Cubs to outsource Vine Line magazine

Cubs fans who have been readers of the team's magazine Vine Line for many years may notice some changes in design and content in the coming months.

What they may not know is that the team is outsourcing the production of the magazine and other publications to a Cincinnati-based firm called EMI Network.

Under the new arrangement, EMI Network will operate and manage all aspects of the team's publications and creative services department.

What happens to staffers currently on the Cubs' payroll hasn't been finalized. Sources say at least some will be offered opportunities by EMI to continue working to produce Vine Line and other publications.

There are currently five full-time employees working on publications, and the Cubs have been getting ready to celebrate Vine Line's 25th anniversary in March. The monthly magazine contains news and features about the Cubs, with a heavy emphasis on the baseball team and its players.

It's expected the transition to the new setup will be completed by year's end.

Roster moves:

The Cubs on Friday selected the contract of catcher Robinson Chirinos from their Class AA Tennessee farm club. Chirinos, 26, was signed by the Cubs as a free agent out of Venezuela in 2000. He was converted from an infielder to catcher in 2009.

He batted .326 with 18 homers, 74 RBI, a .416 on-base percentage and a .583 slugging percentage in 92 games between Tennessee and Class AAA Iowa this year.

The Cubs also outrighted the contract of outfielder Jim Adduci to Class AAA Iowa. Adduci was on the 40-man roster, and he played this year at Iowa.

Next week, the Cubs' baseball operations department, led by general manager Jim Hendry, will set up shopt in Mesa, Ariz., for the team's annual organization meetings.