- Crane Kenney says the Cubs will increase payroll next year regardless of an ownership change. ''And when it all works, this is what it looks like,'' he said, referring to back-to-back postseasons and a 97-win season. ''It's like the Braves. That's the model -- the Braves and the Red Sox and the   more...
Original Story: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2008/10/08....

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2008: CHICAGO CUBS RESERVE LIST (40-MAN ROSTER) AS OF 10/7/08: * bats or throws left# bats both NOTE: There are presently 40 players on the Cubs RESERVE LIST (40-man roster), plus two additional players on the 60-day DISABLED LIST (players on 60-day DL do not count against the   more...
Original Story: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2008/10/07....

Lou had already named the 4 starters for the playoffs:  Ryan Dempster, Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden and Ted Lilly.  Today he added several other names to the 11-man pitching staff the Cubs will carry into the postseason.  Bob Howry, Jeff Samardzija, and Jason Marquis are sure   more...
Original Story: http://www.anothercubsblog.net/index.php....

The following table shows the Cubs players who are under contract for 2009. Henry Blanco just has an option that includes a $300,000 buyout. Next to each players name is the number of options he has remaining. This chart can be found just below the site logo at all times. Chicago Cubs   more...
Original Story: http://www.anothercubsblog.net/index.php....

I coming up with a top 10 list of the biggest goats of Cubs playoffs, it was hard to limit it to ten. But I decided to limit it to only players, taking out management and umpires (like the 3rd base umpire in Game 3 who blew the out at third base which lead to 2 runs). I also took into consideration   more...
Original Story: http://www.toweldrills.com/2008/10/top-t....

1. Francisco Rodriguez?LAA?"K-Rod" has been blowing hitters away since he came into the league, and last year was no exception. He has had 40+ saves for the last three seasons, while nearing 100 K's in each of those years. His funky delivery makes you think he is either going to blow out his elbow,   more...
Original Story: http://fightingchancefantasy.wordpress.c....

Most of the numbers below you already know. F-WS for catchers is Fielding Win Shares. UBB is unintentional walks. TE and FE are throwing and fielding errors. RZR is Revised Zone Rating. OOZ is Out of Zone plays made. +/- are the number of plays above or below the average player at   more...
Original Story: http://www.anothercubsblog.net/index.php....

Looks like if you want Rays ALCS tickets you will have to pay a steep price. It will be interesting to see what the Boston/Tampa fan split will be for the games at the Trop. (Tampa Trib)Will McCarver express his true feelings towards Manny Ramirez on the Fox broadcast? (Philly Inquirer)Talk about   more...
Original Story: http://www.thesportspoint.net/2008/10/ml....

As Lou reviews his options for the post-season roster, so will we. One thing to remember here is that playoff teams don't usually carry the same number of pitchers on their playoff rosters, because the off-days allow relievers to rest.Not Worthy of Comment (because they're on the Team)Geovany   more...
Original Story: http://www.toweldrills.com/2008/09/playo....

#3 RBI Against: Andy PettitteIf you're a Yankee fan then you know that this has not been the prototypical year for Andy Pettitte. He's struggled often to get the big out in the big spot and has given up runs in seemingly every game. But I don't think any Yankee fan would have thought that Pettitte   more...
Original Story: http://simononsports.blogspot.com/2008/0....

One of the many toys at Baseball Prospectus is something they call "Secret Sauce". BP has successfully cracked the code to playoff success and nailed the last 45 World Series winners. What? How have you never heard of this amazing prediction system? Because I made that last part up, but   more...
Original Story: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2008/09/24....

Top 2. After the Cubs fail to score Alfonso Soriano after his leadoff single, (his only hit of the series) Carlos Zambrano gives up back to back singles to start the inning. Eithier on 3rd. Loney on 2nd. Z strikes out Zambrano. 1 down. All we need is a double play ball. Z gets Blake DeWitt to hit a   more...
Original Story: http://www.toweldrills.com/2008/10/cubs-....

Cubs Offense vs. Dodgers Pitching and DefenseLet's finish the preview and see what the Cubs pitching can do against the Dodgers bats.Dodgers Offense vs. Cubs Pitching and DefenseDodgers Hitting: .264/.333/.399 .732 OPS(11th in OPS), 126 SB's at a 75% success rate (3rd and 5th respectively)Cubs   more...
Original Story: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2008/10/01....

If you're looking for an entertaining blend of action, suspense, and intrigue, you don't have to wait for The Dark Knight. This summer's blockbuster rivalry is not Batman and the Joker--it's the Cubs and the Cardinals.In true Independence Day fashion, the teams sparred this weekend with fireworks   more...
Original Story: http://www.windycitizen.com/blogs/nearly....

I've mostly avoided any recaps of this series from the mainstream media and I just don't have much interest in reading what they have to say.  They'll trash this team.  They'll berate certain players, most likely the ones of color.  They'll turn 6 months of great baseball   more...
Original Story: http://www.anothercubsblog.net/index.php....