Not Much Going On.....

Here is what we have, honestly it is not much-

- Carlos Marmol avoided arbitration today agreeing on a deal worth 2.125 million.

- The Cubs and Theriot called off negotiations and will likely go to arbitration. Theriot is wanting 3.4 million in his first year of arbitration with the Cubs offering 2.6 million. Ryan has not budged and neither has the Cubs. Theriot made 500K last season and looking for a unworthy raise of 3 million bucks. I do not blame the Cubs for not moving on the 2.6 million they offered, that is even too much I think. Theriot on the open market would likely only see a one year deal worth 2 million. He is a below average shortstop, with no range, and lacking arm. The Cubs should win the case easily.

- Kevin Gregg could have made the Cubs search for a reliever much easier. Gregg signed an one year deal worth 2.75 million to be the Jays closer. This could spark more talk between the Cubs and Jays about Frasor. I am still all for Frasor for Guzman because of the health concerns Guzman has.

- Nomar is looking to play in 2010 and I think the Cubs should offer him a minor league contract with invite to ST. Nomar could compete with Baker, Fontenot, Millar, Hoffpauir, Tracy, and Blanco for backup spots on the team. Nomar can play 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and SS and to me would be more valuable than Fontenot (who I am not a fan of).

- With Hudson only signing a one year deal worth 5 million I expect players like Adam Kennedy and Felipe Lopez to sign for less money than that. I would not be surprised if one of them fall into the Cubs lap for 2-3 million. By signing them they could then use Theriot as trade bait and start Castro at SS. I think the Cubs need to just name Castro as their starting SS wiether or not Theriot is on the Cubs..

- The Cubs are still very much interested in Noah Lowry and Kris Benson but are also keeping tabs on Jarrod Washburn.

Until Next Time....

Hoff On His Way Out While Millar Comes In?

- According to Jerry Crasnick the Cubs have reached an agreement with Kevin Millar on a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. The Cubs signed Chad Tracy last week so him, Kevin Millar, and Micah Hoffpauir will battle for the power bat coming off the bench and spelling Aram and Lee.

- There has been speculation that the Kevin Millar and Chad Tracy signing signals the end of Hoffpauir in Chicago. The Cubs could trade him or have him start in AAA but with the versatility of Millar and Tracy, Hoff will likely be traded. I speculate that Hoff is traded, Tracy makes the team, and Millar starts the season in Iowa.

- The Cubs may have interest in recently designated outfielder Willy Taveras. The Cubs have Sam Fuld as their current 5th outfielder but Taveras brings more speed, better glove, and arm but is a right handed bat, which may be a deal breaker. The Cubs will not claim him because of the 4 million he is owed this season but a trade could be on the horizon if the Cubs are interested.

Here is a crazy trade idea on a slow day-

Cubs get Luis Castillo, Brad Hawpe, Oliver Perez, Jason Frasor, and John Maine- 50 million take on- subtract 60 million- saving 10 million in contract value.

Mets get Todd Helton, Fukudome (Cubs pay 15 million of contract), and Ryan Theriot- 55 million take on- subtract 40 million- adding 10 million in contract value.

Rockies get Lyle Overbay (Jays pay 4 million of contract) and Carlos Zambrano (Cubs pay 10 million of contract)- 47 million take on- subtract 44 million- adding 3 million in contract value.

Jays get Angels Guzman, Micah Hoffpauir, and Mets minor leaguer- 3 million take on- subtract 6 million- saving 3 million in contract value.

Do you have a crazy trade? What do you think of mine?

Cubs lineup

Castillo 2b
Castro SS
Lee 1st
Hawpe RF
Aram 3b
Soriano LF
Byrd CF
Soto C