:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9870015/gyi0063923956.0.jpg)
I didn't forget it is St. Patrick's Day - I just don't care. I'll have too many drinks at my own convenience, thank you very much. Here's your obligatory look at turning the Chicago River green.
From Comcast SportsNet
- (Video) Tom Ricketts says it is time to make a deal on Wrigley rehabilitation.
- The Cubs think Anthony Rizzo will be better for having played in the WBC.
- Jeff Samardzija says he respects Paul Konerko and the Cubs' cross-town rivalry with the White Sox.
- The team is not worried about Albert Almora.
- (Video) The Cubs are still in wait and see mode, trying to determine how their third base gamble will pay off.
From Cubs Den
- The final minor league preview looks at the arms likely bound for the Triple-A affiliate in Iowa.
- Most of you know I don't post game previews or recaps, but this one included some comments from the Cubs' hitting coach about Jorge Soler (and some other small nuggets).
- In the first of, presumably, many, we get a mock draft. This one goes from pick number one all the way to the Cubs second round selection. This mock has Mark Appel as the team's first selection and LSU pitcher Ryan Eades in the second round. Neat idea, but too many clicks. I know you're looking for hits, guys, but 41 clicks is a lot.
- This is a game preview, but it includes some prospect nuggets and video of Dan Vogelbach and Reggie Golden.
- Cub notes including video of Baez' walk-off and some observations on possible draft picks, including a great pitcher's duel on Friday night.
From Cubs.com
- Wrigleyville West should be a gem in the desert.
- (Video) You can hear from Tom Ricketts and Crane Kenney on that subject, too.
- Hisanori Takahashi is aiming for a spot in the bullpen.
- Brett Jackson has cooled off after a blistering start, but Brett Jackson is getting positive feedback on his new swing.
- (Video only) Darwin Barney is comfortable in camp.
- (Video only) It takes a lot for me to subject you to Hawk and Stoney. But I got home from work on Friday to catch the last inning or so of the drubbing by the White Sox. Steve Stone was talking about the importance of every pitch and at-bat, even in these blowouts, for the young players who aren't well thought of prospects to get their chance to make an impression. And then John Andreoli, a Cub minor league outfielder who many have hung the dreaded "org guy" label on, slashed a home run. I thought it was a cool moment and you can see and listen to the exchange here.
- As you may have heard, Javier Baez predicted his game-ending home run against Japan.
- Josh Vitters is just happy to be playing again.
From ESPNChicago.com
- Chris Rusin is stating his case to stick around for opening day.
- Edwin Jackson will get the start in the Cubs' home opener.
- The Cubs are talking it through with MLB's new rule allowing interpreters on the mound.
- (Video only) Dale Sveum is not a doctor, but he is sort of asked to play one for TV.
- Will the Cub roster include the 25 best players or will spots be shaped by need?
From the Chicago Tribune (register to see almost anything but videos)
- The Cub bullpen is down to the final spots.
- (Video) Dale Sveum talks about the bullpen.
- Wrigley neighbors are trying to slow down renovation talks.
- (Video) Take a panoramic view of the Cubs' new home in Mesa.
- ('Free' article) Anthony Rizzo is back after his Italian excursion.
- Scott Feldman isn't worried about getting "pasted" by the White Sox.
From the Chicago Sun-Times (can read a paragraph, register to read the rest)
- Jeff Samardzija is content to roll the dice this year and put talk of an extension on the back burner.
- Kyuji Fujikawa and Anthony Rizzo are Classic examples of the WBC helping the Cubs.
- Scott Baker can sympathize with Chicago Bulls' guard Derrick Rose. The new Cub hurler says he knows what the young star is going through.
From the Daily Herald (registry required for all)
- Unraveling the logjam at third base isn't easy.
- No surprise, but injuries are holding some Cubs back.
Today's food for thought
- Gatorade showers and basketball aren't a good mix.
- Scientists are more convinced they've identified the "God particle."