NL Central

The Houston Astros can officially welcome future Hall-of-Fame catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez to the active roster.

Rodriguez, the 1999 AL MVP, passed his physical in Orlando, finalizing the one-year, $1.5 million contract. ESPN.com reports the 14-time All-Star will make his spring debut for the Astros this Sunday.

When I say the name David Patton, you probably immediately think of the former New England Patriots wide receiver, or maybe the last name elicits the former United States Army General about whom a great movie was made starring George C. Scott.

It might not be long before fans of the Chicago Cubs think of someone new.

In this winter's Rule V Draft, the Cubs selected a right-handed relief pitcher by that name, and he's having one heck of a spring in Arizona.

Milwaukee Brewers 2008 Review:

As a Milwaukee Brewer fan, you have to look at 2008 as a great year for your franchise.

The Brewers managed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1982, thanks in large part to the left arm of C.C. Sabathia. Sure, you had to give up your most prized prospect in Matt LaPorta, but this franchise has been dying for a taste of the postseason and they finally got it in 2008.

Chicago Cubs Manager Lou Piniella officially named Sean Marshall the team's fifth starter, and I'm a big fan of the move.

Looking back over the past few years, the National League Central has had issues against lefties almost across the board. Andy Pettite had success in Houston, CC Sabathia was a beast last year while being rented by the Brewers, and the Cubs' Ted Lilly has had stellar success while with the team.

Ahhh yes, once again, hope springs eternal for the Chicago Cubs. The 2009 version of the team, seems to have an even better chance of capturing the ever-elusive World Series title, even better than last year's 97-win team.

The offseason was a very busy one for the Cubs. Jim Hendry has had his hands full. Making trades, and signing free agents. Gone are Kerry Wood, Mark DeRosa, Henry Blanco, Jim Edmonds, Jason Marquis, and others. 

On May 3, the Chicago Cubs will add another number to their list of those retired.

The team announced Wednesday it will retire No. 31 in honor of both Greg Maddux and Fergie Jenkins.

This will be the sixth flag to carry a retired number on the foul poles at Wrigley.

The others include No. 10 (Ron Santo), No. 14 (Ernie Banks), No. 23 (Ryne Sandberg), No. 26 (Billy Williams), and No. 42 (Jackie Robinson, which is retired throughout baseball).

Both Maddux and Jenkins won Cy Young Awards with the Cubs, with Jenkins winning it in 1971 and Maddux in 1992.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported today that Cubs Chairman Crane Kenny anticipates payroll room to make moves around the July trading deadline.

This is good news for Cubs fans in that it gives the team a competitive advantage if the Cubs discover they need some help around midseason.

This also means that the sale of the team will be done by then. The Sun Times quotes Kenney as saying the Tribune and the Ricketts family are "very close to the terms of their deal," which could be wrapped up in May.

On March 15, Cubs skipper Lou Piniella told reporters that the Cubs second base position is Mike Fontenot's to lose. What? Fontenot a starter? Its about time that Pineilla got it right. Fontenot has shown that he can hit when called upon, and he will make Cubs forget about the loss of Mark DeRosa.

Looking at Fontenot's numbers, mainly in spot starts and pinch hitting situations, his numbers seem incredible. In 119 games last year, Fontenot batted .305 with 42 runs, nine home runs, and 40 RBI. That is incredible for not being an everyday player. He did this all in only 243 AB's!

The rumors surrounding the Houston Astros interest in signing 14-time All-Star catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez became a reality when the future Hall-of-Famer agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal on Monday, according to ESPN's baseball analyst Steve Phillips.

As your Chicago Cubs community leader, I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day and to salute you, the Chicago Cubs fan. I'd also like to toast all of the terrific writers who help make this the best place to get your online Cubbie fix!

To all of you baseball fans in general, who stop by to read and comment on our articles, even though you may not be Cubs fans, this toast is for you as well.