Morning Marquee: Cubs announce Jon Lester; Sign Motte

The Chicago Cubs announced Jon Lester on Monday in downtown Chicago, answering one key question. What number would he wear? With two Hall of Fame No. 31’s already in Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux, Lester will wear the number of another one time ace for the Cubs. No. 34. Kerry Wood sported the number in his time in Chicago, and while he was well liked and had success with the Cubs, it shouldn’t have been retired. So Lester will simply ‘carry on’ the tradition of the No. 34.

The Cubs also came to terms with former Cardinals pitcher Jason Motte on a one-year deal. Motte was the closer before needing Tommy John in 2013. Last season in 29 games he struggled, also dealing with back issues. The signing is no surprise as the Cubs have been able to take cases like Motte, reclamations if you will, and have great success with them.

Sources are reporting that Michael Morse has agreed to a two-year deal with the Miami Marlins, helping to give Giancarlo Stanton some protection in the lineup. He has played primarily in the outfield, but does have experience at first base, where the Marlins could utilize him.

The Yankees signed Chase Headley to a four-year deal for $52 million. The signing raised some eyebrows with Alex Rodriguez still manning third. The deal could be looked at as a safety net, or possibly a changing if the guard. The deal will however help provide depth in the infield to go along with the signing of Didi Gregorius.

Here are the other headlines you may have missed:

Cubs’ Jon Lester marks ‘start of a new transition’ for team’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Jason Motte signs one-year deal with Chicago Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Yankees sign Headley for four-years’ – Yanks Go Yard

‘Marlins, Morse agree to two-year deal’ – Marlin Maniac

‘Royals sign Rios to one-year deal’ – Call to the Pen