The Rundown: Cubs DFA Mike Kickham, Finalize Denorfia Deal, Cubs Convention Sold Out
The Cubs have signed veteran outfielder Chris Denorfia to a one-year deal. The deal had been reported, but the Cubs made it official yesterday.
Denorfia has a career line of .272/.331/.394 and will likely be used in a platoon with outfielder Chris Coghlan. Think this year’s version of Justin Ruggiano.
The deal also likely means the Cubs won’t be going after Jonny Gomes, who has been rumored throughout the offseason for his leadership skills.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated LHP Mike Kickham for assignment. It’s possible Kickham could clear waivers and be sent to Triple-A Iowa, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see another team claim him.
In terms of left-handed options out of the bullpen for next year, the Cubs have Zac Rosscup, Joe Ortiz, Eric Jokisch as possibilities — as well as whomever doesn’t make the starting rotation (or is traded) among Travis Wood, Tsuyoshi Wada and Felix Doubront.
So not a ton of standouts, but still a lot of options.
Cubs Convention
In addition to a slew of current major and minor league Cubs players, the 30th annual Cubs Convention will feature manager Joe Maddon and a number of former players as guests. Jon Lester, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Kerry Wood will be there.
Some great random names include Les Lancaster and Jacque Jones. You can read the full list of attendees here.
Passes for the convention, which takes place Jan. 16-18, are sold out. Fans are clearly excited. I’m not positive, but I don’t believe the Cubs Convention has sold out the past couple of years.
Should be a good time.
Other notes
* Remember catcher Ryan Lavarnway, whom the Cubs claimed last month but then lost to the Orioles a week later? No? Well, the Orioles decided to designate him for assignment yesterday. During this offseason, Lavarnway has been with the Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs and Orioles. Who will grab him next? The signing of David Ross makes it unlikely that the Cubs would try to claim him again.
