Read More: Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs

A report earlier in December indicated that the Chicago Cubs were going to hire Bill Buckner to be the hitting coach of the Boise Hawks, which is the club’s single-A affiliate. On Friday the Cubs confirmed the hiring:

name alum Bill Buckner as the hitting coach for the 2012 season.

Buckner hasn’t coached in the majors in nearly 15 years, but he did have interest from other teams, as explained in the previous update on this story:

Buckner currently lives in Boise, Idaho, which partially explains the hire. The ESPN report adds that new Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine wanted to add Buckner to his Major League coaching staff, but Boston’s front office resisted the idea. Buckner has coached in the majors in the past, but not in a while. His most recent MLB coaching gig was as the Chicago White Sox hitting coach all the way back in 1997.

For more updates on Chicago sports, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Cubs, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. Also, check out MLB Daily Dish for Cubs rumors and transactions.

What are your opinions.

Chicago Cubs new president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has made it clear that he and the Cubs want a manger with Major League experience. Epstein’s decision rules out fan favorite Ryne Sandberg for the job.

While I really like Sandberg as my all-time favorite player and would have liked to see him manage the Cubs, I cannot argue with Epstein’s decision – as long as he brings in a winning manager. I was hoping the Cubs would hire Sandberg for 2011, but they hired Mike Quade instead. In light of their dismal 2011, I doubt that they would have made the postseason under Sandberg anyway.

“Ryno” managed four seasons in the Cubs’ minor league system and brought the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2011 Triple-A team to the playoffs. Epstein did interview Sandberg while in Boston for a AAA managerial spot. However, at the Major League level, winning trumps fan favorites. Cub fans want to see a World Series regardless of who is in the dugout. Bringing in an experienced manager will enhance those chances. Sandberg showed the grace and class that Cub fans remember from his playing days when he returned Epstein’s call personally and then said that we Cub fans should trust Epstein to build a winning team. Ryno will land a Major League managing job before too long.

Top contenders to manage the Cubs include Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux and Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin. Both of these men have seen the playoffs and World Series as coaches and understand how to keep their players playing hard all the way. Maddux could do wonders with a Cubs pitching rotation that struggled last year. He led the Rangers to an ERA of 3.79, good for fifth in the American League. Maybe if Maddux does not get the manager’s job, he could become the pitching coach. The new manager would have that final decision.

Mackanin just finished the 2011 season on the coaching staff of the team with the best record in the Majors (102-60). Yes, the Phillies had that outstanding pitching staff, but the bench coach must work well with the entire team. Mackanin also had success as the Cincinnati Reds’ interim manager in 2007 when he took over the team with the Majors’ worst record.

Each candidate has success as a Major league coach, and I can certainly agree with Theo Epstein’s decision to go that route. I wish Ryne Sandberg the best, and I hope he gets his opportunity soon. However, as a long-time Cub fan, I want to see the Cubs win the World Series even more than seeing them hire my favorite player from the past. Hiring a manager with successful Major League managing or coaching experience can begin the transition back into contenders.

Sources:

Carrie Muskat, Cubs Relieve Quade; Sandberg Not a Candidate, cubs.mlb.com, November 2, 2011.

Carrie Muskat, Mike Maddux in Theo’s Mix; Francona too? Cubs.mlb.com, November 3, 2011.

Major League Baseball, 2011 Standings, mlb.com.

Major League Baseball, Sortable Statistics, mlb.com.

Philadelphia Phillies, Pete Mackanin #22, Phillies.mlb.com.

Raymond grew up in Florida and began watching the Cubs on WGN in 1982. He became a fan in 1984 when Ryne Sandberg hit the two famous game-tying home runs off Cardinals closer and former Cub Bruce Sutter. Raymond then solidified his team loyalty when the Cubs won the division later that season and has been a fan ever since.

More from this contributor:

Ryan Dempster Exercises Option to Return to Cubs in 2012

Cubs Say No to Boston Regarding Matt Garza: Fan Reaction

Cubs Should Consider Frank Thomas for Hitting Coach

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

That’s all the news for today.

The Cubs drafted Trevor Gretzky — yep, he’s Wayne’s son — this week. At first glance, this might sound like what the Dodgers did for Tommy Lasorda back in 1988, when they drafted his godson (some kid named Mike Piazza) with the 1,390th (!) pick of the draft.

That would be a slight mischaracterization. For starters, teams aren’t in the habit of cashing in high-round draft picks as favors to former greats (Trevor was taken in the seventh round). Second, Gretzky the Elder doesn’t have any ties with the Cubs; he played in Edmonton, Los Angeles, St. Louis and New York during a 22-year NHL career. Chicago’s interest in Trevor has everything to do with talent.

A high school senior, Gretzky has committed to play baseball at San Diego State next year. The Cubs, obviously, will try to change his mind. As for why Gretzky chose baseball over hockey, here’s what he told MLB.com in a February interview:

“I was introduced to it in New York, when my dad was playing for the Rangers,” Trevor said. “I remember him taking me to a Yankee game, and ever since then I wanted to play and it’s been my dream to be in the Major Leagues since then.”

The Chicago Tribune also reports that the Cubs drafted another player with a recognizable name: Shawon Dunston Jr. was taken in the 11th round. His dad played shortstop in Chicago two decades ago and was best known for one of the best arms in the league. We’re pretty sure Mark Grace would confirm as much.

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

CHICAGO – The ball is finally starting to carry out of Wrigley Field.

Just not for the Chicago Cubs.

Paul Maholm pitched a shutout for his first victory in a month, Ronny Cedeno, Lyle Overbay, Chris Snyder and Andrew McCutchen each homered Saturday, and the Pittsburgh Pirates routed Chicago 10-0.

Maholm limited Chicago to just three hits – a double by Alfonso Soriano and infield singles by Darwin Barney and Lou Montanez.

While they gave up a season high in homers, the Cubs’ offensive struggles at home were nothing new. They’ve hit just 14 home runs in 27 games at Wrigley Field.

“The guys are still confident we can turn this around,” Barney said. “We’re not pulling that flag yet.”

With the flags blowing out, the Pirates had little trouble against Cubs starter Randy Wells. Or anybody else Chicago put on the mound.

Making just his second start of the season and first since April 4, Wells (1-1) lasted four innings after being activated off the disabled list (right forearm strain). He gave up five hits, including Cedeno’s second homer, and five runs with three walks and seven strikeouts.

“I don’t know if it was so much rust as I was anxious to get back out there and see how things were going,” Wells said.

Maholm (2-7), who got his third career shutout and improved to 8-2 in 15 career starts against the Cubs, retired the first 13 batters he faced before Soriano doubled in the fifth. He walked none and struck out four for his first win since April 25.

DIAMONDBACKS 11, ASTROS 3: Zach Duke allowed three hits over seven innings and hit a three-run homer in his first game of the season, leading Arizona to victory at Houston.

Duke’s first home run in seven major league seasons came in the Diamondbacks’ four-run fourth inning, a shot over the left-field fence off Bud Norris (2-4).

Duke (1-0) missed Arizona’s first 51 games while recovering from a broken hand suffered in spring training. The Astros didn’t get a hit until Clint Barmes’ single to left with one out in the fourth.

PADRES 2, NATIONALS 1: Tim Stauffer pitched seven innings for his first win of the season, former TinCap Blake Tekotte had the first two hits of his major league career and San Diego won at Washington.

Stauffer (1-3) limited the Nationals to four hits and a run – a seventh-inning homer by Laynce Nix. He struck out four and walked four.

BREWERS 3, GIANTS 2: Pinch-hitter Jonathan Lucroy’s bases-loaded suicide squeeze scored Ryan Braun with one out in the bottom of the ninth, lifting host Milwaukee over San Francisco.

Lucroy’s well-executed bunt was out of the reach of pitcher Guillermo Mota. Braun easily scored and Lucroy began pumping his fists halfway down the line.

Milwaukee is 7-1 on this homestand and 20-7 overall at Miller Park.

PHILLIES 5, METS 2: Ryan Howard hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning and Cole Hamels finally beat a familiar nemesis, pitching Philadelphia past slumping New York.

Hamels (7-2) struck out a season-high 10 and walked none over seven innings to win his third straight outing and improve to 3-9 in 15 career games against the host Mets. The left-hander had lost five consecutive starts against them.

This time, he recovered from a shaky start to retire his final 11 batters – five by strikeout – without allowing a ball out of the infield.

Jose Contreras worked a perfect eighth, and Ryan Madson got three quick outs for his 11th save.

ROCKIES 15, CARDINALS 4: Chris Iannetta homered twice and drove in a career-high six runs, and Juan Nicasio pitched seven solid innings in his major league debut as scuffling Colorado routed visiting St. Louis.

The hard-throwing Nicasio (1-0) surrendered just six hits and one unearned run after being recalled from Double-A Tulsa to make a spot start.

The usually reliable Jaime Garcia (5-1) had a rough outing and the Rockies took full advantage to break out of their offensive funk by setting season highs for runs and hits (18).

What do you guys think about this.

CHICAGO — Doug Davis made his 300th career start in the major leagues this afternoon at Wrigley Field. It certainly won’t make his memory book.

The Cubs’ southpaw struggled mightily, throwing 111 pitches in just 4 2-3 innings with six walks and one hit batter. The Pirates went on to win 4-2.

“I’m not going to make any excuses for walking six people. That’s for sure,” Davis said. “I’ve been around long enough to know that walking that many guys against any team is going to come back to haunt you.”

Davis allowed only two earned runs on four hits, but his wildness got the best of him.

Pittsburgh led 2-0 after scoring two unearned runs on two Cubs errors in the second, when things fell apart for Davis in the fourth. He walked three batters, including Andrew McCutchen to force in a run with the bases loaded. Davis added a hit batter for good measure.

Davis, who is 0-3 on the season with a 6.75 ERA, hasn’t won a start since May 5, 2010.

He missed the last 4½ months in 2010 due to an inflammation of lining around the heart and left elbow tendonitis. He signed a minor league contract with the Cubs on April 11 and was promoted from Triple-A Iowa on May 16.

“Having a year off and everything else, I certainly didn’t expect he was going to be a guy that was going come in here ultra sharp, give us seven, eight innings,” manager Mike Quade said.

The Cubs had their chances to get back into the game.

Trailing 4-0, they had the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth, but Aramis Ramirez popped out to second. Alfonso Soriano put the Cubs on the board with a two-run homer in the ninth. Carlos Pena was 2 for 3 with a walk.

The Cubs bullpen pitched 4 1-3 innings, allowing no runs on three hits.

Kevin Correia (7-4) limited Chicago to four singles and a pair of walks in 7 1-3 innings. He moved into a tie with Boston’s Jon Lester for the major league lead in wins, and has six of the Pirates’ 14 victories away from PNC Park this season.

“You throw half your games on the road your whole career, so it really doesn’t effect me at all,” Correia said. “Every place is a little different.”

NOTES
The Cubs activated Rodrigo Lopez, acquired from Atlanta in a minor-league trade on Thursday. He was 6-1 this season for Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated Coello for assignment. Justin Berg, who threw 12 straight balls to the three batters he faced in his last outing, was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. … Carlos Zambrano said the stiff neck he had checked out after Thursday’s win over the Mets is getting better. He thinks the problem started because of the way he positions his head on the pillow while he watches TV at home. … Hurdle said 3B Pedro Alvarez will be able hit while he rehabs from a right quad strain. Alvarez won’t be allowed to run the bases or play in the field. … The game-time temperature at Wrigley Field was 48 degrees, the fourth straight game on the Cubs’ current home stand that it’s been below 50 degrees. It’s been below 50 in 15 of their first 25 home games.

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Not much else going on in the MLB planet today.

DENVER — Casey Coleman scattered four hits while working into the sixth inning and Starlin Castro went 4 for 5 with a three-run homer in Chicago’s 8-3 win over Colorado tonight that snapped the Rockies’ seven-game winning streak.

Alfonso Soriano also went deep for the Cubs, whose win ended a six-game skid at Coors Field that dated to Aug. 9, 2009.

The Rockies, who were missing Carlos Gonzalez (soreness) and Todd Helton (rest) from their starting lineup, hadn’t been blown out all year, losing just twice in their first 13 games, both in extra innings.

Jason Hammel (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to lose a game all season, allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings.

Despite walking three and hitting two batters, Coleman (1-0) kept the Rockies off balance while giving up just four hits and one run, which came in the second when Troy Tulowitzki tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 1.

So efficient while jumping out to a baseball-best 11-2 start, the Rockies’ watered-down lineup was 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position, including 0 for 9 against Coleman. Colorado left 13 men on base.

The Cubs, who had 17 hits, broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth when Coleman slapped a one-out single to center and took third on Castro’s double down the left-field line. Coleman scored on Darwin Barney’s slow roller to first baseman Jason Giambi.

Soriano made it 3-1 in the sixth with his fifth homer, which came off Hammel.

The Cubs put it away with a five-run seventh inning with all the runs coming off righty Felipe Paulino, who allowed hits to five of the six batters he faced and was charged with five earned runs. He saw his ERA jump from 1.59 to 9.00.

Castro’s blow was the big one. He sent an 0-1 offering into the left field stands for his first homer, which made it 6-1.

Chris Iannetta homered for Colorado, his two-run shot off John Grabow in the eighth making it 8-3. The Rockies had a chance to make it interesting, putting two men on base for Giambi, who battled Kerry Wood through a 10-pitch at-bat before striking out.

Soriano’s RBI double put the Cubs ahead 1-0 in the second, and the Rockies tied it in the bottom half on Seth Smith’s sacrifice fly that scored Tulowitzki, but Colorado wasted leadoff doubles in the fifth and sixth innings while the game was still up for grabs.

Smith led off the fourth with a double and Ty Wigginton was hit by a pitch. Ian Stewart, mired in a 2 for 24 slump, popped out to second, Iannetta struck out looking and Hammel grounded out to third.

An inning later, Dexter Fowler led off with a double and took third on catcher Koyie Hill’s throwing error. Jonathan Herrera grounded out to the mound and Giambi was hit by a pitch before Tulowitzki fouled out and Smith grounded out.

Notes
Castro swiped second base in the first inning but was ordered to return to second because of Marlon Byrd’s backswing interfered with Iannetta. … RHP Alan Johnson will make his major league debut Sunday when the Rockies wrap up their three-game series with the Cubs. Johnson, 27, has spent six-plus seasons in the minor leagues, going 56-42 with a 4.55 ERA. … Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Gonzalez was dealing with “stiffness and soreness” related to the flu he played through in New York and it was affecting his offense. Tracy said he’d like to rest Tulowitzki on Sunday in the series finale. … Rockies backup C Jose Morales made his major league debut at 2B in the ninth.

There is the quick update of the day.

DENVER — Casey Coleman scattered four hits while working into the sixth inning and Starlin Castro went 4 for 5 with a three-run homer in Chicago’s 8-3 win over Colorado tonight that snapped the Rockies’ seven-game winning streak.

Alfonso Soriano also went deep for the Cubs, whose win ended a six-game skid at Coors Field that dated to Aug. 9, 2009.

The Rockies, who were missing Carlos Gonzalez (soreness) and Todd Helton (rest) from their starting lineup, hadn’t been blown out all year, losing just twice in their first 13 games, both in extra innings.

Jason Hammel (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to lose a game all season, allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings.

Despite walking three and hitting two batters, Coleman (1-0) kept the Rockies off balance while giving up just four hits and one run, which came in the second when Troy Tulowitzki tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 1.

So efficient while jumping out to a baseball-best 11-2 start, the Rockies’ watered-down lineup was 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position, including 0 for 9 against Coleman. Colorado left 13 men on base.

The Cubs, who had 17 hits, broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth when Coleman slapped a one-out single to center and took third on Castro’s double down the left-field line. Coleman scored on Darwin Barney’s slow roller to first baseman Jason Giambi.

Soriano made it 3-1 in the sixth with his fifth homer, which came off Hammel.

The Cubs put it away with a five-run seventh inning with all the runs coming off righty Felipe Paulino, who allowed hits to five of the six batters he faced and was charged with five earned runs. He saw his ERA jump from 1.59 to 9.00.

Castro’s blow was the big one. He sent an 0-1 offering into the left field stands for his first homer, which made it 6-1.

Chris Iannetta homered for Colorado, his two-run shot off John Grabow in the eighth making it 8-3. The Rockies had a chance to make it interesting, putting two men on base for Giambi, who battled Kerry Wood through a 10-pitch at-bat before striking out.

Soriano’s RBI double put the Cubs ahead 1-0 in the second, and the Rockies tied it in the bottom half on Seth Smith’s sacrifice fly that scored Tulowitzki, but Colorado wasted leadoff doubles in the fifth and sixth innings while the game was still up for grabs.

Smith led off the fourth with a double and Ty Wigginton was hit by a pitch. Ian Stewart, mired in a 2 for 24 slump, popped out to second, Iannetta struck out looking and Hammel grounded out to third.

An inning later, Dexter Fowler led off with a double and took third on catcher Koyie Hill’s throwing error. Jonathan Herrera grounded out to the mound and Giambi was hit by a pitch before Tulowitzki fouled out and Smith grounded out.

Notes
Castro swiped second base in the first inning but was ordered to return to second because of Marlon Byrd’s backswing interfered with Iannetta. … RHP Alan Johnson will make his major league debut Sunday when the Rockies wrap up their three-game series with the Cubs. Johnson, 27, has spent six-plus seasons in the minor leagues, going 56-42 with a 4.55 ERA. … Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Gonzalez was dealing with “stiffness and soreness” related to the flu he played through in New York and it was affecting his offense. Tracy said he’d like to rest Tulowitzki on Sunday in the series finale. … Rockies backup C Jose Morales made his major league debut at 2B in the ninth.

There is the quick update of the day.

DENVER — Casey Coleman scattered four hits while working into the sixth inning and Starlin Castro went 4 for 5 with a three-run homer in Chicago’s 8-3 win over Colorado tonight that snapped the Rockies’ seven-game winning streak.

Alfonso Soriano also went deep for the Cubs, whose win ended a six-game skid at Coors Field that dated to Aug. 9, 2009.

The Rockies, who were missing Carlos Gonzalez (soreness) and Todd Helton (rest) from their starting lineup, hadn’t been blown out all year, losing just twice in their first 13 games, both in extra innings.

Jason Hammel (1-1) became the first Rockies starter to lose a game all season, allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings.

Despite walking three and hitting two batters, Coleman (1-0) kept the Rockies off balance while giving up just four hits and one run, which came in the second when Troy Tulowitzki tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 1.

So efficient while jumping out to a baseball-best 11-2 start, the Rockies’ watered-down lineup was 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position, including 0 for 9 against Coleman. Colorado left 13 men on base.

The Cubs, who had 17 hits, broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth when Coleman slapped a one-out single to center and took third on Castro’s double down the left-field line. Coleman scored on Darwin Barney’s slow roller to first baseman Jason Giambi.

Soriano made it 3-1 in the sixth with his fifth homer, which came off Hammel.

The Cubs put it away with a five-run seventh inning with all the runs coming off righty Felipe Paulino, who allowed hits to five of the six batters he faced and was charged with five earned runs. He saw his ERA jump from 1.59 to 9.00.

Castro’s blow was the big one. He sent an 0-1 offering into the left field stands for his first homer, which made it 6-1.

Chris Iannetta homered for Colorado, his two-run shot off John Grabow in the eighth making it 8-3. The Rockies had a chance to make it interesting, putting two men on base for Giambi, who battled Kerry Wood through a 10-pitch at-bat before striking out.

Soriano’s RBI double put the Cubs ahead 1-0 in the second, and the Rockies tied it in the bottom half on Seth Smith’s sacrifice fly that scored Tulowitzki, but Colorado wasted leadoff doubles in the fifth and sixth innings while the game was still up for grabs.

Smith led off the fourth with a double and Ty Wigginton was hit by a pitch. Ian Stewart, mired in a 2 for 24 slump, popped out to second, Iannetta struck out looking and Hammel grounded out to third.

An inning later, Dexter Fowler led off with a double and took third on catcher Koyie Hill’s throwing error. Jonathan Herrera grounded out to the mound and Giambi was hit by a pitch before Tulowitzki fouled out and Smith grounded out.

Notes
Castro swiped second base in the first inning but was ordered to return to second because of Marlon Byrd’s backswing interfered with Iannetta. … RHP Alan Johnson will make his major league debut Sunday when the Rockies wrap up their three-game series with the Cubs. Johnson, 27, has spent six-plus seasons in the minor leagues, going 56-42 with a 4.55 ERA. … Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Gonzalez was dealing with “stiffness and soreness” related to the flu he played through in New York and it was affecting his offense. Tracy said he’d like to rest Tulowitzki on Sunday in the series finale. … Rockies backup C Jose Morales made his major league debut at 2B in the ninth.

Leave your comments on the news below.

Read More: Augie Ojeda (SS – CHC), Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs

Name any other major-league baseball player who has played in the Olympic Games for the United States and for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

Go ahead. Try.

Look no further than former Arizona Diamondbacks fan favorite Augie Ojeda, who is now happily reunited with his original team, the Chicago Cubs.

Ojeda, a Chandler resident after four seasons with the D-backs, continues to live the dream. He’s 36, and his ride in the big leagues isn’t over. Ojeda and Darwin Barney are battling for a spot on the Cubs’ final roster as utility infielders.

Both are solid fielders. Whomever hits the best in spring training games might be the deciding factor for manager Mike Quade. But Ojeda knows the drill — his career has often been about fighting uphill battles and roster spot competitions, and he keeps showing up at spring training and eventually finding his way to the 25-man roster.

“The best opportunity was coming back (to Chicago) and just playing in Wrigley Field,” Ojeda said of his offseason options after the D-backs granted him free agency when the 2010 season was over. “They have fans everywhere. Everywhere they go, they draw. Playing at home every day for a packed house, the tradition and the hunger of winning because it hasn’t been done in so long. I would like to be part of that and hopefully this year, we can do it.”

Few could have imagined that Ojeda, somewhat small in stature but a giant at heart, would fashion a career out of scrappy, hustling, hard-nose baseball that kept him in demand from one year to the next. His career batting average is .234 and he’s hit seven career home runs since 2000, when he made his major-league debut with the Cubs.

But it’s the hard-nosed approach to the game that endeared Ojeda to Diamondbacks fans in recent years.

He described his playing style as “go out there and give 120 percent every day.”

“Between the lines, play hard, and that’s what the fans like,” Ojeda said, “and that’s why they pay a lot of money to go see major-league baseball. The bottom line is just play hard and play the game the right way, and they appreciate it.”

Whoa, did he really say that? In today’s cutthroat sports world of high salary demands and outrageous contracts, Ojeda, refreshingly, has the fans in mind.   

Fifteen spring trainings, and every year that passes, another baseball buddy of Ojeda’s retires and starts working in another field. But Ojeda isn’t ready to give up living his dream.

“It’s fun, I still enjoy it and I feel great,” Ojeda said. “I’ve been blessed. I thank God every day. I wake up every day and I’m just excited to be here… not in my wildest dreams did I think I would be playing at this age. Hard work pays off. Keep striving at your goal and good things will happen.”

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FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Boston Red Sox have traded right-handed pitcher Robert Coello to the Chicago Cubs for minor league second baseman Tony Thomas.

Thomas batted .276 with 11 homers and 73 RBIs for Double-A Tennessee last year after being chosen by the Cubs in the third round of the 2007 amateur draft. In 405 minor league games, he is hitting .269 with 34 homers and 196 RBIs.

Coello made his major league debut last September with Boston and had a 4.76 ERA in six relief outings. He had been designated for assignment by the Red Sox last Wednesday. In three minor league seasons he is 13-10 with a 2.91 ERA.

That’s all the news for today.

Published: Sunday, February 13, 2011, 7:06 PM     Updated: Sunday, February 13, 2011, 9:11 PM

All signs point to Chicago Cubs infielder Darwin Barney having a strong chance to break spring training with the major league club in April.
 
He performed well during his two-month debut late last season. The team won. The Cubs did not sign a veteran infielder to a major league contract.
 
Plus, the 40-man roster consists of six infielders, around what a big league team would start the season with. Barney is one of them.
 
But despite the positives, the former Oregon State and Southridge High School star is taking nothing for granted.
 
“I think (the Cubs) believe in me and like the player that I am and think that I can help the club,” Barney said from his offseason home in Arizona. “But nothing is for sure. I’m going to have to go out and compete.”
 
Pitchers and catchers report to Cubs spring training in Mesa, Ariz., on Monday. Position players report Friday. Barney, 25,  has been in town since Nov. 1 preparing for what will be the biggest spring training of his young career.
 
A year ago at this time, Barney expected to spend a second season playing shortstop for Triple-A Iowa.
 
By Aug. 12, however, the Cubs were 48-66, had started a youth movement and Barney was making his big league debut.
 
Already called up was the organization’s top prospect, shortstop Starlin Castro.  Barney, a Pacific Coast League All-Star, got his call after the team traded veteran middle infielders Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot.
 
Playing primarily second base with Chicago, Barney batted .217 in August before hitting .250 in September/October to finish at .241.
 
“I left very encouraged,” Barney said.
 
The team won while Barney, who won a state championship at Southridge High School and back-to-back national championships with Oregon State (2006, 2007) and the other young players were in the big leagues.
 
The Cubs were 27-20 from Aug. 12 on and 24-13 under then-interim manager Mike Quade,  who took over when Lou Piniella retired Aug. 22.
 
“I think that was huge for us as a core group of young guys,” Barney said. “And also for the veterans to show them that these young guys can play and they care and that they can bring that to the field every day and we can win.”
 
Quade was named manager in the offseason. Minimal moves were made to tweak the roster in the offseason.
 
With a golden opportunity to stick in the big leagues, Barney set out to improve. He worked with famed Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo  and hit the weight room, adding 18 pounds to reach 188 on his 5-foot-10 frame while maintaining his speed and quickness.
 
So where does Barney fit in?
 
He’s listed as the backup shortstop behind Castro. But Barney also is in the mix to compete for time at second base with Blake DeWitt, 25,  acquired in the deal that sent Theriot to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Jeff Baker, 29,  who also plays third.
 
There have been reports out of Chicago that Cubs general manager Jim Hendry  could still look to add a veteran infielder from a list that includes Orlando Cabrera, Cristian Guzman and Julio Lugo. But so far, Chicago has signed only veteran infielder Augie Ojeda, 36,  to a minor league deal.
 
DeWitt, who batted .261 last year,  is a left-handed hitter in a predominantly right-handed lineup, which could give him the edge to start. Baker, a right-handed hitter like Barney, could be the leader to platoon there given that he batted .350 against left-handed pitchers last season.
 
Other than Castro, who batted .300 last year,  Barney and Ojeda are the only two infielders with extensive experience playing shortstop.
 
Barney said he hasn’t been told what role he likely would fill. But he does see himself as at least the backup shortstop.
 
“I’d play anywhere,” he said. “I’ve been a shortstop my whole life. That’s where my value is. That’s what my abilities have allowed me to do. I’ll never take that for granted. If anything happens to Castro, where are they gong to go?”
 
That said, Barney is open to playing second base. He worked out there in the offseason and grew comfortable playing second as his time in the big leagues wore on.
 
The muscle added, Barney said, was not to increase his power. He did not hit a home run in the major leagues last year but had four doubles in 79 at-bats.  A lack of big power, his agent Joe Urban  said, shouldn’t hurt Barney’s chances with the team as long as he hits for average, plays good defense and provides speed on the base paths.
 
“If he never hits a home run again and is a 10-year big leaguer, it’s not a weakness,” Urban said.
 
Castro had three home runs last year. DeWitt hit five  and Baker, four.
 
However the roster shakes out, Barney, with a strong spring training, shouldn’t have to worry about spending more time in Iowa.
 
All the signs are there.
 
“I don’t ever bet against Darwin Barney,” Urban said. “His track record, his ability and his success rate speak for themselves. I think if he makes that team he’s going to contribute in a lot of ways over a long season.”

What do you guys think about this.

Published: Sunday, February 13, 2011, 7:06 PM     Updated: Sunday, February 13, 2011, 9:11 PM

All signs point to Chicago Cubs infielder Darwin Barney having a strong chance to break spring training with the major league club in April.
 
He performed well during his two-month debut late last season. The team won. The Cubs did not sign a veteran infielder to a major league contract.
 
Plus, the 40-man roster consists of six infielders, around what a big league team would start the season with. Barney is one of them.
 
But despite the positives, the former Oregon State and Southridge High School star is taking nothing for granted.
 
“I think (the Cubs) believe in me and like the player that I am and think that I can help the club,” Barney said from his offseason home in Arizona. “But nothing is for sure. I’m going to have to go out and compete.”
 
Pitchers and catchers report to Cubs spring training in Mesa, Ariz., on Monday. Position players report Friday. Barney, 25,  has been in town since Nov. 1 preparing for what will be the biggest spring training of his young career.
 
A year ago at this time, Barney expected to spend a second season playing shortstop for Triple-A Iowa.
 
By Aug. 12, however, the Cubs were 48-66, had started a youth movement and Barney was making his big league debut.
 
Already called up was the organization’s top prospect, shortstop Starlin Castro.  Barney, a Pacific Coast League All-Star, got his call after the team traded veteran middle infielders Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot.
 
Playing primarily second base with Chicago, Barney batted .217 in August before hitting .250 in September/October to finish at .241.
 
“I left very encouraged,” Barney said.
 
The team won while Barney, who won a state championship at Southridge High School and back-to-back national championships with Oregon State (2006, 2007) and the other young players were in the big leagues.
 
The Cubs were 27-20 from Aug. 12 on and 24-13 under then-interim manager Mike Quade,  who took over when Lou Piniella retired Aug. 22.
 
“I think that was huge for us as a core group of young guys,” Barney said. “And also for the veterans to show them that these young guys can play and they care and that they can bring that to the field every day and we can win.”
 
Quade was named manager in the offseason. Minimal moves were made to tweak the roster in the offseason.
 
With a golden opportunity to stick in the big leagues, Barney set out to improve. He worked with famed Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo  and hit the weight room, adding 18 pounds to reach 188 on his 5-foot-10 frame while maintaining his speed and quickness.
 
So where does Barney fit in?
 
He’s listed as the backup shortstop behind Castro. But Barney also is in the mix to compete for time at second base with Blake DeWitt, 25,  acquired in the deal that sent Theriot to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Jeff Baker, 29,  who also plays third.
 
There have been reports out of Chicago that Cubs general manager Jim Hendry  could still look to add a veteran infielder from a list that includes Orlando Cabrera, Cristian Guzman and Julio Lugo. But so far, Chicago has signed only veteran infielder Augie Ojeda, 36,  to a minor league deal.
 
DeWitt, who batted .261 last year,  is a left-handed hitter in a predominantly right-handed lineup, which could give him the edge to start. Baker, a right-handed hitter like Barney, could be the leader to platoon there given that he batted .350 against left-handed pitchers last season.
 
Other than Castro, who batted .300 last year,  Barney and Ojeda are the only two infielders with extensive experience playing shortstop.
 
Barney said he hasn’t been told what role he likely would fill. But he does see himself as at least the backup shortstop.
 
“I’d play anywhere,” he said. “I’ve been a shortstop my whole life. That’s where my value is. That’s what my abilities have allowed me to do. I’ll never take that for granted. If anything happens to Castro, where are they gong to go?”
 
That said, Barney is open to playing second base. He worked out there in the offseason and grew comfortable playing second as his time in the big leagues wore on.
 
The muscle added, Barney said, was not to increase his power. He did not hit a home run in the major leagues last year but had four doubles in 79 at-bats.  A lack of big power, his agent Joe Urban  said, shouldn’t hurt Barney’s chances with the team as long as he hits for average, plays good defense and provides speed on the base paths.
 
“If he never hits a home run again and is a 10-year big leaguer, it’s not a weakness,” Urban said.
 
Castro had three home runs last year. DeWitt hit five  and Baker, four.
 
However the roster shakes out, Barney, with a strong spring training, shouldn’t have to worry about spending more time in Iowa.
 
All the signs are there.
 
“I don’t ever bet against Darwin Barney,” Urban said. “His track record, his ability and his success rate speak for themselves. I think if he makes that team he’s going to contribute in a lot of ways over a long season.”

That’s all for today.

CHICAGO — Starting Wednesday, Cubs pitchers Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall and Tom Gorzelanny, and catchers Geovany Soto and Koyie Hill can file for salary arbitration.

The five have at least three but fewer than six years of service in Major League Baseball. Players have until Jan. 15 to file, and the two sides will exchange salary figures Jan. 18. If they cannot reach an agreement, the two sides will present their cases before an arbitrator during hearings, which will take place from Feb. 1-21.

Infielder Jeff Baker, 29, also was arbitration-eligible, but he renewed on a $1.175 million contract on Dec. 2.

Marmol will likely receive the biggest raise. In his first season as closer, in 2010, the right-hander converted 38 of 43 save opportunities and struck out 138 batters over 77 2/3 innings. His 15.99 strikeouts per nine innings was the highest single-season mark for a reliever in Major League history. Eric Gagne had the previous high (14.98 Ks per nine).

The 28-year-old made $2.125 million last season, a significant hike from his 2009 salary of $575,000. He has two more years before he will be eligible for free agency; the same is true for Marshall, Gorzelanny and Hill.

Marshall, 28, who made $950,000 in 2010, is coming off a season in which he set career highs in games (80) and strikeouts (90), and matched his personal high for wins, with seven. The lefty compiled a 2.65 ERA and held the opposition scoreless in 66 of his 80 outings.

Gorzelanny, 28, went 7-9 with a 4.09 ERA in his first full season with the Cubs, making 23 starts. The lefty made $800,000 last season.

Soto, who turns 28 on Jan. 20, bounced back from a disappointing sophomore season to bat .280 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs. His year ended early, as he missed the final two weeks after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder. Soto was paid $575,000 last year, and this is the first time he is arbitration-eligible.

Hill, 31, batted .214 in 77 games with the Cubs, making 60 starts. He made $700,000 last season.

Last February, the Cubs went to arbitration for the first time since 1993. Infielder Ryan Theriot was seeking $3.4 million, and the Cubs offered $2.6 million. Theriot lost the case but still received an increase from his $500,000 salary in 2009.

Theriot’s case was the last to be heard in 2010 in Major League Baseball. Teams won the arbitration cases, 5-3.

General manager Jim Hendry had settled 36 cases before Theriot’s. The Cubs did come close to a hearing in 2007, with Carlos Zambrano, but Hendry and Zambrano’s agent settled minutes before the session started.

The Cubs have a 4-2 record in arbitration cases. Prior to Theriot, the last player to go to a hearing was Mark Grace, who filed for $4.1 million in 1993. The Cubs offered $3.1 million and won.

In 1980, Bruce Sutter sought $700,000, and the Cubs offered $350,000. Sutter won. In 1985, Leon Durham asked for $1.1 million, but the Cubs won with their offer of $800,000.

In 1988, Andre Dawson asked for $2 million, and the Cubs offered $1.85 million. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the Cubs. In 1990, Shawon Dunston asked for $1.25 million, and the team countered at $925,000. Dunston won.

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Feel free to leave your comments below.

CHICAGO — Starting Wednesday, Cubs pitchers Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall and Tom Gorzelanny, and catchers Geovany Soto and Koyie Hill can file for salary arbitration.

The five have at least three but fewer than six years of service in Major League Baseball. Players have until Jan. 15 to file, and the two sides will exchange salary figures Jan. 18. If they cannot reach an agreement, the two sides will present their cases before an arbitrator during hearings, which will take place from Feb. 1-21.

Infielder Jeff Baker, 29, also was arbitration-eligible, but he renewed on a $1.175 million contract on Dec. 2.

Marmol will likely receive the biggest raise. In his first season as closer, in 2010, the right-hander converted 38 of 43 save opportunities and struck out 138 batters over 77 2/3 innings. His 15.99 strikeouts per nine innings was the highest single-season mark for a reliever in Major League history. Eric Gagne had the previous high (14.98 Ks per nine).

The 28-year-old made $2.125 million last season, a significant hike from his 2009 salary of $575,000. He has two more years before he will be eligible for free agency; the same is true for Marshall, Gorzelanny and Hill.

Marshall, 28, who made $950,000 in 2010, is coming off a season in which he set career highs in games (80) and strikeouts (90), and matched his personal high for wins, with seven. The lefty compiled a 2.65 ERA and held the opposition scoreless in 66 of his 80 outings.

Gorzelanny, 28, went 7-9 with a 4.09 ERA in his first full season with the Cubs, making 23 starts. The lefty made $800,000 last season.

Soto, who turns 28 on Jan. 20, bounced back from a disappointing sophomore season to bat .280 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs. His year ended early, as he missed the final two weeks after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder. Soto was paid $575,000 last year, and this is the first time he is arbitration-eligible.

Hill, 31, batted .214 in 77 games with the Cubs, making 60 starts. He made $700,000 last season.

Last February, the Cubs went to arbitration for the first time since 1993. Infielder Ryan Theriot was seeking $3.4 million, and the Cubs offered $2.6 million. Theriot lost the case but still received an increase from his $500,000 salary in 2009.

Theriot’s case was the last to be heard in 2010 in Major League Baseball. Teams won the arbitration cases, 5-3.

General manager Jim Hendry had settled 36 cases before Theriot’s. The Cubs did come close to a hearing in 2007, with Carlos Zambrano, but Hendry and Zambrano’s agent settled minutes before the session started.

The Cubs have a 4-2 record in arbitration cases. Prior to Theriot, the last player to go to a hearing was Mark Grace, who filed for $4.1 million in 1993. The Cubs offered $3.1 million and won.

In 1980, Bruce Sutter sought $700,000, and the Cubs offered $350,000. Sutter won. In 1985, Leon Durham asked for $1.1 million, but the Cubs won with their offer of $800,000.

In 1988, Andre Dawson asked for $2 million, and the Cubs offered $1.85 million. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the Cubs. In 1990, Shawon Dunston asked for $1.25 million, and the team countered at $925,000. Dunston won.

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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