Is Spring Around the Corner? Maybe Just Spring Training, Phil
By Angie Wiatrowski in News on Feb 5, 2011 10:00PM
Let’s hope Punxsutawney Phil was right and spring is right around the corner. The famous groundhog did not see his shadow Feb. 2 but history is not on his side. Every year the famous furry forecaster emerges and predicts how much longer the country will have to take in the frigid air. However, his track record (A 39 percent success rate in a century of predictions) and a historic blizzard show that the only thing spring-like any time soon is MLB spring training. Bet you thought this was a story on groundhogs, eh?
Pitchers and catchers report to their spring training camp facilities Feb. 13 and it’s about time. A lot has happened with Chicago baseball lately and there’s plenty to work on out in Arizona for our Cubs and Sox.
The Cubs are expected to sign their only unsigned arbitration-eligible player Carlos Marmol this spring. The Cubs have offered $4.1 million and Marmol is seeking $5.6 million but will need to undergo an exam before a multi-year deal can be made.
The 28-year old right hander had 38 saves in 2010 with 2.55 ERA. He set a Major League record with 138 strikeouts, averaging 15.9 strikeouts per 9 innings. The deal is expected to be completed before pitchers and catchers report to spring training next weekend.
Let’s back track to the blizzard for a bit (because you just can’t get enough). The 70 mph winds Tuesday night blew some pieces of a structural panel off the roof of Wrigley Field’s press box. Debris was scattered and streets were closed. Cubs’ media relations director Peter Chase said the interior of the press box was not damaged.
The trade winds have been blowing on the South Side, with the Sox securing shortstop Alexei Ramirez to a four-year extension, at a steal. Ramirez is locked in at $32.5 million. He currently holds a base salary of $2.75 million thanks to the Sox picking up his 2011 contractual option in early December. Under the terms of the new extension, he will earn $5 million in 2010, $7 million in 2013, $9.5 million in 2014, and $10 million in 2015.
The White Sox definitely got a deal for the 2010 Silver Slugger. Ramirez held a .282 batting average with 18 home runs and 70 RBIs, capturing the Slugger award as the top player on offense among AL shortstops.
He holds a career .283 average with 54 home runs and 215 RBI heading into his fourth Major League season.
The Chicago baseball wheels are definitely turning and despite the 20 plus inches of snow covering the windy city, spring (training) is near. Cubs pitchers and catchers will get a head start reporting Feb. 13. White Sox pitchers and catchers report to camp Feb. 17. The first full workout for both teams begins Feb. 19. Happy spring! (Well, in Arizona that is).