July 3, 2017

Chicago Sun-Times, Jake Arrieta in full control for seven shutout innings as Cubs win 6-2 http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/jake-arrieta-in-full-control-for-seven-shutout-innings-as-cubs-win-6-2/

Chicago Sun-Times, Ian Happ — the straw that stirs the Cubs’ drink? He’s hitting like it http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/ian-happ-the-straw-that-stirs-the-cubs-drink-hes-hitting-like-it/

Chicago Sun-Times, Wade Davis, Avisail Garcia to All-Star Game; Kris Bryant in NL final 5 http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/wade-davis-avisail-garcia-to-all-star-game-kris-bryant-in-nl-final-5/

Chicago Sun-Times, Joe Maddon eager to reunite with first love — the Rays — at Wrigley http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/joe-maddon-eager-to-reunite-with-first-love-the-rays-at-wrigley/

Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs’ Kris Bryant part of National League Final Vote http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-kris-bryant-part-of-national-league-final-vote/

Cubs.com, Bryant needs boost for Final Vote from fans http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/240136788/cubs-kris-bryant-competes-for-final-vote/

Cubs.com, Davis named to NL All-Star team http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/240144850/cubs-wade-davis-named-as-nl-all-star/

Cubs.com, Happ's 2 HRs, Arrieta's gem lift Cubs over Reds http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/240055920/ian-happ-jake-arrieta-lift-cubs-vs-reds/

Cubs.com, Sources: Cubs, Mexico's Verdugo reach deal http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/239855538/cubs-reach-deal-with-no-30-intl-prospect/

Cubs.com, Lester, Cubs to host Maddon's former team http://atmlb.com/2sEkOzA

ESPNChicago.com, A year after ruling All-Star voting, Cubs stars will be watching from home http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/44823/a-year-after-ruling-all-star-voting-cubs-stars-will-be-watching-from-home

CSNChicago.com, Underachieving Cubs Get What They Deserve With Only Wade Davis Locked In As All-Star http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/underachieving-cubs-get-what-they-deserve-only-wade-davis-locked-all-star

Chicago Tribune, Ian Happ's two homers, Jake Arrieta's one-hit outing have .500 Cubs looking up http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-reds-spt-0703-20170702-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Wade Davis is Cubs' lone representative on National League All-Star team http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-wade-davis-all-star-game-spt-0703-20170702-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Dazzling defense keeps Javier Baez in Cubs' lineup despite slump http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-joe-maddon-javier-baez-20170702-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Ian Happ's defense at second base makes a believer out of Joe Maddon http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-ian-happ-second-base-defense-notes-spt-0703-20170702-story.html#nt=oft13a-6gp1

-- Chicago Sun-Times Jake Arrieta in full control for seven shutout innings as Cubs win 6-2 By Steve Greenberg CINCINNATI — His changeup is becoming more and more dependable. His cutter still isn’t where it needs to be, but he’s working on it. His velocity may be creeping up a tick here and there. Maybe Jake Arrieta will turn out to be a decent starting pitcher after all. Arrieta (8-6) was the best version of himself Sunday in the Cubs’ 6-2 victory over the Reds, allowing one hit in seven scoreless innings. It was only the fourth time in 17 starts this season he completed seven innings and the first time in seven weeks he didn’t allow a run. “My progress with the changeup is coming along real nice,” he said. “I’m getting more comfortable with it. It’s just allowing me to open up some more doors and be able to do some different things to right-handers as well as lefties. It’s a big pitch for me.” About that velocity being a seasonlong issue for Arrieta? Manager Joe Maddon isn’t concerned. “If he keeps pitching with that command,” Maddon said, “the confidence is going to come up and the velocity you’re going to see tick up also.” Arrieta, who likely has no shot at winning the Cy Young — the award he won in 2015 — hasn’t followed up his first All-Star honor, in 2016, with a season to write home about. But that’s all beside the point, Arrieta said. “Getting ourselves back at the top of the division should be everybody’s primary goal at this point in time.” Backup backstop Catcher Victor Caratini, called up from Class AAA Iowa to replace Miguel Montero after the recent controversy between Montero and the team, was nervous Friday when he made his first major-league start on his third day in the big leagues. But at least he was in his customary spot behind the plate. Maddon didn’t even wait until Day 3 to stick Caratini in the outfield for a brief appearance — his first time in the outfield. “Kris Bryant gave me a glove,” the 23-year-old Puerto Rican said through an interpreter. The Cubs went from having veterans Montero and David Ross last season to being in the hands of 24-year-old Willson Contreras and Caratini. It’s definitely a different dynamic, though, with Contreras leading the role in that position. “Since spring training, he’s been helping me a lot, teaching me a few things, making me comfortable,” Caratini said. “I’m going to keep listening, keep learning.” Caratini offers some defensive versatility — always a plus with Maddon — but it’s his swing the manager really likes. “I like it, too,” Caratini said with a broad smile.

Flip-floppers The Cubs have flip-flopped starting pitchers Jon Lester and John Lackey for the upcoming series against the Rays at Wrigley Field. Lester will pitch Tuesday, followed by Lackey the next day. That’ll give Lester one final start before the All-Star break. -- Chicago Sun-Times Ian Happ — the straw that stirs the Cubs’ drink? He’s hitting like it By Steve Greenberg CINCINNATI — With Ben Zobrist back in the lineup and Jake Arrieta on the mound, the Cubs had five of their seven 2016 All-Stars in action for Sunday’s 6-2 victory over the Reds. It gave them something they didn’t often have during a seasonlong 11-game road trip: the look of a team with big-time postseason chops. It won’t be long before right fielder Jason Heyward and starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks, both rehabbing from injuries, return to the team, making it essentially a fully formed unit. If and when slugger Kyle Schwarber, demoted more than a week ago to Class AAA Iowa, reappears, it’ll only add to that. With all their pieces finally in place, the Cubs — 41-41 as they head back to Chicago for six games before the All-Star break — will be widely expected to take off. The pitching rotation will be expected to gel. The offensive runs will be expected to come in bunches. It’ll all be easier said than done, though. Yes, the Cubs are impressive collectively. But someone still has to pick up that “W” flag and lead the charge uphill. Why not rookie Ian Happ? Not exactly quietly, Happ has been the Cubs’ hottest hitter. His pair of home runs off Reds starter Tim Adleman and run-scoring single off Blake Wood in the sixth inning gave him his second four-RBI game on a road trip in which he hit .378. The 22-year-old led the Cubs in June with eight home runs and now has a head-turning 12 since his major-league debut May 13. That ties him with Schwarber for third on the team this season behind Anthony Rizzo (19) and Kris Bryant (16). “It’s been fun,” he said. “It’s been a blast. I’m enjoying every second of it.” Yet his production has been somewhat lost in the shadows of the Cubs’ underwhelming .500 performance to date. Happ, who starred at the University of Cincinnati, was a big local story here all weekend. Cubs fans, on the other hand, probably won’t be too fired up about what he’s doing until the wins start piling up. “With all the great, great baseball players we have on this team,” Happ said, “I think the team success is definitely going to come.” What happens when manager Joe Maddon has all his players back and healthy, and perhaps Schwarber, too? Will the switch-hitting Happ be able to continue in a prominent role? “Very prominent,” Maddon said. “We’ve got to continually look at how to get him in there. He can do a lot of different things, second base, all the outfield positions. But he gives our [offensive] lineup a different look, no question.” Back in spring training, Maddon observed Happ’s defense at second base and was unimpressed. Maddon referred to the Happ of March as “technically bad” with “hard hands.” Months later, Happ is solidifying his status with smoother play at second and reliable enough play in the outfield. And that bat? It has too much thunder in it to be ignored.

“Honestly, I haven’t had a time yet where I felt like everything was clicking together,” Happ said. “I hope to get to that point this season. If I do, it could be really good.” If he does, he’ll be as important a guy as the Cubs have. -- Chicago Sun-Times Wade Davis, Avisail Garcia to All-Star Game; Kris Bryant in NL final 5 By Steve Greenberg CINCINNATI — A year after sending seven players to the All-Star Game, the defending World Series champion Cubs might send only one in closer Wade Davis. Considering Davis wasn’t a member of the Cubs last season, it’s quite a comedown for a team as star-laden as any in baseball. ‘‘Frankly, we haven’t had many guys who are all that deserving,’’ said right-hander Jake Arrieta, who was one of those All-Stars in 2016. ‘‘We’ve had guys play OK, but it is what it is.’’ The Cubs’ Joe Maddon will manage the National League squad July 11 in Miami and will have his full coaching staff with him. The White Sox’ lone representative will be right fielder Avisail Garcia, who’s batting .318 with 11 home runs and 51 RBI. Garcia has been sidelined by a sore knee but is expected to be a go for his first Midsummer Classic. The last defending champion with only one All-Star the next season was the 2007 Cardinals. The lowest total since came from the 2014 Red Sox, who sent a couple of pitchers by the names of Jon Lester and Koji Uehara. The Cubs might have two players at Marlins Park themselves, depending on the results of the All-Star Final Vote. Third baseman Kris Bryant is one of five players in the mix for the final vote, which will determine the 34th and final player on the NL roster. Voting ends at 3 p.m. Thursday. ‘‘It would be nice to go as many times as you have a chance to go,’’ Bryant said. ‘‘It’s tough to do.’’ Bryant, who is hitting .263 with 16 home runs and 32 RBI after being voted the NL most valuable player last season, is up against Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon, Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds, Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner and Marlins first baseman Justin Bour. He is counting on Cubs fans to turn out for him. ‘‘It’ll be interesting,’’ he said. ‘‘But I know our Cubs fans are out there somewhere.’’ Davis, a two-time All-Star with the Royals, will be a fine representative for the Cubs no matter what happens with Bryant. He is 16-for-16 in save chances, as reliable a closer as there is in baseball. ‘‘I’m just happy to be here and fortunate enough to be put in a situation to pitch some winning ballgames and have some success,’’ he said. ‘‘I feel like I’ve made some pitches this year better than I have in the past.’’ Maddon said Davis has been even better than expected. ‘‘He has done a great job for us,’’ Maddon said. ‘‘He deserves to go.’’ It’s harder to say that about any of his other players, including first baseman Anthony Rizzo, whose streak of three All-Star appearances will end. ‘‘Other guys are really right on the cusp of deserving to go, but when you look at the numbers of the guys that made it — when you see the entire group — I can’t argue,’’ Maddon said. ‘‘There’s no argument from me.

Furthermore, I have no choice in the matter. It’s all based on what MLB tells me to do, which, honestly, probably is the right way to do this whole thing.’’ -- Chicago Sun-Times Joe Maddon eager to reunite with first love — the Rays — at Wrigley By Steve Greenberg When Joe Maddon first donned a Tampa Bay Devil Rays uniform in 2006, he looked down at the colors and lettering and felt a bit like an impostor. “I had been with the Angels [organization] for 30 years prior to going to the Rays, so that was really awkward,” Maddon recalled about his early days with a then-moribund team. “Wearing that one uniform since when I first began in ’76, and then in 2006 wearing a different uniform — strange.” Yet the work Maddon did from then on in Tampa made his reputation. The Rays were 121-197 in his first two seasons, but by 2008 they were outfighting the Yankees and Red Sox in the AL East — and the White Sox in the ALDS — and landing in the World Series as Cinderellas gone wild. Maddon’s Rays teams made the playoffs three more times after that. Starting Tuesday at Wrigley Field, Maddon will face the Rays for the first time as manager of the Cubs. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I really am. I’ve got a lot of good friends there also, from top to bottom — ownership, players, clubhouse, front office — and they’re hanging in there pretty well just like we’re trying to hang in there. So they’re a very interesting team right now.” The Rays, managed by Maddon’s successor, Kevin Cash, are a surprisingly competitive 43-41. Like the Cubs, they haven’t been more than four games above or below .500 all season. Unlike the Cubs, they’re widely perceived to be overachieving — fueled by one of the top home-run-hitting offenses in baseball, with first baseman Logan Morrison riding high with 24 blasts. Maddon has the more complete team. No one would question his decision to leave the Rays for the bounteous possibilities with the Cubs, a move that was made possible when the Rays’ then-general manager, Andrew Friedman, took over the Dodgers after the 2014 campaign, triggering an opt-out clause in Maddon’s contract. Still, the Rays were the first organization that believed wholeheartedly in Maddon’s potential as a manager. He’d interviewed with the Angels, the Red Sox, the Diamondbacks and the Mariners. It was the Rays who bought in. They were on board with Maddon’s inclination toward sabermetrics. They trusted him as a teacher of fundamentals and a culture builder. Each side liked the cut of the other’s jib. “That would’ve been the first time, had I not gotten the job, that I’d have been really disappointed,” Maddon said. “Of course, you’re disappointed in the previous ‘nos.’ But that’s OK. I thought the Devil Rays were the perfect fit for me.” More than a decade later, Maddon was touched over the weekend in Cincinnati by the hearty presence of Cubs fans who amassed outside the team’s hotel and cheered on the team as it boarded the bus to take on the Reds. Cubs fandom is a phenomenon of which a Rays manager couldn’t even conceive. “Our fans demonstrate daily how big a part of our success, and who we are, that they are,” he said. “It’s different. I’ve never been a part of it before.” But there’s only one first love for a manager. For Maddon, it’ll always be the Rays. --

Chicago Sun-Times Cubs’ Kris Bryant part of National League Final Vote By Steve Greenberg CINCINNATI — Kris Bryant has a chance to be the Cubs’ lone position player at the All-Star Game July 11 at Marlins Park in Miami. The third baseman is one of five National League players in the mix for the All-Star Final Vote to determine the 34th and final player on the roster. Balloting for the final vote will take place July 4-7. “It would be nice to go as many times as you have a chance to go,” he said. “It’s tough to do.” Bryant is counting on Cubs fans to turn out for him. “It’ll be interesting,” he said, “but I know our Cubs fans are out there somewhere.” -- Cubs.com Bryant needs boost for Final Vote from fans By Carrie Muskat CINCINNATI -- Cubs fans helped get Anthony Rizzo to the All-Star Game via the Final Vote in 2014 and now his teammate, Kris Bryant, needs a boost. Bryant is one of five players in the 2017 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote on MLB.com, competing for a spot on the National League All-Star team with the Marlins' Justin Bour, the Nationals' Anthony Rendon, the Rockies' Mark Reynolds and the Dodgers' Justin Turner. The 2017 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard will be played July 11 in Miami. Voting ends at 3 p.m. CT on Thursday. Fans can show their support for Bryant by tweeting with #VoteKB, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, any tweet that includes #VoteKB will count toward his vote total. The reigning NL Most Valuable Player, Bryant had been leading in the early fan balloting among NL third basemen, but the Rockies' Nolan Arenado won the starting spot. At last year's All-Star Game, Bryant got off to a good start by hitting a home run off then-White Sox pitcher Chris Sale with two outs in the first inning. In 2014, Rizzo won the Final Vote, edging Justin Morneau and Justin Upton in a close race, to go to his first All-Star Game. "It'll be cool -- it's a cool experience to go through," Bryant said. "It's an honor to be included. I'm excited to see how it plays out. We have so many fans, especially after last year [and winning the World Series]. Hopefully, they get out the vote." Bryant and Rizzo also were talking about how many qualified candidates there were at first and third in the NL. "[Arenado] is tough competition," Bryant said. "He only pushes me to be better." Fans can cast ballots for the 2017 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote on MLB.com, Club sites and their mobile devices until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday. The winners, as chosen exclusively by online fan voting totals, will then be announced during "MLB Tonight" live on MLB Network and MLB.com at 6 p.m. Extensive coverage throughout the Final Vote will be provided by MLB Network and MLB.com, including interviews with the candidates, frequent updates, heat maps indicating where votes are being cast for each candidate, news on player and club campaigns, and a running countdown clock leading up to the announcement.

Now in its 16th season, with more than 680 million votes cast, the Final Vote again will include social votes on the last day of balloting, as Twitter support for the 10 candidates over the final six hours of balloting will count toward their vote totals. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET on Thursday, any tweet that includes a designated player hashtag will be tabulated as part of the official vote total used to determine the winners. On Tuesday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. ET, tune in to the 2017 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2017 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote. The 88th All-Star Game, in Miami, will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com. -- Cubs.com Davis named to NL All-Star team By Carrie Muskat CINCINNATI -- Cubs closer Wade Davis will join his former and current manager Joe Maddon at the All-Star Game. Davis will be the Cubs' lone representative following their World Series championship season, which is odd since the right-hander was not part of the team last year. "He's done a great job for us," Maddon said of Davis. "He deserves to go. There are other guys on the cusp who are deserving. If you look at the other guys, there's no argument for me." Maddon will manage the National League All-Star squad, the second time he's done so for an All-Star Game. He also managed the American League team in 2009 after leading the Rays to the World Series in '08. Davis is 16-for-16 in save situations this year with the Cubs, his first in Chicago. The right-hander pitched for Maddon in Tampa Bay from 2009-12. This is the third All-Star appearance for Davis, 31, who had a stretch of 64 1/3 homerless innings, which ended May 24. Last year, the Cubs made All-Star history by becoming the second team ever to have its entire infield to start an All-Star Game as Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Kris Bryant were elected to the NL team. The only other team to accomplish that feat was the 1963 Cardinals. -- Cubs.com Happ's 2 HRs, Arrieta's gem lift Cubs over Reds By Carrie Muskat and Jeremy Vernon CINCINNATI -- Ian Happ showed up in a big way, as the University of Cincinnati product hit a pair of home runs and added an RBI single to back Jake Arrieta and lead the Cubs in a 6-2 victory. Happ smacked a two-run homer in the second and added a solo shot in the fourth, both off Tim Adleman, for his second career multi-homer game. The rookie finished with four RBIs, tying his career high, which he's now accomplished three times. "He came home, his home away from home via Pittsburgh," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Happ. "Both balls were really well struck." Arrieta benefitted from an Anthony Rizzo solo home run with two outs in the seventh, his 19th. The right-hander has had success in Cincinnati, throwing his second no-hitter at Great American Ball Park in April 2016. On Sunday,

he gave up a single to Joey Votto with two outs in the first, and that was it over seven innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked two. Votto's two-run single in the eighth off Koji Uehara accounted for the Reds' only runs. Adleman, who served up three homers in his last start against the Brewers, and gave up eight over 28 innings in five June starts, exited after five innings. "I felt pretty good about pitch execution, a lot better than I have been the last few starts," Adleman said. "It was just those two to Happ, really, and maybe one to [Javier] Baez where he hit the double. But when a guy is really tough on your lineup, especially a good lineup like ours, it makes it tough. It makes those mistakes that you make even a bigger deal than they are." "I mean that was seven innings of one-hit ball, didn't get in trouble with a lot of bad counts or walks, didn't give us much," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We only squared a couple, maybe two balls that we actually put on the barrel. So it's a testament to how good he was today. And we got something going a little bit against the bullpen, but too little, too late, they've extended the lead to 6-0. So we fell short." Maddon said Arrieta's at-bats against Votto were key. "Jake was outstanding," Maddon said. "That was as good as we've seen Jake in a bit. You just go off Votto's at-bats. He did not have good at-bats today. That was my litmus test with him." "You put together a list of your best five hitters in baseball and he's at the top," Arrieta said of Votto. "He puts together a good at-bat regardless of the scenario. He makes it tough on you. You've got to mix it up. You can't be predictable because a guy like that will do some damage." The Reds were looking for their first three-game sweep of the Cubs in Cincinnati since September 1996. With the win, the Cubs ended a 20-game stretch in which they played 17 games on the road. "Before we left [on the trip] with an inexperienced group, to say we're going to [go .500] -- two thumbs up," Maddon said. "Our hitting has been fluctuating, starting pitching has been fluctuating. That's why we're .500. I'll take it, I'm proud of our guys and the way they've fought." MOMENTS THAT MATTERED It's Happening: With one out in the second, Willson Contreras walked and Happ followed with his 11th home run, which went 412 feet and bounced off the grassy berm in center field at Great American Ball Park. Happ made it 3-0 with a solo shot with two outs in the fourth, launching a 2-2 pitch from Adleman 409 feet to right. The rookie led the team in June with eight homers, and is now tied with Kyle Schwarber for third on the Cubs with 12. Happ's other multi-homer game was June 4 against the Cardinals. "We have to continually look at how to get him in there," Maddon said of Happ. "He gives our lineup a different look, no question." Double review: There were two challenges on one play in the Chicago eighth. Contreras reached safely on an error to open the inning, and Happ was called out at first on a grounder to third base. The Cubs challenged that call. Contreras ran to third on Happ's grounder, and was called safe, and the Reds challenged that ruling. After a review, both Cubs runners were called out. The call regarding Happ was confirmed, the call at third was overturned as the review showed that Contreras failed to keep his hand on the bag. QUOTABLE "It's big for us if we even want to talk about baseball as far as, I hate to even say, other than if we really want to enjoy the baseball in August and September. And the guys will, but you're going to enjoy it a lot more when there's a lot more on the line, the games are important, not for just the other teams you're playing, but for your own club." -- Price, on his team taking four of six games during the homestand

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS Happ is the fourth Cubs player in the last 100 years with two multi-homer games in their first 45 career games, joining Kyle Schwarber, Jorge Soler and Mandy Brooks. Votto's two-run single in the Reds' eighth was his 1,499th career hit, tying him with Ted Kluszewski for 10th all time in franchise history. UNDER REVIEW With one out in the Cubs' fifth, Kris Bryant singled, and tried to steal second as Anthony Rizzo struck out. Bryant was called safe but the Reds challenged the ruling, saying shortstop Zack Cozart had made the tag when Bryant popped up. After a review the call was overturned. Credit the Reds with a double play. With one out and a runner at first in the Reds' fifth, home-plate umpire John Tumpane said Devin Mesoraco was hit by a pitch. The Cubs challenged the call, saying the ball hit the end of the bat and not the catcher. After a review, the call was overturned. Mesoraco then hit into a fielder's choice. WHAT'S NEXT Cubs: After an off-day Monday, John Lackey will start Tuesday in an Interleague series against the Rays. Lackey is coming off a loss to the Nationals in which he gave up eight earned runs over 5 1/3 innings. He's had success against the Rays, posting a 13-8 record in 24 starts. He hasn't faced Tampa Bay since 2014. First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CT. Reds: Rookie Luis Castillo will get the start against the Rockies in Monday's 8:10 p.m. ET game as the Reds kick off a seven-game road trip before the All-Star break. Castillo didn't earn a decision in each of his first two starts, but has pitched well while posting a 3.38 ERA over 10 2/3 innings. -- Cubs.com Sources: Cubs, Mexico's Verdugo reach deal By Jesse Sanchez The Cubs have landed the top position player from Mexico and one of the country's best pitchers. The club has agreed to a $1 million deal with shortstop Luis Verdugo of La Paz, Baja California, according to industry sources. Verdugo is ranked No. 30 on MLBPipeline.com's Top 30 International Prospects list. The Cubs are also the favorite to sign right-handed pitcher Florencio Serrano, also of Mexico, for a deal near $1 million. The club has not confirmed the deals. Verdugo is best known for his strong arm and defensive prowess. He has shown solid defensive actions and good footwork. On offense, he is considered a contact hitter with a good bat path through the strike zone. His overall hit tool is expected to improve once he enters the team's academy in the Dominican Republic. Verdugo has also been praised for his makeup. As for Serrano, 17, the pitcher has a projectable fastball that sits in the low-90s. He also throws a change, a slider and a curveball. He pitched for Robstown High School in Texas as a freshman last year and later entered the Tijuana Toros academy in Mexico. According to the new rules established by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, every team gets at least $4.75 million to spend on international prospects. Any team receiving a Competitive Balance Round A pick in the Draft

gets $5.25 million in international bonus pool money. Additionally, teams receiving a Competitive Balance Round B pick get $5.75 million to spend. A club can trade as much of its international pool money as it would like, but there is a limit -- 75 percent of a team's initial pool -- to how much one team can acquired. The Cubs' pool total for this year's signing period is $4.75 million. Per MLB rules, only the amount of the payment that is paid to a Mexican League player like Verdugo and Serrano counts against the bonus pool, a sum that's usually around 25 percent. What's more, teams in the maximum penalty that are limited to signing players for $300,000 or less -- like the Cubs -- are allowed to spend up to $1.2 million for a player that belongs to a Mexican League team. -- Cubs.com Lester, Cubs to host Maddon's former team By Bill Chastain Players win championships, so the focus of any game should be on those taking part in the action between the white lines. However, when the Rays meet the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday for the first game of a two-game series, much of the focus will be on the man standing in the Cubs' dugout, manager Joe Maddon. Maddon became the Rays' manager prior to the 2006 season and led the team to the 2008 World Series before leaving after the 2014 season. From there, he signed a five-year, $25-million contract to manage the Cubs. Last year with Maddon at the helm, the Cubs won the World Series. "I really am looking forward to it," Maddon said. "They're hanging in there pretty well like we're hanging in there." Maddon said that Evan Longoria, of all the players he's ever managed, "probably had the most significant impact on my career what he did." "In 2008, when he was brought up at the beginning of the season, similar to what [Kris Bryant] did two years ago, regarding the impact of the player," Maddon said. "He was such a good third baseman and allowed us to do different things defensively. It's little nuanced stuff that we do here now." Longoria reflected on Maddon's sentiments. "It's been a couple of years, and I've watched a lot of games with him in [the Rays] dugout, so it will be different. It will definitely be different," Longoria said. "I'm excited to see him. I had fun playing with him. We had great years here, obviously. ... He was probably the best thing for my career that could have happened, having a manager like him, because he was so liberal in the way he managed the team." Maddon noted that current Rays manager Kevin Cash played for him, too. "And I'm really happy for his success," said Maddon, who credited the Rays' front office for giving him an opportunity and freedom. He'd interviewed for managerial spots with the Angels, Red Sox, D-Backs, and Mariners before landing a job with the Devil Rays. "That would've been the first time had I not gotten the job, I would've been really disappointed, the Rays job," Maddon said. "Of course, you're disappointed in the previous 'no's' but it's OK. I thought the Devil Rays were the perfect fit for me, and I've said that before." Maddon returning to the Tampa Bay area in September for a Cubs-Rays series at Tropicana Field will be different. "That will be a little stranger: Going there in that building and going down on the other side again," he said.

Cash said Maddon has been supportive of him during his tenure as the manager who followed the Rays' icon. "Pretty special day," said Cash when asked about Tuesday's game and the prospect of the Rays competing against their former manager. "I know it will be special for him. Probably be just as special when he comes back to the Trop. It will be special for me because he's meant a lot for the Rays. I'm in this position here because of some of the good things he's done. And he's always been so supportive of me and this organization." The Rays will be facing an old nemesis in Jon Lester. The left-hander has started 28 games vs. Tampa Bay, going 13-9 with a 4.08 ERA. Chris Archer had a quality start Thursday at Pittsburgh, but came away with the loss after allowing three runs on eight hits in six innings. Archer is 3-3 with a 4.21 ERA on the road this season. Consider Archer a Maddon fan. "All the positive things you hear about [Maddon] match who he is," Archer said. "Very uplifting. Makes you feel very comfortable, and extracts the best, absolute most from his players. As you can see from what he's done there in Chicago." And Maddon is a fan of Archer's as well. Archer is a "really a bright kid," Maddon said. "I honestly believe when his playing days are over he'll make significant social contributions. He'll be a politician or something along those lines and not for his own gratification." Things to know about this game • The Cubs organization was Archer's second prior to coming to the Rays in a 2011 trade. He has one career start against Chicago, which came in 2014. • The Cubs are looking forward to being home after playing 17 of their last 20 games on the road. They're 22-16 at Wrigley Field. -- ESPNChicago.com A year after ruling All-Star voting, Cubs stars will be watching from home By Jesse Rogers CINCINNATI -- In a stunning reversal from a year ago, the Cubs will barely be seen on the field at the All-Star Game in Miami on July 11. Among Chicago's players, only closer Wade Davis made the team, which was announced on Sunday evening. The World Series-winning Cubs have no starters and no position-player reserves as All-Stars, not unless third baseman Kris Bryant makes it as part of the final vote. “It’s very different than last year,” Bryant said after Chicago's 6-2 win on Sunday over the Cincinnati Reds. “We had seven guys. I don’t know. Sometimes it’s to be expected when you have a long season the year before, you come out a little sluggish.” The last time a team had at least four starters in the All-Star Game one year only to have none the following season was in 1981-1982, when it happened to the New York Yankees, according to ESPN Stats & Information data. The whole situation provides for some strange optics, considering the Cubs’ entire coaching staff will be in Miami -- but only one of their players. And that player wasn’t even on the team that won the World Series. In the past, managers were given selections, but under the new collective bargaining agreement -- and especially with the

game being an exhibition again -- the league has taken over the reserve selections. Most are made by the players. That means Maddon couldn’t slide in a couple of his own players. “Out of fairness to the guys sitting in this [manager’s] chair, for this game, let MLB do this,” Maddon said of making reserve selections. So fans rejected the Cubs this year at the ballot box, and then so did the rest of the league. But maybe that’s a good thing. Two long postseasons, the banquet tour, an early arrival to spring training due to the World Baseball Classic and a host of injuries have led the Cubs to a 41-41 mark. Fans mob them wherever they go -- especially in Cincinnati this past weekend -- so perhaps a break could be the best thing for them. “I cannot dispute that,” Maddon said. “So many went last year. The last two years have been long years. Our guys have been going after it pretty hard. I’m not disappointed in regards to that.” It actually could be a huge key to any second-half surge. It’s why Bryant can see the good and bad of not being voted in over the next few days. After all, he has been to the All-Star Game a couple of times -- plus, he got married in the offseason, adding to a busy winter. “Kind of interesting this year,” Bryant said. “First year I was picked by [San Francisco Giants manager] Bruce Bochy, then I got in with the fan vote, now I’m on the final vote. It’ll be interesting. I know our Cubs fans are out there. They seem to show up.” But at the end of the day, Bryant got beat out by Jake Lamb as the reserve third baseman, although Lamb is not exactly a household name outside of Arizona. “Sometimes you swallow that pill and accept you’re not where you want to be at right now,” Bryant stated. “Only motivates me even more.” At least the Cubs can convincingly be declared the winner of their offseason trade for Davis. The low-maintenance righty has been outstanding, while Jorge Soler is hitting under .200 for the Royals. Of course, Soler is under contract with Kansas City for several years, while Davis will be a free agent at season’s end. But at least Davis' pitching prowess has been one good thing to happen to the Cubs in 2017. “He’s done a great job for us,” Maddon said. “He deserves to go.” Davis offered his take. “I feel like I’ve made some pitches this year better than I have in the past,” Davis said. This will be Davis’ second trip to the Midsummer Classic, but unlike last time, he probably won’t be “the most nervous” he has ever been to pitch in a game. This one means nothing for home-field advantage in the World Series or anything else -- even more reason for the Cubs to enjoy the time away. “Our guys could definitely use a couple days off right now,” Maddon reiterated. “Right now, ‘rest’ is not a bad word.” -- CSNChicago.com Underachieving Cubs Get What They Deserve With Only Wade Davis Locked In As All-Star By Patrick Mooney The year after their All-Star Game takeover, the Cubs will be keeping a conspicuously lower profile at this showcase event, another sign of an underachieving 41-41 team.

Joe Maddon will still probably have some sort of “Miami Vice” outfit or whiteout look for the Biscayne Boulevard parade – and enjoy all the attention from the international media and banter with familiar reporters at Marlins Park – but the Cubs are playing like they could use a four-day timeout next week to decompress on the beach and on the golf course. A World Series manager can’t just pack the All-Star roster with his cronies anymore. There might be an enthusiasm gap for Cub fans and a meaningless exhibition after watching the end of the 108-year drought. Competitors are clearly catching up to the defending champs, with the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies all on pace to win between 93 and 100-plus games. But this is the bottom line to the Cubs getting one guaranteed All-Star selection – lights-out closer Wade Davis plus Kris Bryant in the final-vote gimmick – on Sunday when Major League Baseball unveiled the National League roster. “It’s just reflective of our performance to this point,” Maddon said. “It’s just different, man. Last year, it was just a different vibe, a different start. Guys were having simultaneously kind of career years. This year, we’re not.” The Cubs are over the comparisons to last year, but the runaway forces and unique bonds on the 2016 team showed up at Petco Park in San Diego, where their entire infield started the All-Star Game: Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Bryant. Their you-go, we-go leadoff guy (Dexter Fowler) also made the West Coast trip along with two Cy Young Award-caliber starting pitchers (Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester). “Dexter’s not here,” Maddon said. “Zobrist has been hurt. Jason (Heyward) was doing well, then he got hurt. Addison has not had the same kind of first half that he had last year. “Part of it has been impacted by injury, (but) I’m not worried about any of that.” Another point of reference: The 2014 Rick Renteria-managed team that ultimately lost 89 games and finished in fifth place for the fifth consecutive season landed three (!) All-Stars in Rizzo, Starlin Castro and Jeff Samardzija (though a Fourth of July trade to the Oakland A’s made him ineligible to pitch). For all their bumps and bruises, frustrating inconsistencies and breakdowns in all phases, the Cubs are still two games out of first place in an NL Central where only the Milwaukee Brewers are (barely) playing above .500. “I just want us to be well and back together by hopefully right after the break going into August,” Maddon said. “We’ve done well the last part of the season the last two years in a row. “Stay handy for right now and then get to that point. And then hopefully get the band back together and make the push that you’re looking to make.” While the rest of the big-league players scatter to vacation destinations, the most interesting Cub involved in the All-Star festivities might be Class-A outfielder Eloy Jimenez, who got invited to the Futures Game. Assuming the farm system isn’t tapped out and has enough talent to package in a blockbuster deal – and the front office decides this up-and-down team is worth the reinvestment and wins a long-shot bidding war for a top-of-the-rotation starter – Jimenez would be the headliner. “Listen, this kid is quite a talent,” Maddon said. “He’s a great kid, too. Very bright. It’s an easy conversation with him. He’s open and he listens well. Besides being this physical specimen with all kinds of tools, he’s got something going on between his ears, which I think is really going to benefit him. “I don’t know when it’s going to be, but he’s going to be here at some point for a long period of time.” --

Chicago Tribune Ian Happ's two homers, Jake Arrieta's one-hit outing have .500 Cubs looking up By Mark Gonzales Hands on his hips, Jake Arrieta summed up the Cubs' 10-10 record during a 20-game stretch through six ballparks. "It's not necessarily where we want it to be," Arrieta said, "but all things considered, we're doing OK." The Cubs averted a three-game sweep by the Reds, getting seven innings of one-hit ball from Arrieta and two home runs and four RBIs from rookie Ian Happ to pull away to a 6-2 victory Sunday. The win evened their record at 41-41. "We know we've got some things to pick up," Arrieta said. That's part of the process, the task at hand for us. It's not supposed to be easy, and we expect it to be difficult the rest of the way out." Happ and Arrieta carried the bulk of the freight for a Cubs team seeking a more balanced effort from its lineup and rotation as it tries to gain control of the National League Central. With the expected return of Jason Heyward during the upcoming six-game homestand and of Kyle Schwarber later this month, manager Joe Maddon's biggest challenge may be finding a post for Happ, who batted .369 during the 11-game trip. Happ homered in his first two at-bats but pleased Maddon even more by hitting an opposite-field single that extended the Cubs' lead to 4-0 in the sixth. "He gives our lineup a different look," Maddon said. Happ had no intention of trying to hit his third homer when he came up with runners at first and third. "I'm trying to do everything I can to put the ball in play and get the run in," he said. Maddon was encouraged that Javier Baez, who entered 1 for his last 16, looked "determined" as he went 3-for-4 with an RBI double in the eighth. Arrieta, meanwhile, showed signs of his dominant 2015 Cy Young Award-winning form. He used his changeup more, as well as a darting cut fastball that froze the Reds' left-handed hitters — including Joey Votto on a called third strike to start the fourth. "I thought it was his best outing in a bit," Maddon said. After allowing a single to Votto and a walk to Adam Duvall with two out in the first, Arrieta retired the next 10 batters, striking out six. "Regardless of what you're looking at with the (radar) gun — which I don't care — it's the command of his pitches," Maddon said. "Everything was good. If he keeps pitching with that command, his confidence will come up and his velocity will continue to tick up." In his second game since spraining his right ankle Wednesday, Kris Bryant struck out twice before singling and getting thrown out on a steal attempt, briefly wincing after sliding hard. Bryant finished the game without discomfort and is determined to finish strong. "Our expectations were a lot higher coming into the year," Bryant said of the Cubs' .500 record. "That's more motivation to do better. "It's good to go through those stretches where you stink. It's good to feel this way sometimes. You want to better yourself, and that's where I'm at."

-- Chicago Tribune Wade Davis is Cubs' lone representative on National League All-Star team By Mark Gonzales The temptation for the Cubs to complain about their lack of All-Star representation was offset by the reality of better competition. That's what they said collectively Sunday after learning that closer Wade Davis — who wasn't a part of their 2016 World Series title team — was their lone selection on the National League team. "When I saw the names, I had no arguments," said Joe Maddon, who will manage the NL team July 11 in Miami. It's a major contrast from last summer, when the Cubs had seven players selected — including four voted in by fans as starters. "Frankly, we haven't had many guys who were all that deserving," said pitcher Jake Arrieta, a 2016 All-Star. "We've had guys play OK, but ... I don't think anyone is really worried about the All-Star Game. "Being where we're at in the division, getting ourselves back (in first place) should be everyone's primary goal this time." The Cubs could add another player if Kris Bryant wins the NL Final Vote competition. Bryant lost his lead at third base in the final week to the Rockies' Nolan Arenado. Bryant would like to go for a third consecutive season. Giants manager Bruce Bochy picked him as a reserve in 2015, and the fans voted him in as a starter in 2016. "It will be interesting, but I know there are Cubs fans out there, and they seem to show up," said Bryant, who admitted the Cubs would have "maybe a little chip on the shoulder" over the lack of representation. This marks the third selection for Davis, 31, who didn't pitch in the 2016 game because of an injury. The Royals traded him to the Cubs in December for outfielder Jorge Soler. "It was awesome," Davis said of his 2015 experience, in which he pitched a scoreless inning. "It was the most nervous I'd ever been. It was a really cool experience getting to be in a clubhouse with all those talented players, Hall of Famers and the long list of them." Davis is 2-0 this season with a 1.93 ERA, 16 saves and 42 strikeouts in 28 innings. -- Chicago Tribune Dazzling defense keeps Javier Baez in Cubs' lineup despite slump By Mark Gonzales Cubs manager Joe Maddon still places a premium on defense, even with the offense struggling to get key hits. Maddon said he briefly thought about giving second baseman Javier Baez a break prior to Sunday’s series finale at Cincinnati. But with Monday serving as a day off and infielder Jeimer Candelario not fully recovered from a left knee bruise, Maddon stuck with Baez despite his 1-for-16 rut at the plate with seven strikeouts. It also helps that Baez made a dazzling play to retire Scott Schebler in the seven inning of the Cubs’ 5-3 loss Saturday.

“You saw the play he made on defense,” Maddon said. “(Robinson) Cano? Robbie Alomar? Not many guys can make a play like that.” With Jon Jay starting in left field Sunday, Maddon still has a left-handed pinch-hitter available in Tommy La Stella, who can play second base. “I like Tommy’s bat off the bench,” Maddon said. In international news, Baseball America and MLB.com reported that the Cubs agreed to terms with shortstop Luis Verdugo and pitcher Florencio Serrano from Mexico. MLB.com reported that Verdugo will receive a $1 million bonus. The Cubs, who can sign international players for no more than $300,000 this period because they exceeded bonus pool limits two years ago, can sign players from the Mexican League for up to $1.2 million under MLB rules. -- Chicago Tribune Ian Happ's defense at second base makes a believer out of Joe Maddon By Mark Gonzales Cubs manager Joe Maddon made a confession Sunday regarding rookie Ian Happ's defensive ability. "Honestly, from spring training, seeing him at second base, I did not think it was going to work," Maddon fessed up. " I'll be the first one to tell you that. He's proven me absolutely wrong. He's done a very nice job. If you really work it all the way through the next couple years, he could be pretty good at second base. That's what I'm seeing." "Whereas in spring training, I thought he was technically bad. I thought his hands were hard, his glove was good. His hands have softened up, his feet have gotten better. He definitely can turn a double play because he can throw." The Cubs are covered at second with Javier Baez and the return of Ben Zobrist, while Happ is thriving under Maddon's preference for versatility. He made his 19th start in center field Sunday and has started 11 games at second, five in right field and four in left. "He can play anywhere out there," Maddon said. "I'd be curious to see him at third and first. Third base is a curious spot for him, based on his tools." Sooner than later: Catcher Victor Caratini admitted he reached the majors sooner than he thought he would. When the Cubs designated Miguel Montero for assignment Wednesday, Caratini, 23, was a natural short-term fit based on his work with the starting pitchers in spring training with the help of starting catcher Willson Contreras, Montero and several instructors. Caratini's versatility was stretched Thursday when he played the outfield for the first time in his career in the ninth inning as the Cubs protected a 5-4 win over the Nationals. "It caught me by surprise," said Caratini, who borrowed Kris Bryant's outfielder's glove. "The main thing is catching, but whatever Joe needs to help the team win, I'm ready. Extra innings: Jon Lester's next start was moved up to Tuesday against the Rays so he will get another start Sunday against the Pirates before the All-Star break. ... Baseball America and MLB.com reported that the Cubs agreed to terms with shortstop Luis Verdugo and pitcher Florencio Serrano from Mexico. --