a:20:{s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";s:8:"encoding";s:5:"utf-8";s:5:"title";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:4:"link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"description";s:45:"Latest news from the Chicago Sun-Times Online";s:8:"category";s:10:"Newspapers";s:8:"language";s:5:"en-us";s:14:"managingEditor";s:31:"webmaster@suntimes.com (Editor)";s:3:"ttl";s:2:"30";s:9:"dc:rights";s:14:"Copyright 2013";s:11:"image_title";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:9:"image_url";s:71:"http://www.suntimes.com/csp/cms/sites/STM/assets/img/logos/suntimes.gif";s:10:"image_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"image_width";s:2:"84";s:12:"image_height";s:2:"34";s:5:"items";a:11:{s:32:"b17fc03eca40a36c59ce4337a87224ac";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:49:"TELANDER: It should be Cubs first, Wrigley second";s:4:"link";s:110:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17720534-419/telander-it-should-be-cubs-first-wrigley-second.html";s:11:"description";s:989:"Thumbnail image

There's a place within the vast Bohemian National Cemetery on Chicago's Northwest Side called ''Beyond the Vines.'' It's a scaled-down replica of Wrigley Field's red-brick outfield wall, with vines and the bright yellow ''400'' emblazoned in, what I guess you would call, ''dead center.'' People are buried within the wall. Their ashes, anyway. And those folks all have one thing in common, besides being deceased. They were Cubs fans who couldn't hold out for a World Series championship. One hundred four years is too long for almost any mortal. On a beautiful, warm spring day last year, I sat with …";s:4:"guid";s:110:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17720534-419/telander-it-should-be-cubs-first-wrigley-second.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Mon, 21 Jan 2013 22:51:31 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358830291;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"b17fc03eca40a36c59ce4337a87224ac";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"c5d44af6b0612086b473493c2666e356";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:49:"Cubs fans' minds on rebuilding team, not ballpark";s:4:"link";s:110:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17701527-419/cubs-fans-minds-on-rebuilding-team-not-ballpark.html";s:11:"description";s:955:"Thumbnail image

The talk of the Cubs Convention might have been the Wrigley Field renovation project, but by the time the three-day event ended Sunday, it was apparent fans had a more pressing restoration in mind. "Do you have a five-year plan? A 10-year plan?" a fan asked chairman Tom Ricketts. "Can you give us any sense at all?" another asked team president Theo Epstein. "Some of us don't have that much time left,'' another fan told a panel of team officials. Whatever the ballpark eventually looks like, it won't mean much if the 101-loss start to the Epstein Era doesn't lead …";s:4:"guid";s:110:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17701527-419/cubs-fans-minds-on-rebuilding-team-not-ballpark.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Sun, 20 Jan 2013 20:53:06 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358736786;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"c5d44af6b0612086b473493c2666e356";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"aaa569ef54cc1b318d9fbe81271792f6";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:47:"Wrigley Field renovation would aid Cubs players";s:4:"link";s:110:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17682745-573/wrigley-field-renovation-would-aid-cubs-players.html";s:11:"description";s:971:"Thumbnail image

During their first tour of the Cubs' clubhouse, general manager Jed Hoyer and team president Theo Epstein stopped at one end of the cramped confines to ask about the heavy black net that hung across the ceiling. It's where players take swings before at-bats, business operations president Crane Kenney told them. A hitter releases the net so it hangs from the ceiling, grabs a tee and hits balls into the net. ''We thought it was a joke,'' Hoyer said. As the Cubs unveiled details Saturday of their $300 million ''restoration'' plan ? pending the easing of city zoning restrictions ? …";s:4:"guid";s:110:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17682745-573/wrigley-field-renovation-would-aid-cubs-players.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Sun, 20 Jan 2013 19:00:32 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358730032;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"aaa569ef54cc1b318d9fbe81271792f6";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"dc05dca3085ff363d0d77b3c3e09ccee";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:70:"Cubs will foot bill for Wrigley renovations if city lifts restrictions";s:4:"link";s:133:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17682724-573/cubs-will-foot-bill-for-wrigley-renovations-if-city-lifts-restrictions.html";s:11:"description";s:1007:"Thumbnail image

Cubs owners dropped a $300 million bombshell Saturday at the Cubs Convention when they vowed to stop asking for public money and pay for massive renovations at Wrigley Field themselves. On these conditions: The city lift restrictions on game-day use of Sheffield Avenue, game times for certain days and large-scale signage behind the outfield. That might be easier said than done given the power of the Wrigleyville rooftop lobby and stiff approval process for changes in and around the ballpark. But the shift away from an attempted money grab from a financially strapped city has given Cubs officials renewed optimism …";s:4:"guid";s:133:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17682724-573/cubs-will-foot-bill-for-wrigley-renovations-if-city-lifts-restrictions.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Sun, 20 Jan 2013 19:00:32 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358730032;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"dc05dca3085ff363d0d77b3c3e09ccee";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"82d8170c4d6e530df830cbd4bebb9faf";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:58:"Cubs likely will 'revisit' bringing Sammy Sosa out of cold";s:4:"link";s:119:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17681968-573/cubs-likely-will-revisit-bringing-sammy-sosa-out-of-cold.html";s:11:"description";s:738:"

Could the longstanding deep-freeze between the Cubs and former slugger Sammy Sosa be on the verge of a thaw? The franchise's all-time home-run leader and reputed user of performance-enhancing drugs effectively has been divorced from the organization since leaving the ballpark during the final game of the 2004 season. He was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in a personality-dump that offseason. But Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts suggested Saturday the team might reach out to Sosa to mend the relationship, which could lead to Sosa appearing at a future Cubs Convention. ''Maybe we should revisit that,'' Ricketts told reporters Saturday morning …";s:4:"guid";s:119:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17681968-573/cubs-likely-will-revisit-bringing-sammy-sosa-out-of-cold.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Sun, 20 Jan 2013 19:00:32 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358730032;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"82d8170c4d6e530df830cbd4bebb9faf";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"3c4075bb4a36dd15333a350b2119c76b";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:52:"Alfonso Soriano reaffirms desire to remain with Cubs";s:4:"link";s:115:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17664222-573/alfonso-soriano-reaffirms-desire-to-remain-with-cubs.html";s:11:"description";s:940:"Thumbnail image

If he was surprised, he didn't admit it, but Alfonso Soriano seemed relieved to still be wearing a Cubs uniform for the opening of the Cubs Convention on Friday. ''I'm very happy,'' said Soriano, who was told at the end of last season that the Cubs would consider trade possibilities over the winter for the big-ticket left fielder with two years, $36 million left on his eight-year, $136 million deal. ''Always, I want to stay here and finish my career here,'' he added, ''and try to win before I retire, because I signed here to get to a World Series …";s:4:"guid";s:115:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17664222-573/alfonso-soriano-reaffirms-desire-to-remain-with-cubs.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:13:06 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358640786;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"3c4075bb4a36dd15333a350b2119c76b";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"f205b546184b1ddb1ff8995ea56f3b63";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:68:"Cubs potential Opening Day starter Jeff Samardzija used to spotlight";s:4:"link";s:131:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17664195-573/cubs-potential-opening-day-starter-jeff-samardzija-used-to-spotlight.html";s:11:"description";s:975:"Thumbnail image

Like most people following the story, Jeff Samardzija doesn't know what to make of what's going on at his alma mater with Manti Te'o. ''Until enough information comes out that you can say who was right and who was wrong,'' said the Cubs' pitcher and former Notre Dame All-America receiver, ''you can't say too much about it.'' About the only thing he knows for sure is that there was no sign of Te'o's imaginary girlfriend while Samardzija hung out with old teammates in South Beach during BCS national championship week this month. ''She wasn't there, actually,'' he deadpanned. He also …";s:4:"guid";s:131:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17664195-573/cubs-potential-opening-day-starter-jeff-samardzija-used-to-spotlight.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:13:06 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358640786;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"f205b546184b1ddb1ff8995ea56f3b63";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"96d73c8ee2cfc488cf77bb67ef07d425";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:66:"Cubs considered using Miller Park during Wrigley Field renovations";s:4:"link";s:129:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17642294-419/cubs-considered-using-miller-park-during-wrigley-field-renovations.html";s:11:"description";s:965:"Thumbnail image

Cubs ownership long has insisted it doesn't consider U.S. Cellular Field an option as a temporary home while renovations to Wrigley Field are being done. But could the team finally get its long-sought public handout and take its games out of state while locally subsidized construction is being done at Clark and Addison? That's one idea that was considered in great detail among Cubs business operations executives. Cubs spokesman Julian Green said the plan ? which called for all home games in April and May in 2014 and 2015 to be moved to Miller Park in Milwaukee ? was just …";s:4:"guid";s:129:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17642294-419/cubs-considered-using-miller-park-during-wrigley-field-renovations.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:51:57 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358542317;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"96d73c8ee2cfc488cf77bb67ef07d425";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"186883436631f0af3b5d1382694bba36";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:36:"Team signs Garza, avoids arbitration";s:4:"link";s:98:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17642611-573/team-signs-garza-avoids-arbitration.html";s:11:"description";s:964:"Thumbnail image

The Cubs avoided their biggest potential arbitration case Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $10.25 million deal with starting pitcher Matt Garza. Garza, who nearly was traded last July before an elbow injury sidelined him for the rest of the season, is eligible for free agency after this season. He made $9.5 million in 2012, when he went 5-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 18 starts. Tweeted Garza: ''Business side over! Hooray! Time to focus on what really matters ... 2013." Garza has said repeatedly this offseason that he's fully recovered and on track to open the season on time, …";s:4:"guid";s:98:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17642611-573/team-signs-garza-avoids-arbitration.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:05:39 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358481939;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"186883436631f0af3b5d1382694bba36";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"e720a72bb09445b6398b41a6c383ad33";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:63:"Renovation plans for Wrigley Field may be revealed this weekend";s:4:"link";s:126:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17620961-573/renovation-plans-for-wrigley-field-may-be-revealed-this-weekend.html";s:11:"description";s:992:"Thumbnail image

The Cubs plan to unveil detailed renderings of their plans for a renovated Wrigley Field during a Saturday session of their annual Cubs Convention at the downtown Sheraton this weekend, the culmination of a recent series of more private, local showings in the community ? and an indication, some insiders believe, that public funding for the project is imminent. Cubs officials would not comment or update any potential progress on what is believed to be back-channel communication on the funding issue that has been ongoing since Mayor Rahm Emanuel cut off talks in May on a then-imminent deal. That was …";s:4:"guid";s:126:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17620961-573/renovation-plans-for-wrigley-field-may-be-revealed-this-weekend.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:22:10 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358410930;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"e720a72bb09445b6398b41a6c383ad33";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}s:32:"98dd77ec46e62a37234b1d380f740b57";a:11:{s:5:"title";s:66:"MORRISSEY: Anthony Rizzo is the latest crush to distract Cubs fans";s:4:"link";s:128:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17596670-573/morrissey-anthony-rizzo-is-the-latest-crush-to-distract-cubs-fans.html";s:11:"description";s:956:"Thumbnail image

Friday is the start of the Cubs Convention, that offseason genuflection to all things blue and fluffy. Players will get the kind of reception the Beatles received at Shea Stadium in 1965 except for .?.?. well, that's exactly the kind of reception they'll get. Most of them, if they're honest with themselves, will wonder what the team did right in 2012 to deserve such adoring fans. A 61-101 record would seem to argue strongly in favor of booing, if not tarring and feathering. But these are the Cubs, a different animal, more of a stuffed animal, really, and this is …";s:4:"guid";s:128:"http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/17596670-573/morrissey-anthony-rizzo-is-the-latest-crush-to-distract-cubs-fans.html";s:7:"pubDate";s:31:"Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:05:15 -0600";s:12:"pubTimeStamp";i:1358316315;s:4:"kidx";s:32:"98dd77ec46e62a37234b1d380f740b57";s:6:"source";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:10:"source_url";s:74:"http://www.suntimes.com/rss/index.html?path=/suntimes/sports/baseball/cubs";s:11:"source_link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"source_kidx";s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";}}s:11:"items_count";i:11;s:6:"cached";i:0;s:7:"sources";a:1:{s:32:"1b6f32db0a7753691d1db1fd2ec18c4d";a:5:{s:5:"title";s:17:"Chicago Sun-Times";s:4:"link";s:23:"http://www.suntimes.com";s:11:"items_count";i:11;s:6:"cached";i:0;s:11:"updatedTime";N;}}}