Cubs avoid arbitration with Wuertz, Invite 21 to Spring Training, other Cubs notes

• The Cubs have agreed to a one year, $1.1 million dollar deal with Micheal Wuertz, avoiding arbitration.
• Former Cub manager Dusty Baker went to Washington D.C. to watch the inauguration today. Dusty met Barack O'bama several times when he was managing the Cubs.
• The Cubs have also signed Mike Stanton to a minor league deal today, Stanton missed the entire 2008 season, but is a former all star. For his stats click his name on this list bellow.
• There is actually a movie coming out about die-hard Cubs fan Ronnie "Woo Woo". Click here for the trailer on Woo-Woo's webstie.

The Cubs have also invited 21 non-roster players to spring training. 11 pitchers;

• Ed Campusano
• J.R. Mathes
• Matt Smith
• Mike Stanton
• Jason Waddell
• Bill White
• Esmalin Caridad
• Andrew Cashner
• Chad Fox
• Ken Kadokura
• Rocky Roquet

And postion players;

• Welington Castillo- C
• Steve Clevenger- C
• Mark Johnson- C
• Darwin Barney- SS
• Andres Blanco- SS
• Luis Rivas- INF
• Bobby Scales- 2B
• Doug Deeds- OF
• Jason Dubois- OF
• So Taguchi- OF

click on the players name for stats.

Plenty of Cubs Rumors on this Tuesday:

• The Sun-Times say that the Cubs trade for Garrett Olson doesn't signal a return to focusing on Peavy.
• Lee Hamilton said that there could be a 5 for 1 pitching heavy deal sending Peavy to the Cubs.
• Sandy Alderson said on Friday that he expects Peavy to be with San Diego on Opening Day. However, Alderson did push back the day that he would announce that Peavy will definitely be with the Padres, from mid-January to February 1st.
• One headline in the San Diego Union Tribune Sports section said; Cubs Are Still Likely to Go After Peavy. The other said: Padres still $5 Million Over Budget.
• The Union-Tribune reports Josh Vitters should be in possible deals, along with Kevin Hart.
• Lee Hamilton said he is hearing Sean Marshall, Garrett Olson, Kevin Hart, and Jeff Stevens to the Padres for Peavy.
• Bruce Miles said that the Cubs might take a look at Jose Ascanio as a starter in Iowa if he doesn't make the team.
• Miles also reports that Jim Hendry could be shopping for a free agent back-up infielder.
• Tom Krasovic thinks that the Padres will have to trade Peavy or Giles or both to relieve payroll.
• Reports say that Peavy's e-mail is overflowing and that Jake will not do any interviews about the situation. He will remain in "cone-of-silence mode" until Spring Training.

I'll keep you posted.