Randy off the Market, Marquis headed to Coors, and Cubs to get bullpen help?

- Randy Johnson will not be a Cub next season but Andy Pettite could be. The Cubs want to add some kind of veteran lefty to the rotation but first have to trade Marquis and about half his contract. The Cubs have discussed Andy internally according to a source close to the Cubs.

- The Rockies have shifted their focus from Tim Redding to Jason Marquis according to Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News. Some names rumored in a deal for Marquis are Jason Hirsh or Franklin Morales. The Rockies do not want to get in a bidding battle with teams like the Mets and Orioles for Redding. The Mets are using Marquis as a backup plan if they can't sign Redding. An ideal situation is some team besides the Mets and Rockies sign Redding that way the Cubs can play both the Mets and Rockies against each other so they can get the best players and pay not as much for Marquis' contract.

- The Cubs are looking at Japanese pitchers Ken Kadokura and Shingeki Noguchi according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. Both were let go by the Yomiuri Giants and maybe signed but more than likely invited to Spring Training. It is also said that the players could be used to make Fukudome feel more comfortable.

- Here is a good read why the Cubs should sign Adam Dunn. We agree on a lot except moving Soriano to RF and putting Dunn in LF.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays To Everyone!

Thanks For Reading and Posting on Hot Stove Cubbies!

Radio Rumors and More....

Here is some Christmas Eve rumors for everyone.

- Ed Randall reported during his show on XM Radio Tuesday night that he heard Milton Bradley was heading to the Angels. We have not heard anything about him becoming an Angel today's so it seems it is just a rumor and nothing more.

- Dan Haynes and David Kaplan discusses Jake Peavy on Monday. He said talks between the Cubs and Padres are not totally dead. This supports Rosenthal's comments Monday somewhat and Towers quotes recently.

- The play by play of the Nationals said the Nats are interested in Adam Dunn but also heard the Cubs had some talks with the power hitting lefty.

- It has been rumored that the market for slugger Alfonso Soriano has taken shape. We heard earlier this winter that the Cubs have made and taken calls about Soriano but there was only some interest. Now that the bats of Ibanez and Teixeira have found new homes more teams are contacting the Cubs about Soriano. Soriano has 106 million over 6 years which looks like a steal to some teams compared to the deal Tex got. Plus the Cubs would pay a portion of this contract which is also a plus. Teams that are rumored already to be interested in Soriano are the Angels, Nationals( yet again), Dodgers, and yes even the Yankees(only if they unload 2 of their outfielders though). Keep an eye on this situation because each of these teams have good pieces that I would love to see in Cubbie blue! I will keep you updated on this situation as it progresses.

- Here is an "Unfound Rumor" for you guys. I am getting some emails regarding the Angels calling the Cubs about the availability of Derrek Lee. Lee has 2 years 26 million left on his contract which is a steal at rate this free agent market is going. I did not hear any names that we would get in return but I would love to get guys like Figgins, Willits, Aybar, Nick Adenhart, or Kenny Morales. I will let you know if I hear anything more on this situation as well.

Happy Holidays To Everyone!

New Outfield Guys on the Radar and Other Notes..

- Since the signing of Mark Teixeira by the Yankees they are going to look to trade one or two of Melky Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, or Nick Swisher. The Cubs were interested in trading for Swisher before they signed Fukudome last season, so there might be interest there. Nady does not appeal to the Cubs because he is right handed, nor does Cabrera because he is an unapproved hitter. But Matsui, Damon, and Swisher are all guys that could interest the Cubs.

- Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs are confident about signing Milton Bradley. He also says do not be surprised if the talks for Peavy heat up and get centered around the Angels and Cubs. Here is some quotes from Towers-

"If it heats up, nobody is going to know it," Padres GM Kevin Towers said. "As of right now, we're not talking to anybody. And we don't plan on calling anybody.

"We've got a pretty good idea which teams that Jake would maybe consider. If they call, we'll listen to what they have to say. If it's enticing enough, we'll approach Barry and Jake."

I would still prefer if the Cubs got him but the price would have to come down for sure!

Marquis WIll Be Traded?? Adam Dunn... Hendry talk....

- It seems like the Cubs will trade Jason Marquis before opening day or even before the new year. The O's, Rockies, Mets, and Brewers are all looking for back of the of the rotation inning eaters. Those teams are looking at guys like Redding, Looper, and Marquis. The Brewers seem close to signing Looper, leaving three teams fighting for 2 players. My bet is Marquis to the Mets.

- The Adam Dunn situation is picking up some steam. Reported on Friday, I dropped the idea of Adam Dunn signing a discounted deal to play for the Cubs. It is reported that he is not looking for not a huge deal but a fair one. A source with MLBTR says the Cubs have"expressed pleasantries" with Dunn's agent, nothing more. Bradley is still the Cubs first choice, but would you take Adam Dunn for less money and/or years??? I would!

Bradley is reportedly wanting 3 year contract around 10-12 million a year. He has some injury concerns and whether he can play 140+ games. He is a good bat, switch hitter, and can play CF, so that is a plus.

Adam Dunn made 13 million last year but is unlikely to make that this year due to Ibanez's 3 years 31 million dollar contract labeled as a "ceiling" for an outfielder. Dunn has some defensive liabilities but can rake. It is likely he would take a 2-3 year contract worth about 7-9 million a year.

Which would you prefer-

Dunn- 3 years 26 million- Good Guy- Cubs are first choice-healthy- can play RF/LF/1b- less of a complete hitter.

Bradley- 3 years 32 million- Hot Head- Still talking to other teams- health issues- switch hitter- can play all three outfield spots decently- a complete hitter.

I pick Dunn!

- Hendry was on with Kaplan Friday, so lets check out the points-

****** Hendry would like to add a left-handed or switch hitting bat to the lineup.

****** Hendry said the Cubs would love to add a starter, but the new owner would have to sign off on it.

****** The Cubs do not know who their new owner is yet.

****** Hendry said the Cubs always have the door open if Maddux wants to return as a coach, player, etc.

****** Hendry was asked about Adam Dunn and he said he likes his power numbers and how he is an on-base guy.

****** He said the Cubs have not counted out adding anyone.


I am sure more is to come!