Kosuke Fukudome took a first pitch fastball from Ben Sheets over Tony Gwynn, Jr.

Andy MacPhail said on Wednesday that he is not close to dealing second baseman Brian Roberts to the Cubs and that Roberts will begin the season in the team's infield, according to the Associated Press.

The Cubs agreed on a $1.

Coco Crisp says he has heard all the rumors that could have him sent out of Boston.

The Chicago Cubs have named Kerry Wood as their closer and given Jason Marquis the fifth spot in the pitching rotation, according to ESPN.

There was a time (2004) when I believed the stars would align for an anniversary repeat of special events (Giants winning 1954 World Series).

There are rumors that a solid performance from Jason Marquis on Tuesday could have either earned him a spot in Chicago's starting rotation or a ticket out of town, according to the Daily Herald.

Cubs' pitcher Kerry Wood has back spasms and missed a pitching assignment on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Trade rumors involving the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore second-baseman Brian Roberts are still alive, and it's unsettling to Lou Pinella's players, according to the Daily Herald.

It appears as though Kerry Wood is the front-runner to take over the closers role for the Cubs this season, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Sources confirmed on Thursday that the Cubs have improved their offer to the Orioles for Brian Roberts by including pitching prospect Jose Ceda.

The Chicago Cubs optioned right-hander Jeff Samardzija to Double-A Tennessee on Tuesday.

The Chicago Cubs are still sending scouts to watch Brian Roberts, who was 1-for-3 and scored a run on Tuesday.

Chicago second baseman Mark DeRosa has returned to the field for the Cubs after undergoing a heart procedure less than two weeks ago, according to the Associated Press.

Felix Pie is looking more and more like the Cubs' best option in centerfield as Opening Day draws closer, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The Chicago Cubs claim that the velocity has returned to Kerry Wood's delivery from the mound, according to the Post-Tribune.

The Cubs are still looking to deal for Orioles' second baseman Brian Roberts, but a trade is not imminent according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.

A source has told SI's Jon Heyman that the Brian Roberts trade talks between the Orioles and Cubs are getting serious again.

Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano fractured the middle finger of his right hand during a workout Sunday morning, according to a Yahoo.