It's been a long time since I've done one of these, but now, with everyone on the roster in camp for the Cubs and the first spring game only a week away (hooray!), I thought it would be a good time to give a Sunday summary of what's happening around the team.
First, since we had a discussion yesterday surrounding buying of tickets for the Cubs series in Boston next may, a reminder today that the first day of sales for Cubs single game tickets is this coming Friday. The procedures this year are a little different: you can get wristbands at Wrigley Field Monday, Feb. 21 and Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days. The winning number will be announced on WGN radio and on this page on the Cubs website at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23 -- two days before the main sale on Friday.
From 12 noon on Feb. 23 through 3 p.m. on Feb. 24, the Cubs are holding a premium price presale sponsored by Mastercard; after that, wristband winners can buy tickets at Wrigley at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25 and everyone else can buy online and by phone on Friday at 10 a.m.
Other Cubs notes for today:
- Tom Ricketts spoke to the team and reporters and said there should be payroll flexibility next year. He wouldn't speak specifically about the proverbial elephant (Cardinal) in the room, Albert Pujols, but the meaning was pretty obvious.
- Mike Quade also spoke to his team on the first full day of workouts and in particular, mentioned that he expects his players to deal positively with the media, as well as being totally committed to the game.
- Bruce Miles on what the Cubs should do with Kosuke Fukudome, and what Fukudome expects from himself.
- Aramis Ramirez arrives in camp healthy; staying that way and having a big year (in his walk year) is a key to any Cubs success in 2011.
- Alfonso Soriano gives back in honor of his mom, who died suddenly in January.
- Today's Lazy Journalist award goes to Rob Sylvester of msnbc.com; in this article about a 106-year-old Yankees fan, he has to mention that she was alive when the Cubs last won the World Series, even though the rest of the article has nothing to do with the Cubs. Hey, gee, thanks, Rob, for the reminder -- otherwise none of us would have known.