Morning Marquee: Sammy Sosa won’t attend Banks’ funeral

The broken relationship between the Chicago Cubs and Sammy Sosa hasn’t changed much in recent years, and Sosa’s refusal to attend Ernie Banks funeral won’t improve his chances. He has claimed he doesn’t want to be a “distraction” to the event. The fact that he was invited should have been taken as an honor, and declining should have never been an option.

The Washington Nationals’ Jayson Werth will serve five days in jail for a reckless driving violation in Virginia. Werth pleaded guilty to the charge, and it was reduced to five from ten days. He was paced doing 105 mph on the Capitol Beltway back in July. Werth will serve the term on the weekends to keep from disrupting his rehabilitation from his shoulder surgery.

The Cubs improved their starting rotation this winter by bringing back Jason Hammel and adding star free agent Jon Lester. But did they already have an “ace in waiting” in Jake Arrieta? It’s been no secret that Arrieta has quality stuff, but was never able to bring it together while in Baltimore. After his breakout last season, the Cubs rotation could be a surprise as one of the better ones in the National League if he repeats the performance.

These stories and more that you may have missed:

‘Sammy Sosa won’t attend funeral of Ernie Banks’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Jayson Werth to spend five days in jail for reckless driving’ – District on Deck

‘Is Jake Arrieta a top pitcher in the NL?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cuban prospect Moncada works out for Rays’ – MLB.com

‘Phillies sign Chad Billingsley to one-year deal’ – ESPN.com