Robert Villarreal, Author at Baseball Essential

Cubs’ Grimm Placed on DL, Schlitter Recalled

Apr 10, 2015

Chicago Cubs, Headlines, Injuries, Major League Baseball, National League, National League Central

According to the official website of the Chicago Cubs, relief pitcher Justin Grimm has been placed on the 15-day disabled list due to right forearm inflammation. This DL stint is retroactive to April 2 since he...

Cubs Give Ryan Sweeney His Walking Papers

Robert Villarreal

Apr 7, 2015

Breaking News, Chicago Cubs, Contract, Major League Baseball, National League, National League Central

After a relatively weak 2014 campaign where he saw only 77 games because of a hamstring injury, Ryan Sweeney was given a decent shot this Spring with the Cubs. However, due to a few of his teammate's injuries, ...

Cubs/Cardinals Contest Postponed, and Some Cubs Musings

Robert Villarreal

Apr 7, 2015

Chicago Cubs, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, National League, National League Central, St. Louis Cardinals

CHICAGO -- If you've never been to the Midwest, I'll fill you in on a little weather tip: this happens a lot. I'm often more surprised when game gets played than when one is rained out. In this particular case,...

Cubs’ Kris Bryant Opens Up About His Minor League Assignment

Robert Villarreal

Apr 2, 2015

Chicago Cubs, Headlines, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, National League, National League Central

A few days ago Baseball Essential staffer Jacob Fagan wrote a piece mentioning Chicago Cubs highly touted prospect Kris Bryant being optioned to Minor League camp. Then today ESPN's Cubs writer Jesse Rogers pos...

Cubs Release Struggling Southpaw Doubront

Robert Villarreal

Mar 28, 2015

Chicago Cubs, Features, Major League Baseball, National League, National League Central, Opinions & Predictions

The Chicago Cubs released lefty pitcher Felix Doubront today per MLB.com's Carrie Muskat. Doubront signed with the Cubs in January as the ball club intended to shore up some left-handed depth, although he wante...

Wrigley Field Upgrades Slowed, Expect Completion Now 2019

Robert Villarreal

Mar 27, 2015

Chicago Cubs, Headlines, Major League Baseball, National League, National League Central, Rumors

Wrigley Field has been standing for 100 years, mostly unchanged in that time aside from a few cosmetic issues. It's stood the test of time and now after all of these years, she needs a little work as we, she an...

Cubs Spring Training Update: Lester Ready, Almora Heating Up

Robert Villarreal

Mar 23, 2015

Chicago Cubs, Features, Headlines, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, National League, National League Central, Opinions & Predictions

When it comes down to it, an athlete knows his body better than anyone else. That is the case with Chicago Cubs' ace Jon Lester who, after his most recent start, felt a sensation known to many athletes as "Dead...

Cubs Spring Training Update: These Kids Can Play

Robert Villarreal

Mar 15, 2015

Chicago Cubs, Features, Major League Baseball, National League, National League Central, Opinions & Predictions

I know it's only preseason and I will do my utmost to keep my glee subdued, but no matter what time of year it is there is one unified thought throughout all Cubs fans: These kids can play. Not since the late 9...

Padres’ Federowicz Out 3-6 Months, Trade Opportunity for Cubs?

Robert Villarreal

Mar 14, 2015

Chicago Cubs, Headlines, Injuries, Major League Baseball, National League Central, National League West, San Diego Padres

Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America The San Diego Padres had high hopes for catcher Tim Federowicz, until an MRI revealed a complete lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, says Barry Blo...

Cubs’ Fifth Rotation Spot: Wood’s to Lose?

Robert Villarreal

Mar 9, 2015

Chicago Cubs, Features, Headlines, Major League Baseball, National League, National League Central, Opinions & Predictions, Rumors

The Chicago Cubs are finding themselves to be in a position that they haven't been in for quite some time, they're stacked. For the better part of a quarter century the "Loveable Losers" (A moniker which I trul...

Author Robert Villarreal