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Latest news and rumors: Rizzo’s thank you, former Cub signs with Reds and more

Latest news and rumors: Rizzo’s thank you, former Cub signs with Reds and more


by - Columnist -

Let me be the first to wish all of you a safe and Happy New Year. Stay safe tonight, drink responsibly and make it home alive.

With 2018 ending, I think there will be a renewed sense of urgency next week to start getting players signed, as we are now just six weeks away from spring training. Until then, here’s the last Hot Corner for 2018.

Cubs’ news and notes

Cubs’ 2019 Opening Day: 87 days.

Anthony Rizzo: Via his Twitter, Anthony Rizzo sends his thanks for all of the people who posted “well wishes” for his wedding, and the Rizzos (note- plural) are wishing all a happy new year.

Davis Bote: The unofficial votes are in, and Bote’s walk-off grand-slam gets the nod for the best Cubs’ moment of 2018.

Anthony Bass: Although I’ve had the privilege of knowing for a while that this was going to happen, I was asked not to release any information until it became official: The former Cubs’ right-hander has accepted a one-year deal to pitch for the Reds in 2019. This is a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Anthony has become a friend that I talk with regularly, and I wish him nothing but the best of luck in his new endeavor with Cincinnati. Happy 2019, my friend- go get ‘em!

Cubs’ 2019 Spring Training Schedule:

Sat 2/23: vs Brewers at Sloan Park

Sun 2/24: vs Giants at Scottsdale

Mon 2/25: (ss) vs Padres at Sloan Park

Mon 2/25: (ss) @ Dodgers at Glendale

Tue 2/26: vs Diamondbacks at Sloan Park

Wed 2/27: vs Rangers at Surprise

Thu 2/28: vs Athletics at Sloan Park

Fri 3/1: vs Diamondbacks at Talking Stick (2:10 CT)

Sat 3/2: vs Brewers at Sloan Park

Sun 3/3: vs White Sox at Sloan Park

Mon 3/4: vs Reds at Goodyear

Tue 3/5: vs Angels at Tempe (2:10 CT)

Wed 3/6: vs Royals at Sloan Park

Thu 3/7: vs Rockies at Sloan Park

Fri 3/8: vs Mariners at Peoria (7:40 CT)

Sat 3/9: (ss) vs Angels at Sloan Park

Sat 3/9: (ss) vs Giants at Scottsdale

Sun 3/10: vs Brewers at Maryvale

Mon 3/11: OFF DAY

Tue 3/12: vs Reds at Sloan Park (9:05 CT)

Wed 3/13: vs Athletics at Mesa

Thu 3/14: vs Rangers at Sloan Park

Fri 3/15: vs White Sox at Glendale

Sat 3/16: vs Diamondbacks at Talking Stick (3:10 CT)

Sun 3/17: vs Rockies at Sloan Park

Mon 3/18: OFF DAY

Tue 3/19: (ss) vs Mariners at Sloan Park

Tue 3/19: (ss) vs Royals at Surprise (8:05 CT)

Wed 3/20: vs Dodgers at Sloan Park (9:05 CT)

Thu 3/21: vs Giants at Sloan Park

Fri 3/22: (ss) vs Rangers at Sloan Park

Fri 3/22: (ss) vs Indians at Goodyear (8:05 CT)

Sat 3/23: vs Rockies at Talking Stick (8:40 CT)

Sun 3/24: vs Padres at Peoria (2:10 CT)

Mon 3/25: vs Red Sox at Sloan Park (8:05 CT)

Tue 3/26: vs Red Sox at Sloan Park (2:05 CT)

Latest news and rumors from around the league

Japan: The Yomiuri Giants of Japan’s Nippon league have signed former Mariners’ right-hander, Ryan Cook to a one-year deal.

Angels: The Angels have re-signed RHP Alex Meyer to a minor league deal.

Blue Jays: Toronto has acquired LHP Clayton Richard and cash from the Padres in exchange for outfielder, Connor Panas. To make room for Richard, the team has designated RHP Oliver Drake for assignment.

Braves: Atlanta is reportedly interested in Craig Kimbrel, but they refuse to offer more than a three-year deal; Kimbrel is seeking a five-year commitment.

D-Backs: Arizona has acquired LHP Robby Scott from the Reds for cash. Scott was claimed off waivers from Boston by the Reds on December 10th but was in turn designated for assignment by Cincinnati on December 21st.

Reds: In their continuing effort to rebuild, the Reds have been talking to free-agent LHP, Derek Holland.

Red Sox: Boston has re-signed RHP Carson Smith to a minor league deal.

White Sox: The Sox have signed former Cubs’ right-hander, Donn Roach to a minor league deal.

Well, that’s it for 2018. Due to the holiday, there will not be a Hot Corner tomorrow evening unless the club owners, presidents, and GMs decide to start a game of drunk trading tonight (although, that could be interesting).

Happy New Year, and we’ll see you on Wednesday.

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