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

 
CUBS DECLINE OPTION ON LIEBER: In another move that shocked nobody, the Cubs have declined the option on Jon Lieber's contract. The Cubs and Lieber are looking to sign a new incentive based contract. Hopefully it can get done.

CATCHING SERVAIS: The Chicago Cubs have named former Cubs catcher Scott Servais to be the Cubs new minor league catching instructor. Servais has talked about wanting to be a manager some day, so this probably is the first step in the process for him.
posted by Thomas at 4:29 PM

 
SIROTKA ON OUR SIDE OF TOWN: The Chicago Cubs have signed former Chicago White Sox left handed starting pitcher Mike Sirotka to a minor league contract. Sirotka seems excited about coming to the Cubs. If Sirotka is healthy and can pitch like he used to this will be a good move for the Cubs.

McGRIFF IS GONE: In a move that shocked no one, the Cubs declined the option on Fred McGriff's contract. McGriff performed ok for us but never helped take us to the playoffs like many of us thought he would.

BAYLOR NEWS AND BROWNLIE NON-NEWS: Ex-Cubs manager Don Baylor is reported to possibly be the New York Mets new bench coach. No one should be tortured that badly, even the Mets. In other news the Cubs are not any closer to signing first round draft pick Bobby Brownlie. I am starting to doubt we will sign Brownlie.
posted by Thomas at 4:06 PM

 
2002 WORLD SERIES: I must admit on Saturday night during Game 6 of the World Series with the Giants leading the series 3-2 and ahead in the game 5-0 in the 7th inning I thought my prediction of the Angels winning the series was going down to defeat. But as we know now the Angels came back to win the game 6-5 and won Game 7 last night by a score of 4-1. Which means the ex-Cub factor is alive and well again! Congrats to the Angels. Unfortunately Gene Autry did not live to see this day.
posted by Thomas at 11:15 PM

 
BAKER NEWS: In the Chicago Tribune Teddy Greenstein reports the Cubs will wait to see about getting Dusty Baker. Baker's contract with San Francisco ends on November 6, 2002. Phil Rogers says the Cubs wait for Baker is going to pay off. At the Chicago Sun-Times Mike Kiley takes a shot at his competitor at the Chicago Tribune, Teddy Greenstein, for Greenstein's report last week that said Tribune Company had given Hendry to ok to spend the money to get Baker. Kiley says Hendry wants Baker but not at any price. Kiley's point is not exactly earth shattering news. Obviously Hendry is not going to pay any price for Baker. The article reads more like a chance to slam Greenstein without naming him. Kiley goes on to mention a bunch of possible candidates for the job which he often does in his columns. Overall it continues to look as if the Cubs' beat writers really do not know all that much.

LAMONT CONTACTS CUBS: Former Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates manager Gene Lamont has contacted the Cubs about the manager's job. Try to not get too excited.
posted by Thomas at 10:51 PM