What We’re Reading (2/5/13)

With Spring Training right around the corner, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday leading up to the season. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Third Baseman Ian Stewart looks forward to the opportunity to repay the Cubs and his wife for their support.

“The last few years there have been lingering wrist issues and I really believe I’ve gotten that taken care of, and a lot of credit goes to the Cubs,” he said. “They’ve stuck with me. They could’ve easily done the non-tender and moved on, but they’ve done a great job of keeping up with me through the injury. They’ve totally supported me 100 percent through the surgery, and they continued dialogue the whole time.”

The Oakland A’s acquired Jed Lowrie and Fernando Rodriguez Monday night from the Houston Astros in a five player deal.

In exchange the Astros acquired power-hitter Chris Carter and two other highly touted prospects, pitcher Brad Peacock and catcher Max Stassi.

Billy Beane was excited about the deal and acquiring Lowrie, “Jed’s a guy we’ve had a lot of interest in going back to his Boston days. He plays four infield positions and switch-hits, and has always been a good offensive player for a middle infielder.”

Former National League Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb announces retirement.

“I was at the top of my game, at the top of the game and then it was just suddenly over,” Webb said. “My dad said, ‘At least you didn’t have to struggle, at least you went out on top.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, but I would almost have rather have tapered off, because I think that would have been easier for me rather than just suddenly be done.’”

Mariano Rivera plans to be ready for the beginning of Spring Training

“I’ve thrown a little bit, I’m running,” Rivera said. “I’m doing what I can do in this kind of weather. Once I get there [to Florida], the weather will be better and the time will be right to start pushing the legs. I have six more weeks to get ready, so I have full confidence that everything will be fine.”

Baseball Heritage & Broadcast Museum suffers flood and loses part of Cleveland’s history.

The Marlins are close to signing closer Jose Valverde…. Or are they?

Yesterday, ESPN Deportes was reporting that the Marlins were on the cusp of signing embattled closer Jose Valverde, but that might have been premature. Since then, the signing has been denied by sources. The move would make little sense for the Marlins after gutting their organization this offseason. The Valverde news is thought to be a last-ditch effort by agent Scott Boras to create any type of market interest for his client.

Jonathan Reed is a broadcast and media associate for the Smokies Radio Network. You can follow Jonathan on Twitter here: @jon__reed