Farewell, Fans
Cubs Fan Report Rides into the Sunset

Cubs Fan Report

So this is it, our final Cubs Fan Report. Our last goodbye. It's definitely a sad day for us — we loved putting together these daily write-ups, and we met a lot of awesome Cubs fans. Thanks for coming along with us and following the world's greatest baseball team. (Well, not literally the greatest, but you know what we mean.) You can still chat with us about All Things Cubs on our Facebook and Twitter pages, and we hope to meet many of you in person at the Cubs Mid-Winter Tweetup at Kitty O'Shea's on January 14 during the Cubs Convention. Could Cubs Fan Report return someday? Well, if Mark Prior can keep coming back, anything is possible. In the meantime, we've compiled a list of our favorite Cubs sources. Enjoy. Thanks again for your support, and go Cubs!

Kid K Coming Home?
Wood Would Bring Big Boost to Bullpen
So it looks like Kerry Wood is coming right back to where he started. David Kaplan reports the Cubs are set to sign the right-handed free agent, who pitched with the Cubs from 1998-2008. "Wood should provide tremendous support to closer Carlos Marmol and along with left hander Sean Marshall will form a very formidable back end of the bullpen," Kaplan writes. Wood won't have the arm that once whiffed 20 Astros, but he posted an eye-popping 0.69 ERA with the Yankees last year. Are you a little more optimistic now, Cubs fans?

Kap's Corner: Cubs moving toward signing Kerry Wood
Bleed Cubbie Blue: Cubs about to sign Kerry Wood
Cubbies Crib: Cubs closing in on deal with Kerry Wood

Adios, Zambrano?
With Lee Gone, Yanks Might Want Big-Z
We thought Cliff Lee to the Yankees was a done deal. But he's going to Philadelphia, which means New York hasn't picked up any pitching help this offseason. Maybe there's another big-name pitcher out there they might want to look at: Carlos Zambrano. Word is the Cubs would love to move him (and his massive contract, and his... ummm.... complicated psychology). But would he allow it, given that he has a no-trade clause? Bruce Levine and MLB say probably not, but you never know....

New York Daily News: Brian Cashman may dip into...
Chicago Sun-Times: Dominoes may deliver for the Cubs
ESPN Chicago: Agent: Nothing has changed with Big Z
MLB: Indications point to Big Z staying with Cubs

Prince Albert
Could Pujols Really, Truly End up at Wrigley?
We all know Albert Pujols means more to St. Louis than that damned arch and the official civic outfit of white leather shoes with plaid pants. But his contract ends after next year, and The Outfield Ivy notes only a few teams have the jingle to afford Pujols. Also, two of them — Boston and New York — are set at first. Given that Carlos Peña is only signed for one year, and several large contracts (Kosuke Fukudome, Carlos Silva, Aramis Ramirez) are coming off the books, well... it does make some sense, doesn't it?

The Outfield Ivy: Could Albert Pujols really land with the Cubs?

Trade Secrets
Miles: Cubs Not Done Moving Players
Because of the funky contract given to Peña, the Cubs might still have a little coin to work with. Bruce Miles says Jim Hendry is still interested in reclamation project Brandon Webb, and the team is still gazing lovingly at Matt Garza. Miles says the Cubs are willing to trade some celebrated minor leaguers: "The only prospects the Cubs won't move are Brett Jackson and Chris Archer. All the others would be on the table in trade talks. That includes Josh Vitters and Jay Jackson," he writes. Sounds pretty serious.

Daily Herald: Cubs' holiday-season shopping continues

Chat Room
Levine: Don't Blame Hendry for Cubs Woes
Bruce Levine. Chat. We want it that way. Levine defends Hendry, reminding us the Cubs won the division in 2007 and 2008. "Hendry hasn't had any money to spend since the Tribune went bankrupt in December 2008," he says. Levine also says the Cubs aren't spending now because they believe that cash "should go to minor-league development and signing free agents outside of the U.S.," which we are down with. And Big Z? "Zambrano is not going anywhere, in my opinion, except to church on Sunday," Levine says.

ESPN Chicago: Chat with Bruce Levine

The Cubs have released their spring training schedule... Mark Prior is taking his talents to the South Bronx... The Heckler has the scoop on how Lou Piniella and Mike Fontenot are keeping busy during the holidays... Looks like Tom Ricketts isn't the only guy to find love in the Wrigley Field bleachers... Remember how you told us your favorite all-time Cubs player when you subscribed? Here's your Top 10 All-Time Favorite Cubs.

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Last Goodbye
Cubs, Fans Say a Poignant Goodbye to Santo

Cubs Fan Report

Ron Santo's passing was a sad day for Cubs fans everywhere. Thankfully, his funeral wasn't a dour affair, as Santo's radio partner Pat Hughes gave a beautiful send-off that was equal parts touching and hilarious."He would not want you to be sad for long," Hughes said. "Ron Santo wasn't about melancholy. Ronnie was about having fun and laughing, living and loving. And the two things he loved more than anything in his life were his family and the Chicago Cubs." WGN has the full video, below. Trust us, it's worth watching.

WGN TV: Ron Santo funeral: Part 5 [video]
Tales from Aisle 424: Final goodbye to Ronnie
A League of Her Own: So long, Ronnie: Cubs lay Ron Santo to rest
Daily Herald: A great tribute to No. 10
ESPN Chicago: No one more passionate than Ron Santo

Dude, Where's My Garza?
Cubs/Rays Rumor Still Getting Play
There's been a lot of talk, maybe too much talk, about the Cubs trading for Tampa Bay's solid (if not awesome) starter Matt Garza. We're kind ambivalent here — Garza has put up solid numbers, going 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA last year. But the asking price is said to be pretty high, with rumored names including catcher Robinson Chirinos, shortstop Hak-Ju Lee, and maybe some pitching prospects. But A League of Her Own quotes Rays' manager Joe Maddon as saying "Matt Garza will be pitching for us." The wait continues.

Bleacher Nation: Just to add a little wood to the Matt Garza fire
Cubbies Crib: More Garza to the Cubs speculation
A League of Her Own: So long, Ronnie: Cubs lay Santo to rest

Take Five
Cubs Don't Lose Promising Prospect in Rule 5 Draft
In the Rule 5 draft, other teams basically get to claim some of the players you're not crazy about. Well, the draft went down last week, and the Cubs didn't protect a guy named Marquez Smith. But no other teams claimed him, and a few blogs think the Cubs got lucky. Rooftop View says Smith could be valuable if Aramis Ramirez goes down with an injury, or as a "placeholder for top prospect Josh Vitters, or who knows? - maybe he'll earn the job long-term." Cubbies Crib agrees, saying Smith "is a nice-looking player finally coming into his own."

Rooftop View: Did the Cubs dodge a bullet yesterday?
Cubbies Crib: Rule 5 recap

The Summer of Our Disinterest
Cubs Not Getting Much Buzz After Meetings
After last year's not-exactly-scintillating season, hopes were high that the team would make some big moves at the winter meetings. Well, they did sign Carlos Peña. That's clearly not enough for the New York Times: "It's the same tired cast of overpaid underachievers who had their chance in 2007-8 but failed to win a single playoff game after back-to-back division titles." Noting the Cubs still have many question marks/problems throughout the roster, the Times asks, "This is the squad Mike Quade worked his whole life to manage? Good luck to you, sir."

New York Times: Cubs' off-season moves generate little excitement

Adios, Amigos
Cubs Fan Report Calls It a Day
Well, Cubs fans, it was a great run, but it's time for us to hang up our spikes. Unfortunately, we couldn't quite make the numbers work in our favor, and our next email (on Thursday) will be our last Cubs Fan Report. We had a blast writing about our favorite team, and we hope we kept you informed and entertained — as well as introduced you to some of the great Cubs writers/bloggers out there. We loved every moment of it (even getting up at the crack of dawn every morning), but unless Santa delivers a Christmas miracle, our day here is done. Thanks so much for your support, and we look forward to seeing you in the bleachers.

Apparently, the Cubs are still kicking the tires on former Cy Young winner Brandon Webb... Ron Santo made one last trek around Wrigley Field on Friday... Yahoo ranked the worst free-agent signings over $100 million, and you'll never guess who made the list... Have you seen the Minnesota Metrodome roof collapse? It's crazy.

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Carlos in Charge
Cubs Solve First Base Problem, Sign Peña

J. Meric/Getty Images

So the Cubs finally got their man — or a man, or some guy — to play first base. Lefty Carlos Peña will be there next year after signing a one-year, $10 million contract. He batted a cringeworthy .196 last year, but also clubbed 28 homers and won a Gold Glove in 2008. Reactions are mixed: The Cub Reporter says "the deal makes sense," while Cubbie Doctor's Examiner says "I don't see this working out for the Cubs." The Sun-Times says the one-year deal could mean the Cubs are targeting... get ready... Albert Pujols in 2012.

The Cub Reporter: Cubs to sign Carlos Peña
Cubbie Doctor's Examiner: Um... can we just get Derrek Lee back instead?
SB Nation: Carlos Peña is the lefty power bat at first the Cubs have sought...
CSN Chicago: Cubs, Boras and the art of the Peña deal [+ video]
Chicago Sun-Times: Peña for now, Pujols for later?

Funeral Details
Selig, Ricketts to Speak at Santo Funeral
So it's happening: Ron Santo is being laid to rest. We're not the types to rhapsodize about Ronnie ending up in a place where Brant Brown never drops the ball, so we'll just say the visitation is today at Holy Name Cathedral (735 N. State Street) from 4pm-11pm. The funeral is tomorrow at 10am at Holy Name, and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, Santo's broadcast partner Pat Hughes, and Cubs owner Tom Ricketts will speak in the ceremony. The funeral procession will head north and circle Wrigley Field, just like Ronnie would have wanted.

Chicago Sun-Times: Santo funeral procession to circle Wrigley Field
ESPN Chicago: Ron Santo funeral to lap Wrigley Field

Goodbye Gorzo, Hello Garza?
Cubs Looking to Make Pitching Deals
We've always liked the aw-shucksy demeanor (and occasional strong game) of Tom Gorzelanny, but we're hearing the Cubs may be looking to trade him. We're not sure what they'd get in return, but if it means promoting a prospect like Chris Archer or Jay Jackson, we're OK with it. Meanwhile, the rumors are running rampant that the Cubs are trying to get Matt Garza of Tampa Bay, who was 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA last year. Considering those are AL numbers, we're thinking he'll improve in the NL (a la Ted Lilly).

ESPN Chicago: Source: Cubs interested in Garza
Bleacher Nation: Cubs one of three after Matt Garza
Another Cubs Blog: Matt Garza? Why?

The Other Side
GM Jim Hendry's Views on the Cubs
We've read a whole lotta hate (see what we did there?) about the Cubs' offseason: they're going to suck next year, everyone is stupid, blah blah blah. But GM Jim Hendry is optimistic. "I think with a few additions, we could be right back in the thick of things," he says, noting expectations were low for Cincinnati or San Diego this season, too. "We need a first baseman, and we'd like to add a little more pitching.... Just with those additions, I think we'll be a lot better club." We'll see, won't we?

Daily Herald: GM Hendry believes Cubs can turn things around quickly

Be Like Mike
Cubs' New Skipper Is Optimistic/Realistic
We'll just come out and say it: We like Mike Quade. He seems smart and tough, but fair. For instance, he doesn't bristle when asked if he understood why some people are bummed about Ryne Sandberg not getting the job. "I don't blame them, and I get it," he said. Quade, a Chicago-area native (E-Town represent!), also said he feels all the disappointment about the team not winning after all these years. "Having lived there, and having had the Chicago experience most of my life, I understand the angst," he said.

ESPN Chicago: Q&A with Cubs manager Mike Quade
Chicago Sun-Times: Quade's quest: Escape to quiet
CSN Chicago: Quade knows he needs to keep proving himself

Prospecting for Gold
Jackson, Archer Head List of Cubs' Top Prospects
There's a two-word reason we're excited about the Cubs' youth movement: Brett Jackson. But rather than indulge our mancrush, we'll just note the promising centerfielder ranked as the team's top prospect by SB Nation, earning a B+ grade and the write-up "love the broad base of skills." The site ranked the team's top 20 prospects, with other high finishers including pitcher Chris Archer (B+), infielder Hak-Ju Lee (B), and pitcher Jay Jackson (B). This year's first-round pick Hayden Simpson gets a B-, while 2007 first-rounder Josh Vitters gets a C+. Yikes.

SB Nation: Chicago Cubs top prospects for 2011

The Cubs promoted minor-league pitching coordinator Mark Riggins to replace Larry Rothschild... Also, the Cubs named Mariano Duncan as their Double-A hitting coach... The Cubs have expressed a passing interest in Royals' ace Zack Greinke, SI's Jon Heyman says... Another pervasive rumor has the Cubs trading a few players, including a young catching prospect, to the Texas Rangers for first baseman Chris Davis and reliever Darren O'Day... The Heckler's take on the Carlos Peña signing is awesome, as always.

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Looking Back
A Few Final Memories of Santo

Cubs Fan Report

We'll move on from the Santo stuff eventually, but the poignant tributes just keep coming. The Tribune put together a piece of his top 10 moments, along with a great video accompaniment, and Steve Rosenbloom recalls the time Santo sang at his son's bar mitzvah. WGN's Dave Kaplan posted an awesome audio compilation of Santo's greatest hits, and Rick Telander tells us something we probably already knew: Santo was deeply wounded by the snubs he received from the Hall of Fame. Jerks.

Chicago Tribune: 10 defining Ron Santo moments [+ video]
Kap's Corner: A tribute to Ron Santo: Audio edition, part I   part II
Chicago Tribune: Ron Santo, a mensch among boys
Chicago Sun-Times: Hall of Fame snub wounded Santo deeply
Chicago Tribune: Santo might have best chance at Hall of Fame after death
The Heckler: Cubs to honor Santo by playing Brant Brown clip after bad plays...

No, Seriously: Who the *$#& Is on First?
Gonzalez, Berkman Deals Leave Cubs with Few Options
We're down with the Cubs' youth movement, but we still loved the idea of getting San Diego lefty first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Unfortunately, Boston got there first and will finalize the deal today. (They might not sign him to an extension, but the point is, he's playing at Fenway next year.) Between this and Lance Berkman's signing with the Cardinals, the Cubs' options are pretty thin at first base and might be forced into signing Carlos Peña. The Tribune says he should come with a warning label: "This player hit .196 in 2010 for $10 million."

Chicago Tribune: Cubs running out of options at first base
Rooftop View: Damn Red Sox
Bleacher Nation: Lukewarm stove: Cubs offered Lance Berkman $8 million

Endless Bummer?
Blog: Fans Feeling Pessimistic About Team
Hopes were high when the Ricketts family took over the Cubs last year, but SB Nation says things have turned for the worse lately. The blog believes the team is building for the future, but that the Ricketts family needs to "say something, anything, about a direction they want to take the Cubs," the blog says. The Cubs have improved the minor-league system dramatically, and if that's the hope for the future, "Just say so, and how much you're spending where it counts," the blog advises. "Enough fans would understand."

SB Nation: Cubs winter meetings preview: Fans disillusioned...

Funding Fun
Cubs' Request for State Funds Dies (For Now)
So that hullabaloo over the Cubs' request for state funding — funny how you don't hear anything about it anymore, isn't it? The reason for that is simple: The assembly adjourned for its break without picking up the Cubs' bill, and that was that. However, it might start again later in a different guise. Some options include creating a TIF district around Wrigley Field or trying to broaden a tax on downtown restaurants used for McCormick Place.

Chicago Sun-Times: Wrigley finance proposal has struck out
Chicago Breaking Business: Cubs whiff on pitch to renovate Wrigley Field

Under Pressure
Sun-Times: Cubs Need to Make a Move
It's safe to say the Sun-Times' Gordon Wittenmeyer is a "glass half-empty" type. Citing the White Sox signing Adam Dunn, the bad press from the stadium financing effort, and the shrinking payroll, Wittenmeyer says the Cubs are becoming "an afterthought in the city." (Pretty strong, no?) To get some buzz back, he says Hendry needs to make a splash. And what would get the team back to "high relevance"? Perhaps a trade — or signing Cliff Lee. Yeah... we're not holding our breath on that last one.

Chicago Sun-Times: No doubt about it: The pressure's on for Cubs
Daily Herald: Hendry says trades could be aplenty
ESPN Chicago: Cubs looking for rotation help

Here's the Pitch
Blog: Cubs Don't Need Pitchers (or Belly-Itchers)
When it comes to off-season needs, we've heard many say the team needs a starting pitcher. But Cubbie Doctor's Examiner argues that the team is actually set at this position. Noting the Cubs have been connected via rumor to all sorts of names (Brandon Webb getting the most play), the blog says, "The Cubs had the most quality starts in the National League last year yet they only won 75 games. That tells me that they didn't score enough runs and didn't play well defensively." Interesting....

Cubbie Doctor's Examiner: Who told the Cubs they need a starting pitcher?

Baseball Winter meetings begin today in Orlando. Let's see if the Cubs can pull off any big moves... Whoa: Ed Sherman seems to be seriously considering demolishing Wrigley Field... Backstabbing little weasel Former Cub Ryan Theriot appeared on ESPN 1000's Waddle & Silvy show to make amends for slamming the team... The North Siders signed infielder Jeff Baker to a one-year, $1.175 million contract on Thursday... Listen to Andrew, Founder of Cubs Fan Report with Bedo and Bernfield on the B-Squared Show discussing Ron Santo and Cubs Fan Report.

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The End of an Era
Fans Mourn Beloved Cubs Legend

Cubs Fan Report

We've heard that we shouldn't be surprised about Ron Santo's passing — he was 70, after all, and had lost part of both legs to diabetes. Yet we were still shocked, and from the reactions we're seeing, we're not alone. There are so many great memories and tributes that we're just going to list some of our favorites — we laughed and cried while putting this together. And we don't want to wallow in sorrow here, but the injustice of Ronnie never seeing the Cubs win it all, or never getting that call from Cooperstown... well, it's pretty damn sad. R.I.P, Ron. We swear we'll get there one of these days. And we'll all think of you.

ESPN Chicago: Remembering a childhood hero, friend
Chicago Breaking Sports: Rogers: Remembering Ron Santo
Chicago Tribune: Cubs lost heart of their organization; who fills that void now?
Chicago Sun-Times: Ron Santo died a thousand deaths with his Cubs
Chicago Breaking Sports: Pat Hughes reflects on radio partner... [video]
Daily Herald: Tough and caring, Santo had it all
Daily Herald: This old Cub was the real thing
Muskat Ramblings: Statement from Ricketts family
CSN Chicago: Cubs legend Ron Santo dies at age 70 [+ video]
FOX Sports: Santo had Cooperstown credentials
ESPN: Why isn't Ron Santo in the Hall of Fame?
ESPN: Most underrated 3B: Ron Santo
ESPN: Ron Santo was all Cubs, all the time [+ video]
Big League Stew: Taking a closer look at Ron Santo's Hall of Fame case
ESPN Chicago: Reaction around baseball to Santo's death
Bleed Cubbie Blue: Cubs legend Ron Santo dies at 70
A League of Her Own: RIP Ronnie: Cubs' legend Ron Santo dies at 70
Desipio: So long, Big Boy
Big League Stew: A Hall of Famer in our book
Salon: Ron Santo: Remembering the quintessential Cub
The Heckler: A look back at Ron Santo
Goat Riders of the Apocalypse: Why Ron Santo matters
Exile on Clark Street: Santo was more than a Cub

YouTube: "This Old Cub" theatrical trailer [video]
YouTube: Classic Ron Santo and Pat Hughes [video]
YouTube: Ron Santo and Harry Caray [video]
YouTube: Carlos Zambrano no hitter Pat and Ron call it [video]
YouTube: Ron Santo: Take me out to the ballgame [video]

The Santo family released the following visitation and funeral arrangements: The public visitation will be held Thursday, December 9, at 4 p.m at Holy Name Cathedral (735 N. State St.) and the funeral service (with limited public seating available) will be held Friday, December 10, at 10 a.m. at Holy Name Cathedral as well... Donations can be made in Ron's memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation... Please continue to share your Ron Santo memories with us on our Facebook page throughout the weekend.

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Money, It's a Hit
A Detailed Look at Wrigley Funding Proposal

Bob Levey/Getty Images

If you had any questions about the Cubs' recent request for state funds, the Chicago Reader's lengthy feature will undoubtedly answer them. (3,259 words? Wow.) But it's crazy thorough — the article looks at everything from ticket prices to the amusement tax to the possibility of PSLs at Wrigley. ("That's not an option right now," says Lissa Druss Christman from the Ricketts family's PR firm. Whew!) The article quotes an economist who doesn't like the idea (he calls it "a colossal miscalculation"), but it also says the Cubs put the team's economic benefit as $379 million per year. Heavy stuff.

Chicago Reader: Why should we?

A Cloudy Future
Levine Not Optimistic About 2011
Bruce Levine. Chat. Rock us like a hurricane. Levine doesn't seem enamored with the potential signing of pitcher Brandon Webb, but says "[Chris] Archer and [Jay] Jackson aren't quite ready so the Cubs are going to have to look at some short-term players." He also doesn't seem to love Carlos Peña, noting "if the Cubs sign him they are going to have to ignore the strikeouts and the .195 average from 2010." Not exactly the brightest of news, but Levine says John Grabow "is a much better pitcher than he showed last year." We'll believe it when we see it.

ESPN Chicago: Chat with Bruce Levine

Armed & Unready
Forget 1st Base, Is Pitching the Problem?
Everyone has been focusing on the Cubs' situation at first base, but Phil Rogers says the bigger issue is the lack of big guns on the hill. "The Cubs aren't nearly as strong at the top of the rotation as a contending team should be... and have nothing but question marks throughout the rest of the rotation," he writes. The top free agents have started signing with other teams, and Cliff Lee ain't gonna happen. One solution: Sean Marshall moves into the rotation, and we've also heard Andrew Cashner could start. Hmmm.

Chicago Breaking Sports: Your morning Phil: Hendry, Uribe, Jeter
View from the Bleachers: Is Carlos Peña a bad fit for the Cubs?

Don't Sleep on Szczur
Prospect Looks Like He's the Goods
We are totally down with the Cubs bypassing pricey free agents and instead improving their minor-league system. However, our sunshine/unicorns/lollipops optimism depends on the kids being, you know, good. Well, one kid definitely looks good, and that's Matt Szczur (pronounced "sure-jure"). As Cubbies Crib notes, he has speed, power, hits for average, and he friggin' donated bone marrow to an ailing child. Seriously. The Cubs started him out at Single-A, and he hit a crazy .397. Is he the "steal of the draft," as the blog calls him? Could be.

Cubbies Crib: Keep an eye on Szczur

Trivial Pursuits
This, That, the Other, and Various Cubs Tidbits
You call yourself a Cubs fan. But can you tell us why Mick Kelleher's career is noteworthy? What did Lee Smith do when he was made a reliever? And who planted the ivy at Wrigley Field? You'll find the answers to these and many more questions in the fascinating trivia collection over at Chicago Cubs Online. Here's another one: Tinkers and Evers may be immortalized as one of baseball's more famous double-play combinations, but they didn't speak to each other for seven years. Why? Find out at the blog.

Chicago Cubs Online: A side of trivia for Thanksgiving

Who knew Ryan Theriot, traded this week to the St. Louis Cardinals, was a backstabbing little weasel? Not us... Word is the Cubs will offer arbitration to all six eligible players, including Carlos Marmol, Geovany Soto, and Koyie Hill (huh?)... Former Cub phenom Mark Prior looks like he'll be back with the Texas Rangers... The ice-skating rink at Wrigley Field is open for business.

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Who's on First
Cubs Kicking the Tires on Peña, Berkman

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The big question at Wrigley Field this year — other than "Will they finally start serving garlic fries?" — is, "Who's going to play first base?" The answer might be Carlos Peña, according to some rumors. Yes, he only hit .196 with Tampa Bay last year. But he also hit 28 homers and won a Gold Glove in 2008. The Cubs are also showing some interest in portly Lance Berkman, who will be 35 and wasn't exactly awesome last year (14 homers and 58 RBIs between the Astros and the Yankees).

MLB Buzz: Carlos Peña could fit on North Side
Chicago Cubs Online: The Cubs call Berkman... and other rumors
Bleacher Nation: Chicago Cubs talking to Lance Berkman

Caught in the Webb?
Cubs Might Be Eying Former Cy Young Winner
So the Cubs' starting rotation is Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, then... who? Randy Wells? Tom Gorzelanny? Your mom? The team clearly needs a starting pitcher, and the rumor mill says they're looking at Brandon Webb, who was 22-7 two years ago. Other possibilities include Colorado's Jeff Francis and Mariners' perpetually injured lefty Erik Bedard. (They're also checking out outfielder Brad Hawpe.) So there's a pattern: The Cubs are looking at players who were strong but hit a rough patch due to injuries, and are hoping for a comeback.

Cubbies Crib: More damaged goods for the Cubs
Chicago Cubs Online: Cubs interested in Brandon Webb...

A Word for the Defense
Professor: Wrigley Finance Plan a Good One
People were pretty pissed when the Cubs announced they wanted financial help from the state to redo Wrigley Field. "How could the team ask for this money when the state is so poor?" went the standard lament. But a sports economics professor at Loyola University Maryland makes a strong case and says the typical thinking doesn't apply here because the Cubs' moves would help the local economy. "Wrigley is simply unique," Stephen J.K. Walters writes in the Tribune. "The costs of upgrading Wrigley... fall entirely on the Cubs, but the benefits largely flow elsewhere." Interesting.

Crain's: Sports econ professor supports Cubs' case for Wrigley finances
Chicago Tribune: This time it's different

Please, Mr. Postman
Is Kerry Coming Back to Chicago?
Bruce Levine. Chat. Kick out the jams. The longtime baseball reporter said the Cubs have the money to spend, but instead are putting that money into the farm system (which we are totally down with). He also says Soriano at first base simply isn't going to happen, and that Kerry Wood could still come back to the North Side because he and Cubs' GM Jim Hendry have a serious bromance "mutual admiration."

ESPN Chicago: Chat with Bruce Levine

The Boys of Bummer
13 Moments of Cubs Infamy
So you had a nice Thanksgiving, you're rested and ready to start the week... everything is going pretty well. Time to bring yourself back to reality with Agony & Ivy's 13 brutal moments of Cub history. It's definitely for the masochistic Cubs fan — the well-written list includes the Chad Kreuter stolen-hat incident (#13), Lee Elia's tirade (#6), and the collapse of 1969 (#3). We think you can probably guess #1. Go ahead and give it a read, but keep in mind that you probably won't feel like walking on sunshine afterwards.

Agony & Ivy: 13 moments to forget

Looking Back on Larry
Will the Cubs Miss Rothschild? Some Say Yes
Recently departed pitching coach Larry Rothschild had many detractors, but Another Cubs Blog crunches the numbers and finds he was pretty darned good at his job. (Warning: The technical analysis is quite, ummm, technical.) The bottom line is, Rothschild produced strong improvement in many of his pitchers, from Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly to Ryan Dempster and Matt Clement. "The Cubs are going to miss Rothschild and we shouldn't expect his replacement to be anywhere near as good," the blog concludes. Yeeesh.

Another Cubs Blog: Larry Rothschild's impact

Bruce Miles says Cubs' minor-league pitching coordinator Mark Riggins is the favorite to replace departing pitching coaching Larry Rothschild... Four minor leaguers, including future Cy Young winner Chris Archer, were added to the 40-man roster... Maybe Felix Pie couldn't live up to his phenom status, but the dude definitely throws an All-Star caliber tantrum... The Dempster Family Foundation will hold an all-you-can-eat (and drink) pizza party fundraiser Dec. 10 from 6-10 p.m. at Chicago's D'Agostino's, 1351 W. Addison. Tickets are $100 for adults, $50 for kids 12 and younger... Actor Leslie Nielsen passed away Sunday, but we'll always have his classic turn as an ump in "The Naked Gun."

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