One riddle Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein have been hard at work solving is just how to play Santa for the many people who supported them through a tough 2012 season. It now looks like a plan is in motion: after signing Edwin Jackson, Carlos Villanueva, Scott Baker, Scott Feldman, Kyuji Fujikawa and several more potential starters, the Cubs will stuff fans’ stockings with their own Major League pitcher this holiday season.

“These gifts have value that will ideally grow over time,” said Hoyer. “Think of them as a savings bond that you can flip later for the next iPad.”

The Cubs had some money to spend, but want people to know that every stocking-stuffer won’t be a Cy Young candidate.

“Just because you get Cory Wade or your Arodys Vizcaino is broken, doesn’t mean you’ve been bad,” added Hoyer. “Lendy Castillo means you’ve been bad.”

Bandwagon Dan