Latest news and rumors: Cubs scouting SS, Russell in potential trouble again, more |
Cubs’ 2019 Opening Day: 99 days. Phillip Evans: The Cubs have signed former Mets’ infielder, Phillip Evans to a minor league deal. Cubs’ scouting SS: The Cubs were among the eleven teams to have scouts attending a workout for veteran free-agent, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in California on Tuesday. According to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports, “He looks fit, he’s moving very well and if he’s anything like he was today, he’s going to be able to help a contender. And for the minimum salary at that.” Addison Russell: Just about the time Russell was working his way out of the doghouse with MLB, the Cubs and Melisa Reidy-Russell, another woman, Mallory Engstrom, who is the mother of one of Russell’s children, is telling her own story about Russell’s mistreatment of her and her daughter. While these allegations stopped short of alleging physical abuse, Engstrom has alleged what amounts to mental abuse, negligence and a lack of willingness by Russell to adhere to a court order regarding support. If the allegations by Engstrom weren’t enough to rekindle the firestorm surrounding Russell, Melisa Reidy has now come out with detailed allegations of physical abuse which now include tackling her on the concrete, ripping their child out of her arms and tripping her while she was pregnant. Just my opinion, but his career longevity isn’t looking too healthy. Kris Bryant: According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, “Bryant will likely play elsewhere once his contract expires after the 2021 season.” While there is certainly a possibility that this could be the case, it’s way too soon to be throwing out a prediction of this magnitude. Yu Darvish: Darvish posted video on his Instagram, showing himself throwing again. He wasn’t exactly burning pitches into his receiver, but he did look pain free. Good sign. New year, new Yu?
Cubs’ TV deal confusion: According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, “The Chicago Cubs are denying they have a deal in place for a new regional network with Sinclair broadcasting. Industry sources say Sinclair is certainly a front runner to become a partner.” Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes: From Kyle’s Twitter: “What an honor it was to have first responders at our inaugural Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes Golf Tournament. It was an honor to meet everyone who came out and made this event special! Thank you to all who supported us! #SNH” What an honor it was to have first responders at our inaugural Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes Golf Tournament. It was an honor to meet everyone who came out and made this event special! Thank you to all who supported us! #SNH pic.twitter.com/QNdMMEvQKe
Cuban players’ posting: According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, “Despite reports out of Cuba that there is an agreement to allow Cuban players to come to MLB via a posting system similar to the league's agreement with Japan, no deal is finalized. The sides do expect to complete a deal in the near future.” KBO: With all of the competition in the free-agent market in MLB this year, former Phillies’ slugger Darin Ruf has re-signed with the Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organization. Ruf will get a guaranteed $1.4M next season with an additional $300k available in incentives. Angels: The Angels have signed free-agent, RHP Matt Harvey to a one-year, $11M deal, with an additional $3M available in incentives. Mets: GM Brodie Van Wagenen is feeling pretty confident about the Mets’ chances in 2019. ““…Internally, we would argue that we’re the favorites in the division right now.” Van Wagenen went on to say the Mets weren’t done yet, “[We} still have some real money to spend.” The Mets have recently been tied to 3B Mike Moustakas and are said to be receiving calls about catchers Travis d’Arnaud, and Kevin Plawecki. Phillies: Philly has signed former Reds’ infielder Phil Gosselin to a minor league deal. Rangers: Texas signs former White Sox pitcher, Jeanmar Gomez to a minor league deal. Reds: Reds and Indians are talking about a trade to involve Corey Kluber. Red Sox: Boston signs former White Sox/Cubs’ RHP Zach Putnam to a minor league deal. Twins: The Twins have signed former Seattle RHP Mike Morin to a minor league deal. White Sox: Chicago signs catcher James McCann to a one-year, $2.5M deal.Cubs’ news and notes
Yu Darvish has been giving fans a look into his off-season training via Instagram. pic.twitter.com/mJLePmG5BT
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