Chicago Bears Make Big Moves

On Friday March 5th, the first day of NFL free agency, the Bears quickly went out and made big moves. The Bears signed three free agents that will come in and immidiatley have an impact on the team. The Bears signed argueablly the best free agent on the market with the aquistion of the six foot seven inch defensive end, Julious Peppers. They followed that move up by signing two players that will fight for playing time at their respected postions. Chester Taylor, who was the back-up for Adrian Peterson in Minnesota, will be looking to take some of Matt Forte's time at the running back position. Also, Brandon Manumaleuna was signed and will be looking to take some of Greg Olsen's playing time at Tight end.
Bear's General manager Jerry Angelo told reporters "We weren’t looking to make a splash, we’re looking to win, We felt like this gives us a better football team." Bears fans can only hope that this makes us a better team considering the Bears signed Peppers for a guarenteed 42 million over six years. With this move the Bears also raised ticket prices. We will see if Peppers is worth the expense as he in his ninth season and has averaged 10.5 sacks per season. Peppers is a beast on the defensive line and will help the Bears other lineman as Peppers is double teamed almost every snap.

Chicago Cubs Starting line-up

The Chicago Cubs will likely have the same line-up as last year except that Milton Bradley is no longer with the team as he was traded to the Seatle Mariners for Carlos Silva, and the Cubs acquired Marlyn Byrd in Free agnecy who will start in Center Field and take Braley's spot in the line up. This aqusition will move Kosuke Fukudome back to right field which is his natural postion. This move will help the Cubs defensively after a season in which they were 23rd in the Major Leagues. Across the infield the Cubs are set with Derek Lee at first, Mike Fonentenot at second, Ryan Theriot at short, Aramis Ramirez at third, and Geovany Soto will do the catching.

The Cubs starting line up is basicilly set 1-8, but their are some players that could possibly work their way in the line up with a strong performing Spring Training or an injury to a starter. The Cubs are hoping that their new hitting coach can help to find and fix any glitch in Fukudome's swing. The Cubs have been very frustrated with Kosuke in the two years he has been with the team. The Japanese import has played well below expectaions and has not lived up to the big contract he was given. If Kosuke stuggles in Spring training, do not be suprised if the Cubs start former Pitsburg Pirate Xavier Nady. Nady has a career .280 batting average and is a solid fielder. He was signed in the offseason for a one year deal.

Chicago Cubs Spring training

Opening day is 35 days away and as always, Cubs fans are excited and are begging to think that this will finnally be the year.

The Cubs pitchers and catchers reported ontime to Mesa,AZ a couple of weeks ago and to the delight of the Cubs, many of the position players showed up early. Newly signed center fielder Marlyn Byrd was one of the players who showed up early to work with the Cubs new hitting coach, and his former hitting coach in Texas, Rudy Jaramillo. The Cubs were also excited to see that catcher, Geovany Soto showed up to camp in great shape. Coming off a bad 2009 season in which he was hurt and when healthy did not play up to expectations, Soto showed up to camp 40 pounds lighter. He also worked on his swing and hopes to play at the level he did in 2008 when we won the rookie of the year.

The Cubs first Spring Training game is on March 4rth in Mesa against the Oakland A's. Randy Wells is expected to make the start. Randy Wells had a great rookie season last year and will most likely end up as the Cubs number 4 pitcher in the rotation. Going into Spring Training the Cubs rotation 1 through 4 are set with Carlos Zambrano number 1, Ted Lilly at the 2, Ryan Dempster at the 3, and Wells in the 4. The fifth spot in the rotation is up for grabs. Lefty Tom Gorzelanny, former Notre Dame wide reciever Jeff Samardzija, and newly acquired Carlos Silva will all battle it out for the fifth spot in the rotation.