Carlos in Charge
Cubs Solve First Base Problem, Sign Peña

J. Meric/Getty Images

So the Cubs finally got their man — or a man, or some guy — to play first base. Lefty Carlos Peña will be there next year after signing a one-year, $10 million contract. He batted a cringeworthy .196 last year, but also clubbed 28 homers and won a Gold Glove in 2008. Reactions are mixed: The Cub Reporter says "the deal makes sense," while Cubbie Doctor's Examiner says "I don't see this working out for the Cubs." The Sun-Times says the one-year deal could mean the Cubs are targeting... get ready... Albert Pujols in 2012.

The Cub Reporter: Cubs to sign Carlos Peña
Cubbie Doctor's Examiner: Um... can we just get Derrek Lee back instead?
SB Nation: Carlos Peña is the lefty power bat at first the Cubs have sought...
CSN Chicago: Cubs, Boras and the art of the Peña deal [+ video]
Chicago Sun-Times: Peña for now, Pujols for later?

Funeral Details
Selig, Ricketts to Speak at Santo Funeral
So it's happening: Ron Santo is being laid to rest. We're not the types to rhapsodize about Ronnie ending up in a place where Brant Brown never drops the ball, so we'll just say the visitation is today at Holy Name Cathedral (735 N. State Street) from 4pm-11pm. The funeral is tomorrow at 10am at Holy Name, and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, Santo's broadcast partner Pat Hughes, and Cubs owner Tom Ricketts will speak in the ceremony. The funeral procession will head north and circle Wrigley Field, just like Ronnie would have wanted.

Chicago Sun-Times: Santo funeral procession to circle Wrigley Field
ESPN Chicago: Ron Santo funeral to lap Wrigley Field

Goodbye Gorzo, Hello Garza?
Cubs Looking to Make Pitching Deals
We've always liked the aw-shucksy demeanor (and occasional strong game) of Tom Gorzelanny, but we're hearing the Cubs may be looking to trade him. We're not sure what they'd get in return, but if it means promoting a prospect like Chris Archer or Jay Jackson, we're OK with it. Meanwhile, the rumors are running rampant that the Cubs are trying to get Matt Garza of Tampa Bay, who was 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA last year. Considering those are AL numbers, we're thinking he'll improve in the NL (a la Ted Lilly).

ESPN Chicago: Source: Cubs interested in Garza
Bleacher Nation: Cubs one of three after Matt Garza
Another Cubs Blog: Matt Garza? Why?

The Other Side
GM Jim Hendry's Views on the Cubs
We've read a whole lotta hate (see what we did there?) about the Cubs' offseason: they're going to suck next year, everyone is stupid, blah blah blah. But GM Jim Hendry is optimistic. "I think with a few additions, we could be right back in the thick of things," he says, noting expectations were low for Cincinnati or San Diego this season, too. "We need a first baseman, and we'd like to add a little more pitching.... Just with those additions, I think we'll be a lot better club." We'll see, won't we?

Daily Herald: GM Hendry believes Cubs can turn things around quickly

Be Like Mike
Cubs' New Skipper Is Optimistic/Realistic
We'll just come out and say it: We like Mike Quade. He seems smart and tough, but fair. For instance, he doesn't bristle when asked if he understood why some people are bummed about Ryne Sandberg not getting the job. "I don't blame them, and I get it," he said. Quade, a Chicago-area native (E-Town represent!), also said he feels all the disappointment about the team not winning after all these years. "Having lived there, and having had the Chicago experience most of my life, I understand the angst," he said.

ESPN Chicago: Q&A with Cubs manager Mike Quade
Chicago Sun-Times: Quade's quest: Escape to quiet
CSN Chicago: Quade knows he needs to keep proving himself

Prospecting for Gold
Jackson, Archer Head List of Cubs' Top Prospects
There's a two-word reason we're excited about the Cubs' youth movement: Brett Jackson. But rather than indulge our mancrush, we'll just note the promising centerfielder ranked as the team's top prospect by SB Nation, earning a B+ grade and the write-up "love the broad base of skills." The site ranked the team's top 20 prospects, with other high finishers including pitcher Chris Archer (B+), infielder Hak-Ju Lee (B), and pitcher Jay Jackson (B). This year's first-round pick Hayden Simpson gets a B-, while 2007 first-rounder Josh Vitters gets a C+. Yikes.

SB Nation: Chicago Cubs top prospects for 2011

The Cubs promoted minor-league pitching coordinator Mark Riggins to replace Larry Rothschild... Also, the Cubs named Mariano Duncan as their Double-A hitting coach... The Cubs have expressed a passing interest in Royals' ace Zack Greinke, SI's Jon Heyman says... Another pervasive rumor has the Cubs trading a few players, including a young catching prospect, to the Texas Rangers for first baseman Chris Davis and reliever Darren O'Day... The Heckler's take on the Carlos Peña signing is awesome, as always.

Submit your Rant on Facebook
*Don't be a Sox fan... be clever. If it's smart enough, we'll publish it here.
What's this?