Morning Marquee: Jon Lester joins the Cubs for six-years/$155 million

The collective exhale and jubilation from Cubs fans wasn’t heard by as many as it could have been since the news was announced at 1:30 a.m. ET, but it was there nonetheless. Jon Lester made his long-awaited decision, choosing Chicago over his past home of Boston in what can be considered the biggest news of the Winter Meetings thus far.

After the Chicago White Sox got the early jump on being the hot topic–with the signing of David Robertson, then acquiring Jeff Samardzija from Oakland in a six-player deal–the Cubs decided it was time for the North Side to make some noise. After signing Jason Hammel on day one, the Cubs followed up yesterday by getting two-time All-Star Miguel Montero from the Diamondbacks for two low-level pitching prospects.

The Lester signing came late into the night for most, but after many Cubs fans may have taken a sick day on Tuesday they may need another today. The deal now will set in motion a slew of others that essentially were waiting on the decision of Lester. The next few days in San Diego will be no less exciting than the first two.

It seems that the Winter Meetings may have had the wrong host city this year, as Chicago is clearly the place to be, on either side of town. Two teams that seemed to be a ways off now find themselves rooted in the talk for a division. The Cubs, with their youth seem to have a better opportunity, but the moves the White Sox have made have put them in the conversation.

Both teams still have questions, but with two days left of meetings, and approximately three months until baseball gets underway, plenty can happen. Here are the stories you may have missed:

‘Cubs, Jon Lester agree on a six-year, $155 million deal’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Chicago Cubs acquire two-time All-Star Miguel Montero’ – Cubbies Crib

‘White Sox land Jeff Samardzija and David Robertson’ – Southside Showdown

‘Russell Wilson likely to get Spring Training invite again’ – ESPN.com

‘Pirates show they are in it to win it with Liriano deal’ – Rumbunter