everythingcubs

The Cubs have been very busy today. First they signed Aaron Miles to a two year contract. The draw for Miles was that he has played every position in the infield but first and catcher. He has also made a relief appearance on the mound.  Miles also is a switch hitter.

As soon as I saw that, I saw the handwriting on the wall for Mark DeRosa. An hour after hearing about Miles, I heard that DeRo had been traded to the Indians for three pitching prospects. This really breaks my heart. I’ve been a DeRosa fan since his days with the Atlanta Braves. At least he’ll have one friend on the team – Kerry Wood should be there to greet him when they start Spring Training.

Even though it’s winter and we’ve had a lot of snow, things are hopping in Wrigleyville in anticipation of Thursday’s Winter Classic. The last report I heard was that the ice had been laid but because of our warm weather, storms and tornado watches, painting of the ice was put off until today. Once the ice is painted it will take a few hours to dry, another layer of ice will be applied over that and then the lines and logos will be painted on. Officials say they are on schedule for Thursday’s game. I’ll be there. It’ll be interesting seeing a hockey game in my favorite baseball venue.

The Cubs Single-A Peoria Chiefs no longer have Ryne Sandberg to use as a draw, but they do have something unique. It was announced today that the Chiefs will have two “Senate Seats” up for action throughout the season. The two seats, located in Section 108, row two, directly behind the plate usually sell for $10 each. This coming season, the two seats will be up for auction beginning February 1. Auctions will end 24 hours prior to the start of each home game. Bidding begins at $20. All proceeds from the “Senate Seat Auctions” will go to local charities at the end of the season.

For more information or to place a bid, go to www.peoriachiefs.com.

I had lunch today with a couple of friends almost across the street from Wrigley Field. One friend happens to work for the Cubs. We talked about Fukudome and what may have happened with him – all supposition, of course. We talked about how Scott Eyre ended up being traded, but he also ended up with a World Series ring. Then we started talking about the Winter Classic. All three of us will be there. But guess what? Because it has been so cold here, the ice cannot be put down. It was too cold and snowy for me today to walk over to see if I could peek in and see what was done so far. At this point the snow (and probably ice on top of that – but not what you can play hockey on – and more snow on top of that) will have to be removed before the playing ice can be put down. Let’s hope the weather warms up and the snow/rain/sleet/ice hold off a few days so the project can be completed.

I’m sitting here in a warm house. The outside temperature is two below zero. I’m thinking to myself, it had better not be THIS cold on New Year’s Day when I’m sitting inside Wrigley Field watching the Winter Classic! I’ve been to extremely cold Opening Days in April where the temperatures were in the 30s, it has snowed and rained and the wind coming in off the lake was right in my face. But there’s no way I can handle cold like we have it today! I am hoping and praying for some freak 50 degrees or something like that. Each year my dad and I would go to Opening Day and just before the first pitch my dad would say “It’s time for kickoff.” Boy, even Bears games will seem warm! No wonder hockey is now played in indoor arenas!

With the Hockey Winter Classic coming soon to Wrigley Field, crews are busy transforming the ballpark into a hockey venue. This past week the boards and glass arrived at Wrigley with Bobby Hull at the wheel of one truck. The boards are up and officials hoped to lay down the ice either yesterday or today, if snow could be removed. The rink itself is not quite where artist’s renderings have it. Good news for some of us who have tickets in the lower box seats! It was quite a sight, I’m told, on Tuesday to see the lights on at Wrigley around 5pm and snow falling all around.

The Winter Classic will take place Jan. 1 between the Blackhawks and Red Wings.

Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg was promoted this week to manage the team’s AA Team in
Tennessee. Sandberg coached the Class A Peoria Chiefs the past two years. His record was 313-146-1.  This is a move up the managing ladder for Sandberg within the Cubs organization toward a big time managing career. The Chiefs played one game this past summer at Wrigley Field giving some of the players a chance to play in Wrigley and giving fans a chance to Sandberg and his team in a fun-filled, reasonably priced game.

Sandberg also coached in the Arizona Winter League. He is a 10-time All Star and 9-time Gold Glove winner, as well as a Cubs fan favorite…