Chicago Cubs: In Anchorman attire, club heads west for road trip

The Chicago Cubs wrapped up a strong homestand, going 7-2 at Wrigley Field, before heading west to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Entering the recent homestand, things weren’t going well for the reigning champs. The Chicago Cubs were languishing, struggling to find any real momentum. But as they wrapped things up at Wrigley yesterday, the team headed west back atop the National League Central.

Eddie Butler outdueled former Cubs hurler Jeff Samardzija in the finale, backed by several long-balls. Kris Bryant, Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist all went deep in the win, with two more runs scoring on a late-inning wild pitch.

As the club headed to the airport to begin their road trip, the Cubs players and coaching staff took part in a theme-day: Anchorman. To say the outfits were entertaining is putting it mildly. Anthony Rizzo rocked a fro, Tim Buss had a tiger on his shoulder and Joe Maddon dyed his hair.

With May winding down, Chicago – and other clubs – are eyeing trade possibilities. Samardzija seems to be connected in local media stories. Although the viability of such a deal is questionable, if you ask me. Still, the trade deadline will be upon us before we know it.

Here are more stories from around the league:

‘Anderson’s day with the Cubs could be done’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Red Sox showing desperation in activating Price’ – Call to the Pen

‘Brewers likely to send Braun back to DL’ – ESPN

‘Is Athletics’ Gray the top trade target this summer?’ – ESPN

‘Bats come alive as Cubs top San Francisco in finale’ – Cubbies Crib

Next: This is Lester's team - don't forget that fact

What’s Next

Chicago opens a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight at Dodger Stadium.

Jake Arrieta takes the ball for the Cubs. He comes off his best start of the season. Alex Wood opposes the Chicago right-hander in the opener. First pitch is at 9:10 p.m. CT. The series represents an NLCS re-match from last season, where the Cubs won their first pennant since 1945.