Cubbies Crib: Morning Marquee 12/10

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior ‘officially retired’ and Roy Halladay also retired after signing a one day contract to do as a Toronto Blue Jay on Monday. The Chicago Cubs are actively listening to offers on pitcher Jeff Samardzija and outfielder Nate Schierholtz as they wait for the Masahiro Tanaka posting situation to be resolved. Starlin Castro reportedly is getting into better shape this offseason and improving his range. The Cubs also are reportedly interested in Washington Nationals’ relievers Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard.

Tony La Russa, Joe Torre, and Bobby Cox were unanimously elected into the Hall of Fame Monday on a rather uneventful first day at the Baseball Winter Meetings. The Tanaka situation continues to linger over the heads of several GMs as trades for starting pitchers and big time signings for free agents have yet to happen. Los Angeles of Anaheim Angels’ Mark Trumbo are reportedly working on a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Baltimore Orioles have interest in closers John Axford and Grant Balfour.

Chicago Tribune: Cubs’ Hoyer scoffs at meddling money speculation

Chicago Sun-Times: Cubs actively dangle Jeff Samardzija on first day of winter meetings

ESPN Chicago: Castro getting in better shape

CSN Chicago: Cubs GM Hoyer says Samardzija and Tanaka isn’t either/or deal

Cubs.com: Cubs could keep pitcher Jeff Samardzija, go after Tanaka

FOX Sports: Winter Meetings report: Pursuit of Choo reaches crucial point

Yahoo! Sports: Angels working on deal with Diamondbacks to swap Mark Trumbo for pitching help

CBS Sports: Orioles have interest in closers John Axford and Grant Balfour

LA Times: Agent believes Dodgers’ Matt Kemp will be traded

NBC Sports: Nelson Cruz’s agent met with the Orioles today

BlueJays.com: After 16-year career, Halladay hanging up his spikes

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