Chicago Sun-Times :: Chicago Cubs ::

Tribune sale of Cubs to Ricketts 'very, very close'

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:01 CST

The Tribune Co.'s $900 million sale of the Chicago Cubs and their Wrigley Field baseball stadium to the Ricketts family is "very, very close" to being completed, a source close to the family said Monday. Draft documents shared by both Tribune Co. and the Ricketts outlining the deal, called term sheets, were sent to Major League Baseball.

Lilly's sights set higher

BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:01 CST

The result gave the Cubs an even more important series victory. They took three of four in the first series of an 11-game homestand. Lilly improved to 5-1 with a 1.96 ERA at Wrigley Field. ''He's pitched exceedingly well at home, and his home ERA is outstanding,'' manager Lou Piniella said. ''We told him before the game [of his All-Star selection], and he went out and pitched like an All-Star.''

Ramirez, Johnson activations send Fuld to minors

FROM SUN-TIMES SPORTS STAFF — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:01 CST

The Cubs today activated veteran third baseman Aramis Ramirez, pitcher Angel Guzman and outfielder Reed Johnson from the 15-day disabled list. Outfielder Sam Fuld and reliever Kevin Hart were optioned to Triple-A Iowa and reliever David Patton was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 5, with a groin strain.

Freel traded to Kansas City Royals

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:01 CST

The Kansas City Royals are hoping that Ryan Freel can provide the speed and versatility that they've been missing.

Cubs survive minus Aramis

BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:01 CST

The way to judge Aramis Ramirez's return to the Cubs today might be to look at the National League Central standings.

CUBS IN BRIEF: Despite numbers, Lee says he didn't deserve All-Star bid

BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:01 CST

Derrek Lee has become the Cubs' best offensive player. He has the most home runs with 15 and is hitting .285. But Lee won't be an All-Star, and he doesn't mind.

On deck

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:01 CST

ON DECK: BRAVES AT CUBS