http://mlb.mlb.com CHC Homepage News Mon, 20 May 2013 11:33:44 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130520&content_id=48049714&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc Mon, 20 May 2013 00:35:20 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130520&content_id=48049714&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc You never know where a home run ball will land. Sometimes you catch them and sometimes they hit you square in the face. So, if you're at the game with your wife, you should protect her from these flying projectiles -- but please, do not spill her beer in the process. Matt Monagan http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47979598&notebook_id=47982338&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Sun, 19 May 2013 12:35:49 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47979598&notebook_id=47982338&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc If you thought the Cubs were playing without a third baseman at times during Saturday's win over the Mets, you wouldn't be entirely off base. The defensive shifts that Dale Sveum and his staff like to employ have been on display this weekend when New York outfielder Rick Ankiel comes to bat. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_21_chnmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_away&c_id=chc Sun, 19 May 2013 18:28:50 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_21_chnmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=preview&vkey=preview_web_away&c_id=chc Right-hander Matt Garza, who last toed a Major League rubber 10 months ago, gets the start in Tuesday's series opener at PNC Park against Pirates left-hander Wandy Rodriguez. Ethan Asofsky http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_19_nynmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Sun, 19 May 2013 19:33:06 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_19_nynmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Travis Wood turned in another quality start and contributed a two-run homer, but he surrendered a game-tying two-run homer to Juan Lagares with two outs in the seventh before reliever Kyuji Fujikawa gave up the game-winning homer to Daniel Murphy in the eighth. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47979598&notebook_id=47979604&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Sun, 19 May 2013 10:41:41 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47979598&notebook_id=47979604&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Anthony Rizzo entered Sunday's series finale against the Mets having not struck out in his last 39 at-bats, though that streak was snapped in the first inning. It was the second longest in the Majors behind that of San Francisco's Hunter Pence (40). Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47979598&notebook_id=47979602&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Sun, 19 May 2013 10:41:27 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47979598&notebook_id=47979602&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Carlos Villanueva was available out of the bullpen for Sunday's series finale against the Mets, one day after losing his spot in the rotation because of Matt Garza's impending return. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47979598&notebook_id=47979600&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Sun, 19 May 2013 10:41:12 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130519&content_id=47979598&notebook_id=47979600&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc The Cubs know that Starlin Castro has a bright future ahead of him. It's just that he continues to make some puzzling mistakes. "His potential is what he wants it to be, that's the bottom line with him," manager Dale Sveum said. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47889772&notebook_id=47891546&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Sat, 18 May 2013 12:48:18 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47889772&notebook_id=47891546&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Right-hander Matt Garza will return to the Cubs' rotation on Tuesday in Pittsburgh and make his first Major League start since last July. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47889772&notebook_id=47891536&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Sat, 18 May 2013 12:48:14 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130518&content_id=47889772&notebook_id=47891536&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc The Cubs made another error in Saturday's 8-2 win over the Mets at Wrigley Field, upping their season total to 34, the second-most in the Major Leagues. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_18_nynmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Sat, 18 May 2013 18:30:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_18_nynmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Right-hander Scott Feldman pitched another gem and came up big at the plate in Chicago's four-run fourth inning to lead the Cubs to an 8-2 win over the Mets on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_17_nynmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Fri, 17 May 2013 17:30:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_17_nynmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc The Cubs scored two first-inning runs before New York's Matt Harvey retired 21 of the final 23 batters he faced in Chicago's 3-2 loss at Wrigley Field. Edwin Jackson matched Harvey for much of the afternoon, surrendering big hits but avoiding any rallies. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47790364&notebook_id=47790512&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Fri, 17 May 2013 12:02:21 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47790364&notebook_id=47790512&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Matt Garza told the Des Moines Register on Thursday following his most recent rehab start that he's ready to return to the Cubs. Manager Dale Sveum said on Friday that he received "really good" reports on Garza's 75-pitch outing. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47790364&notebook_id=47790500&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Fri, 17 May 2013 12:02:08 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130517&content_id=47790364&notebook_id=47790500&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc With right-hander Kyuji Fujikawa off the disabled list, lefty James Russell having allowed only one run and closer Kevin Gregg perfect in save situations, Dale Sveum's bullpen is finally beginning to take shape. Cash Kruth http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130516&content_id=47711628&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc Thu, 16 May 2013 13:09:59 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130516&content_id=47711628&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc Since joining the team in mid-April, Kevin Gregg is a perfect 6-for-6 in save opportunities, all while providing veteran leadership and a calming presence in the Cubs' bullpen. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_15_colmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Wed, 15 May 2013 23:57:38 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_15_colmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Jeff Samardzija hadn't won a game since Opening Day and he took matters into his own hands on Wednesday. Samardzija smacked a two-run home run and struck out seven over eight innings to pick up his first win since April 1, leading the Cubs to a 6-3 victory over the Rockies at Wrigley Field. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47588934&notebook_id=47589044&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Wed, 15 May 2013 02:58:11 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47588934&notebook_id=47589044&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Cubs pitcher Matt Garza will make his fourth Minor League rehab start on Thursday, pitching for Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs hope the right-hander, on the disabled list because of a strained left lat suffered in a Spring Training workout Feb. 17, will be able to go deeper in the game and throw 85-95 pitches. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47588934&notebook_id=47589042&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Wed, 15 May 2013 02:58:08 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47588934&notebook_id=47589042&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Carlos Marmol could only laugh at an Internet report Wednesday in which someone overheard the Cubs pitcher saying he wanted out of Chicago and a fresh start. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47588934&notebook_id=47589040&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Wed, 15 May 2013 02:58:06 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47588934&notebook_id=47589040&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo appeared on MLB Network's "Intentional Talk" and revealed that he had to borrow a belt, that Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are his "step parents," and he's jealous of Jeff Samardzija's hair. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47519140&notebook_id=47522174&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Tue, 14 May 2013 19:38:13 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47519140&notebook_id=47522174&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Matt Garza's next rehab start is Thursday for Triple-A Iowa, and it could be his last, which will create a problem for the Cubs, who have a pretty good rotation right now. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47519140&notebook_id=47522170&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Tue, 14 May 2013 19:38:10 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47519140&notebook_id=47522170&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Third baseman Luis Valbuena was expected back in the Cubs' lineup on Wednesday, four days after spraining the little finger on his right hand when he slid into third base. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47519140&notebook_id=47522166&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Tue, 14 May 2013 19:38:08 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47519140&notebook_id=47522166&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Theo Epstein, Len Kasper and Peter Gammons will host the second annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago benefit concert on June 21 at Wrigleyville's Metro. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47519140&notebook_id=47522164&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Tue, 14 May 2013 19:38:06 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47519140&notebook_id=47522164&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc The Cubs have finally climbed above the Mendoza line when batting with runners in scoring position. Chicago entered Tuesday's game batting .204 with RISP, still lowest in the Major Leagues. The team leads the National League with 87 doubles and 131 extra-base hits. But they rank 10th in runs scored. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_14_colmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Wed, 15 May 2013 00:44:56 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_14_colmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc The Cubs need to shift one of the current starters to the bullpen when Matt Garza returns, and Carlos Villanueva may have made the decision easier. Eric Young Jr. hit a two-run homer and Carlos Gonzalez added a solo homer off Villanueva to power the Rockies to a 9-4 victory Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47490158&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130514&content_id=47490158&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc Fans interested in tracking the restoration of Wrigley Field and showing their support for the project can follow the progress on a new website, WrigleyField.com, which the Cubs launched on Tuesday. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47412388&notebook_id=47430330&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Mon, 13 May 2013 19:45:06 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47412388&notebook_id=47430330&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc First baseman Anthony Rizzo, 23, is the second young Cubs player to receive a long-term extension. Shortstop Starlin Castro was rewarded with a seven-year, $60 million contract last August. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47412388&notebook_id=47430228&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Mon, 13 May 2013 19:45:36 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130513&content_id=47412388&notebook_id=47430228&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro signed a long-term deal last August and first baseman Anthony Rizzo received a new contract Monday. What about Jeff Samardzija? Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_13_colmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Tue, 14 May 2013 00:19:52 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_05_13_colmlb_chnmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=chc Travis Wood posted his eighth consecutive quality start and hit an RBI double, one of six by the team, while Alfonso Soriano belted a two-run homer, and Starlin Castro, Nate Schierholtz and David DeJesus all drove in a pair to lift the Cubs to a 9-1 victory Monday night against the Rockies. Carrie Muskat http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130512&content_id=47384622&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc Mon, 13 May 2013 16:55:09 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130512&content_id=47384622&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc The Cubs have signed first baseman Anthony Rizzo to a seven-year, $41 million contract extension with two club options worth $14.5 million each. The deal includes escalators which could increase the total value of the contract to $73 million. Carrie Muskat