Cubs sign Fukudome's teammate and Wuertz, invite 20 to spring training.

Via the Tribune.

The Cubs have inked Ken Kadokura to a minor league contract. Kadokura, a pitcher, previously played with Kosuke Fukudome in Japan.

The Cubs also invited 20 players to spring training. Those invited reportedly include former reliever Mike Stanton (last appeared in '07 with Cincinnati) and outfielder So Taguchi.

Michael Wuertz also signed with the team; he was the last arbitration-eligible player to re-sign (joining Kevin Gregg and Ronny Cedeno).

New President... and Old-ish Cubs News

On this day, here's a fun website where you can make your own Shepard Fairey-esque poster.

Marmol, Fukudome, Lilly, Ramirez, Lee, Soto, Zambrano, Guzman, and Jose Ascanio all on World Baseball Classic provisional rosters. The WBC starts this March.

However, Zambrano may miss the WBC; he is planning to undergo LASIK surgery.

Kevin Gregg signed a one-year contract worth $4.2 million, avoiding arbitration in the process.

Felix Pie was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for two pitchers, lefty Garrett Olson and righty Henry Williamson.

Kerry Wood took out a full-page ad in the Tribune and Sun-Times, thanking Chicago fans, his teammates, and the Cubs organization.

Happy 2009!

UPDATE: I must have been totally confusing Aaron Miles with someone else, so I erroneously stated him as an outfielder. He's an infielder (obviously) and will be giving Theriot an occasional breather.

What happened while I was away?

Most importantly, on New Year's Eve the Cubs acquired switch-hitter Aaron Miles (from the divisional rival Cardinals, natch) and jettisoned Mark DeRosa for three minor-league pitchers. The Miles contract is reported to be two years at just under $5 million. Right now, the likely left-handed bats in the lineup are Miles, Fukudome (replaced by Bradley if he signs?), Fontenot, and Joey Gathright off the bench.


The best prospect in the DeRosa trade, meanwhile, is Jeff Stevens, a right-handed pitcher who pitched at the AAA and AA level for the Indians last year. Via Cubs.com. (emphasis mine)

Stevens was a combined 5-4 with six saves and a 3.24 ERA in 36 games, all in relief, last season at the Double-A and Triple-A level for the Indians. Left-hander John Gaub appeared in 34 games, all in relief, for Class A Lake County, and compiled a 3.38 ERA, while right-hander Chris Archer was a starter for the Captains, going 4-8 with a 4.29 ERA in 27 games.

Meanwhile, The Winter Classic happened. Tribune. NYT.

And today, the Era of Jay Mariotti at AOL Sports began. (via Deadspin.com) Your move, Sun-Times.

Free Agent Roundup

Cubs beat reporter says "several sources" have told her the Cubs are not looking to deal Kosuke Fukudome.

According to the Chicago Tribune, (via Cubs.com), the Royals are "focused" on Sean Marshall and Mike Fontenot in trade talks concerning left-handed outfielder Mark Teahen. Personally, I say give Kosuke one more shot in right in a full season (Japanese league seasons are only 140 games).

Finally, via Wrigleyville 23. Apparently when Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins isn't insulting his fans onstage, he's blaming Eddie Vedder for the Cubs' collapse this season. Seriously.