Saturday, December 26, 2009

Damon on Cubs Radar???

- Jim Duquette said today that the Cubs are "very interested" in Johnny Damon to play CF. He went on to say Damon can still produce at the plate but is awful in the field. He also says that it would be a huge mistake to sign him. I disagree, if he is willing to sign a two year deal around 18 million or so you get him.

- Levine mentioned today that David DeJesus is a trade target for Hendry.

- Levine also says that Reed Johnson maybe as good as gone because his agent is in talks with the Yankees.

- The Cubs has tons of interest in Kiko Calero according to Levine.

- The Cubs talked to Jose Conteras agent and considers him a swingman or starter.

Until next time....

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all from Hot Stove Cubbies! Here is the latest on Cubs rumors-

- If you have not heard Matt Capps picked the Nationals over the Cubs. It is a shocker but maybe a blessing in disguised because I think the Cubs have more pressing needs than a reliever like a CF, 2nd baseman, and the bench.

- The Cubs also lost out on Kelvim Escobar because he is close to a deal with the Mets. The Cubs were one of the few teams that watched Escobar pitch and had rumored interest. Again I would rather the Cubs address the needs above.

- The Royals are dangling Alberto Callaspo once again for an outfielder. Names rumored are Felix Pie and Chris Dickerson. So it seems they are looking for a young outfielder. I purpose the Cubs look at dealing Sam Fuld, Tyler Clovin, or even Brett Jackson for Callaspo. But that is just a thought.

- According to one of my readers the Royals could be dangling David DeJesus as trade bait. Interesting thought considering the rumor above but hey I would not mind him in CF next season.

- The Cubs were in talks with the Yankees about Zambrano and were reportedly willing to take on Kei Igawa's contract to get it done but the Yankees sent Cabrera to Atlanta for Vazquez.

- The Cubs are now cooling on the thought of Marlon Byrd for CF next season. Byrd is looking now at a 3 year deal worth 21-27 million. The Cubs should not pay that much for a guy that has been a fourth outfielder almost his entire career. A two year deal worth 12 million is about the max price I would pay for him now. Especially since Johnny Damon is considering a two year contract around 20 million now that the Yankees have moved on. Damon for 10 million a year or Byrd for 7-8 million? Who would you choose? Damon!

- It is rumored that the Cubs are now going back to the idea they need a more balance lineup. If they are they should sign Hudson, Ankeil, and Sheffield or trade for Swisher.

Until Next Time....

Monday, December 21, 2009

Cubs Talk......

- The Cubs and Nationals are the leading candidates for Matt Capps who is expected to get a two year deal around 7-8 million. Capps hopes to have contract in hand by Christmas.

- The Cubs are serious contenders for Aroldis Chapman and Phil Rogers says the Cubs are exploring a deal with him. So far the Red Sox offered 5 years 15.5 million, the Marlins at 5 years 13 million, and I expect the Cubs to go more years maybe 6 years 18 million? He would add tremendous value to the Cubs and could even help them right away. This kid has great mechanics and throws hard.

- The New York post is reporting that the Yankees have asked the Cub about Zambrano but the Cubs price for him was too high. Bruce Levine then said there is nothing to it, he has a no trade clause, and has not been contacted by anyone with potential trade. It is hard to believe what is true but if the Cubs did trade Z, I would love to have seen them get Cano and Cabrera or Gardner. And of course if money was still the issue the Cubs could have included a pitching prospect like Jeff Stevens if they added Nick Swisher to the mix. Then money would be close to even.

- The Cubs do not have an urgency to add a starting pitcher but they could get one for a good price. Jason Marquis signed a two year deal worth 15 million. Which means pitchers like Joel Pinero, John Garland, and Doug Davis are likely to get similar deals. I think the Cubs should add Doug Davis to their pitching rotation, especially since Lilly is out. The Cubs could sign him to a two year deal worth 14 million and an mutual option for a third year. I really like Davis and what he bring to the table.

- With the A's signing Crisp the Cubs need to check on Rajai Davis. He is the answer for CF next season.

- Johnny Damon's contract demands may be falling some so the Cubs are watching it very carefully. The Cubs still think Damon can play CF and even be a leadoff hitter for them. He is reportedly looking at a two year deal around 18 million rather than the three year deal worth 39 million at the start of the offseason. If you see his price fall to a two year worth 16 million the Cubs will jump all over it.

- By the way Nick I, I love your thought on Lowell for Silva. It would be nice to see if the Cubs could pull that off then showcase Lowell in ST then trade him. If anything he would be a nice bench player.

Until Next Time....

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Rumors Around the Cubs....

- Levine says the Cubs could be signing Matt Capps soon, this coming after his interview yesterday.

- Hendry had conversations with Brian Cashman about Melky Cabrera. I would love it if the Cubs swung a deal for Swisher and Cabrera! I am dreaming though.

- Just to update you on the Cubs off season to do list-
1. Add a CF
2. Right handed reliever
3. Starting 2nd baseman- Only if they have enough payroll room. A 2nd baseman should be more a priority rather than a reliever.

- Levine said the Cubs bench is a concern and very depleted. Adding 2 veterans like Nomar, Wigginton, Sheffield, Baldelli, etc should help.

- Levine says Baker will backup at 2nd,3rd, and outfield and has been told Baker is an outstanding outfielder. Did not know that.

- Right now Fontenot is the Cubs starting 2nd baseman. That is scary, I would prefer Blanco over him.

- Jaramillo has been busy, he already found a couple of flaws with Soriano's swing and Levine said if Ankiel ends up in Chicago, Rudy could add 30 to 40 points to his batting average. Can we get that in writing please!

- Gordon Wittenmyer likes the Bradley trade and thinks if they get anything from Silva it will be a good trade.

- Gordon thinks now that Bradley is gone things will start happening very fast in the next couple days to one week. I am hearing the Cubs will cross two items off their list before 2010, a guy for CF and their reliever.

- Wittenmyer spoke to some of Byrd's people and said a deal could be made very soon and it could even be a two or three year deal. 3 years? Only if it is a lower price a year I would be fine with it.

- Wittenmyer thinks the Cubs will add both Byrd and Capps very soon. I would be happy with that.

- Gordon says the Cubs payroll will be between the 140-143 million dollar range giving the Cubs 8-10 million to make additions to the 2010 team. If the Ricketts family allowed 15 million the Cubs could get a lot better for 2010 in my opinion.

Stay Tuned.,,,,