Cubs Reportedly Agree to Deal With Pitcher Hammel

The Chicago Cubs reportedly have agreed to a one-year contract with right-handed pitcher Jason Hammel. He likely will be the No. 4 or No. 5 starter in the team’s rotation. The top three starting spots likely will go to Travis Wood, Jeff Samardzija and Edwin Jackson. Just thinking about a five-man rotation like that should comfort fans. Well, of other National League Central teams perhaps.

Arianny Celeste and Brittney Palmer take time out from their UFC duties (see video below).

* Speaking of Samardzija, he and the Cubs apparently are not making much progress toward a new contract that would keep him around beyond the 2015 season. He apparently thinks he is worth more than what the team is offering. Of course, when trade time comes around (as it likely could for the right-hander), the Cubs will value him greater than any potential trading partners might.

* Reports of the Chicago Bulls possibly trading forward Taj Gibson have arisen. If such a scenario plays out, look for an outcry because Gibson is a fan favorite who has provided some consistency coming off the bench and occasionally starting. Such a deal would open room for the team to pursue a high-priced player (and presumably a good one) who might actually make Chicago a legitimate contender for a title. Other than the NBA team that plays in the snowiest city around.

* Speaking of winter weather (which is generally what you get in winter), it’s purely a guess, but chances seem remote that the Super Bowl will have to worry about a wardrobe malfunction during its halftime show featuring Bruno Mars.

* Speaking of the Bulls acquiring a top-flight scoring talent, does anyone really expect Carmelo Anthony to exit the New York Knicks for the Bulls? Especially not knowing how Bulls guard Derrick Rose will be once he returns for knee surgery?

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