MLB

After filming two commercials playing up the Sox-Cubs rivalry, McDonald's abruptly announced that it would release A.J. Pierzynski from his promotional contract with the corporation.

Arizona winters may be a relaxing experience for many people seeking refuge from the cold, but nothing can be further from the truth when it comes to oft-injured Kerry Wood. In fact, the Cubs' paper-mache pitcher has been shut down once again with a right triceps strain after experiencing windburn from a slight breeze in Mesa.

The fire inside Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano has always made him a showman on the field, causing him to break bats over his leg and throw trademark temper tantrums on the mound. But the right-hander plans to intentionally entertain fans with his behavior this season, promising "thrills and spills" much like the one he exhibited in a spring training game Monday against the San Francisco Giants when he tripped after rounding second base.

Sammy Sosa really doesn't want to talk about his time with the Cubs, but he will once it translates into attention from reporters. In fact, the newest member of the Texas Rangers panicked once sports reporters began to disperse after Sosa initially declined to comment about his time with the North Siders.

The speculation of Aaron Rowand's potential return to the White Sox began when manager Ozzie Guillen was digging through his office looking for scouting reports and came across a mix tape Rowand gave him in October 2005.

Touted by Cubs brass as the next great outfield prospect for what seems like a decade, Felix Pie's shot at the big leagues doesn't seem to be nearing any time soon. Even after a hot spring, Pie's hopes to be roaming the Wrigley Field outfield when the season starts still appear remote.

It's customary for rookies to perform degrading tasks until they earn respect of a ball club. Although he's in his eighth season with the White Sox, Mark Buehrle has been ordered to carry the bags of recently-rich pitcher Javy Vasquez.