Thoughts on the Chicago Cubs and other topics in baseball. E-mail Tom at: tomsmithcubs@ hotmail.com

 
CUBS SIGN HAWKINS: SCOTTSDALE -- The Chicago Cubs signed relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins on Wednesday. Good move.


NEW SEATS BEHIND HOME: SCOTTSDALE -- The Cubs are hoping to add new seats behind home plate for next season. The good news is the Cubs plan to keep the brick wall behind home plate which we have seen forever. Keeping the aesthetics of Wrigley Field is crucial for any remodeling of the ballpark. Glad to see we will still have the customary look behind home plate.


KENDALL AS CATCHER: SCOTTSDALE -- Mike Kiley in the Chicago Sun-Times reports the Cubs might pursue a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for catcher Jason Kendall. Pittsburgh would have to pick up a chunk of Kendall's contract and take Damian Miller in return. Sounds good for the Cubs.
posted by Thomas at 8:39 AM

 
CUBS WANT TO HOOK HAWKINS: SCOTTSDALE -- The Cubs reportedly want to sign relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins. It has been rumored Hawkins wants $15 million for three years. Mike Kiley in the Chicago Sun-Times reports Hawkins might be being considered for the closer. Then Kiley goes on to write, "In an ideal world Joe Borowski's talents appear better suited for the setup role, but he would be given every opportunity to meet the challenge Hawkins would bring. " What evidence exists to support this? In 2001 as a closer with Minnesota, Hawkins had 28 saves, 9 blown saves, and a 5.96 ERA. As a setup man in 2002 and 2003 Hawkins' ERA was 2.13 and 1.86. Whereas in 2003 the one season Borowski was the Cubs closer he had 33 saves, 4 blown saves, and a 2.63 ERA. If anything this data disproves what Kiley wrote.


NEW CUBS CHANNEL: SCOTTSDALE -- The Cubs are going to be a part of a new Chicago sports channel starting in 2005.
posted by Thomas at 9:14 AM