More former Cubs available as free agents...

Rafael Palmeiro

Matt Lawton

Shawn Estes

And from the 2005 Chicago Cubs...

Jeromy Burnitz, of;
Chad Fox, rhp;
Nomar Garciaparra, ss;
Neifi Perez, ss

Who else did I miss on this list?

Source:

Updated: Nov. 4, 2005, 4:33 PM ET
Free Agents List
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?sect...

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White Sox, Illinois General Assembly, Senate ceremonies

Cubs trivia

# of MLB College Graduates in 2005 ???

Would you like Cubs related license plates?

Cubs basketball game photos

Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field photos

The Cubs won 14-3. Now that's playing the game right!

This morning I opened up my email box and saw this headline in an email from cubs.com

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CUBS BASEBALL NEWS - Cubs Sign Free Agent LaTroy Hawkins
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The Chicago Cubs today agreed to terms with free agent reliever
LaTROY HAWKINS on a two-year contract for the ....

That was somewhat surprising. Before posting it here I thought I'd check the details. The link the email shared wasn't working, so I tried the Chicago Tribune's Cubs page and it wasn't listed there either.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bas...

Wow! I have info before the Trib posts it? No way!

So I went to www.cubs.com and tried their site. That's odd, nothing posted about this deal either.

Nothing about it even at www.cubsnet.com.

Hmmmm, let's have another look at that email, shall we?

It seems that the DATE option on my email program was clicked and the oldest email on it was from 12/3/2003 which was when the LaTroy Hawkins signing was announced. The link the announcement supplied was no longer functioning since it was a referring link.

For those wondering how LaTroy did this year, click on this link:

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/t...

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If you haven't voted in the poll linked above, please do so now.

Which of these former Cub free agents would you most like to see return to the Cubs?
http://www.cubsnet.com/node/784

Thanks.

Diana

Derrek Lee photos : stolen base, home run
http://chicagocubsphotos.blogspot.com/20...

Orioles hire Elia

The Baltimore Orioles said they have hired Lee Elia as bench coach and will move third base coach Rick Dempsey to the bullpen.

Elia managed the Chicago Cubs from 1982-83 and the Philadelphia Phillies from 1987-88, compiling a combined 238-300 record.

Source:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl...

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Photos from a Cubs game at Wrigley

According to Yahoo Sports, Jeromy Burnitz is likely to sign with the Baltimore Orioles and replace Sammy Sosa in right field.

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Update: Burnitz ended up surprising us and signed with the Pirates instead.

Cubs Memorabilia Photos

The ESPN website has a free agent tracker at:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/features/f...

Former / current Cubs on the list include...

Antonio Alfonseca, RP (unsigned so far)

Chad Fox, RP (unsigned so far)

Jose Hernandez, 3B (unsigned so far)

Alex S. Gonzalez, 3B (was Cubs SS in '03) (unsigned so far)

Rafael Palmeiro, 1B (unsigned so far)

Sammy Sosa, RF (unsigned so far)

Julian Tavarez, RP Left St. Louis for Boston

Jose Vizcaino, 1B Left Houston for San Francisco

Paul Bako, C Leaving the LA Dodgers to play for Kansas City.

Mark Bellhorn, 2B Leaving the NY Yankees to play for San Diego

Jeromy Burnitz, RF Leaving the Cubbies (see post above) to play for the Pirates.

Shawn Estes, SP Left Arizona to pitch for the San Diego Padres

Kyle Farnsworth, RP Left Atlanta to pitch for the NY Yankees.

Jeff Fassero, RP Staying with the Giants.

Todd Hollandsworth, LF Left Atlanta and signed minor league contract with Cleveland

Nomar Garciaparra, 1B Left the Chicago Cubs to play for the LA Dodgers

Neifi Perez, SS Re-signed with Cubs

Tom "Flash" Gordon, RP Left the NY Yankees to pitch for the Phillies.

Mark Grudzielanek, 2B Left St. Louis to play in Kansas City.

Lenny Harris, LF Signed minor league contract with Florida.

Jacque Jones, RF Left Minnesota to play for the Chicago Cubs

Matt Lawton, RF Left NY Yankees to play for Seattle

Kenny Lofton, CF Left Philadelphia for the LA Dodgers. (I wish he had signed with the Cubs.)

Jamie Moyer, SP Re-signed with Seattle

Terry Mulholland, RP Left Minnesota for Arizona (Minor Lg.)

Augie Ojeda, SS Left Minnesota to Chicago Cubs (minor Lg) He's back!

Glendon Rusch, RP Staying with the Cubs.

Did I miss anyone? Who else on this list has played for the Cubs at any time in their career?

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Cubs related weblinks

Ever wonder how Sammy Sosa became a Cub?

This story shares some background info. Looks like Yosh Kawano played a part in it.

Lefebvre gets assist in Cubs' Sosa deal
http://www.cincypost.com/2002/jul/01/mcc...

I miss Sammy on the Cubs. I'd like to see him hit some towering blasts over the newly raised bleachers for the Cubs.

National Anthem at Wrigley

At this point in the poll, (see above) Kenny Lofton is the #1 most requested former Cub.

An article at mlb.com this week mentions that newbie Cub outfielder Juan Pierre patterns his play after one of his favorite players, Kenny Lofton.

In fact, they played against each other at Wrigley when Pierre was a Marlin and Lofton was a Cub.

02/22/2006 4:03 PM ET
Pesky Pierre aims to pester Cubs' foes
Baker all too happy to have speedster on his side for a change
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

"That's a good guy to emulate," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said when told of Pierre's pick. "They both get on base. They're both pests. You'd rather have them on your team than the other side.

"He's a game changer," Lee said of Pierre

Lee would know. The two were teammates together in Florida, and both have World Series rings from the 2003 season. Lee won the National League batting title last season and produced monster stats. But the Cubs' leadoff hitters had a .299 on-base percentage and combined to score 83 runs. Imagine if Pierre was batting ahead of Lee last year.

Read entire article at MLB.com

Juan Pierre chats with WGN's Dan Roan about the challenges and learning ahead in spring training. (video file linked from this page)
http://wgntv.trb.com/sports/custom/weblog/wgnsports/archives/2006/02/index.html#002671
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Meet Ronnie the Collie

Third Ex-Major Leaguer Signs With Canaries
03/01/06 - American Association (AA) Sioux Falls Canaries

Sioux Falls, SD - The Sioux Falls Canaries announced today the signing former Major League outfielder Chad Hermansen to a contract for the upcoming season. Hermansen joins Jim Rushford and Edgard Clemente as the third player with Major League experience to sign with the Canaries for the upcoming season.

(snip)

In the 1995 draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Hermansen in the first round with the tenth overall pick. He spent parts of four seasons on the Pirates big league roster before being traded to the Chicago Cubs. Following the 2002 season, the Cubs traded Hermansen and Todd Hundley to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek.

http://oursportscentral.com/services/rel...

(Note to Cubs: please sign Jim Rushford. Thanks!)

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Meet Ronnie the Collie

Since Kenny Lofton is leading in votes in the above poll, I thought I'd share a link to this interesting article regarding the former Cub.

Lofton knows his role
Lofton following a 'scripted' life
By Tony Jackson, Staff Writer

VERO BEACH, Fla. - Two and a half years ago, Kenny Lofton, a longtime actor friend named Dondre Whitfield and two other business partners pooled their resources and started a post-production company in Hollywood. As second incomes go, it seems a rather strange choice for a ballplayer, especially one who after 15 seasons in the big leagues is still waiting for his first happy ending.

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_36225...

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Meet Ronnie the Collie

JUAN MORE TIME: Former Cubs pitcher Juan Cruz is on the move again.
The Oakland Athletics traded him to the Arizona Diamondbacks for left-handed pitcher Brad Halsey.

Cruz, 27, never could find his potential with the Cubs, and the A's demoted him to the minors last season. He remains phone buddies with Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano.

Source:
http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-...

Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Meet Ronnie the Collie

It looks like former Cub shortstop Alex S. Gonzalez may be playing a bit in the outfield for the Phillies.

Click here for details...
http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/players/pl...

Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Cubs vs. Astros photos from 2004

Savvy veteran reliever is no stranger to new skipper Girardi
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
Borowski hopes for closing time

Marlin's Active Roster
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/roste...

Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Meet Ronnie the Collie

Former Cub Alex Gonzalez retires after 13 seasons. phillies.mlb.com

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Meet Ronnie the Collie

Since I seem to be tracking ex-Cubs in this thread, here is the latest ex-Cub news...

(Yep, Matt was one of my fav Cubs a few years ago.)

MLB Trades report
by RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer
NEW YORK Jul 31, 2006 (AP)

Infielder-outfielder Matt Stairs was acquired by the Rangers from Kansas City for right-hander Joselo Diaz.

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?i...

Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Meet Ronnie the Collie

Matt Stairs is now a Detroit Tiger.

Let's see how many ex-Cubs are on the Detroit Tigers???

Detroit Tigers roster
http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb...

Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Meet Ronnie the Collie

Grudzielanek wins first Gold Glove

Royals second baseman is first Royal to win since 2000

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com...

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

News of the day...

Maddux ties mark with 16th Gold Glove

Aces Zito, Maddux to test market

Sample from article:

Maddux and Zito weren't the only recognizable names on Tuesday's filing list. Injured Dodgers closer Eric Gagne filed provisionally -- meaning the team has a $12 million option with a $1 million buyout they can invoke. Even if his option is exercised, Gagne can void the option and receive a $250,000 buyout.

What do you think? Should the Cubs consider Eric Gagne as their next Bruce Sutter?

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

(Did I miss any? I'm sure I did.)

Gary Matthews Jr

LaTroy Hawkins

Alex Gonzalez, ss; (Yes, he's back!)

Matt Stairs

Paul Bako

Doug Mientkiewicz

Phil Nevin

Rondell White

Todd Hollandsworth

Kent Mercker

David Weathers

Ray King

Joe Borowski

Nomar Garciaparra

Kenny Lofton

Greg Maddux

Steve Trachsel

Jeromy Burnitz

Jose Vizcaino

Shawn Estes

Todd Walker

Moises Alou

Ramon E. Martinez

Chicago Cubs free agents

Henry Blanco, c;

John Mabry, 1b;

Wade Miller, rhp;

Juan Pierre, of;

Kerry Wood, rhp.

Aramis Ramirez, 3b;

Source: Free Agents

Posted: Monday Nov 6, 2006 5:07 PM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/wires/11/06/2014.ap.bbo.free.agents.list.0684/

MLB Free Agent Frenzy challenge

Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Years ago as a teenager I made a trip to Wrigley Field in the off-season. I have to admit that I did pray for a chance to meet a Cub player or someone like that.

Cub's pitcher Ray Burris was visiting Wrigley that day.
He arranged to get me an autographed photo of him.

It was a wonderful moment for me. Thanks Mr. Burris!

Congrats on the fun new job.

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Tom Brookens Takes the Helm
11/06/06 - Midwest League (MWL) West Michigan Whitecaps

Joining Brookens on the staff are pitching coach Ray Burris and hitting coach Benny Distefano.

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3393319

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

According to the reply on the last question of the 11/20/2006 Cubs.com mailbag feature, this is a list of some of the players who have played for the Cubs and returned later on in their career to play yet again for the Chicago National League Ballclub...

George Altman
Brant Brown
Miguel Cairo
Dave Clark
Shawon Dunston
Joe Girardi
Doug Glanville
Larry Gura
Jose Hernandez
Glenallen Hill
Ken Holtzman
Randy Hundley
Fergie Jenkins
Greg Maddux
Dave Martinez
Jerry Morales
Mike Morgan
Kevin Orie
Rick Reuschel
Manny Trillo

Early 20th century Hall of Famers Mordecai Brown and Roger Bresnahan also had two tenures with the Cubs.

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

ex-Cub Greg Gross in the news today...

Former major-leaguer Greg Gross is joining the Reading Phillies coaching staff. Gross will serve as hitting coach for manager PJ Forbes.

http://wfmz.com/view/?id=29588

Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

From today's Chicago Sun Times...

Stella's Column
November 30, 2006
BY STELLA FOSTER Sun-Times Columnist

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: Ex-Cub Gary Matthews Jr. just signed a whopping five-year, $50 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. When I first heard of his good fortune, I immediately decided to reach out to my dear and longtime friend, Chicago's Gary "Sarge" Matthews Sr. I asked Sarge, himself a former Cubs star and until recently the team's first base coach, his thoughts about his son:

Click here to read the rest of the story...

http://www.suntimes.com/news/foster/1550...

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg Day at Wrigley Field

Photos from a Cubs game at Wrigley
http://pages.prodigy.net/chicagocubs/

Veteran Hee-Seop Choi was signed to a Minor League deal with the Devil Rays that included an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

Source:
http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com

Photos from Ryne Sandberg's Chicago Cubs jersey number retirement ceremony at Wrigley Field

Former Chicago Cub John Mabry had a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies, who invited the athlete to spring training.

Source:

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070116/SPORTS/701160386/1002

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg's Chicago Cubs jersey number retirement ceremony at Wrigley Field