http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/teams/chicago_cubs/6 Recent articles about Chicago Cubs en-us Dustin Houle and Jalen Harris smacked back-to-back RBI doubles in a two run 4th, Francisco Castillo collected three singles (including a run-scoring hit in the 9th), and RHP Zach Quintana tossed five innings of one-run ball with five strikeouts, as the Brewers defeated the Cubs 3-1 in Cactus League Extended Spring Training action this morning at Fitch Park Field #3 in Mesa, AZ. The Cubs scored their one run in the bottom of the 1st inning, when Albert Almora ripped a two-out triple into the left-centerfield gap, and then scored on a Xavier Batista line-drive double into the LF corner. Almora was 2-4 for the day, including the 1st inning triple, an L-7 line-out in the 3rd. a strikeout (swinging) in the 6th, and a two-out single in the 8th.    While the Cubs and Brewers were playing their game on Field #3, RHPs Chang-Yong Lim and Daury Torrez and LHPs Angel Mejias and David Villegas faced-off in a "sim" game on Field #2. Among the position players participating was Steve Cle... Sat, 18 May 2013 19:36:17 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/brewers_leave_cubs_offense_in_a_stupor_at_fitch_park/13646944 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/brewers_leave_cubs_offense_in_a_stupor_at_fitch_park/13646944 Brewers Leave Cubs Offense in a Stupor at Fitch Park http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/brewers_leave_cubs_offense_in_a_stupor_at_fitch_park/13646944 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Elbow surgery, a lat strain, three rehab starts, and ten months later, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza will be activated off the disabled list on Tuesday, May 21 to face the Pittsburgh Pirates later that night. Tuesday will be Garza’s first start since July 21, 2012, the longest period of time that Garza has been absent from professional baseball in his career. Following a solid rehab start for Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, which saw the Chicago starter work six innings, giving up no runs or walks with six strikeouts, Garza felt ready for a return to the Chicago rotation. Cubs manager Dale Sveum would concur, placing Garza back in the rotation (this coming Tuesday) and moving Carlos Villanueva back to the bullpen. In eight starts this season, Villanueva has posted a 3.93 ERA through 52.2 innings of work. While no announcement has been made regarding who will be demoted to add space for Garza on the Cub’s 25 player roster, both the Cubs and Garza are happy to get things going f... Sat, 18 May 2013 18:08:45 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/matt_garza_set_to_return_for_cubs/13646659 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/matt_garza_set_to_return_for_cubs/13646659 Matt Garza Set to Return for Cubs http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/matt_garza_set_to_return_for_cubs/13646659 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/8/683789e25be5169ba93a1cf4fec5a45d89c90f74/mini/6258018.jpg The Chicago Cubs may soon have a very nice problem: six starting pitchers. Matt Garza has completed four rehab starts, and he feels that he can return to the Cubs’ rotation. MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat tweeted Garza’s confidence early on May 17. #Cubs Matt Garza says he's ready to go wp.me/p1rXwp-8WRH via @wordpressdotcom — Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) May 17, 2013 Garza threw 75 pitches for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on May 16. Whereas earlier Garza would pile up his pitches in three- or four-inning stints, he threw much more efficiently this time. Garza lasted six innings while averaging 12.5 pitches per inning. He allowed two hits and no runs. In his four starts, he allowed only two runs in 15.1 innings. Garza will throw a bullpen session on Saturday, May 18. MLB.com’s Cash Kruth reports that this session could be the deciding factor in determining his readiness to return to the Majors. Garza believes that he is ready. Said Garza, “I don’t n... Fri, 17 May 2013 17:30:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/cubs_matt_garza_says_he_is_ready_saturday_session_may_determine/13641337 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/cubs_matt_garza_says_he_is_ready_saturday_session_may_determine/13641337 Cubs’ Matt Garza says he is Ready: Saturday session may determine http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/cubs_matt_garza_says_he_is_ready_saturday_session_may_determine/13641337 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Before this season, both dmick/Uncle Dave and I made our prospect lists. These aren't the only prospects in the Cubs system, but they are nearly all the ones worth talking about. I might have missed a prospect here or there, but it's a good jumping off point. The list of the first 21 is right here: Javier Baez 65 Jorge Soler 65 Dan Vogelbach 65 Albert Almora 60 Brett Jackson 60 Gioskar Amaya 55 Arismendy Alcantara 55 Arodys Vizcaino 55 Logan Watkins 50 Christian Villanueva 50 Junior Lake 50 Dillon Maples 50 Duane Underwood 50 Jeimer Candelario 45 Dave Sappelt 45 Marco Hernadez 45 Matt Szczur 45 Pierce Johnson 45 Paul Blackburn 45 Josh Vitters 40 Juan Paniagua 40 Starting this month, dmick89 and I are going to cover which prospect we think are rising and falling. We'll focus on 3 or 4 guys, and list any honorable mentions we might have. Keep in mind, this is only for actually prospects; Brian Bogusevic is tearing up AAA but that&#39... Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cubs_prospects_on_the_decline/13639387 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cubs_prospects_on_the_decline/13639387 Cubs Prospects on the Decline http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cubs_prospects_on_the_decline/13639387 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Matt Garza looked all tuned up and ready to go tonight at Principal Park as he tossed six scoreless innings that required only 75 pitches by my count. Maybe it was the balls. More on those later. He also fielded his one chance with the glove flawlessly. Tags: Iowa Cubs updateRead more about Garza's Better Balls Win Battle of the Rehabbers Thu, 16 May 2013 22:35:32 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/garzas_better_balls_win_battle_of_the_rehabbers/13635257 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/garzas_better_balls_win_battle_of_the_rehabbers/13635257 Garza's Better Balls Win Battle of the Rehabbers http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/garzas_better_balls_win_battle_of_the_rehabbers/13635257 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/2/c250a18e2209a5e2dfed308adbaa22275b8be6fe/mini/6304956.jpg Video: Borderline stalker **** right here.. Thu, 16 May 2013 21:04:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/miami_girl_asks_giancarlo_stanton_out_to_prom/13634783 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/miami_girl_asks_giancarlo_stanton_out_to_prom/13634783 Giancarlo Stanton asked to prom by Marlins fan http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/miami_girl_asks_giancarlo_stanton_out_to_prom/13634783 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/6/76bb73a534aa61e324c1cd1fd1ca675c6a8e6b7a/mini/stanton.jpg Before this season, both dmick/Uncle Dave and I made our prospect lists. These aren't the only prospects in the Cubs system, but they are nearly all the ones worth talking about. I might have missed a prospect here or there, but it's a good jumping off point. The list of the first 21 is right here: Javier Baez 65 Jorge Soler 65 Dan Vogelbach 65 Albert Almora 60 Brett Jackson 60 Gioskar Amaya 55 Arismendy Alcantara 55 Arodys Vizcaino 55 Logan Watkins 50 Christian Villanueva 50 Junior Lake 50 Dillon Maples 50 Duane Underwood 50 Jeimer Candelario 45 Dave Sappelt 45 Marco Hernadez 45 Matt Szczur 45 Pierce Johnson 45 Paul Blackburn 45 Josh Vitters 40 Juan Paniagua 40 Starting this month, dmick89 and I are going to cover which prospect we think are rising and falling. We'll focus on 3 or 4 guys, and list any honorable mentions we might have. Keep in mind, this is only for actually prospects; Brian Bogusevic is tearing up AAA but that's not as important ... Thu, 16 May 2013 14:21:13 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cubs_prospect_monthly_review_rising_may_2013/13631969 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cubs_prospect_monthly_review_rising_may_2013/13631969 Cubs Prospect Monthly Review: Rising May 2013 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cubs_prospect_monthly_review_rising_may_2013/13631969 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Considering he's a pending free agent that has reportedly been asking to get out of town, there has been speculation that Carlos Marmol could part ways with the Chicago Cubs in the near future. However, Marmol assured reporters -- including Carrie Muskat of MLB.com -- that he's "not going nowhere." “I’m not going nowhere,” Marmol said. “I’m very happy here. I can’t wait until they do something so I can stay here. I always talk about how I love Chicago, I love being here, I love my teammates, I love everybody here.” There was a report yesterday in which someone stated they heard Marmol say he wanted out of Chicago in order to make a fresh start elsewhere. However, Marmol said that he doesn't know the individual who tweeted the rumor or why he would do so. Considering Marmol's role has been changed this season, there could be some tension between he and the Cubs. Still, Marmol only has himself to blame for the demotion, as Chicago gave him an... Thu, 16 May 2013 11:08:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cubs_rumors_carlos_marmol_not_going_nowhere/13630259 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cubs_rumors_carlos_marmol_not_going_nowhere/13630259 Cubs rumors: Carlos Marmol 'not going nowhere' http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cubs_rumors_carlos_marmol_not_going_nowhere/13630259 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/8/08a7b86800344140fb23423b425fcce8737dc943/mini/chicago-cubs-louis.jpg Reggie Golden drilled a two-run single, an RBI double, and a triple, Mark Malave singled, doubled, walked, and scored two runs, Jeffrey Baez singled twice, walked, stole a base, and scored a run, and James Pugliese hurled four innings of shutout baseball, leading the Cubs to a 6-4 victory over the Rockies in Cactus League Extended Spring Training action this morning at Dust Storm Field at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Resort, east of Scottsdale, AZ. After beginning the Cactus League Extended Spring Training schedule mired in a 1-22 slump (045/276/091 in 29 PA over the course of 11 EXST games), Cubs 2010 2nd round draft pick Reggie Golden has been on fire, hitting 423/483/692 over his last nine games (29 PA), bringing his season slash-line up to a respectable 250/438/479. Golden suffered two torn ligaments in his left knee a year ago while running the bases as a member of the Peoria Chiefs, and missed most of the 2012 season. He is just now rounding back into playing shape.     ... Wed, 15 May 2013 18:53:15 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/golden_sparkles_for_cubs_at_talking_stick/13626044 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/golden_sparkles_for_cubs_at_talking_stick/13626044 Golden Sparkles for Cubs at Talking Stick http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/golden_sparkles_for_cubs_at_talking_stick/13626044 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png With Matt Garza about a week or two away from coming off the disabled list, and rejoining the Chicago Cubs starting rotation, the talk has been ongoing about who should be bumped when he returns. This is a tough decision because all five men who are currently in the rotation are pitching well. In fact they are exceeding any and all expectations even the most optimistic fan might have had. Until recently, the smart money has been on either Carlos Villanueva or Scott Feldman being slotted into the bullpen upon Garza’s return. Personally, I would have though Villanueva would be the obvious choice since he was originally signed to be the swing man out of the pen. However, with the rash of injuries the Cubs faced in Spring Training, the starting rotation was thrown into turmoil and he was given his chance and has not let us down. Jeff Samardzija will not be making a return to the bullpen, he has been labeled as a key component for the Cubs future and will remain in the starting rotation.... Tue, 14 May 2013 18:55:22 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/the_cubs_and_the_six_man_rotation/13618556 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/the_cubs_and_the_six_man_rotation/13618556 The Cubs and the Six Man Rotation http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/the_cubs_and_the_six_man_rotation/13618556 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/3/7358577ecaa02070f01603534576081d0970d6ac/mini/6560464.jpg Anthony Rizzo has a .253 average, 25 home runs, and a .765 OPS in 173 career games. For that, the 23-year old Cubs slugger  was awarded with a 7-year, $41 million contract, buying out all his remaining arbitration years, plus two free agent seasons. Steep? Maybe. But that’s now the going rate for a budding player of Rizzo’s ilk. Cost certainty is a term we’ve become familiar with here in Philly as Ruben Amaro tried it for several years with players of all ages. Teams are no longer letting their players inch through arbitration and get closer to free agency. Because of the arbitration rules, and the rising cost of star players, Rizzo’s contract is almost a must. Instead of seeing Rizzo turn in great season after great season, and see his pay skyrocket due to those arbitration rules, the Cubs decided to give him a long-term deal at a fair value – and one that still makes him a very rich man at 23. Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, and Ryan Braun all inked similar deals at similar stag... Tue, 14 May 2013 09:56:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rizzo_contract_shows_phils_minors_more_important_than_ever/13613378 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rizzo_contract_shows_phils_minors_more_important_than_ever/13613378 Rizzo Contract Shows Phils Minors More Important Than Ever http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/rizzo_contract_shows_phils_minors_more_important_than_ever/13613378 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/4/346a9fa9835fa7fd9c88ebb43e2fe0d2f946c141/mini/6469374.jpg Matt Garza could rejoin the Cubs’ rotation after Thursday’s rehab start with Triple-A Iowa. Garza has been Sidelined due to his lat. Garza lasted just 3 1/3 frames in his last rehab start, but three 66 pitches in the contest Cubs manager Dale Sveum said the righty threw with a lot of “aggressiveness” in his bullpen session on Monday. “We just have to get him built up so he can at least go out there for [six innings],” Sveum said according to MLB writer Carrie Muskat. Mon, 13 May 2013 20:27:04 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/cubs_close_to_activating_garza/13610273 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/cubs_close_to_activating_garza/13610273 Cubs close to activating Garza http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/cubs_close_to_activating_garza/13610273 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/e/9e7549dfbdf3998a9f810baa3fe7746eea1b6ba2/mini/6256830.jpg The Cubs just took 2 of 3 from the Nationals including winning games started by Strasburg and Gio.  Their starting pitching has put up the third best ERA in the senior circuit without their best pitcher. 'Mo Gregg is locking down games in the 9th, and Anthony Rizzo is the left-handed power hitting droid you've been looking for...what's not to love? (clicks on Yahoo MLB Standings...quickly clicks off Yahoo MLB standings) Back to the positive....let's talk the Anthony Rizzo deal...7/$41M with option years. Rizzo: $2M sign bonus, $750K in '13m $1.25M in '14, $5M in '15 & '16, $7M in '17 & '18, $11M in '19, cubs option $14.5M in '20 & '21 — Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) May 13, 2013 Tags: Cubs News of the Moment Mon, 13 May 2013 16:36:37 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/as_long_as_you_dont_look_at_the_standings_the_cubs_are_doing_great/13608851 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/as_long_as_you_dont_look_at_the_standings_the_cubs_are_doing_great/13608851 As Long as You Don't Look at the Standings, The Cubs are Doing Great! http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/as_long_as_you_dont_look_at_the_standings_the_cubs_are_doing_great/13608851 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/0/c0842fc8fa737b8ae9f4f82971a3335baf1cd7b1/mini/6553060.jpg CHICAGO — Slugging first baseman Anthony Rizzo and the Chicago Cubs agreed Monday to a $41 million, seven-year contract that could be worth up to $68 million over nine seasons. The 23-year-old Rizzo is considered one of the centerpieces of the Cubs’ rebuilding efforts. He is hitting .280 with a .352 on-base percentage. He also has nine home runs and 28 RBIs in his third major league season. Rizzo gets a $2 million signing bonus, of which $250,000 is payable within 30 days of the contract’s approval by Major League Baseball and $1.75 million is payable next Jan. 15. He receives a $750,000 salary this year, up from $498,000 under the agreement he reached in March. He then will earn $1.25 million next year, $5 million apiece in 2015 and 2016, $7 million each in 2017 and 2018 and $11 million in 2019. Chicago has a $14.5 million option for 2020 with a $2 million buyout. If that is exercised, the Cubs will have a $14.5 million for 2021 with a $2 million buyout. If an option is declined, t... Mon, 13 May 2013 16:33:09 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/anthony_rizzo_former_red_sox_prospect_agrees_to_seven_year_41_million_contract_with_cubs/13608743 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/anthony_rizzo_former_red_sox_prospect_agrees_to_seven_year_41_million_contract_with_cubs/13608743 Anthony Rizzo, Former Red Sox Prospect, Agrees to Seven-Year, $41 Million Contract With Cubs http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/anthony_rizzo_former_red_sox_prospect_agrees_to_seven_year_41_million_contract_with_cubs/13608743 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/0/c0842fc8fa737b8ae9f4f82971a3335baf1cd7b1/mini/6553060.jpg Iowa Cubs 8 @ Reno Aces 9 Here are the I-Cubs pitchers today: Chris Rusin, Casey Coleman, Hisanori Takahashi, Rafael Dolis and Blake Parker. Here are the I-Cubs pitcher today who have no chance of ever being good: Chris Rusin, Casey Coleman, Hisanori Takahashi, Rafael Dolis and Blake Parker Other than Casey Coleman, who threw 2 hitless innings and struck a batter out, the rest of them weren't any good. I-Cubs pitchers today threw 8.2 innings, allowed 12 hits and 9 runs. He walked 2 and struckout 4 while allowing 3 home runs. Logan Watkins played SS and was 0-4 with a walk and 2 strikeouts. Brett Jackson's new swing was 3-4 with a double and a walk. He did not strike out, which must mean that Josh Vitters took a walk. Yep. He took 2 of them while also going 1-3. Brad Nelson was 2-4 with a home run. A bunch of others played today who pretty much suck so whatever. Tennessee Smokies 5 @ Jackson Generals 5 Kyle Hendricks threw 6.2 innings, allowed 4 hits and no runs. He walked 1 ... Mon, 13 May 2013 07:47:34 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/jot_cubs_minor_league_recap_5_12_13/13604549 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/jot_cubs_minor_league_recap_5_12_13/13604549 JOT: Cubs Minor League Recap 5-12-13 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/jot_cubs_minor_league_recap_5_12_13/13604549 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Anthony Rizzo and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a seven-year, $41 million contract. Multiple media outlets reported the extension, citing unidentified sources, before the first baseman's agent, Marc Pollak, confirmed the deal to ESPNChicago.com. According to reports, the deal includes two team options that could make it worth as much as $73 million over nine years. The 23-year-old Rizzo is considered one of the centerpieces of the Cubs' rebuilding efforts. He is hitting .288 with a .352 on-base percentage. He also has nine home runs and 28 RBIs in his third major league season. Mon, 13 May 2013 00:59:35 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/reports_cubs_rizzo_agree_on_7_year_extension/13603739 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/reports_cubs_rizzo_agree_on_7_year_extension/13603739 Reports: Cubs, Rizzo agree on 7-year extension http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/reports_cubs_rizzo_agree_on_7_year_extension/13603739 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/0/c0842fc8fa737b8ae9f4f82971a3335baf1cd7b1/mini/6553060.jpg The Chicago Cubs have no plans to send struggling second basemen Darwin Barney to Triple-A. Barney is hitting a disappointing .153/.274/.264 on the season. Chicago did not expect Barney, a career .257 hitter, to be a large portion of their offense this season but his current problems at the plate can not be over looked even with gold glove caliber defense. According to Gordon Wittenmyer Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said prior to Saturday’s game against Washington that the Cubs would keep Barney with the big league club. Hoyer went on to say that Barney had “earned a lot of playing time.” Sat, 11 May 2013 19:13:17 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/despite_struggles_cubs_will_keep_darwin_barney_at_major_league_level/13598132 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/despite_struggles_cubs_will_keep_darwin_barney_at_major_league_level/13598132 Despite struggles Cubs will keep Darwin Barney at major league level http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/despite_struggles_cubs_will_keep_darwin_barney_at_major_league_level/13598132 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Carlos Villanueva has a heck of a mustache.  I mean, just look at that thing.  Signed in the offseason to be a long reliever/plug ‘n play starter, Carlos Villanueva has stepped into the starting rotation for the Chicago Cubs and made an instant impact.  Dubbed by Cubs color man, Jim Deshaies, as the “best mustache in baseball”, Villanueva is the owner of a 3.02 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP.  As a Cubs fan, I for one not only hope the hot pitching continues, but I’d also like to see Villanueva’s ‘stache approach Rollie Fingers status.  At least now Jeff Samardzija has some company in the dugout when it comes to facial flossing.   (Fangraphs, WordPress, Steeshes) Article found on: Next Impulse Sports Sat, 11 May 2013 13:40:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/carlos_villanueva_has_the_best_mustache_in_baseball/13596776 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/carlos_villanueva_has_the_best_mustache_in_baseball/13596776 Carlos Villanueva Has The Best Mustache In Baseball http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/carlos_villanueva_has_the_best_mustache_in_baseball/13596776 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png In bizarre and awful news, a young woman has passed away after choking on a hot dog she was eating while preparing to watch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Maureen Oleskiewicz who is Chicago teacher was with her brother this past Sunday at Wrigley when the tragedy happened. According to CBS News: The 28-year-old teacher at Independence Junior High in Palos Heights was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital. She was kept alive until Tuesday so that doctors could harvest her organs for donation, family members told the Chicago Sun-Times. The incident happened before the game started. She was given CPR at the field and then transported by ambulance to Illinois Masonic. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Oleskiewicz family. Article found on: Next Impulse Sports Wed, 08 May 2013 14:44:57 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/woman_dies_choking_on_a_hot_dog_at_wrigley_field_prior_to_cubs_game/13576835 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/woman_dies_choking_on_a_hot_dog_at_wrigley_field_prior_to_cubs_game/13576835 Woman dies after choking at Wrigley http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/woman_dies_choking_on_a_hot_dog_at_wrigley_field_prior_to_cubs_game/13576835 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/4/640d7624f54d128755c3ed29a80eae84b5cbdcac/mini/1.jpg CHICAGO — The owner of the Chicago Cubs publicly threatened for the first time Wednesday to move the team out of Wrigley Field if his plans for a big, new video screen are blocked, saying he needs millions of dollars in ad revenue to help bankroll the renovation of the storied ballpark. “The fact is that if we don’t have the ability to generate revenue in our own outfield, we’ll have to take a look at moving — no question,” Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts told reporters after a speech to Chicago business leaders outlining plans for a $500 million renovation of the 99-year-old stadium. It was the first time during months of contentious negotiations over the Wrigley Field renovation plans that Ricketts threatened to move the team out of the lively North Side neighborhood of bars and restaurants that adds to the historic park’s allure with tourists and baseball fans. By far the thorniest issue is the plan for a 6,000-square-foot video screen over left field, like those in most ballparks. Th... Wed, 01 May 2013 12:30:19 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cubs_owner_threatens_to_leave_wrigley_field_if_video_screen_plans_get_blocked/13528262 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cubs_owner_threatens_to_leave_wrigley_field_if_video_screen_plans_get_blocked/13528262 Ricketts threatens to leave Wrigley? http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cubs_owner_threatens_to_leave_wrigley_field_if_video_screen_plans_get_blocked/13528262 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/9/b990f8d30c2e3b6219e4d84d6fd5f0951d431c5e/mini/wrigley.jpg