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Chicago Cubs Wiretap

Cubs, Wuertz Agree To One-Year Deal

According to a Association Press report, the Cubs avoided salary arbitration with their last eligible player on Monday, agreeing to a one-year, $860,000 deal with RHP Michael Wuertz.

Wuertz is 12-6 with one save and a 3.56 ERA in 220 relief appearances since making his debut in 2004.

He had asked for a raise from $415,000 to $975,000 and had been offered $750,000.

RealGM Note: Wuertz had a season FIC of 77 and 'deserved' a $1 million salary in 2007.

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Via RealGM Staff Report


Tribune Co. Likely To Still Own Cubs In 2008

An report from the Associated Press indicates that the Tribune Co. is unlikely to find a buyer for the Cubs until the middle of 2008 or later.

New Tribune owner Sam Zell wants Wrigley Field to be controlled by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority before a sale is reached.

"We'd like to find a new owner to play at Clark and Addison (streets) for the foreseeable future," Crane Kenney said. Selling the team to the stadium authority "would put aside a substantial amount of money" for necessary changes at Wrigley.

Via RealGM Staff Report


Report: Cubs Have Interest In Rangers' Byrd

The Rangers may have finished putting together their team for Spring Training, but that hasn't stopped other teams from asking about their players.

The Cubs, according to Major League officials, have called and asked about center fielder Marlon Byrd. The Cubs are looking for a right-handed-hitting center fielder.

Byrd played center for the Rangers last season but is expected to switch to left after the acquisition of Josh Hamilton earlier this month.

Via MLB.com


Cubs Shoot Down 9-Player 'Deal' With Orioles

Cubs' General Manager Jim Hendry alternated between being aghast and amused Saturday over a report that had the Cubs sending seven players to the Baltimore Orioles for second baseman Brian Roberts and left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard.

The "deal" reportedly was killed by Orioles' owner Peter Angelos, who last year hired former Cubs' President Andy MacPhail to run his baseball operation.

"First of all, that story was not accurate," Hendry told the crowd at the Cubs' convention. "I think it mentioned the owner nixing the trade. That certainly hasn't been the path we've been on. I don't think it would ever get to the ownership-type level. Andy MacPhail is certainly capable of making deals. That is not accurate."

"I'd like to know who we gave up."

Via Daily Herald


Cubs Sign Takatsu To Minor-League Deal

The Cubs on Friday signed Japanese righthander Shingo Takatsu to a minor league contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the agreement includes a non-roster invitation to spring training.

Via yahoo.com


Cubs Jan 2008 Archive

  • Cubs Bring Back Jon Lieber

    The Cubs, turning to an old friend, have signed right-hander Jon Lieber to a one-year contract, according to major-league sources.

  • Cubs Sign Fox To Minor-League Deal

    The Cubs on Friday signed righthander Chad Fox to a one-year minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

  • Confusion Over Roberts' To Cubs Rumors

    Sean Marshall, Sean Gallagher and Ronny Cedeno could be on their way to Baltimore in exchange for Brian Roberts.

  • Mets Trade Meyers, Coles For Cubs' Pagan

    The Mets on Saturday acquired outfielder Angel Pagan from the Cubs for righthander Ryan Meyers and outfielder Corey Coles.

  • Wrigley To Add 'Bullpen Box Seats'

    The Cubs have received permission to add 70 seats and install additional digital signage at Wrigley Field.

  • Dunston Takes First Crack At Hall

    The "Shawon-O-Meter" is enshrined in the Smithsonian, but Shawon Dunston will find out January 8 if he's headed to Cooperstown.