The 66-year-old manager made the announcement in a release handed out by the team before Sunday’s game. Third base coach Mike Quade has been promoted to interim manager.

Piniella had said last month that he planned to retire at the end of the season. He missed four games this month to be with his ailing mother in Florida.

In 18 years in the majors as a player and another 22 as a manager, Piniella made five trips to the World Series and has three championship rings.

Piniella says he’s retiring after Sunday’s game | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Silva was back in Chicago on Monday after spending the night in a Denver hospital. There is no timetable for his return as he undergoes tests.

“Right now, I’m doing whatever they tell me to do, because I know they’re going to do what’s best for me,” Silva said before the Cubs played the Milwaukee Brewers. “I feel better. I was throwing my bullpen and felt like my heart was beating very fast.”

A trainer went to the mound after Silva walked the second batter he faced Sunday. Silva stayed in and allowed a single to Carlos Gonzalez and a ground-rule double to Troy Tulowitzki, before interim manager Allan Trammell and the trainer went back to the mound.

Silva was quickly replaced after allowing two runs in his shortest outing of the season.

“It was a scary moment because I was feeling bad when they put me inside the ambulance. I think it was the first time I ever put my family before baseball,” Silva said. “The only thing I was thinking about was my family.”

Silva has been one of the bright spots for the Cubs, going 10-5 with a 3.92 earned-run average.

In place of Silva, the Cubs purchased the contract of right-handers Casey Coleman and Thomas Diamond from Triple-A Iowa on Monday. Diamond is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Brewers and Coleman will work out of the bullpen.

Diamond was 5-4 with a 3.16 ERA in 21 starts for Iowa. Coleman was 10-7 with a 4.07 ERA.

Abnormal heart rate places Chicago Cubs’ Carlos Silva on DL | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The project will be called “Wrigley 20-14″ and include construction projects during the season so the Cubs can use it “for another 100 years,” according to President Crane Kenney.

The focal point of the massive restructuring will be the long-talked-about “triangle building” to the west, a project that will include knocking down the outer wall on the third-base side to form a large open-air courtyard that would include concession areas and shops.

In the end, all of the concourse will be widened and include expanded restrooms, some of which will be completed for this season. It also means construction will be ongoing during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Although plans still are sketchy, there also could be a restaurant below the third-base terrace “suites.”

The only parts of the park that will not be reconfigured are the bleachers, which already have been altered by more seats and a restaurant.

“A lot of spots in the ballpark haven’t been touched in years,” Kenney said. “We put millions (of dollars) in every offseason just to keep it moving forward without really changing much.

“We have to be re-thinking long term.”

During a Cubs Convention panel discussion about the business of baseball, Kenney told the audience:

–”I can’t imagine the ballpark not being called Wrigley Field,” when asked about naming rights, even though former Tribune Co. ownership seemed amenable to it.

–The “L” flag will continue to fly for the time being, although there is internal debate about it. Kenney took a show-of-hands survey during the discussion that showed “4- or 5-to-1″ against changing the tradition.

–No Friday night games and no Jumbotron screen will be added soon, if ever, and the Cubs don’t envision going to personal seat licenses for ticket-holders.

dvandyck@tribune.com

Read the original article from WGN Chicago.

A new look for Wrigley Field? | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Former Cub outfielder Andre Dawson was today elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Dawson appeared on 77.9 percent of the ballots submitted by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Dawson is the 46th former member of the Cubs organization to earn Baseball’s highest honor.

He is scheduled to attend the 25th annual Cubs Convention next week at the Hilton Chicago.

“The Chicago Cubs congratulate Andre Dawson on his long-deserved election to Baseball’s Hall of Fame,” said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. “‘The Hawk’ registered six outstanding seasons on the North Side, none finer than his 1987 MVP season when he paced the league with 49 home runs and 137 RBI.

“An eight-time All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner, Andre created countless memories for our fans and, along with fellow Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, helped bring playoff baseball to Chicago in 1989. We look forward to celebrating Andre’s election with him and our fans when he attends next week’s Cubs Convention.”

“Andre was one of the elite players of my era,” said Sandberg. “Not only was he a terrific player, but his work ethic, his character and the way he played the game of baseball was very deserving of this honor bestowed upon him today.

“On the field, Andre was a five-tool player with one of the best arms in the outfield that I’ve ever seen. His stolen bases combined with his home run totals are certainly Hall of Fame numbers. He represented the teams that he played on with class and always had a team-first attitude.”

A member of the Cubs for six seasons from 1987-92, Dawson batted .285 with 174 home runs and 587 RBI in 867 games with the club. He ranks 11th in team history in home runs and sixth with a .507 slugging percentage (minimum 3,000 plate appearances).

Dawson recorded his lone Most Valuable Player campaign in his first season with Chicago, batting .287 with 49 home runs and 137 RBI, falling only a batting title shy of the Triple Crown. He also led the National League in total bases (353) and ranked third in extra base hits (75) en route to his first of five All-Star appearances with the Cubs (also 1988-91). Dawson also won his first of two Gold Glove Awards with the Cubs in 1987 (and again in 1988). He also won a Silver Slugger Award in 1987.

The remainder of the attendees for the 25th anniversary Cubs Convention will be announced next week.

Former Chicago Cub Andre Dawson Elected To Baseball’s Hall of Fame | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Caravan consists of two tours of Chicago Cubs players, coaches and front office staff visiting seven cities, six elementary schools, two Boys and Girls Clubs, Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital and a charity luncheon benefiting Chicago Cubs Charities.

The tour will also include stops at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois, the USO of Illinois and the Peoria Chiefs’ charity fan fest.

For the sixth year, the Cubs are working to promote literacy in area schools via the “Cubs Spotlight on Reading Program” in conjunction with Comcast Spotlight.

The program is designed to increase literacy levels by promoting reading enthusiasm and rewarding students for their achievements in reading.

The 2010 Caravan itineraries are as follows. Participants, when available, will be listed on cubs.com.

CUBS CARAVAN ITINERARIES

TOUR ONE

Date Site Type of event Wed., Jan. 13 Northwestern Hospital Chicago, IL Hospital Visit Harry Caray’s Restaurant Chicago, IL Cubs Care Luncheon (sold out) De Duprey/Von Humboldt Schools Chicago, IL Cubs Spotlight on Reading Elgin Boys & Girls Club Elgin, IL P.L.A.Y. Program Jan. 14 Lincoln Library & Museum Springfield, IL Cubs Spotlight on Reading O’Brien Field/River Plex – Peoria, IL Charity Fan Fest, Peoria Chiefs – tickets may be purchased in advance at O’Brien Field or various outlets in the Peoria area.

TOUR TWO

Date	Site	Type of event
Wed., Jan. 13	Alexander Hamilton Elementary School Chicago, IL	Cubs Spotlight on Reading
	Uplift Community High School Chicago, IL	Cubs Spotlight on Reading
	Harry Caray’s Restaurant Chicago, IL	Cubs Care Luncheon – tickets are sold out
	Crispus Attucks Elementary School Chicago, IL	Cubs Spotlight on Reading
	Northwest Indiana Boys & Girls Club Gary, IN	P.L.A.Y. Program
Jan. 14	James Blaine Elementary School Chicago, IL	Cubs Spotlight on Reading
	Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Chicago, IL	Cubs Spotlight on Reading
	Waukegan School District Waukegan, IL	Cubs Spotlight on Reading & P.L.A.Y. Program
	HUSO Illinois Great Lake, IL	Private Event at the Naval Training Center

Chicago Cubs Announce 2010 “Cubs Caravan” Tour | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Here’s a look at the Cubs minor league coaching staffs. More information on the returning members of the Cubs organization can be found on pages 211-227 of the Chicago Cubs 2009 Media Guide.

Sandberg, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, will manage the Iowa Cubs after guiding Double-A Tennessee to the Southern League Championship Series in 2009. In his first three managerial seasons between Tennessee (2009) and Single-A Peoria (2007-08), he has compiled a 202-215-1 record and a 4-4 mark in the postseason.

Mike Mason will serve a third term as Iowa’s pitching coach. Von Joshua returns as Iowa’s hitting coach for the fifth-straight season while Matt Johnson begins his third season as the club’s athletic trainer and his ninth year in the Cubs chain.

Dancy, who joins the Cubs after spending the past 30 years within the Philadelphia Phillies (1978-2009) and Kansas City Royals (2009) organizations, will manage Double-A Tennessee. He was signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1973.

After retiring in 1978, Dancy managed, coached and served as the club’s minor league field coordinator through 2008. In 2005-06, he served as the Phillies’ major league third base coach.

Dancy’s staff includes a pair of veterans with more than three decades of experience in the game apiece: pitching coach Dennis Lewallyn and hitting coach Tom Beyers, who are in their fourth and second season with the Smokies, respectively. Nick Frangella enters his sixth season in the Cubs organization and his second as athletic trainer for Tennessee.

At Daytona, Buddy Bailey will again manage the club after guiding the Cubs to a 64-71 mark in 2009. Bailey, who has been a minor league manager for 20 years and with the Cubs since 2006, previously worked in Boston’s (1991-2004) and Atlanta’s (1982-1990) organization.

The former catcher managed at the Triple-A level with Pawtucket (1993-96, 2002-04) and served as Boston’s big league bench coach in 2000. Bailey will be joined by pitching coach Tom Pratt, who enters his second season with Daytona.

Former major league outfielder Richie Zisk returns as the club’s hitting coach for the fifth-straight season and his 21st in the organization while Bob Grimes enters his 25th year in the system, his third as the team’s athletic trainer after spending the previous four seasons with Iowa.

Casey Kopitzke will take the helm at Single-A Peoria after handling the same duties for Boise in 2009. He spent two seasons as the Cubs minor league catching coordinator before moving to the Hawks last season.

Kopitzke was selected by the Cubs in the 27th round of the 1999 draft and spent his eight-year pro career in the Cubs organization. Assisting Kopitzke will be the team’s pitching coach, David Rosario, who handled the same duties for Boise last year. Barbaro Garbey will be the hitting coach for the second-straight year.

Dan Golden, the trainer for the Hawks last season, begins his first season as Peoria’s athletic trainer.

After a brief one-year stint as the Cubs minor league catching coordinator in 2009, Davis will manage Boise in 2010. Davis, who played for Chicago from 1981-1988, batted .245 with 164 doubles, 127 homers and 490 RBI in 1,082 career games for the Cubs and Atlanta (1988-1990).

The former catcher managed the Peoria Chiefs (2006) and the Daytona Cubs (2007-08) as well as the Calgary Outlaws of the Canadian Baseball League.

Former major-leaguer Jeff Fassero takes over as the Hawks’ pitching coach. In his 16-year career, Fassero went 121-124 with a 4.11 ERA between Montreal (1991-96), Seattle (1997-99), Texas (1999), Boston (2000), the Cubs (2001-02), St. Louis (2002-03), Colorado (2004), Arizona (2004) and San Francisco (2005-06). Ricardo Medina, who previously coached with the Dominican Summer League, will serve as Boise’s hitting coach.

Aaron Larsen begins his first season as Boise’s athletic trainer.

Juan Cabreja, who is in his seventh year with the organization, begins his second season as Rookie League Mesa’s manager. Rick Tronerud returns to handle pitching coach duties for the 10th-straight season while Desi Wilson joins the staff as the hitting coach after handling the duty for Peoria last year.

Steve Melendez, in his 25th season with the organization, returns as the club’s athletic trainer for the third season.

The Cubs will run two clubs in the Dominican Summer League. The first team will be managed by Manuel Callado while Leo Hernandez will be the team’s pitching coach in his 15th year with the club. Alberto Garcia will be the hitting coach for the first time.

Robert Jimenez is the team’s athletic trainer.

The second Dominican team has yet to have a manager assigned to the squad. Anderson Tavares will handle pitching coach duties for the fourth-consecutive year and hitting coach Leo Perez begins his second season as a coach in the Dominican.

Amaury Gonzalez will serve as the club’s athletic trainer.

Cubs Announce 2010 Minor League Managers and Staff; Ryne Sandberg Takes Over as Manager of AAA Iowa | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Dave Bialas returns as the minor league field coordinator for the eighth-consecutive season and his 16th year in the Cubs organization.

A 38-year veteran of professional baseball, he has 13 seasons of minor league managerial experience, compiling a 912-881 record and leading his teams to six league championship series.

As a player, Bialas spent his minor league career as an outfielder in the Cardinals system, compiling a .274 batting average in 1,019 games from 1972-1982.

Mark Riggins begins his third season as pitching coordinator after handling the same duty with St. Louis for the previous 12 seasons.

In 1995, he served as the Cardinals pitching coach under Joe Torre and Mike Jorgensen. Riggins pitched five seasons in St. Louis’ farm system after he was signed out of Murray State University in 1979.

Bob Dernier returns for his fourth season as the Cubs outfield and baserunning coordinator. Dernier roamed the outfield for the Cubs from 1984-1987 and compiled a .255 career batting average in 904 major league contests with the Phillies (1980-1983, 1988-1989) and Chicago.

He stole 218 bases in the majors, and was caught just 63 times.

Franklin Font begins his second season as infield coordinator after coaching or managing in the Cubs organization since 2002. Font, who played in the Cubs minor league system from 1996-2000, steered the Mesa Cubs to a 31-24 record in 2008.

He also managed the Cubs Venezuelan (Rookie) Summer League club (2002) and Cubs Dominican (Rookie) Summer club (2005-2006). The former infielder was a member of Mesa’s coaching staff in 2003 and 2004 and Boise’s hitting coach in 2007.

Dave Keller continues his duties as hitting coordinator for the seventh-straight year. Prior to this stint with Chicago, he was a major league staff assistant and bullpen catcher for the Cleveland Indians from 2001-2003.

Keller played professionally in the Cincinnati Reds organization for three seasons (1982-1984), batting .289 with 22 homers and 108 RBI.

Carmelo Martinez enters his 13th season in the Cubs organization, and his third as Latin American field coordinator.

The former major league outfielder and first baseman spent 10 seasons at Rookie League Mesa, handling managerial duties in 1999-2003 and 2006. His 2002 Mesa club won the Arizona League title with a 35-21 record.

Marty Pevey begins his first season as catching coordinator after managing the Single-A Peoria Chiefs last season, his first year with the Cubs organization. Pevey brings 13 years of playing experience and 10 seasons as a manager to the position.

The former catcher managed the Rookie-League Medicine Hat Blue Jays (1996-1997), the Single-A Hagerstown Suns (1998), the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays (2000-2002), the Double-A New Haven Ravens (2003) and the Syracuse Sky Chiefs (2004-2005).

Chicago Cubs Announce 2010 Minor League Coordinators | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Silva, 30, is 60-64 with two saves and a 4.72 ERA (592 ER/1128.2 IP) in 295 major league appearances (159 starts) with Philadelphia (2002-03), Minnesota (2004-07) and Seattle (2008-09). He has walked only 214 batters in 1128.2 innings pitched, an average of only 1.7 walks per nine innings.

Silva is 15-7 with two saves and a 4.18 ERA (116 ER/250.0 IP) in 135 games (17 starts) in his career against the National League, including a 5-1 mark and a 3.71 ERA (26 ER/63.0 IP) in 33 games (four starts) against the National League Central.

The righthander won nine or more games in four consecutive seasons with the Twins from 2004-07, including three double digit win campaigns in 2004 (career-high 14 wins), 2006 (11 wins) and 2007 (13 wins). He made 27 or more starts in five-straight seasons from 2004-08.

Silva broke into the majors in 2002 and went 8-1 with a 3.83 ERA (73 ER/171.1 IP) in 130 appearances, all but one in relief, in his only two seasons in the National League with the Phillies.

Acquired in a trade by the Twins prior to the 2004 campaign, Silva went 47-45 with a 4.42 ERA (380 ER/773.2 IP) in 129 appearances (124 starts) in Minnesota, compiling more than 180.0 innings in all four campaigns.

In 2005, Silva walked only nine batters in 188.1 innings pitched, an average of one walk every 21.0 frames.

In 2009 with the Mariners, Silva was limited to eight appearances (six starts) due to a right shoulder impingement that landed him on the disabled list from May 9-September 15. He went 1-3 with an 8.60 ERA (29 ER/30.1 IP) in the eight outings.

A native of Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela, Silva is currently pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League.

Bradley, 31, batted .257 (101-for-393) with 12 home runs and 40 RBI in 124 games with the Cubs last season.

Cubs Trade Outfielder Milton Bradley for Right-Handed Pitcher Carlos Silva and Cash from Seattle Mariners | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Tickets for the luncheon are $100 each and include a buffet lunch and the opportunity to sit at a table with a Cubs player, coach or member of the front office staff.

Cubs announcers Len Kasper and Bob Brenly are expected to attend. Player participation will be announced shortly.

“The luncheon is a highlight of the annual Cubs Caravan and a chance for fans to get to know our players, coaches and those who make the organization hum,” said Mike Lufrano, Cubs senior vice president, community affairs.

“We thank Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse for hosting us and making this event possible.”

Proceeds from the lunch benefit Chicago Cubs Charities. Tickets are available for purchase beginning Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 10:00 a.m. by calling 773-404-CUBS.

Space is limited to 120 guests. Admission includes lunch at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse (33 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago) and the opportunity to hear Manager Lou Piniella speak about the upcoming season in an intimate setting with a Cubs representative seated at each table.

Players and personnel appearing at the luncheon are subject to change.

Lou Piniella to Headline 2010 Cubs Caravan Luncheon; Proceeds to Benefit Chicago Cubs Charities | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Building on the success of the 2009 NHL Winter Classic, which featured the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field, the new Cubs owners have arranged a full-size skating rink on the Cubs parking lot at the corner of Clark and Addison.

Named “The Rink at Wrigley,” the endeavor is sponsored by the Ricketts family, Ald. Tunney, the Chicago Park District, Westrec Marinas, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Blackhawks, McDonald’s and the Central Lakeview Merchants Association, among others.

“The Rink at Wrigley is a great way to bring winter fun to our community and to highlight our commitment to our neighbors and the City of Chicago,” said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts.

“We are excited to offer a family-friendly activity for our fans and neighbors at the ballpark during the off-season.”

Admission to The Rink at Wrigley is $10 per adult, $6 per child and may be purchased on site for the morning, afternoon or evening sessions.

Proceeds help offset the cost of the rink. Skate rentals will be available for an additional fee.

“The Rink at Wrigley will showcase our community and our city throughout the winter months,” said Ald. Tom Tunney.

“It is an exciting way to bring families and skaters to Lake View from throughout the city and suburbs and we greatly appreciate the generosity of the Cubs, the City of Chicago, all the sponsors and the Chicago Park District for making this possible.”

The Rink at Wrigley will be available to the public beginning December 15, 2009, through February 2010.

Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. Levy Restaurants will offer refreshments.

A Grand Opening celebration is planned for Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at 11 a.m.

For more information, visit rinkatwrigley.com.

“Rink at Wrigley” Set to Welcome Skaters in Shadow of Friendly Confines | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Chicago Cubs today selected right-handed pitcher Michael Parisi from the St. Louis Cardinals in the Major League portion (first round, 12th overall) of the Rule 5 Draft.

Parisi, 26, is 40-39 with a 4.27 ERA (309 ER/651.0 IP) in 115 career minor league starts in the Cardinals’ chain. He was originally selected by St. Louis in the ninth round of the 2004 June Draft out of Manhattan College in New York, New York.

In 2009, the six-foot-three, 215-pounder went 0-2 with a 4.70 ERA (8 ER/15.1 IP) in five starts between the Rookie-League Cardinals and Single-A Palm Beach.

He was sidelined most of the season, while recovering from “Tommy John” surgery, which was performed August 20, 2008.

He also pitched for the Surprise Rafters of the Arizona Fall League.

In 2008, Parisi made his major league debut May 5 at Colorado, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings. He posted an 8.22 ERA (21 ER/23.0 IP) in 12 appearances (two starts) in two stints with the Cardinals.

He spent a majority of the season with Triple-A Memphis, posting an 8-2 mark with a 3.86 ERA (36 ER/84.0 IP) in 15 starts.

Chicago’s 40-man roster now stands at 38 players.

Chicago Cubs Select Right-Handed Pitcher Michael Parisi From St. Louis | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Chicago Cubs today acquired right-handed pitchers Jeff Gray and Ronny Morla as well as infielder/outfielder Matt Spencer from the Oakland Athletics for infielders Aaron Miles and Jake Fox and a cash consideration.

Gray has been added to Chicago’s 40-man roster.

Gray, 28, went 0-1 with a 3.76 ERA (11 ER/26.1 IP) in 24 relief appearances last season with the Athletics. The righthander walked only four batters in 26.1 innings pitched while striking out 19.

Gray did not allow an earned run in 15 of his first 19 outings, turning in a 1.71 ERA (4 ER/21.0 IP) through September 19, before allowing seven runs in his final five outings to increase his season-ending ERA to 3.76.

The six-foot-three, 196-pound Gray split the 2009 campaign between Oakland and Triple-A Sacramento. Gray went 2-2 with 16 saves and a 1.54 ERA (7 ER/41.0 IP) in 37 Triple-A relief outings.

Combined between Oakland and Sacramento last year, Gray posted a 2.41 ERA (18 ER/67.1 IP) and walked only 10 batters in 67.1 innings pitched.

Originally selected by the Athletics in the 32nd round of the 2004 June Draft, Gray made the jump from Single-A Kane County at the start of 2006 to Triple-A Sacramento by the end of 2007 before making his major league debut with Oakland in 2008.

He is 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA (15 ER/31.0 IP) in 29 career major league relief outings and is 21-21 with 36 saves and a 3.38 ERA (139 ER/370.2 IP) in 212 minor league outings (24 starts).

He has allowed only 15 home runs in 370.2 minor league innings, an average of one home run per 24.2 innings pitched.

Gray is a native of Texas City, Texas and pitched collegiately for Southwest Missouri State University.

Morla, 21, pitched last season for Single-A Vancouver and went 1-7 with a 4.86 ERA (34 ER/63.0 IP) in 17 appearances, 12 as a starter.

The six-foot-four, 200-pounder struck out 73 batters and walked 24, an average of 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings and a three-to-one strikeout to walk ratio.

Morla also allowed only four home runs in 63.0 innings pitched, an average of one home run allowed per 15.2 innings pitched.

The right-handed pitcher originally signed with the Athletics as a non-drafted free agent on February 10, 2006 and is a native of Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic.

He is 7-15 with a 4.52 ERA (99 ER/197.0 IP) in 48 appearances (36 starts) in three minor league seasons with Oakland’s rookie-level team (2007) and Vancouver (2008-09).

Spencer, 23, was originally selected by Philadelphia in the third round of the 2007 Draft and acquired by Oakland in the 2008 trade that sent pitcher Joe Blanton to the Phillies.

The left-handed batter and thrower combined to hit .289 (141-for-488) with 34 doubles, 19 home runs and 91 RBI between Single-A Stockton and Double-A Midland last season. He began the season by hitting 10 home runs in 30 games with Stockton to earn the promotion.

The six-foot-five, 240-pounder is a .281 hitter (321-for-1142) with 42 homers, 186 RBI, a .338 on-base percentage and a .463 slugging percentage in 300 career minor league contests. He played collegiately at Arizona State University.

Miles, who turns 33 on December 15, signed a two-year contract with the Cubs on December 31, 2008. He batted .185 (29-for-157) with five RBI in 74 games with the Cubs last season.

Fox, 27, batted .259 (56-for-216) with 11 home runs and 44 RBI in 82 games with the Cubs last season. He was originally selected by Chicago in the third round of the 2003 June Draft.

Cubs Acquire Right-Handed Pitcher Jeff Gray, Two More Prospects From Oakland | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“2009 was a milestone year at the Horseshoe Casino,” said Dan Nita, Senior Vice President and General Manager.

“We were very excited to showcase our $500 million new casino and entertainment offering to the Chicagoland market. An opportunity arose to become part of the Wrigleyville experience, securing the famous rooftop in leftfield. In addition, we became a corporate sponsor of the Cubs organization, with a substantial six-figure investment.”

Mr. Nita also adds: “Corporate sponsorships with sports teams have been a great way to introduce ourselves to a market.

Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., which operates Horseshoe Casino, maintains a long-standing history with many Major League Baseball teams and we hope to continue our partnerships with Chicago sports organizations into the 2010 season and beyond.”

ABOUT HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. is the world’s largest provider of branded casino entertainment.

Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, nearly 70 years ago, Harrah’s has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions, and now owns or manages casinos on four continents.

The company’s properties operate primarily under the Harrah’s, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names; Harrah’s also owns the London Clubs International family of casinos.

Harrah’s Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

For more information, please visit: harrahs.com.

ABOUT HORSESHOE CASINO

The all new $500 million Horseshoe Casino, a Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier entertainment and gaming destination in Chicagoland.

Where legendary gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet with 3,200 slot machines, nearly 100 table games, the largest poker room in the Midwest, and more.

The Venue at Horseshoe Casino is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination. In conjunction with AEG Live and created by the award-winning designers of Sceno Plus, The Venue offers a premier experience in a flexible space that can hold up to 3,300 guests.

Dining elegance is not overlooked and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including; Jack Binion’s Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan and recent winner of the 2009 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, a taste of Chicago at Benny’s Pub and Eatery, and scrumptious fare at J.B.s Gourmet Deli.

For more information, please visit: chicagohorseshoe.com.

Horseshoe Casino Responds to Billboard Presence at Wrigley Field | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Hayward will report to Cubs President Crane Kenney.

“Wally Hayward is widely respected throughout the industry as a dynamic leader and innovator,” said Kenney.

“He is a Chicagoan, he understands the fabric of our wonderful city and he has a keen appreciation for the passion and devotion of our fans given he is a lifelong Cubs fan himself.

“We have a talented sales and marketing staff in place and know Wally will lead this group to continued success as we look to redefine sports marketing for our business partners.”

“As a lifelong Cubs fan, I’m proud to be a part of the Chicago Cubs family under the new ownership of the Ricketts family,” said Hayward.

“I’m looking forward to partnering with Tom and Crane to change the game for the Chicago Cubs on and off the field. By offering innovative ideas, we will create an exceptional experience for Cubs fans and our corporate partners.”

A veteran of more than 20 years in the sports marketing industry, Hayward joins the Cubs after most recently serving as a senior advisor to Chicago 2016.

He helped develop the organization’s corporate sponsorship model and was the strategic advisor and liaison between Chicago 2016 and the United States Olympic Committee’s Sales and Marketing Team.

Prior to Chicago 2016, Hayward, 41, was the Chairman and CEO of Relay Worldwide, an experiential marketing and sponsorship consulting agency that counts many of the industry’s top corporations as its clients.

Founded by Hayward in 2001, Relay Worldwide began as a 12-person operation based in Chicago and in only four years grew revenues 650 percent and expanded to a staff of 130 people at nine offices in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. In 2005, Hayward merged London-based Sponsorship Intelligence into Relay Worldwide.

In recognition of Relay Worldwide’s tremendous business growth since its inception in 2001, Hayward was inducted into the SportsBusiness Journal’s Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame in 2008 after being honored for three consecutive years (2006-08) as one of the leading sports marketing executives below the age of 40 in the United States.

Hayward spent 13 years within Bcom3, Starcom MediaVest Group and Leo Burnett, building an internal sports and event marketing arm for the company’s top clients, before founding Relay Worldwide.

Hayward began his career at Lazin Sports Group working directly with the NFL Players Association.

A 1990 graduate of Northwestern University, Hayward, his wife Jenny and daughters Riley and Hope reside in Chicago.

Chicago Cubs Name Wally Hayward Executive VP, Chief Marketing Officer | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“The National Runaway Switchboard is a valuable resource for runaway and homeless youth and their families,” said Mike Lufrano, Cubs senior vice president, community affairs.

“The Cubs are proud to support National Runaway Switchboard and the work they do in our community. This is our fourth consecutive Thanksgiving together and we have seen first hand the impact it can make.”

National Runaway Switchboard’s mission is to keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

The organization operates a national communication system for runaway and homeless youth through its 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline and 1800RUNAWAY.org Web site.

Youth and family members call the hotline to work through problems and to find local agencies and organizations to help.

“November is National Runaway Prevention Month and this dinner provides National Runaway Switchboard the opportunity to educate area runaway and homeless youth about the help they can receive by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY,” said Maureen Blaha, National Runaway Switchboard executive director.

“And thanks to the Cubs, we’re able to let these youth know they’re not alone and help is available.”

The youth come to the dinner from local organizations including: The Night Ministry Open Door Shelter Lake View, The Night Ministry Open Door Shelter West Town, Center on Halsted, Teen Living Program/Belfort House, Heartland Alliance/Neon Street Program, Alternatives Inc., La Casa Norte, and Boys and Girls Town Shelter.

Several members of the Chicago Cubs front office staff and WGN’s Cubs television producer Bob Vorwald will volunteer at the event.

For more information on the event, contact the Cubs Community Affairs office at 773-404-CUBS or Joel Kessel of the National Runway Switchboard at 773-209-6125.

National Runaway Switchboard Statistics

National Runaway Switchboard is the national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Through its 1-800-RUNAWAY national crisis hotline, the organization handled 114,097 calls in 2008.

Out of all crisis calls National Runaway Switchboard handled throughout the country with youth in 2008, more than 50 percent were already on the street as a runaway, throwaway, or homeless youth.

And it is estimated that between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away in a year in the United States. The top reasons youth call are family dynamics (divorce, remarriage, problems with siblings) and abuse (substance, physical, sexual, neglect).

About National Runaway Switchboard

Established in 1971, National Runaway Switchboard serves as the federally designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.

Recognized as the oldest hotline of its kind in the world, National Runaway Switchboard, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually-more than 3 million calls since the organization’s inception.

NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

More than 13,000 youth have been reunited with their families through National Runaway Switchboard’s Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc.

National Runaway Switchboard’s crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY.

For more information, visit 1800RUNAWAY.org.

Chicago Cubs, National Runaway Switchboard Host Holiday Dinner for Runaway and Homeless Youth | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Grabow, 31, combined to go 3-0 with a 3.36 ERA (27 ER/72.1 IP) last season in a career-high 75 relief appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cubs.

His season included a 3.24 ERA (9 ER/25.0 IP) in 30 games for Chicago after he was acquired with left-handed pitcher Tom Gorzelanny for pitchers Jose Ascanio and Kevin Hart, and minor league infielder Josh Harrison July 30.

All told, Grabow’s 72.1 innings of work in 2009 tied for third-most among left-handed relievers and his career-high 23 holds ranked ninth among National League pitchers.

He allowed five home runs, the fewest in any of his six full major league seasons, and limited left-handed hitters to a .222 batting average (18-for-81) and one home run. Grabow began his Cubs career with 16-consecutive scoreless appearances, spanning 13.0 innings, July 31-September 1, while stranding his first 11 inherited runners.

Originally selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 1997 Draft, Grabow is 20-15 with six saves, a 4.03 ERA (174 ER/388.1 IP) and 342 strikeouts compared to 179 walks in 420 major league relief appearances with the Pirates (2003-2009) and Cubs (2009).

He has stranded 176 of 236 inherited runners, as his 74.6-percent success rate ranks fifth-best among active left-handed pitchers (minimum 200 inherited runners).

Grabow has pitched in 63 or more games in each of the last six seasons, including 72 or more three times (72 in 2006, 74 in 2008 and 75 in 2009). His 149 relief outings since the start of the 2008 season are third most among left-handed pitchers behind only Pedro Feliciano (174) and Dennys Reyes (150).

The southpaw has recorded an ERA of 3.36 or better in each of his last two seasons, including a career-best 2.84 ERA in 2008 with the Pirates.

That season, he set a career mark with 76.0 innings pitched in 74 games. He has twice led the National League in percentage of inherited runners stranded, most recently done in 2006 when he allowed just seven of 40 to score (82.5 percent).

He first accomplished the feat in 2005, stranding 35 of 39 inherited runners (89.7 percent).

Chicago Cubs, Left-Handed Pitcher John Grabow Agree to Terms on Two-Year Contract | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Gaub, 24, combined to go 4-2 with five saves, a 2.25 ERA (15 ER/60.0 IP) and a .172 (36-for-209) average against in 52 relief appearances between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.

He began the year with Tennessee and went 3-1 with four saves and a 2.83 ERA (9 ER/28.2 IP) in 26 outings, and posted a 1-1 mark with one save and a 1.72 ERA (6 ER/31.1 IP) in 26 appearances with Iowa.

The six-foot-two, 200-pounder boasted a 20.0-scoreless innings streak with the I-Cubs, July 17-August 16. The southpaw was acquired by the Cubs Dec. 31, 2008, along with right-handed pitchers Jeff Stevens and Chris Archer, for infielder Mark DeRosa.

Gaub most recently went 1-1 with a 9.31 ERA (10 ER/9.2 IP) in 10 relief appearances for the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League.

Dolis, 21, posted a 3-9 record with a 3.79 ERA (42 ER/99.2 IP) in 27 games (25 starts) for Single-A Daytona last season after missing the entire 2008 campaign recovering from right elbow surgery. He allowed just four home runs in 99.2 innings of work and limited the opponent to a .221 batting average (78-for-353), including a .202 mark by right-handed hitters (40-for-198).

The six-foot-four Dolis allowed two or fewer earned runs in 18 of his 25 starts and went 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA (3 ER/19.0 IP) in five May outings (four starts).

Dolis was signed by the Cubs as a non-drafted free agent in August of 2004 and is 6-12 with a 4.13 ERA (71 ER/154.2 IP) in 46 minor league games (34 starts) since making his pro debut with Rookie-League Mesa in 2006.

Parker, 24, combined to go 2-3 with 25 saves and a 2.70 ERA (19 ER/63.1 IP) in 55 relief outings between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. The righthander spent most of the season with Iowa, where he went 2-3 with 22 saves and a 3.00 ERA (17 ER/51.0 IP) in 45 appearances after starting the campaign with no record, three saves and a 1.46 ERA (2 ER/12.1 IP) in 10 relief outings for Tennessee.

A Fayetteville, Arkansas native, Parker led the I-Cubs and ranked fifth in the Pacific Coast League with 22 saves, second-most among Iowa’s single-season leaders with Marc Pisciotta in 1997. Parker converted his final 15 save opportunities with Iowa from July 2 through the end of the season.

The six-foot-three, 225-pounder was selected by the Cubs in the 16th round of the 2006 draft. He garnered a 2-1 ledger with two saves and a 4.50 ERA (6 ER/12.0 IP) in 11 games with the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League.

Castillo, 22, batted .232 (74-for-319) with 16 doubles, 11 home runs and 39 RBI in 95 games for Double-A Tennessee in 2009. The right-handed batter closed out the season by batting .282 (24-for-85) in his final 27 contests dating to August 1.

Behind the plate, Castillo threw out 44.4-percent of runners attempting to steal (32-of-72) and had a .990 fielding percentage (629 TC/6 E). He batted .357 (5-for-14) in four games for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League before he was shut down as a precautionary measure due to a minor right knee injury.

Castillo owns a .266 career batting average (318-for-1,196) with 60 doubles, 27 homers and 148 RBI in 354 minor league contests since he was signed by Chicago as a non-drafted free agent in December of 2004.

Adduci, 24, hit .300 (140-for-467) with 63 runs, 35 stolen bases, 21 doubles, four triples, four homers and 51 RBI in a career-high 131 games with Double-A Tennessee last season.

The left-handed hitter had the third-most hits of any player in the Southern League with 140, falling short of the leader by two hits. He led the Smokies in hits, stolen bases and walks (58), while he was third in runs scored and RBI.

The six-foot-two, 210-pounder batted .394 (37-for-94) with nine doubles, 11 RBI and a .467 on-base percentage in 27 June contests. He went 37-for-109 (.339) with 46 RBI with runners in scoring position with the Smokies.

The Evergreen Park, Illinois resident was acquired from the Florida Marlins in September of 2006. Originally selected by the Marlins in the 42nd round of the 2003 draft, Adduci owns a .283 (452-for-1,598) career batting average with 89 stolen bases, 68 doubles, 12 triples, 10 homers and 187 RBI in 447 minor league contests.

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White is a native of Chicago and is a 2005 graduate of St. Rita of Cascia High School.

Maine, 24, combined to go 4-5 with seven saves and a 2.90 ERA (20 ER/62.0 IP) in 48 relief appearances between Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Reno in 2009, reaching Triple-A in only his third professional season.

The southpaw struck out 61 batters and issued 22 walks in 62.0 innings pitched between the stops, an average of nearly one strikeout per inning and 3.2 walks per nine innings.

He allowed only two home runs in 62.0 innings pitched. Maine last month also made a pair of appearances for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League, allowing three runs in 1.2 innings.

Drafted by the Diamondbacks in the sixth round of the 2007 Draft, Maine is 8-7 with 13 saves and a 3.29 ERA (44 ER/120.1 IP) in 88 relief appearances covering three professional seasons.

The six-foot-three, 195-pounder pitched for three seasons at the University of Miami before joining the Diamondbacks organization.

White, 23, batted .266 (111-for-418) with 18 doubles, six home runs, 52 RBI, 65 walks and a .371 on-base percentage in 116 games for Single-A Visalia last season.

He was especially strong against right-handed pitching, batting .298 (78-for-262) with a .405 on-base percentage compared to a .212 (33-for-156) mark and a .313 on-base percentage vs. left-handed pitching.

He is a career .275 hitter (194-for-705) with 13 home runs, 103 RBI and a .366 on-base percentage in 186 professional games the last two seasons.

After graduating from St. Rita of Cascia, White attended Purdue University and was a 2007 Big Ten Conference All-Star after batting .452 (90-for-199) with a .521 on-base percentage in 53 games for the Boilermakers.

The five-foot-11, 205-pounder was selected by the Diamondbacks in the fourth round of the 2008 Draft.

Heilman, 31, went 4-4 with one save and a 4.11 ERA (33 ER/72.1 IP) in 70 relief appearances for the Cubs last season. He was acquired from Seattle for left-handed pitcher Garrett Olson and infielder Ronny Cedeno Jan. 28, 2009.

The righthander is 26-37 with 10 saves and a 4.22 ERA (245 ER/522.2 IP) in 375 major league appearances (25 starts) with the New York Mets (2003-08) and Cubs (2009).

Chicago Cubs Acquire Pair of Prospects from Arizona for Right-Handed Pitcher Aaron Heilman | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The contribution will be matched by USAID and the $40,000 total will support the expansion of a surgical recovery room in Santiago, Dominican Republic and additional educational initiatives with details to be announced at a later date.

Representatives from Chicago Cubs Charities and MLB-DDA along with Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Juan Marichal, Sean Marshall, Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Marmol participated in a ceremony today at the Cubs Dominican Academy in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic to announce the contribution.

“Chicago Cubs Charities is proud to support the Major League Baseball Dominican Development Alliance to help in its work to improve the lives of children and families in the Dominican Republic,” said Mike Lufrano, senior vice president of community affairs.

The donation was made in connection with funds raised at the Second Annual Rooters Ball which took place at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse on September 2.

Geovany Soto hosted the ball and was joined by West Side Rooters’ Chairman Ernie Banks and several players, including Derrek Lee, Carlos Marmol, Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez and Randy Wells.

The original West Side Rooters Social Club, with Cubs shortshop Joe Tinker as Chairman, was the first official fan club of the Chicago Cubs.

The MLB-DDA was founded in November of 2008 to tap the potential combined resources of baseball (teams, players, fans, corporate sponsors) in community outreach programs in the Dominican Republic, a country which currently produces more than 20 percent of all signed MLB players.

USAID provides financial support through a matching grant incentive fund. MLB provides office and staff support and six community development organizations (Esperanza, Plan, World Vision, Save the Children, IDDI, and Batey Relief Alliance) provide technical assistance and project management.

Cubs Charities Donates $20,000 to Dominican Republic Community Efforts | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The club will play 15 home games at HoHoKam Park, 18 road games in Arizona (including a pair of games at Chase Field to close the exhibition schedule) and two games in Las Vegas against the Chicago White Sox.

Spring training report dates will be announced at a later time.

The Cubs begin their 2010 Cactus League schedule Thursday, March 4 against the Oakland Athletics at HoHoKam Park.

The Cubs play the first three days of their spring slate exclusively at home before a split squad on Sunday, March 7 against the Chicago White Sox (in Glendale) and Los Angeles Dodgers (in Mesa).

The Cubs play six home games in the first seven days of the spring from March 4-10 and play their 2010 HoHoKam finale on April 1 vs. the Colorado Rockies. Additionally, the Cubs and White Sox square off five times next spring, including the pair of games in Las Vegas March 12-13.

Individual game tickets for the 2010 Chicago Cubs home spring training games at HoHoKam Park will go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 10am CST on cubs.com or by calling 1-800-905-3315.

The ticket box office at HoHoKam Park will open for the sale of individual game tickets beginning on Jan. 12, 2009 at 9am MST.

Season tickets for 2010 at HoHoKam Park go on sale Monday, Jan. 4 at 9am MST and group tickets go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 9am MST at the HoHoKam box office or by calling 480-964-4467.

Fans may direct ticket and additional spring training questions to info2010@mesahohokams.com. For continuously updated information, please visit cubs.com or call the HoHoKam Park information line at 480-644-4451.

The Cubs’ 35-game Spring Training schedule for 2010 is below. All games begin at 1:05 p.m. Arizona time unless otherwise noted.

Split squad games are denoted with an (ss).

Chicago Cubs Announce 2010 Spring Training Schedule | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.