The Chicago Fire(sale)

[MattClementsGoatee]

Spring Training, 2012

Mesa, Arizona

Matt LaPorta: 4 years/19.01 Million

Max Scherzer: 5 years/40.76 Million

Tyler Colvin: 5 years/15.10 Million

David Gaucho to be hitting coach

Michael Galvis to coach 1st base

Carlos Marmol: 5 years/57.97 Million

Starlin Castro: 3 Years/ 7.56 Million

Dave Gutu to be hitting coach

Arbitration offered to: Matt Garza
John Lannan
Aramis Ramirez
Randy Wells
Geovany Soto

Desmond Jennings: 2 years/2.10 Million (Cubs will try and trade for a catcher)

Aramis Ramirez declines arbitration, Cubs sign Jose Bautista for 2 years/16.14 Million

Jason Kipnis, Bryce Harper will both start for the Chicago Cubs, manager Lorne Rowland confirmed as the team began its cuts down to a 25 man roster. "These two have proved they can handle big-league pitching, and the sooner they can get the hang of traveling and the daily grind, the sooner they will truly be Major Leagues."

Jim Hendry has expressed interest in acquiring a new catcher, as Geovany Soto has not panned out. Outfielders Tyler Colvin and Desmond Jennings are now dispensable. Colvin will be a starter on any other team, but with the Cubs' special circumstance in Harper, Colvin is the odd man out.

That is, unless a team is more interested in Marlon Byrd, says Jim Hendry, "Byrd or Colvin. Take your pick." Preferably, Colvin would stay and play center field until prospect Brett Jackson proves he's ready for the call. Soon enough, Raburn will be dispensable. The Cubs also look to add bullpen help, as Kerry Wood departed for many millions in New York.

The Cubs got younger this off-season. They retained a relatively successful starting rotation, with prospect Kyle Gibson starting the season in Triple A Iowa. He's more than ready to fill in for an injury or an under-performer. But we all hope is call to Chicago is because of his performances, not the major leaguers'. Stay tuned.

[iamthepro]

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