that says if he gets traded, he is guaranteed an automatic $18 million
extension for 2006 and a $19 million salary for 2007. Part of the trade with the Orioles will allow Sammy to
sign an addendum to his contact voiding that clause. If it means getting out of Chicago, Sosa seems more than willing
to do just this.
Two other pieces must also work out for the Cubs and Sosa as he must pass a physical and get approval from MLB
commissioner, Bud Selig. Monday, Sosa was in Baltimore taking his physical, which should not be a problem. The
trade is expected to be approved by Selig and become final by Wednesday or Thursday.
Barring any problems with the physical, it looks like Sosa will definitely be moving to the American League
next year. Though the Cubs lose a big bat in the outfield, fans, players, coaches, and even Sosa himself couldn't
be happier.
Contrary to previous rumors, the Cubs would be paying Sosa $12.5 million of the $17 million salary for 2005. The
O's are to assume responsibility for the 2006 option, but only after a $4.5 million buyout option. In the end,
the Cubs would wind up paying $62.5 million of the $72 million Sosa was guaranteed in the deal. This goes to
show fans how eager the Cubs were to dump Sosa.
The Cubs are now focusing on a new addition to the outfield. Free agents like Magglio Ordonez, Jeromy Burnitz have been
talked about, but Ordonez looks like he has a big offer from the Tigers and Burnitz is a strike-out threat. Other names have
been suggested for trading such as Aubrey Huff, Jacque Jones, and a few others.
If the Cubs do not sign another free agent, they may platoon their outfield with Hairston Jr, Patterson,
Hollandsworth, and Dubois.
- Bryan | Return
1/29/05 11:54am - New Cubs Era
Chants of "Sammy! Sammy! Sammy!" may soon be replaced with "Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!". With the trade of Sammy
Sosa to the O's, the Cubs are entering a new era. The Sosa-less era.
It has been a long road. Sosa went from one of the most beloved players in baseball to the goat of 2004. Fans
were fed up after the 2004 season. From his sneezing DL stint to walking out on the final game of the season,
fans, players, and coaches expressed their displeasure with Sosa.
Sosa's ego grew and grew until his skills diminished enough to make fans turn the cheers into boos. 2004 marked
the first time that Sosa was booed. From striking out to mis-playing fly balls, fans slowly turned on him.
Now, without Sosa, the dynamics of the Cubs has shifted. Now the once powerful outfield combination of Sosa and
Alou has been replaced. Could the 2005 outfield be Hairston, Patterson, and Hollandsworth? The power is now
in the infield. Lee and Ramirez will now be the power hitters for the Cubs. Could this change Hairston to the
new leadoff hitter? With the new team, the offense has a totally new face. They may even have the opportunity
to pickup Ordonez or Burnitz, who are both free agents.
- Bryan | Return
1/29/05 11:25am - Sosa being Traded to O's
It looks like fans will be getting their wish. Sammy Sosa will be traded to the Baltimore Orioles pending a
physical. In return they will get Jerry Hairston Jr. and two minor league prospects.
The only thing standing in the way is a pending medical test and the approval of Commissioner, Bud Selig. The
agreement would have the Cubs paying Sosa $10 million for 2005 and Sosa would agree to waive his guaranteed
2006 salary.
Hairston batted .303 last year as a second baseman with 2 home runs and 24 RBI's in 86 games. Hairston also
played in the outfield in 2004. Does this now open the door for the Cubs to get Ordonez or Burnitz? Hairston
could possibly play in right field, but the Cubs may be willing to pick up another free agent with some power.
- Bryan | Return
1/27/05 6:41pm - Sosa's Agent Thinks Trade Will Happen
Though the Cubs now seem to be planning the 2005 season with Sammy Sosa, his agent is convinced that Sosa will
be traded.
"I think he will be traded, and I think Sammy will be one of the best pickups of the entire
off-season," Sosa's agent said. "He deserves better than this. He's determined, absolutely
determined � determined to remind people that he has a lot of productive time left."
Though there has been no comments from Sosa, the rumor is that he is more willing to be traded
than the Cubs are willing to trade him. With only big name free agents like Jeromy Burnitz and Magglio Ordonez
teams could start to show more interest in Sosa very soon.
- Bryan | Return
1/23/05 2:40pm - Cubs Convention = Long Lines
The Cubs Convention finished up this weekend after visits from past and present Cubs. With numerous question
and answer sessions, games, memorabilia, and autographs, fans had an opportunity to show their support for the
"Believe in '05" campaign.
While the players and coaches were great and the event looked to be a success, many fans only saw long lines
and pushy fans. With autograph lines thousands of people long, it was very difficult for fans to get autographs
from their favorite players. Some lines were for scratch and win autograph chances and some lines were for
kids only.
Fans camped out in the hallway all night at the Hilton to be the first in line to get the opportunity to meet
players like Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. By 10:00am, lines had grown to over 5 hours long in some areas. At
that point, by the time you got to the front of the line, 5 players might have come and gone.
The Convention also was the first opportunity where fans could purchase the "Cubs Believe" wristbands. The
wristbands sold for $2 each with net proceeds benefiting the Cubs Care charity. Fans were seen buying the
wristbands by the boxes and cases.
- Bryan | Return
1/23/05 2:34pm - Hendry waiting for call from Sosa
The Cubs look to be preparing for life with Sammy Sosa for the 2005 season. Saturday, Jim Hendry answered
questions from fans about Sammy Sosa.
"I'm still waiting for him to call me," Hendry said of Sosa. Sosa has not made contact with the team since
leaving early during the final game of the season.
Dusty Baker said that he expected Sosa to be batting 4th in 2005. "I think he deserves a certain
amount of respect," Baker said.
With the probability that no trade will be happening, the Cubs and Sosa will have to get in contact soon.
The longer they are not in contact, the harder it is going to be to mend the relationship.
Most fans at the Convention were not happy when the subject of Sammy Sosa came up.
"If he was here, everyone would boo, but I am sure many would want his autograph," an unidentified fan said.
- Jim | Return
1/23/05 2:26pm - Single Game Tickets on Sale Soon
The "Believe in '05" campaign will begin soon with the sale of individual game tickets. Tickets for
the 2005 regular season will go on sale Friday, February 25th.
There will be 6 value home games, 35 regular home games, and 40 prime home games. The highlight for next year
will be when the defending World Series champions visit Wrigley Field. The Red Sox will be in town during
the weekend of June 10th, 11th, and 12th.
More information on individual game tickets will be available soon.
- Jim | Return
1/21/05 8:55pm - Dempster set to be Closer
While fans watched as the Cubs made no moves for a big name closer, Jim Hendry may have had another plan
all along. His name is Ryan Dempster.
"If that's something they want me to do, I would be more than happy to grab that by the horns and give it a
ride and see how it goes," Dempster said. "It's something I'm capable of doing."
"[The Dodgers' Eric] Gagne was a roommate of mine when we were with Team Canada," Dempster said. "I worked
out with Brad Lidge during the winter and those were two starters-turned-closers. I talked to [Troy] Percival
on the weekend.
"I just tried to pick as many people's brains because if this is something I want to do, I want to be very
successful at it."
Though Dempster has not been a closer in the past, at this point, the Cubs do not believe that Joe Borowski will be
ready to assume his responsibilities as the closer. Latroy Hawkins was not the best replacement for Borowski last
year, blowing 8 of 12 one-run save opportunities last year. The Cubs want him to go back to being a
setup man. For now, the closer role is Dempster's job to lose.
- Bryan | Return
1/21/05 8:55pm - Cubs Convention Kicks Off
Opening ceremonies kicked off Friday night for the 20th annual Cubs Convention. After introducing all the
current and past players and coaches, the Cubs announced that they were retiring Ryne Sandberg's number.
The convention, behind held this weekend at the Hilton Chicago, gives fans the opportunity to meet the players
and coaches. Autographs, photos, memorabilia and more will be available.
Attendees at Friday's opening ceremonies included Derrick Lee, Mark Prior, Glendon Rusch, Kerry Wood, Corey
Patterson, Todd Walker, Jason Dubois, Michael Barrett, Ryan Dempster, Jon Leicester, Greg Maddux, Sergio Mitre, Todd Wellemeyer,
and Michael Wuertz. Carlos Zambrano did not attend the opening ceremony, but is expected to be at the convention
Saturday. Past Cubs included Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, and many more.
During the opening ceremony, WGN displayed a video of the highlights of the 2004 season. Every time Sammy Sosa
was shown on the screen, fans booed loudly. Ryne Sandberg, Greg Maddux, and Kerry Wood received the loudest ovations
during the introductions.
Saturday's events include autograph and photo sessions with Andre Dawson, Mark Prior, Ernie Banks, Kerry Wood, Billy Williams, Ryne Sandberg,
Carlos Zambrano, Todd Walker, and many more current and past players and coaches.
- Bryan | Return
1/21/05 8:44pm - Cubs to Retire Sandberg's Number
The Cubs Convention was kicked off with a bang on Friday night. The newest member of the Hall of Fame will have
his number retired.
The announcement was made during the opening ceremonies by John McDonough, vice president of marketing
and broadcasting for the Cubs. Sandberg's number will be the 4th number retired at Wrigley Field. He joins
Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ron Santo. Details about the retirement ceremony will be announced at a
later date.
- Jim | Return
1/19/05 7:00pm - Cubs to Remove Name from Home Jerseys
The Cubs may be selling more team programs at Wrigley Field in 2005. In 2005 the Cubs will be removing the names from each player's home jerseys. Like several other teams in baseball, the back of the jerseys will only contain the player's number.
"We thought we were in the clear when Mark Grudzielanek left [to sign with the Cardinals]," quipped John McDonough, the Cubs' marketing and broadcasting vice president.
The Cubs are either hoping to remove the amount of letters they have to make with players like Garciaparra or hoping to get back to some traditional baseball. Away jerseys will continue to have both the number and the player's name.
- Bryan | Return
1/19/05 6:58pm - Barrett, Farnsworth, Patterson sign
On Tuesday, the Cubs announced that they had re-signed Michael Barrett to a 3-year deal and also re-signed Corey Patterson and Kyle Farnsworth to 1-year deals.
Barrett will be getting $12 million over the 3 years after a strong 2004 performance. Patterson, who bounced around in the lineup, will receive $2.8 million for the 2005 season. Farsnworth was 4-5 in 2004 with a 4.73 ERA. For the 2005 season, he will receive $1.975 million. This may be his last chance on the Cubs to prove he has what it takes. For years, Farnsworth has been considered for the closer job, but never was mentally prepared.
Two more players remain arbitration-eligible, including Carlos Zambrano and Aramis Ramirez. On Tuesday, the Cubs and both players exchanged figures. Ramirez was seeking $10.25 million, but the Cubs offered $8 million after making $6 million in 2004. Zambrano asked for a $3.52 million raise to $4 million in 2005 after making the All-Star team last year.
The Cubs hope to re-sign both and skip the arbitration hearing simmilarly to how they re-signed Kerry Wood and Derrick Lee last year.
Jim Hendry also signed minor league pitcher Scott Williamson, who just came off elbow surgery in mid-October. Williamson won the NL Rookie of the Year in 1999 when he was 12-7 with 19 saves and a 2.41 ERA in 62 relief appearances for the Reds.
Hendry also spent some time defending the Cubs against critics who have said the Cubs have not done anything in the off-season.
"We set out to do a lot of things," Hendry said. "Some of them we've done, some we haven't. When you say you don't do anything but you've got Barrett, Ramirez, [Nomar] Garciaparra, [Todd] Walker and Derrek Lee in the infield, there's not a whole lot of faces on the deck I'd want to change.
"Sometimes when you do some things the year before and in the summer, you're not always playing add-on and maybe it's construed that way,'' Hendry said. "I'm optimistic we can compete with the club we have now. We don't go to work every day assuming we won't be adding somebody to the club by the first day of camp.
"If there was something that makes our club better and [Sosa] was moved, I'd have to be convinced it's better for us. If not, we will certainly take the normal Sammy production that he always gives us.''
With the small possibility that Sammy Sosa could still be traded, there is still some time left to make some things happen. The Cubs are also hoping not to have the injuries that they had in 2004. The Cubs also seem to be using the approach that if they don't lose any of their stars, they may be staying ahead of teams like the Cardinals and Astros who have both lost some of their talent from 2004.
- Bryan | Return
1/16/05 10:13am - Cubs Convention Attendees Announced
The Cubs have announced some participants for the 20th annual Cubs Convention. The Convention will be held at the
Hilton Chicago during the weekend of January 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.
From the Managers and coaching staff, the Cubs will be bringing Dusty Baker, Gene Clines, Jim Hendry, Sonny Jackson, Andy MacPhail,
Gary Matthews, Dick Pole, Larry Rothschild, and Chris Speier.
Current players include Michael Barrett, Joe Borowski, Ryan Dempster, Jason Dubois, Derrek Lee,
Jon Leicester, Greg Maddux, Sergio Mitre, Corey Patterson, Mark Prior, Glendon Rusch, Todd Walker,
Todd Wellemeyer, Kerry Wood, Michael Wuertz, and Carlos Zambrano.
Highlighting the list of former Cubs will be Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Fergie Jenkings, Billy Williams, and
Ron Santo.
Other former Cubs include Paul Assenmacher, Mike Bielecki, Glenn Beckert, Jose Cardenal,
Ron Cey, Jody Davis, Andre Dawson, Bob Dernier, Jim Frey, Joe Girardi, Richie Hebner, Glennallen Hill,
Burt Hooton, Jay Johnstone, Dave Kingman, Vance Law, Keith Moreland, Mickey Morandini, Gene Oliver, Dave Otto,
Andy Pafko, Milt Pappas, Paul Popovich, Scott Sanderson, Dwight Smith, Lee Smith, Tim Stoddard, Kevin Tapani,
Gary Varsho, Rick Wilkins, and Don Zimmer.
Broadcasters include Ron Santo, Bob Brenly, Pat Hughes, and Len Kasper.
- Bryan | Return
1/10/05 7:13pm - Next Plan: Maggs
With Beltran taking the easy route going to the Mets, it leave little on the free agent front. Magglio Ordonez said he feels like "the last one left" in the free-agent class of 2005.
Ordonez's preference to remain in Chicago makes the Cubs his obvious first choice. General manager Jim Hendry has had preliminary talks with Ordonez's agent, Scott Boras. With the thought of playing with Sammy Sosa and Aramis Ramirez, Ordonez laughed and said ""Not a bad lineup, huh?"
The Cubs and Orioles both seem interested in Ordonez and both have requested and received his medical records, including reports concerning his knee surgery last summer.
"The doctors have cleared me," he said. "I'll be ready to play by spring training. Everybody will see."
"I'm pain-free and in better shape than ever now after rehabbing so long."
Signing Ordonez might put some tensions to rest among Cub Nation. While the trade possibilities of Sammy Sosa are diminishing, adding Ordonez to the outfield will fill the vacant hole with the departure of Moises Alou. Currently, the Cubs plan to use Todd Hollandsworth or Jason Dubois in left field. Adding Ordonez could push Sosa to left field if he is not traded.
- Bryan | Return
1/09/05 8:01am - Beltran to sign with Mets
Cubs fans who are expecting a miracle will probably have to focus on other free agents. Though Carlos Beltran
declined Houston's offer estimated to be about $105 million over 7 years, don't expect him to come to the Cubs.
Clients of super-agent, Scott Boras, hire him to get the most money they can. The Cubs are believed to have
talked about available salary room for approximately 5 years, $85 million.
Fans were happy to see him pass on the January 8th deadline with Houston, but now the rumor is that he will probably end up with the
Mets. Newsday reports that the deal the Mets have offered could be worth between $115 million and $119 million
over 7 years.
With this news, it may benefit the Cubs to acquire one of the other free agents, such as Magglio Ordonez or
Jeromy Burnitz. These options would be less expensive and my prove to be a better choice. Many experts are
suggesting that Beltran is not worth what he is asking for. Does batting .267 last year justify the big contract?
It seems the only thing driving it up is the hot streak he had during the playoffs. He is only a career .284 hitter.
Last year, Burnitz hit .283 with 37 homers and 110 RBI's. In 52 games last year, Ordonez batted .292 with 9 homers
and 37 RBI's. Ordonez is a .307 career hitter over 8 years, but has been slowed recently with knee problems.
Ordonez missed 36 games after injuring his left knee in a May 19 collision with second baseman Willie Harris, then
went on the disabled list for good July 22 with bone marrow edema.
The downside to Ordonez is that he had experimental surgery with his knee and he is a client of the evil, Scott
Boras. With the Cubs stick with what they have or will they spend the extra money they have and acquire one
more outfield hand?
- Bryan | Return
1/05/05 9:35pm - Cubs make offer to Beltran
The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that the Cubs have made an offer to Carlos Beltran. Though details have not been
released, it is believed to be similar to the offer that the Houston Astros extended Beltran.
Beltran's agent, Scott Boras, has been asking for a 7-8 year deal with approximately $15 million a year. The Cubs
appeared to have offered a 5 to 6 year deal worth close to $84 million.
Though this offer is not what Boras had asked for, it still comes close to matching the Houston offer. Now that Boras
has all his offers on the table, it may only be a matter of time before a decision is made. At this point, the Cubs
do not appear to be the front runners, but if Beltran wants to be in Chicago, he has his opportunity.
- Bryan | Return
1/04/05 11:15pm - Sandberg going to HOF
On his third try, Ryne Sandberg finally made it into the Hall of Fame with only 6 votes to spare. With 75% of
the votes necessary, Sandberg received 76.2%, just making the cut.
Ryno joined Wade Boggs to be the 2005 inductees to the Hall of Fame. Sandberg spent just about his
entire career with the Cubs (his first year, he had 6 at-bats with the Phillies), making 10 All-Star
appearances and winning the 1984 NL MVP. He also has 9 Gold Gloves to add to his resume.
"It was one of the more incredible phone calls I've ever received," said Sandberg. "It came a little
earlier than I expected and it caught me a little off guard, but total elation set in shortly
after that."
"I think defense had everything to do with me getting into the Hall of Fame," Sandberg said. "I think my
defense was what helped me break into the Majors. I earned the everyday job at the age of 22 as the starting
third baseman, and my defense kept me in. I started my rookie year, I think, 0-for-30 or 1-for-31. But my
defense was solid, and it kept me in there."
"I always took pride in my defense and the Gold Glove in '83 set the tone for my play and helped me achieve
one of my goals, which was to win a Gold Glove every year."
Boggs and Sandberg will be the 259th and 260th members inducted into the Hall of Fame. In his first year on the
ballot, Sandberg received 244 votes, or 49.2 percent. He received 309 votes, or 61.1 percent, last year.
- Bryan | Return
1/02/05 6:27pm - Beltran still interests Cubs
While many fans have written Carlos Beltran off as becoming the big free agent signing for the Cubs, it is still
possible.
Beltran's agent, Scott Boras seems to think trading Sosa has nothing to do with signing Beltran.
"I don't know why people are writing the Cubs aren't in it because they have to trade Sammy Sosa first," Boras
said. "We're only talking about one more year [on Sosa's contract]. Who in their right mind would think you
could not accommodate signing Carlos Beltran because of that?"
As of Sunday, Beltran has yet to meet with the Cubs, but has met with the Yankees after Houston extended him
a hefty offer. He is suppose to meet with the Mets within the next few days.
If the Cubs get Beltran and are unable to trade Sosa, Beltran may have to agree to a smaller contract for 2005.
The Cubs don't want to hit the luxury tax threshold which has been punishing teams like the Yankees. They are also
probably not going to work more than a six year deal.
The Cubs are not expected to meet with Beltran, but Jim Hendry said the Cubs are "still interested". Boras
respects the Cubs and their ability to fly below the radar. Last year, the Cubs waited until about this point
in the offseason to start the talks to acquire Maddux.
If Beltran goes to another team, the Cubs may move towards making a one year offer to Maglio Ordonez. It has been
reported that he would accept a one year deal to prove he is healthy. Ordonez has already shown interest in the
Cubs. At this point, the outfield may consist of Sosa, Patterson, and Hollandsworth unless things change.
- Bryan | Return
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