Morning Marquee: Dave Martinez joins Cubs; New Wrigley plans approved

The Chicago Cubs have reunited Joe Maddon and Dave Martinez as the latter was named to the coaching staff in the same role he held with Tampa Bay. Speculation started immediately on if Martinez would join his former boss in Chicago, and once he was passed on for the Rays managerial job the writing was on the wall. With the move, former bench coach Brandon Hyde will shift to first base coach, and recently hired Doug Dascenzo will become an outfield and baserunning instructor for the major and minor league teams. Martinez spent time with the Cubs as a player from 1986 to 1988, and a return in 2000. He spent 16 years as a major league player.

Changes to the original Wrigley Field renovation got the OK for the Chicago Landmarks Committee, allowing the Cubs to earn a $75 million tax break. The video board in right will reduce in size from 2,400 square feet to 2,200, and a 650 square foot sign in left has been taken out of the plans. Some of the biggest news to come out was that some of the historic brick walls may need to be replaced. The state of some of the brick was found to be crumbling, but wasn’t revealed until the bleachers were removed.

The Jon Lester saga may be nearing its end soon, as it looks to be down to four possible suitors. The Cubs, Red Sox, Giants and Dodgers seem to be the last remaining, with Los Angeles jumping in late but being as likely as any. Lester says it’s more about what makes his family comfortable, the biggest offer doesn’t assure his services. He had hoped to make a decision before the Winter Meeting began, but that may not be the case now.

Here are the headlines you may have missed:

‘Martinez, Maddon reunite on Cubs coaching staff’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Wrigley Field renovations changes gets OK from commission’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Lester sweepstakes down to a reported four teams’ – Call to the Pen

‘Raul Ibanez out in the latest twist in Rays manager search’ – Rays Colored Glasses