Cubs

Newly acquired Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley has developed a reputation for frequent temper tantrums that would shock a spoiled toddler. In the interests of protecting Bradley's well-being and the Cubs cost of repairing hotel rooms, they have requested a custom padded room for Bradley when he stays at a visiting hotel.

Japan, U.S. fight over Fukudome for WBC The Japanese swear they have never heard of Kosuke Fukudome. The U.S. won't let him play because he's not an American. The struggling Cubs' outfielder has taken the role of the last kid picked at recess as teams finalize their World Baseball Classic rosters. Neither side is willing to give in and take him on. Both nations agree it would be best if he's traded to Italy, who have said they won't accept him despite a lack of one recognizable pro on their roster.

With Spring Training underway, Cubs management decided to hold a reality contest to replace fifth starter Jason Marquis in the rotation after he was dealt to the Rockies last month. Cubs GM Jim Hendry stated his rationale for the unorthodox move at a press conference unveiliing "Who Wants to Be the 5th Starter?"

Former Cubs fan favorite Kerry Wood started his spring in a familiar way: with an injury. Now on the Indians, the closer sat out practices this week with a sore back before easing into workouts this morning. Despite a frustrating, injury-riddled career, Wood says he's not too concerned about the achy back.

Unofficial Cubs mascot Ronnie Woo-Woo Wickers seems to be everywhere. Here he appears in the background of one of this nation's darker moments, the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald.

A day after Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he is considering moving Alfonso Soriano down in the lineup, the Cubs left fielder held a press conference announcing he is willing to re-learn how to play baseball for 2009.

The Cubs recently unveiled a million-dollar ad campaign that encourages fans to take part in Feb. 20's single-game ticket sales, an extremely frustrating process that leaves many fans out in the cold after hours in tickets.com's "Virtual Waiting Room," only to find that ticket scalpers across the country somehow miraculously acquired thousands of tickets which have long been sold out.