Fanshots

Cubs Sign Tyler Chatwood

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The Cubs announced on Thursday that they’ve agreed to a three-year contract with free agent right-hander Tyler Chatwood. The 27-year-old Chatwood is represented by Excel Sports Management.

Ken Hubbs Article

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This is a good article about Ken Hubbs in the weekly Hall of Fame email newsletter.

Lights of Wrigleyville

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Chicago Tribune story about the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast episode "Lights of Wrigleyville".

Angels Blog: Who Do We Love to Hate? Series

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I found this at the Angels blog. They go through each division and choose one team by division as to which team they hate the most. So far they hated the Dodgers the most in the NL West (obvious). I was hoping they WOULDN'T pick the Cubs. I voted for the Cardinals and they did pick the Cardinals. It does seems strange because they got Pujols from them. But I'm glad it wasn't us (although we got a lot of hate from Angels fans). We should start one at Bleed Cubbie Blue. My guesses: NL Central: DUH! NL East: Mets NL West: Dodgers (Well now, I'm thinking long term Padres and Giants could get votes) AL East: Yankees would get my vote, maybe Red Sox? AL Central: Black Sox AL West: Do we hate anyone out there?

Will the Phillies Pull a Joe Maddon and Bat Rhys Hoskins 2nd?

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This must be what Joe Maddon uses to justify Kris Bryant batting second.

Relocating and widening the dugouts

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From the Tribune story: The most noticeable difference in 2018 will be the relocating and widening of the dugouts, which will be moved from 15 to 30 feet down the left and right field lines and should provide more air circulation and better sight lines for the players. Much of the excavation on the first and third base sides is designed for the Makers Mark Barrel Room and the W Club and is scheduled to open in 2019. Construction on the Catalina Club, located in the upper level behind home plate, also is targeted for 2019.

Here's an inside look at what's happening at Wrigley Field this offseason

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Posted at the Facebook page of the company that's supplying this crane.

MLBTradeRumors.com 2018 Class Predictions

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If their predictions are true: The Cubs blow $160 million dollars on Yu Darvish (6 yrs). That breaks to $16 million per World Series out Jake Arrieta gets to torture us from ... Milwaukee (4 yrs, $100M) Alex Cobb pitches in Minnesota (4 yrs, $48M) The Cubs would be IDIOTS to blow 6 yrs $160M on Darvish when you can spend 4/$48 on Cobb. Even 4/$100M on re-signing Jake is a bargain.

MLB Expansion to 32 Teams?

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Some discussion for expanding MLB to 32 teams? Some radical proposal from Baseball America is proposed. I like a more conservative NFL like with 8 divisions of 4 teams each: NL East: Philles, Mets, Nationals, Pirates NL Central or North: Cubs, Cardinals, Reds, Brewers NL South: Braves, Marlins, Rays (from AL), Carolina* NL West: Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Diamondbacks AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, Orioles, Blue Jays AL Central or North: White Sox, Tigers, Indians, Twins AL South: Astros, Rangers, Royals, Nashville* AL West: Angels, A's, Mariners, Rockies (from NL) 18 vs. each divisional opponent, 18 interleague, minimum of 6 vs. other teams in same league. Playoffs, 6 per league, two wild card teams and two wild card games. The Cubs would lose the Pirates while the Phillies get them back and lose the southern teams. More details: https://www.thegoodphight.com/2016/6/22/12007920/proposal-for-32-team-major-league-baseball-2016?_ga=2.60420907.74136374.1505489929-889861997.1497023277