Barrett suspension to end in time for White Sox rematch

Michael Barrett's 10-game suspension for punching A.J. Pierzynski ends Friday just in time for the Cubs' catcher to play in what promises to be an emotionally charged rematch with the White Sox. "I just reacted," Barrett said Wednesday, looking back on his punch that set off a brawl May 20. "Like I said, I'm not happy about what happened. ... You know we all make mistakes, we all do things that certainly when you look back on, hindsight is 20-20. But it's time to move on and play baseball."

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Lee activated from disabled list

The Chicago Cubs activated slugger Derrek Lee from the disabled list on Sunday, and he was in the lineup at designated hitter against the Twins one day sooner than initially planned.
Wearing heavy tape on his right wrist and a brace when he reached base, Lee went 1-for-4 with a single and two strikeouts in an 8-1 loss to the Twins.

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Barrett's suspension upheld

Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett's 10-game suspension for punching the White Sox's A.J. Pierzynski was upheld by Major League Baseball on Monday. Barrett's suspension began with Monday night's interleague game against the Indians. He will be eligible to play again June 30 against the White Sox.

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Prior decision could come Friday

Mark Prior was sore Wednesday, one day after his best outing in four minor league rehabilitation starts, and still not sure when he'll make his season debut with the Chicago Cubs.
Prior allowed one unearned run and four hits in 6 2-3 innings for Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday night at New Orleans. He threw 90 pitches and struck out 10. "I think we'll make a decision in the next couple of days," said Prior, who's been on the disabled list all season while recovering from a sore shoulder. "My stuff I feel is fine, good enough to compete at this level. It's more of a question of stamina, where do I want to be as far as pitch count," he said. Prior is scheduled to throw in the bullpen at Wrigley Field on Friday. If he feels ready and is cleared, he could start Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers. He's also made two rehab starts at Single A and one at Double A.

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Prior pitches 6 2-3 innings in strong rehab start

Chicago Cubs right-hander Mark Prior had the most effective start of his four rehab outings in the minors, holding the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs to four hits and one unearned run in 6 2-3 innings. Prior, working his way back from a muscle strain in his right shoulder, walked one and struck out 10 in his first appearance for the Iowa Cubs. He did not get the decision in Iowa's 2-1 victory. "I felt like with the stuff I had today I could definitely go out and compete," Prior said. "I could take this stuff to the big leagues and have something to work with. More than anything else right now, it's a question of endurance. I'll know more about that in 24 or 48 hours."

The Cubs will decide in the next few days if Prior, who threw 90 pitches -- including 63 strikes -- will make another start for Iowa or join Chicago for the first time this season. Prior was scheduled to join the Cubs on Wednesday and a decision on where he'll make his next start could come by Thursday. Prior threw consistently between 90-92 mph.

The Executioner Pulls Plug

If this is indeed Bernard Hopkins' final fight, he showed how it's done: Stick and move, score a knockdown, go the distance. Result? A unanimous decision over Antonio Tarver for a light heavyweight title.

You gotta love B-Hop, one of my favorite boxers of all time. Here's to a great career and an enjoyable and well deserved retirement.

Cubs ready to sign Irish WR Samardzija

The Cubs expect to reach a four- or five-year contract agreement later this week with fifth-round draft pick Jeff Samardzija, the Notre Dame wide receiver who is intent on being a professional pitcher.

Wood placed on 15-day DL

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 7, because of stiffness in his right shoulder. "I'm not injured, I didn't hurt anything," Wood said Friday. "I think it's something that comes along with shoulder surgery. I've had a tough time recovering and getting this thing ready to go every fifth, sixth or seventh day sometimes. We'll take the time to get it right now and get back before the All-Star break and finish the season healthy."


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Prior pitches five innings in 6-4 win for AA Diamond Jaxx

Mark Prior allowed three runs and four hits in five innings of a rehab start for Double-A West Tennessee on Thursday night. Prior, who has been on the Chicago Cubs' disabled list all season because of a sore right shoulder, helped the Diamond Jaxx to a 6-4 win over the Birmingham Barons.

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Henry, Nicholson have embarrassed Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Wednesday that he let two players know they've disgraced the team with their off-field legal problems. "I told the people that yes, you embarrass us as an organization, myself, and the coaches when these things occur," Lewis said of rookie linebacker A.J. Nicholson and second-year receiver Chris Henry. "Right, wrong or indifferent, there are certain things that you're asked not to be a part of or around." Lewis insisted, however, that the recent arrests of Nicholson and Henry -- Henry's third arrest within seven months -- aren't distractions to the team as it prepares for summer minicamp next week.

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Wood to be examined, may miss start

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood flew to Cincinnati on Wednesday to be examined by Dr. Tim Kremchek and is questionable for his next start. Wood lasted 3 2/3 innings against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, his fourth start after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in late August. He's had trouble recovering between starts and was given two extra days before Tuesday's game.

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Cubs take outfielder Colvin with first pick

The Chicago Cubs selected junior outfielder Tyler Colvin of Clemson University with the 13th pick in the first round of Tuesday's First-Year Amateur Player Draft. Colvin batted .359 with 12 home runs, 22 doubles and five triples in 64 games for Clemson this season with 23 stolen bases in 27 attempts. He has a .315 career average for the Tigers with 54 doubles, seven triples, 19 home runs and 137 RBIs.

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Prior feeling strong after rehab start

Chicago Cubs starter Mark Prior said on Sunday he felt good after pitching five innings for Class A Peoria and will likely make at least one more Minor League rehab start before he is activated.
Prior gave up three hits and struck out five, throwing 59 pitches for Peoria in his second Minor League rehab start. "I felt good. I did what I wanted to do," said Prior, who is rehabbing from a strained muscle in his right shoulder, which flared up in mid-March. In his first start for Peoria, he threw 44 pitches over two innings. This outing was more efficient. "I was working on different things," Prior said of his Saturday night outing. "I think I was making good pitches. I was getting in the counts I wanted to get to, except for two batters, and was able to work on things. I found my breaking ball. I threw some really good breaking balls in the third inning. I threw some good changeups. I was happy.

"One of the reasons it was efficient is that I was able to throw my off-speed pitches for strikes versus the other game when I was throwing mostly fastballs." Prior said he had good life on his pitches and was able to do more. What's next? "I don't know," he said before the Cubs' game on Sunday in St. Louis. "I have to sit down and talk with Larry [Rothschild, pitching coach] and see what their plans are. Definitely, yesterday was a good step, a big step, and I feel I'm getting where I want to be." Prior did not expect to return to Peoria. Both Double-A West Tenn and Triple-A Iowa are home on June 8, with Iowa playing host to Round Rock and West Tenn entertaining Birmingham. Facing Minor League hitters isn't the same as dealing with big-league batters, but the workouts are helpful. "Setting [Minor League hitters up] is a little tougher," Prior said. "You don't have scouting reports and you know a little about guys based on watching their swings, but you don't know everything. It makes it tough because you're trying to work on things. They're geared up trying to get hits off of you. You try to rely on your catcher and pitching coach, and I thought Mark Reed did a great job calling the game."

Rangers trade Nevin to Cubs for Hairston

Struggling designated hitter Phil Nevin was traded Wednesday by the Texas Rangers to the Chicago Cubs, who are desperately seeking a bopper to help replace injured slugger Derrek Lee. The Rangers got utility player Jerry Hairston Jr. from the Cubs and will pay most of the remaining difference between Nevin's $10 million salary and the $2.3 million Hairston is making this season.

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