Bradley to Rays? Granderson Anyone?

Update2- The Cubs have now found another possible destination for Milton Bradley. According to sources the Mariners have interest in the troubled outfielder and have several expensive player they would like to deal as well. The rumor is the Mariners are willing to take on Bradley and his contract if the Cubs take Kenji Johjima, Carlos Silva, Bill Hall, or Ian Snell and what is left on their contract. Johjima is owed 16 million over the next two years, Silva is owed 23 million over the next 2 years with a mutual option of 12 million for 2012, Hall is owed 8.4 million next season and has a club option for 9.25 million for 2011, and Ian Snell is owed 4.25 million next season with club options of 6.75 million in 2011 and 9.25 million in 2012.

The Cubs already have enough guys like Silva so he is out of the question. Same goes with Kenji because we already have two decent catchers. That leaves Bill Hall who has played some outfield and infield and has some value but not that much and could just be a pretty expensive utility guy. I honestly would trade Hall for Bradley though.

Ian Snell for Milton Bradley?? I would do in a heartbeat! Yes, his trade value and numbers are down but I think going to the Cubs will actually benefit Snell especially when he plays the Pirates. Snell had the makings of a number one or two pitcher in the Majors when he stopped throwing his fastball for strikes. I think Larry Rothchild could turn this young man around and he would be a really good bottom of the rotation guy for the Cubs next year. The Cubs need to pull off this deal!

More as this develops....

Update- Buster Onley of ESPN says it is a long shot that the Rays and Cubs get a deal done that would send Bradley to Flordia and Burrell to Chicago.

I just do not see how this is a "long shot." Two troubled outfielders that want out of their teams. Not too much of a long shot Buster.

- The Sun-Times is reporting that the Cubs are urging the Rays to make a fast deal for Milton Bradley. Probably to get the problem out the door sooner than later. Bradley is owed 21 million over the next two years and the Rays have an unwanted outfielder named Pat Burrell who is owed 7 million that they are willing to trade. The Rays would require the Cubs to pay almost the difference in contracts to get a deal done. I think the Cubs should talk about acquiring another player in the deal to make it happen rather than forking over more money.

They could include higher priced guys like James Shields or Willy Aybar in the deal to offset the money but they are not likely to deal either one of those guys. They could in fact pick up the 4.25 million dollar option on Iwamura then trade him to the Cubs along with Burrell to offset the cash some. That deal would really benefit the Cubs and I could see the Cubs sending 6+ million in cash along with a minor leaguer to get that deal done.

The Cubs could also wait and look at the Padres and Jays as partners but it is unlikely spot since the GM positions are still up in the air.

- The Detriot News says that the Tigers should shop Granderson for some middle infield, relief pitcher, and maybe a replacement outfielder. The Cubs could use Granderson who can steal 20+ basese, hit 20+ homers, and drive in 60+ RBI out of the leadoff spot. This could also give the Cubs an opportunity once again to dump Milton Bradley who is owed 21 million while Granderson is owed 37 million over the next four years at the age of 28. The Cubs could send them Bradley and Shark for Granderson. I think the Cubs should at least give Detroit a call about Granderson, he is a superstar in the making.

Til Next Time....

We Are Talking Cubs.....

- MLB.com reports that MLB clubs unanimously approve the Cubs transfer to Tom Ricketts. Ricketts will take over the day to day operations when the sale is closed at the end of the month. Glad this is basically over.

- Could Milton Bradley stay with the Cubs? Carrie Muskat talked to Jim Hendry and he left it open by saying-

"You deal with the cards you have now"

- I reported on Saturday that the Cubs could demote or get rid of hitting coach Von Joshua and look at maybe Ryne Sandberg as a possible replacement. The AP said the same thing Sunday night but also says that Jim Hendry would not name anyone as possible replacement for Von. I would be thrilled if Sandberg was the hitting coach!

- Lou said that Ryne Sandberg will be in the mix to succeed him as manager. I would also love to see that as well.

- The Tribune and the Sun-times run down some offseason moves for the Cubs.
====Both think it is Jim Hendry's top priority is to unload Bradley and do not think there is any chance he is brought back. The Tribune believes the Cubs could trade Bradley for a bad contract run producer. I would not mind a guy like Eric Byrnes or Aaron Rowand, either one would be ideal for the Cubs.
==== Grabow is looking for a three year deal and the Cubs are likely to give it to him. I like Grabow and he should be the start of a better bullpen next season.
==== The Tribune thinks that Fonty and Foxy are trade candidates.... It is hard to believe that Mike Fontenot has any trade value and I think the Cubs would be foolish to get rid of Jake Fox considering how good of a hitter he is. The only way I trade him is for equal value or a part of a mega deal that gets a power hitting RF, CF, or 2nd baseman. Otherwise, NO WAY!
==== Both see Zambrano with the Cubs next season.
==== The Cubs could go with Sam Fuld instead of Reed Johnson next season. Not sure how I feel about that.

- Bruce Levine has some Cub news-
==== He believes the Cubs will have their fifth starter be a combination of Marshall and Shark. I on the other hand believe they should go with Tom Gorzelanny or sign a veteran lefty. Doug Davis tops my list for pitchers.
==== He believes Esmailin Caridad maybe the late inning call guy they need. He deserves to be on the 25 man roster to start next season. He has nasty stuff and only walked 3 batters in 14 outings and striking out 17.
==== He thinks the catchers will be the same next season. No argument here, Soto will bounce back.
==== He believes Chone Figgins is the answer for 2nd base next season giving his high OBP, Avg, and SB. I think he should be the Cubs top priority this offseason as well.
==== He talks about trading Milton Bradley for Pat Burrell. Still not sold on that one even though Burrell is a decent hitter and has a career OBP of .363 but age maybe catching up to him.
==== He says Miles and Fontenot need to go and the Cubs need a stronger bench. He says Baker will be back and a move in the right direction. I think Baker, Reed Johnson, Jake Fox, Andres Blanco, and Koyie Hill are a good start of the bench. Levine mentions Orlando Cabrera as a short term stop gap. I do not agree with that.

- If the Cubs are serious about adding a good, low cost bench guy they should look at Jamey Carroll, Craig Counsell, or John McDonald. Or get an expensive one and sign Mark DeRosa!

- The Cubs are not only looking at the free agent market for a replacement for Milton Bradley, they are looking at trades as well. Four player that they have circled according to some Cub officials are Adam Dunn, Nick Swisher, B.J. Upton, and Brad Hawpe. These players are the Cubs top trade targets this offseason. The Cubs almost got Swisher before they signed Fukudome, Adam Dunn was willing to take a discounted deal to come to the Cubs before they signed Milton Bradley, Brad Hawpe is the Cubs dream right fielder posting a .384 OBP while hitting 20+homers and drive in 80+ RBI every year, and Upton would provide a cheap, talented, high reward guy they can get for below market value.

I think the Cubs are right on having these four players be their top trade candidates. Hawpe looks the most attractive out of the four followed by Dunn, Swisher, and Upton.

That is it for tonight Cub Fans.... Look for live chats to return this offseason!