Morning Marquee: Wrigley bleachers won’t be ready; Scherzer signs with the Nationals

Hopefully many of you are getting a chance to enjoy a long three-day weekend on this Martin Luther King Day. The Morning Marquee has been absent for a few days, so there’s plenty to catch up on. So let’s get to all the news that you may have missed.

The question had been asked occasionally as the process moved slowly with Chicago’s winter. Would the bleachers be ready by Opening Day? Cubs president of business operations answered that recently with an unfortunate no, with an expected completion date of May. The biggest area of concern in allowing the concrete poured to cure properly, but steel delivery has also backed up the timetable as well. The Cubs however refused to entertain the thought of moving the games elsewhere, like Miller Park, and will play in an unfinished Wrigley Field.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts has purchased three of the Wrigleyville rooftops as the feud between the Cubs and its surrounding neighbors continue. The buildings, one owned by James Lourgos and the other the properties of George Loukas, leaves 16 buildings left with rooftop businesses. Ricketts would like to buy more of the buildings, which have become a thorn in the side of the Cubs during the renovation process.

Sources have confirmed that Max Scherzer has agreed to a multi-year deal with the Washington Nationals. While the figures aren’t yet known, the deal is reportedly for seven-years. Talks around the league speculated the Nats wouldn’t have the flexibility to sign Scherzer unless they had a deal in place for Jordan Zimmerman and possibly Ian Desmond. As of the time of the deal, there was nothing reported for either player.

Reports have the Texas Rangers “very close” to acquiring Yovani Gallardo from the Milwaukee Brewers. The source could not confirm what other players may be involved in the deal. Gallardo is entering the final year of his contract in Milwaukee, and Rangers GM Jon Daniels has said before he likes to sign players entering their final year of a deal.

Here are the stories from around the league you might have missed:

‘Wrigley bleachers will not be ready for Opening Night’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs Tom Ricketts purchases trip of Wrigleyville rooftops’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Former Cy Young winner Scherzer headed to D.C.’ – Call to the Pen

‘Yovani Gallardo close to being a Ranger’ – Nolan Writin’

‘Cardinals will honor Taveras on unis’ – ESPN.com