What We’re Reading (2/27/13)

Throughout the 2013 baseball season, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Edwin Jackson pitches two scoreless innings in his Cubs debut.

Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune

Jackson faced eight hitters in only two innings of work and allowed two hits on no runs while facing the Colorado Rockies Tuesday at Hohokam Stadium.

“It’s all mental. You keep the ball down and execute pitches,” Jackson said after the game.  “And everything is pretty good. I can have a lot of success if you keep the ball down in the zone.”

Welington Castillo looks to be the Cubs’ starting catcher in 2013.

ESPN Chicago / Jesse Rogers

After Geovany Soto signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers in December, Welington Castillo became the favorite to land the Cubs’ catching spot for the 2013 season.  Castilo played in 52 games last season and left an impression on manager Dale Sveum by batting .265 with a .337 on-base percentage.

“It helps to come to spring training and know you have a job, but at the same time I don’t feel comfortable, just have to keep working hard and feel like I don’t have anything,” Castillo said after Monday’s Cactus League game against the Dodgers.

Versatility is the key for Brent Lillibridge’s chance at a roster position.

ESPN Chicago / Bruce Levine

Lillibridge signed a minor league contract with the Cubs this past offseason after his 2012 campaign consisted of stops with the White Sox, Red Sox, and Indians.  With injuries and a lack of depth with the Cubs, manager Dale Sveum is trying out Lillibridge at every position.

I have been working my butt off all winter to be ready for an opportunity,” Lillibridge said.  “If I showcase what I can do, then it will be a no-brainer for them. If that happens, hopefully I will be in Chicago soon.”

Alfonso Soriano shoots down Yankee trade rumors following Curtis Granderson’s injury.

Patrick Mooney / CSN Chicago

Trade rumors instantly swirled late Sunday evening regarding a possible return to the Yankees for Soriano after Curtis Granderson was ruled out the first month of the season after suffering a fractured forearm in the Yankee’s Grapefruit League game against the Toronto Blue Jays.  Even with prior ties to the Yankees, it’s still unclear whether Soriano would be open to a return to the Bronx.

“I signed here to win and I prepared my mind from the first day I signed the contract to win the World Series here.…My dream is winning here,” Soriano said regarding feelings towards the Cubs.

Former Smokies outfielder Vernon Wells plans to retire after the 2014 season.

Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

Wells announced Monday that he will play out his current seven-year, $126 million contract with the Angels and will retire following 2014, citing his children and ownership opportunities as reasons for his impending retirement.

I’ve gone through this for long enough. My thoughts right now as a family is to be done after two years, enjoy [my children], get to be there for them in those years where they’re going to need their dad every day, not just every now and then,” Wells told reporters.

As for ownership opportunites, Wells said he and Tigers outfielder, and former teammate, Torri Hunter have discussed partnering up to own a Major League franchise.

“It’s definitely something we’re interested in doing once we’re both done playing,” Wells said. “Instead of playing fantasy GM, you’re actually putting together your own team and learning what it takes to pretty much make money in an organization, especially in the Minor Leagues.”

Nick Roark is a Broadcast & Media Associate for the Smokies Radio Network.  You can follow him on Twitter here: @NickRoark4.