Friday, September 04, 2009

Cubs Notes....

- The Cubs have acquired former 10th overall pick Thomas Diamond off of waivers from the Rangers. Diamond who had command issues since coming off Tommy John Surgery in 2007 but will look to rebound in a Cubs uniform. He has posted a 31-17 record with a 4.01 ERA in 5 minor leagues season. Diamond will will start in AAA Iowa.

- Heyman talked to 2 GMs and said the Cubs could deal Bradley. One said they would have to eat his entire contract. The other stated the Cubs would only have to take on half of it. I am going back and forth on if we should trade him. It is hard to trade away a guy who has put up good numbers besides this season and how are they going to get something good in return for him while replacing his .394 OBP???

- The Cubs will again try to acquire Teahen and a speedy leadoff guy. I would be happy with Teahen and Figgins!

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Let The Off Season Rumors Begin....

Not even two days into September and the Cubs already have some off season rumors. Lets check them out.



- A lot of moves were made yesterday just none involving the Cubs but some that could benefit them. The Rays got Sean Rodriguez in the Kazmir trade and it look like they will go with Rodriguez, Bartlett, and Zobrist for 2010. This leaves out the more expensive Iwamura who has a 250K buyout in which the Rays might chose over his 4.25 million dollar option. The Cubs are looking for an everyday, defensive, speedy, high OBP, switch hitting or lefty for 2nd baseman for next season. Akinori fits the bill well. He has did really well this season especially after spending some time on the DL. He is hitting .309 with 1 homer, 18 RBI, and 8 stolen bases in just 162 plate appearances. He has played above average defense as well. He could be a more affordable option than Chone Figgins for the Cubs next season. Watch for his name to be linked to the Cubs all winter long.



- Hendry has not commented on re-signing Harden but may be open to the idea. It is very likely that the Cubs offer Harden arbitration if he in fact stays healthy through out September. That way they could just get Harden for one year if he excepts arbitration or if he signs elsewhere the the Cubs would get two draft picks for him. It is a win-win for the Cubs.



- Looks like the Cubs will offer John Grabow arbitration but do not expect Heilman or Gregg to get offers.

- September call-ups were today and the Cubs called up Micah Hoffpauir, Justin Berg, Andres Blanco, David Patton, Shark, Jeff Stevens, Caridad, and Scales. No Snyder or Gaub which is a shock to me.

- The Cubs have 4 out of 5 spots in the rotation already figured out for next season.

Zambrano
Lilly
Dempster
Wells
????

The Cubs are going to look at adding a nice lefty to the rotation or could go in house with Gruz Zo. Some pitchers they could target are Randy Johnson, Andy Pettitte, Randy Wolf, and even Jarrod Washburn.

Their first pick should be fixing there bullpen!

That is it for now Cub Fans.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Harden May Get Dealt...

- According to Phil Rogers at the Chicago Tribune the deal that would send Harden to the Twins may go down on Monday. The Cubs are not in a must move Harden situation but the Twins have some good young talent the Cubs could use. The Twins are only 4.5 games out of first and could really use Harden so I say the move has a 60% chance of being completed.

- The StarTribune.com has doubts that a deal could be completed by tomorrow stating the Twins wish to have a window to negotiate a long term deal with Harden. This is not a deal breaker though saying that if they lose Harden and offer him arbitaration they would get two draft picks if he signs with another team.

Time is running out so tomorrow should be interesting!

In other news......

* Soriano had an MRI on his knee and looks fine. He will get a shot and be out for a couple more games.

* Aram will not need off season shoulder surgery.

* The Cubs and Giants are still taking about a deal surrounding Heilman.

* Jeff Bakers X-rays on his hand came back negative.

* The Cubs have put 3 other players on waivers that were claimed then pulled back according to some Cub officials.

* Chone Figgins will be the Cubs top position player target for next season according to sources. They view him as an everyday player that will likely start at 2nd base or shortstop while leading off for them next season.

* The Cubs may release or trade Miles next season along with Bradley. The prefer to get an upgrade at 2nd base and like Jeff Baker in the middle infield backup role.

Til Next Time Cub Fans!