Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs staying busy with small moves

They won’t make much press or increase their World Series odds, but the Chicago Cubs remain busy this winter. They finalized Chris Denorfia‘s one-year, $2.6 million deal, and made room on the 40-man roster by designating Mike Kickham for assignment. Denorfia is expected to split time in left with Chris Coghlan, as well as fill in at the other outfield spots. Kickham was claimed of waivers right before Christmas from the Giants.

They also have signed right-hander Andres Santiago according to Smokies’ Andre Green on Twitter. Santiago pitched for the Dodgers Double-A affiliate last season in Chattanooga, posting a 4.47 ERA in 129 innings. He actually no hit the Tennessee Smokies last season, allowing only one baserunner by walk.

The Pirates and Jung-Ho Kang’s agent Alan Nero are confident they will get a deal done for the Korean infielder. The Pirates have already posted $5 million to win the rights to negotiate. Jordy Mercer and Neil Walker currently occupy the middle-infield spots, but Kang would only be an injury away.

Here’s the other news from around the league:

‘Cubs finalize Denorfia deal, DFA Kickham’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Minor Moves: Cubs sign Andres Santiago’ – MLBTR

‘Agent confident Pirates will land Kang’ – Rum Bunter

‘Will Price stay in Detroit for the long haul?’ – Call to the Pen

‘Black Sox items to be auctioned’ – ESPN.com