I’ve been out of the loop for almost a week, so I’m trying to catch up on what’s happened this week in the realm of the Cubs. Then I volunteer to take the headlines thread the day after an off-day and find next-to-nothing to post. It feels like a day in the offseason, but I’ll try to make it as interesting as possible.

First things first, we appear to be on the cusp of Rizzomania. Or is it Rizzomas? Everyone’s expecting Rizzo to be called up this weekend when his service time is no longer an issue. According to Gordon Wittenmyer, even the current Cubs are all atwitter about the coming of the chosen one.

Soon-to-be Cubs teammates have been texting Rizzo in Iowa on the imminence of his promotion, especially after officials acknowledged the Bryan LaHair switch to right field this week was a prelude to the first baseman’s arrival.

But the level-headed Rizzo supposedly wasn’t biting on the anticipation. Look for the Cubs, in trying to keep the disgruntled paying fan base in their seats this summer, to incite the crowds with some Rizzomania when they return home for series against the New York Mets and Astros.

Do you think they’re texting things like: “Will you sit next to me on the plane?” “Can I oil your glove for you when you come up?” “What kind of candy do you like?” Any other suggestions, folks?

» Continue reading “Cubs Friday Headlines: Offseason Redux”

The Cubs returned to their non-winning ways last night, but none of the beat writers seem to care enough about the game to have written a recap with quotes and such. So we’ll just use the material we’re given, namely trade rumors. As mentioned in last night’s game thread, speculation on the impending trade of Ryan Dempster picked up some steam when he was seen in the outfield bleachers with Theo Epstein before last night’s game.

Ryan Dempster, the subject of trade talks, had a long chat with Theo Epstein, Cubs president of baseball operations, in the stands at Wrigley Field prior to Wednesday’s game. The topic? Dempster told MLB.com they were talking about an upcoming fundraiser Epstein is involved in. But the two could have discussed Dempster’s future as the Trade Deadline approaches.

The consensus seems to be that Ryan Dempster will be traded if he waives his no-trade rights. The jury is still out on Matt Garza, though he’s willing to show up and pitch wherever he’s told.

“I love the city, my kids love the city and it would be a great place for them to grow up,” Garza said. “But like I said, it’s out of my control. I’ll just keep going out there every five days and keep plugging away.”

Saying that he just wants to play isn’t a new mantra for Garza. He was using the same language this offseason as well. In 2011 he left a number of games with a lead only to watch the bullpen let his chance at victory slip away.

“It doesn’t matter to me, I just want to play,” he said again. “When they tell me I can’t play anymore that will be the worst day of my life. I just want to keep playing, it doesn’t matter where. I’ll pitch on the freaking moon. I just want to keep playing. As long as people keep asking for me I’ve done a good job. When they stop asking then it’s time to worry.”

Newt Gingrich’s Moon Colony, anyone?

» Continue reading “Cubs Thursday Headlines: Tradewinds Swirling”