Cubs cut loose Alou, Grudzielanek
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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Cubs Thursday declined to pick up the 2005 options on outfielder Moises Alou and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, making the two veterans free agents.
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The Chicago Cubs exercised the option of pitcher Ryan Dempster for the 2005 season and could look at the right-hander as a possible closer.
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The Chicago Cubs' 24-hour visit to Miami included a brief stay atop the NL wild-card standings. Then they lost their lead because they couldn't beat David Weathers. The journeyman right-hander, making his first start in six years, limited Chicago to two hits and one run in five innings, and the Florida Marlins won 5-2 for a split of their doubleheader Monday.
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The Chicago Cubs registered an important victory in their battle for the National League wild-card berth, edging out the Expos 2-1 over 11 innings in Montreal Wednesday.
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The Cubs traded backup shortstop Cesar Izturis and cash to Pittsburgh on Thursday in a deal that could free the Pirates to trade former All-Star Jack Wilson.
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Swept by lowly Florida, the Chicago Cubs shambled out of town Thursday with this consolation: If they make the playoffs, they won't have to face the Marlins again.
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The Cubs will gladly pardon the interruption of their 10-game trip. Chicago got 17 hits yesterday during a one-game stopover at Wrigley Field, helping Ted Lilly win his 15th game and beating the St. Louis Cardinals, 12-3.
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The Cubs are not finished altering their roster for next season, but they are not expected to spend a lot of money doing it.
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linging to a half-game lead in the race for the National League wild card, the Cubs sent Kerry Wood to the mound at Shea Stadium yesterday, needing to shake off a sudden and shocking defeat a day earlier.
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The Chicago Cubs are just a half-game ahead of the San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros in the NL wild-card race after falling to the visiting Montreal Expos, 7-6, on Brian Schneider&#39;s go-ahead single in the 12th inning.
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The Chicago Cubsâ offense abandoned them over the weekend. Theyâre trying to prevent that from happening again during the final week of the regular season.
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CHICAGO (Sports Network) - The Chicago Cubs Thursday  declined to pick up the 2005 options on outfielder Moises Alou  and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, making the two veterans  free agents.
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Aramis Ramirez hit a three-run homer, Moises Alou also homered and the Chicago Cubs beat the Houston Astros 11-6 on Sunday in the testy conclusion of a three-game series between the NL Central rivals.
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The Chicago Cubs and their legions made themselves at home in the desert. Sean Marshall gave up one run in six innings, Jacque Jones had four hits and the Cubs defeated Arizona 6-2 on Friday night in a showdown of NL division leaders.
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Nomar Garciaparra stayed with the Chicago Cubs, Brad Radke remained with Minnesota and the New York Yankees looked ahead to deals with pitcher Jaret Wright and second baseman Tony
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The Cubs fall behind early and lose their second straight game to the lowly Mets 3-2, putting a dent in their playoff chances.
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Catcher Mike DiFelice reported to the Chicago Cubs on Monday, six days after being acquired from the Detroit Tigers. DiFelice, who hit .