More on Roberts, deal could get done???

Jeff Zrebiec and Roch Kubatko of the Baltimore Sun write that the Cubs sent some of their scouts to watch Brian Roberts yesterday. Lets face it, they had to be impressed. Roberts went 1 for 2 with an RBI double, walk, scored a run, and stole 2 bases. There is no doubt that he would help the Cubs. Jeff and Roch go on to say that Mark Derosa's heart surgery does play in on a potential deal for Brian Roberts. They feel Ronny Cedeno, Sean Gallagher and two other prospects are what the O's are seeking. Naming Jose Ceda( who is deemed untouchable) and Donald Veal as one of the two prospects they want. The O's will not send scouts til next week to take a peak at the Cubs young players so we are still a little ways away from a deal. But it seems like more and more it is likely to happen.

On other Cubs notes-

-Ron Santo said yesterday during the game that he feels the Cubs will make another "Big Move" before opening day. He then went on to talk about Brian Roberts. It may be just coincidence but I thought I would mention it.

- The Mets are looking for a right handed left fielder and Matt Murton is one of the possibilities although they would like to have the same person fill in at 1st which Murton has no experience. It seem like Murton still might be traded if the right deal comes along.

- The Cubs have little interest in CoCo Crisp because of the money he is owed and the amount of years left on his contract. They like for Fuld or Pie to start in CF on opening day.

- Soriano's legs are looking good according to Lou. As of right now Soriano is set to lead off.

- Zambrano will start today against the Giants and will likely pitch two innings.

Roberts Update. Cubs first ST game.

Thanks to MLBTR-

Nothing groundbreaking on the Brian Roberts front, but here's the latest from Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Zrebiec says the O's won't send their scout to watch the Cubs until next week. It's still looking like Ronny Cedeno, Sean Gallagher, and one or two others. Zrebiec adds:

Both sides remain optimistic that a deal could get done.

This is obviously dragging, but the Orioles have no incentive to rush.

I still think a deal will get done, especially if Soriano's legs are not 100%.

---------------------------------------------------

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080228&content_id=2395146&vkey=spt2008gamer&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

The Cubs had a pretty decent first game, scoring 12 runs on 15 hits. Fukudome got HBP in his first AB, walked, and had a nice RBI single that was chopped over the 3b head. The player of the day was Fontenot, he went 2 for 4 with a 3 run homer. Pie also added a homer in the 4th inning on the first pitch he saw from Matos.

As for the pitchers, Dempster did pretty good giving up a homer and 2 hits while walking 0 in 2 innings of work. Ceda did not look good lacking control and giving up 2 ER in .2 innings pitched.

Lets go get them tomorrow Cubbies!!

Zell, Go to Hell!!!

Zell said Tuesday he won't hesitate to sell the naming rights to Wrigley Field -- even if baseball purists don't like the idea. Hey Cub fans, what would you think of Viagra Field, Pizza Hut Park, Nextel Stadium, or The Target Park at Wrigley Field??? All these could be possibilities if Sam Zell does what he wants to do and that is sell the naming rights to Wrigley Field to the highest bidder.

While I understand money is an issue and runs the world, but how many of us would change the name of the Mount Rushmore to "Verizon Point" or change the name of the Grand Canyon to "Jeep Rock." What Zell is doing is basically that to Wrigley Field. Wrigley Field is the 2nd oldest ballpark in the majors and is a historic landmark. This beautiful place has been the home of Babes' "called shot", green ivy, bleacher bums, and the best fans in baseball. All Zell sees is dollar signs and forgets where he comes from. By selling the naming rights he is signing his way quickly out of Chicago. If he thinks he can do this without repercussions then he is mistaken, he must forget how much this field's name means to devoted baseball fans. If the name of Wrigley gets changed, Hell will have a new ruler because only an evil person( Sam Zell) would scar this sacred place with a bogus corporate name like the one's listed above.

Although Wrigley Field will always be Wrigley Field to me changing the name does not make it right. The only way the sell of the naming rights works for me is if the company or people that buy the rights keep it as Wrigley Field( which is unlikely). Is your financial gain worth wrecking almost 100 years of history of it being Wrigley Field??? I don't think so!!!!!

Sam if you go through with this you are truly an evil man and it is embarrassing to be the same species as you. You basically pissing on Cubs fans, spitting on Harry Caray grave, and sh*tting on baseball. I hope your happy with becoming the most hated man in Chicago, because your well on your way!

Calling Wrigley Field anything but Wrigley Field would be an unbelievable disaster!

Cubs Opening Spring Game Lineup

Here is the lineup for Cubs vs. the Giants Thursday-

1. Theriot SS
2. Cedeno 3b
3. Fukudome RF
4. Lee 1B
5. Murton LF
6. Soto C
7. Cintron 2B
8. Pie CF
9. Dempster P

I imagine a lot of players will see the field on Thursday. It will be nice to see how Fukudome does in his first ST game as a Cub.

Cubs News, Notes, and Rumors.

-Mark Derosa went back to Chicago and is not expected to be there for long. Derosa was sent to the hospital yesterday due to an irregular heartbeat but all seems well, because he is expected to be back on the field by the end of the week, I am glad he is fine and happy he will be back on the field soon!

- SI.com's Jon Heyman says a Roberts to Chicago trade still has a little life, and the Orioles are scouting Cubs' players. Meanwhile Jason Churchill wrote a few days ago that the O's may require Felix Pie or Tyler Colvin instead of the Cubs' apparent offer of Ronny Cedeno, Sean Gallagher, and Kevin Hart. Churchill says the O's are also high on Eric Patterson.

-Lou Piniella has been very complimentary about Matt Murton's swing over the past two days.

-Eric Patterson has spent most of his time with the outfielders this spring.

- It is official, Ryan Dempster will start the Cactus League opener next Thursday against the San Francisco Giants. "'Z' said he didn't want it any more," Dempster said, jokingly, about Zambrano.

- Fukudome hit some ball out of the ballpark today. He is looking better and better at the plate!

- It seems Petrick and Ceda are Lou's favorites to get the final right handed spot in the pen. Lou also like Cotts a lot but I really don't. He may surprise me though.

I know we have heard this before.. but Roberts trade happening soon??

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/15917802.html

"Sources say that Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts will be traded to the Cubs as soon as the Orioles decide which pitchers they want in return. . . ."

We have heard this before but it seems more likely to happen now that Derosa seems to be out for a bit. I know Derosa is not expected to miss too much time but health does raise a concern and now I see a deal happening soon, before the games start this week. I can also see the package increase to something like this-

O's get Marshall, Gallagher, Cedeno, and Eric Patterson

Cubs get Roberts

Just my thoughts though!

Derosa sent to hospital.

Thanks to MLB.com-

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080224&content_id=2386996&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Thank god he is OK. I wish Derosa the best and hope he gets well soon.