Category: Former Cubs

New York Times Cites Anonymous Lawyers Saying Sosa Tested Positive for PEDs in 2003

June 16, 2009 by cubsnet

We may no longer be able to hang our hat on the fact that the greatest player in Chicago Cubs history never actually tested postiive for performance enhancing drugs. The New York Times reported today:

Prior's shoulder continues to delay Pads debut

May 17, 2008 by cubsnet

Prior's shoulder continues to delay Pads debut - Oft-injured pitcher Mark Prior has another shoulder problem that will delay his debut with the San Diego Padres. [ESPN.com: MLB Headlines]

It appears that the significant damage to Mark Prior's shoulder lingers on. The way things seem now, he may never pitch in the big leagues again. I hope he does.

A "Far Fall" for Corey Patterson

January 10, 2008 by Squib Hits

Baseball Prospectus' Marc Normandin profiles former Cubs and top flight prospect and current fourth outfielder type Corey Patterson. (Sub. req'd.) "Patterson's inability to make changes in his game has kept him from improving from the player he was in his earlier years, and his tendency to pull the ball with the power he doesn't have is part of this discussion." ... more

The Mitchell Report: No Current Cubs Named; Sosa's Name Absent; Former Cubs Named; Karchner Wouldn't Name 1999 Cubs Users

December 13, 2007 by cubsnet

Based on a quick review, there are no current Chicago Cubs players linked to performance enhancing substances in the Mitchell Report. There are, however, a number of former Cubs discussed, along with rumored acquisition target Brian Roberts. Sammy Sosa's name is absent, other than a brief mention that he declined to answer Mitchell's questions.

Larry Bigbie told Mitchell that "Roberts admitted to him that he had injected himself once or twice with steroids in 2003." Roberts declined to meet with Mitchell.

Patterson Likely Done With Orioles After Two Years

December 4, 2007 by Squib Hits

The Cubs are intent on acquiring a left-handed hitting outfielder this offseason. Here's one available: Corey Patterson. Patterson, now 28, hit just .269/.304/.386 for the Baltimore Orioles in 2007.

Can We Just Elect Shawon Dunston's Arm to the Hall of Fame?

November 30, 2007 by Squib Hits

Shawon Dunston is eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time this year. With a career adjusted OPS 5.5% below league average, he is not going to make it, or even come close. But he will be remembered. Writes Baseball Prospectus's Jim Baker (sub. req'd): "When somebody does something better than the very best people in his field, it's pretty jarring. Remember the first time you saw Dunston make a throw from shortstop? Didn't your eyes just about unhinge from their sockets? Dunston is already in the Arm Hall of Fame. It's one of the many satellite Halls of Fame located near but not in Cooperstown, New York."

Olney: Mahay Most Wanted Reliever

November 7, 2007 by Squib Hits

According to ESPN.com's Buster Olney, Ron Mahay is the "the most coveted free-agent middle reliever." Who would have thought that when the Cubs released him after the 2002 season, after Mahay allowed 6 home runs in 14.2 innings for the big league club that year? Especially since Mahay was 31-years-old when the Cubs released him.