Hire Jim Essian

CHICAGO--The Chicago Cubs have finally done it. They have decided to use what little space on the outfield walls is not covered in ivy as ad space. The team signed a multiyear deal with Under Armour Wednesday, and they are fielding offers from other companies once the deal runs out. Armor won't protect you, McDonough. Even when it's ... Read More

I thought you idiots might enjoy the Valentine's Day cards that I'm sending to my players on the first day that pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. To Carlos Zambrano: So happy to meet you! So glad we've made contact! Now shut the hell up, And sign a damn contract. To Ryan Dempster: I hear you're a clown. I hear you're a cut-up. One thing that you're not, Is ... Read More

CHICAGO--From the latest article from Tribune writer Paul Sullivan comes the following quote: F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote: "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see things that are hopeless and yet be determined ... Read More

MESA, Ariz.--Spring Training has finally arrived, as pitchers, catchers, and grumpy new managers are reporting to camps in Arizona and Florida. Here are five poorly-thought-out questions that need answering in Spring Training: Carlos Zambrano's contract. What's up with that? Ryan Dempster vs. Kerry Wood as closer. What's up with that? Will Jacque Jones be traded? What's up with ... Read More

Dear Gary Scott, What the hell happened to you? I remember before the 1991 season, when you were young and full of life and ready to take on the world and be the Cubs third baseman for years and years. In 1991, you were #39 in Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects. I still have the article! After ... Read More

CHICAGO--Cubs right handed fireballer Ryu was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tuesday for two minor leaguers, outfielder Andrew Lopez and right-hander Gregor Reinhard. Ryu: Traded to the Devil Rays Talks are still swirling around other Cubs prospects, including Chun-Li, Blanka, E. Honda, and Dhalsim. ... Read More

CHICAGO--Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano issued an ultimatum this week, saying that he will leave unless the Cubs sign him before the 2007 season. During the interview, Zambrano referred to himself in two different ways in the third person, accidentally creating two new entities. "Whatever happens, I don't want to know about a contract during the season. I want to ... Read More

I don't know where my hatred for Steve Rain comes from. The guy was just doing his own thing, trying to make it in the Majors. But for some reason, I gritted my teeth and felt my blood boil every time he took the ball. Steve is not helping by not having any pictures on the internet. ... Read More

MESA, Ariz.--New Cubs manager Lou Piniella will stress fundamentals during Spring Training. According to Piniella: Fundamentals will be an important part of camp, and baserunning will be an important part of camp, making sure we can bunt and making sure we can field our positions. You work at these things, and if you work and prepare yourself, you have ... Read More

MLB.com writer Jim Molony thinks that Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano has the potential to win 20 games in 2007. Upon hearing the news Zambrano, who has spent the offseason living at the rim of Mauna Loa, an active volcano in the Hawaiian Islands, scoffed. "Thinks?" Zambrano asked, shifting from one foot to another to alleviate the intense heat ... Read More