After trading for Corey Patterson, Felix Pie, and Rich Hill, today Orioles General Manger Andy MacPhail took it upon himself to trade for all remaining Cubs prospects. Included in the deal were Brant Brown, Mike Harkey, Brooks Kieschnick, Kevin Orie, Gary Scott, Dwight Smith, Amaury Telemaco, Hector Villaneuva, Jerome Walton, and 47 other "prospects." Cubs GM Jim Hendry was pleased with the finalized deal, but only after he received word that the Indians had not countered with a better offer.
Samardzija talks with Cory Provus about living in the midwest, his offseason routine, and whether he would like to be a starter or a reliever. ALSO, check out the YouTube video for a great look at Samardzija's life -- his decision to play professional baseball over football after stellar years at Notre Dame, his mother's death, etc. Now we know the reason for his confidence on the mound!
Lou Piniella, Jim Hendry, and Larry Rothchild discuss the 2009 team, Ryan Dempster's evolution and approach as a starter in 2008, who will be the lead-off hitter, Lou's advice to disgruntled fans, and Hendry calms the angry mob by answering why he traded DeRosa.
Jim Hendry
Jim Hendry explains why he let Kerry Wood sign with the Indians, the events that led up to the signing of Milton Bradley, and his take on Fukudome's troubles. Also, Oneri Fleita tells of turning Carlos Marmol from an outfielder into a reliever.
Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Reed Johnson, and Aaron Miles
Ryan Dempster talks about signing his four-year extension, Reed Johnson jokes about his beard and "the catch!", Aaron Miles explains why he signed with the Cubs, and Ted Lilly tells the story of pranking Ryan Dempster. Reed Johnson talks about the signing of Milton Bradley and (wow!) Aaron Miles tells his hostage story.
Pat Hughes, Len Kasper, and Bob Brenly
Pat Hughes talks about what it's like to work with Ron Santo and what he thinks of Carlos Zambrano. Len Kasper puts a positive spin on the playoff meltdown and Bob Brenly gives his thoughts on the 2009 Cubs.
Meet Cubs Management
Jim Hendry, Randy Bush, and Crane Kenney discuss building a team that is strong in the playoffs, how the economy is affecting the business of baseball, hot prospects in the minor leagues, why DeRosa was traded (hint: it's financial), why the Greek Orthodox priest in the playoffs, and why Milton Bradley over Ibanez or Abreu?
The Clubhouse Entertainers
Ryan Dempster lets everyone in on his Moose Horn prank and Lee Smith blames Randy Hundley for a lost fortune after Hundley's decision to turn him into a reliever.
Not For Women Only Session
Ryan Theriot, Jeff Samardzija, Sean Marshall, Reed Johnson, and Aaron Miles talk about what sport they suck at, which celebrity they freaked out over upon meeting, "man crushes," and first kisses.
Game Day Experience
Mike Fontenot, Joey Gathright, Kevin Hart, Koyie Hill, and Ted Lilly talk about superstitions, the support of fans, Fontenot and Hill's unique way to break a slump, and what it's like to play at Wrigley Field.
Jeff Samardzija joins Waddle & Silvy on ESPN Radio 1000 to discuss his first year with the Cubs and his excitement about coming back strong in 2009. Samardzija also talks about his late season control problems, whether he would like to be a starter or a closer, his football days at Notre Dame, and who broke the dugout pipe at Dodger Stadium.