Trade Coming Soon??

There is a very interesting development happening in Texas that could effect the Cubs. The Rangers DFA Armando Galrraga to clear a roster spot for Jennings . Rangers fans and columist are shocked at the idea of designating him for assignment. They figured that it would either be Robinson Tejeda, Nelson Cruz or Botts that gets cut. A lot of people are speculating including me that this means that he will be traded within the allotted 10 days and more than likely to the Cubs in a Murton/Byrd deal. Armando is a 25 year old righty who went 0-0 with a 6.23 era in 3 games in the ML last season. In his career in the minors he had a 25-35 record with 4.13 era in 116 games in which he started 98 of them. He had a whip of 1.32. Here is some comments from some outraged Texas fans-

WHAT THE FFFFFFFF?? DFA Galarraga and keep Scooter Feldman? What naked pictures do Feldman and Tejada have of Hicks and JD together? This is REDICULOUS. There is no way we would have traded Galarraga for Jennings, IS THERE? I guess we just did huh? This is messed up unless there is already a trade out there!!!!1

his numbers weren't spectacular last season and that a good thing in this case. so hopefully he'll clear waivers. hell shelton did. but i also would have let go of feldman, tejeda, or cruz to keep galarraga.

Guys... this is such a stupid move, I can draw only one conclusion from this. Galarraga is the add-on in a Marlon Byrd for Matt Murton trade. JD needed to make that 40 man move, so he DFA'd Galarrga.
At least, that's what I hope the case is. If it's not, and we did just DFA a decent pitcher over Feldman, Tejeda, and Nelson Cruz... then I'm with you guys, I'm gonna be livid. 'Cause there ain't no way he'll clear waivers.

I can't believe that the Rangers would DFA Galarraga unless they plan to trade him. I don't see him passing through waivers to the Rangers have something up there sleeve. I would not be surprised if the Cubs, O's, and Rangers have a three way deal that would send Roberts and Byrd to the Cubs with the O's and Rangers getting prospects that include Murton, Gallagher, Galarraga, Veal, Cedeno, Marshall, Epatt, Colvin, etc. Look for a trade in the next 10 days with something happening sooner than later.

Jim not done making moves yet!

Jim Hendry told the Tribune he is not done with his roster. He is looking for some final touches and Lou seems to think if they do make a move it will be for a outfielder( likely to platoon with Pie and fill in at the other two spots). We have heard the names of Marlon Byrd, Kenny Lofton, and Chone Figgins. One name that I see mentioned Shannon Stewart. That would be an interesting pick up because he hasn't played much CF in the past 3 years. The ideal situation would to get Figgins but he will cost a lot of players that frankly we don't have. It seems Lofton and Byrd are the likely suitors. Lofton can be a great speedy guy off the bench that could fill in at all three OF positions and mentor Pie but he is left handed. Byrd provides the same as Lofton but right handed bat and better defensive skills. Byrd would likely cost Murton and a pitching prospect( I hope not Gallagher). Byrd would be a nice addition even though his numbers are unlikely to be duplicated from his career season last year.

Though Lou says that he says he sees the Cubs making a move for an outfielder don't count out Khalil Greene. The Padres are looking for a corner outfielder and like Matt Murton. Greene was offered a extension but turned it down because he wants to play on the east coast or a hitter friendly park. A deal would likely include Cedeno and a pitching prospect along with Murton for Greene. Greene would provide offense and a good glove at SS. It would also allow Theriot to take over the super utility role and strengthen the bench. His stats are very misleading.


CAREER AT PETCO-
.228 BA with 27 homers, 136 RBI, .288 OBP, 227 K's in 980 AB.

CAREER AWAY
.280 BA with 47 homers, 157 RBI, .335 OBP, 194 K's in 1028 AB.

That what we call a drastic home/away split. I am all for getting Greene with a deal that would include Murton, Cedeno, and Gallagher. He would be going to a hitter friendly park. Provide a great glove at SS and a nice bat in the 6th or 7th spot in the lineup. When is the last time we had a legitimate SS that hit 15 homers out of the 6th or 7th spot in the lineup? The only concern I have is he seems somewhat fragile but you can live with the risk because you have Theriot ready to fill in if needed. Lets hope something happen before pitchers and catchers meet in 20 days.

Cubs like Khalil Greene?

The Cubs join the Angels, O's, and Cards in the pursuit of Greene. Greene recently turned down an extension with the Pads because he wants to either play on the east coast or in a hitter friendly park ( Wrigley). The Pads are looking to trade him for a young corner outfielder. The Padres really like Matt Murton and Reggie Willits. I can see the Cubs trying to land him instead of Roberts. Greene provides power and a good glove and would be an upgrade over Theriot. The Cubs could also flip Greene to the O's to get Roberts but I don't see that happening. The Pads would likely want Cedeno or Eric Patterson along with a pitching prospect and Murton. I also wouldn't mind a three way deal with the Angels and somehow us getting Figgins but that is kind of far fetched.

In other notes the Cubs have avoided arbitration with Weurtz signing him to a one year deal worth 860,000 bucks.

O's and Cubs trade heating up AGAIN! 3 way trade?? More updates!

MLBTR has some good info today!

Ken Rosenthal's Latest- The Padres are targeting Matt Murton for left field, a notion that gels with Kevin Towers' stated quest to acquire a corner outfielder via trade. Plus, Towers gets along well with Cubs GM Jim Hendry. Not sure how the teams would match up, unless things expand to include Khalil Greene. The Cubs would have to be sure they don't need Murton for other deals or because of other deals though.


Rosenthal agrees with the recent rumor that the Orioles will decide whether to trade Erik Bedard and Brian Roberts by month's end. He notes that Cubs starter Jason Marquis actually does have trade value, and could be part of a package for Roberts. Other teams are interested in him too - go figure. Innings are innings I guess.

Now Marquis in a deal for Roberts and Bedard seems wise. I like that idea a lot instead of dealing Hill. If the Cubs can pull off a Greene for Murton and a couple of other players would be ideal. He would be sick in the lineup considering his splits. Away from Petco he hit .300!

UPDATE, 1-21-08 at 6:39pm: According to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald, "informed insiders say no renewed talks are underway" for a Cubs/Orioles blockbuster. Miles does believe Hendry is shopping Murton and interested in Byrd.

Seems Bruce and Phil have different sources. Also it is rumored that the Padres are going strong for Matt Murton. I can see Murton going to either the Pads, Indians( who also have interest in him) and the Rangers ( would want him in the Marlon Byrd deal). I think the Cubs should just stick with Derosa at 2b unless they will trade Roberts without giving up Pie or Hill. If the Cubs decide they want to strengthen the middle infield, how about Peralta or Greene?? Trade Murton and other players( Gallagher, Marshall, Cedeno, etc) for an upgrade at SS. Peralta should would look great in the lineup!

FROM 1-21-08 at 3:09pm:
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune insists that Orioles owner Peter Angelos did shoot down some kind of Erik Bedard/Brian Roberts to the Cubs blockbuster last week. Furthermore, Rogers' source says the talks are now back on.

Rogers speculates that "frustration and gamesmanship" might be why Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry recently denied the blockbuster rumor. Hendry was quoted as saying "that certainly hasn't been a path we've been on."

Rogers also has sources saying the Cubs may have to give up Matt Murton and one or two other players to get Marlon Byrd from Texas (perhaps Sean Gallagher). He speculates that a three-team deal with the Rangers and Orioles to net the Cubs Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd is a possibility. Felix Pie would have to be in that mix, and note that Roch Kubatko said yesterday that the Cubs "would be willing to part with Rich Hill" to get Bedard and Roberts.

Through all of this Rogers says it's a "very highly placed source" and that he trusts the source. It's hard for me to really evaluate this stuff until we get more clarity.

I can actually see the Cubs finally getting this done especially if Texas gets involved( maybe they can float some prospects so we don't have to give up Hill). I still don't think the Cubs should give up Hill in any deal. Bedard will be a free agent at the end of the season and its likely he will want a big payday which the Cubs may not give him. Plus Hill is close to being just as good or better than Bedard. I would be willing to give up Pie and Colvin in the deal but not Hill, unless we got Millwood along with Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd. Come on Jim don't trade Hill.

9 player trade not accurate?? Cubs lose out on Affeldt.

Now we have heard from Jim Hendry. He says the rumor that would have sent Bedard and Roberts to Chicago for 7 prospects is "not accurate." Roch Kubatko says that "it now appears the Cubs would be willing to part with Rich Hill" if they could get Roberts and Bedard. But I don't see that happening considering the can get a lot more players if they deal them separately. I also feel that Hendry wouldn't trade Hill for Bedard because they are basically the same pitcher only Bedard has more experience and becomes a free agent next season. Doesn't make sense to me.

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In other notes the Reds signed Jeremy Affeldt to a one year 3 million dollar contract. They beat out the Cubs, Astros, Mets, and Mariners. The Cubs were looking at him as a possible swing man or long relief but decided to focus on the outfield and middle infield rather than Affeldt who has control problems. I see no need to sign another reliever, we are pretty tough in the pen.